Leah S.
Traveler
TravelerJones Creek Dispersed Campground
Creekside for larger groups
Multiple creekside spots for large groups. We have over 12 adults and 8-9 cars. No cell service. Dog friendly.
Best Campgrounds near Murphy, NC
Murphy, North Carolina sits at the gateway to several camping areas in the southern Appalachian Mountains. Established sites include the Murphy/Peace Valley KOA with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals along Valley River. Peachtree Cove RV Park offers 26 well-maintained sites with full hookups, while more primitive options exist in the surrounding Nantahala National Forest. Camping opportunities range from developed campgrounds with amenities to dispersed sites on forest service land, accommodating both tent campers seeking solitude and RV travelers requiring electrical and water connections.
The camping season in this region generally runs year-round at lower elevations, though some forest service campgrounds like Jackrabbit Mountain operate seasonally from May through September. Summer brings warm temperatures averaging 80-90°F, while winter nights often drop below freezing. Most developed campgrounds near Murphy provide water hookups, electric service, and sanitary dump stations, though amenities vary significantly between sites. Reservations are recommended during peak summer months and fall color season when visitation increases. Dispersed camping is available on nearby national forest land with proper permits. A visitor noted that "this is a beautiful area with friendly, helpful staff at campgrounds that are well maintained and easy to find."
Water access represents a major draw for campers in the Murphy area, with many sites situated along rivers or lakes. Valley River winds through several campgrounds, providing opportunities for fishing, swimming, and tubing. As one camper described, "it was so serene just sitting there watching the water flow by." The region's proximity to the Nantahala National Forest offers additional recreational opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. Campgrounds like Peace Valley KOA receive consistently positive reviews for their peaceful settings and proximity to outdoor activities, while still being close enough to Murphy for convenient access to supplies and services. Traffic noise can be an issue at some locations situated near highways, though most sites maintain a quiet, natural atmosphere.
Best Camping Sites Near Murphy, North Carolina (708)
1. Vogel State Park Campground
68 ReviewsSuches, GA23 milesWebsite+1 (706) 745-2628$30 - $260 / night
"Vogel State Park was perfectly situated along Hwy 19 in the north Georgia mountains for an easy spot for the night."
"This was a great stop close to the water. Between Blood Mountain and Neels Gap, we camped for two nights at different sites. Both were primitive, non-shelter sites."
2. Murphy/Peace Valley KOA
8 ReviewsMurphy, NC3 milesWebsite+1 (828) 837-6223"They have worked hard to upgrade the campground which is surrounded by a river. There is a large dog run area, playground, pool in season and close proximity to the town of Murphy. Beautiful area."
"This is a great family site and it is fairly quiet, so if you are like me and you camp to GET AWAY from noise and drama, then this is the place!!"
3. Peachtree Cove RV Park
5 ReviewsMarble, NC4 milesWebsite+1 (828) 557-2722$59 - $69 / night
"Shopping is close yet still tucked away nicely in the NC mountains."
"I informed the staff, Hana and she and her brother came to assess the situation."
4. Trackrock Campground & Cabins
22 ReviewsBlairsville, GA18 milesWebsite+1 (706) 745-2420"CAMPGROUND REVIEW As I was walking around the campground the word roughstic came to mInd. The road in was rough, the campsite was nice enough but somewhat minimal and the decor rustic."
"Good sized campground tucked into the mountains. I brought my dog with me and had a great time. There is a lake that you can fish in, stables to ride horses, and hiking trails on the campground."
5. Jackrabbit Mountain
14 ReviewsHayesville, NC15 milesWebsite+1 (828) 837-5152$20 - $40 / night
"Located on Lake Chatuge in both North Carolina and Georgia, you can ride right to the biking trails or launch your paddleboard right from your lakeside site. "
"Parking is right above the steps that go down to the tent pad. This site has direct water access for swimming and fishing. This particular site has no shade between noon and 4."
6. Indian Boundary
28 ReviewsTallassee, TN22 milesWebsite+1 (423) 253-8400$20 / night
"The lake is great for kayaking and swimming, with an easy trail around the perimeter. The gorgeous Cherohala Skyway is very close by (highly recommend!)."
"The surrounding mountains and water were breathtaking. This camp ground is close to the water if you stay in loop A. Just a short walk the water and beach."
7. Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites
17 ReviewsRobbinsville, NC18 miles"Each has a picnic table, fire pit/grill, and level area for 1-2 tents (a few can accommodate more if you’re ambitious), and lake views (most have lake access if you want to put in a kayak or canoe)."
"This campsite is a great little spot just across the road from the water—peaceful, scenic, and well-situated."
8. Persimmon Creek RV Park
6 ReviewsCulberson, NC11 milesWebsite+1 (828) 644-5800$55 - $900 / night
"This is a beautiful secluded site just off of Highway 64/74 not too far from the Tennessee border. The campground is very well kept and has wonderful amenities for both RV and tent campers."
"I don't have a huge point of reference, but I can give you details on everything that was smooth
- Location - Just off a 4 lane highway. Convenient with easy access to your site. "
9. Panther Top Dispersed Site
3 ReviewsTusquitee National Forest, NC5 milesWebsite+1 (828) 837-5152"It was nice and quiet, chilly at night, and not too far from murphy. We also hiked up to a nearby fire tower and it was a fun little hike. 10/10 will be returning."
"Not ideal for van life, however pass the sites on your right and head up the to the peak, there is a “off the path” truck trail marked by a rusted metal post."
10. Morganton Point Campground
18 ReviewsMorganton, GA20 milesWebsite+1 (706) 374-1645$30 - $50 / night
"Camped on lot 14 which was quite spacious with easy access to the water. Tent was located away from the fire pit and picnic table and the restrooms were close by."
"We were right next to the camp host, which was pretty nice – we didn’t have to go far to ask for wood or ice! Plus, there were trails leading right to the lake. "
Recent Camping Photos near Murphy, NC
961 Photos of 708 Murphy Campgrounds
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Wilmington KOA
Debi G.
Murphy/Peace Valley KOA
Erin S.
John C. Campbell Folk School Campground
cynthia K.
Panther Top Dispersed Site
Brittany S.
Glamp Camps NC
Tracy M.
The Meadows at Double Creek RV Campground
Erin S.
Charming Tree House in the Forest
Doug S.
Persimmon Creek RV Park
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Lil Snowbird Farm
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Bristol Fields Horse Camp
Annaliese M.
Foxfire of Murphy RV Park
DJody H.
Tellico River Campgrounds
Recent Reviews near Murphy, NC
2345 Reviews of 708 Murphy Campgrounds
- HHope H.
GuideCades Cove Group Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Scenic Campground
Beautiful drive to get to this place once you get through the traffic jam of Sevierville. Enjoy the scenic and winding river road! dOnly loop C is open in the off season. Generators are allowed at this time of year, but must be off by 8pm.
The women's restroom was revoltingly smelly (some animal had sprayed in there, smelled like male cat x100). The sites have nice new pads (not perfectly level though) and the tent pads are spacious and flat.
Cade's Cove loop was definitely worth taking, and I would do it again and stop at every stop. Take your time, take the pull outs and let the people pass you. Make sure to get a parking pass and a brochure explaining the sites along the loop at the beginning of the drive. I saw many turkeys showing off their fan tails. And a large black bear chowing down on the sweet, fattening, tender spring grass. Also there were quite a few deer out. The scenery was magnificent!
Chris V.
ScoutTallulah Gorge State Park Campground
Nice basic state park
Nice campground. Bathhouse is basic but very clean. Sites are on the small side with lots of tent campers.
Colin R.GuideDesoto Falls Recreation Area
Very clean campsite but you do need to know a few things.
This is a very clean and well maintained camp site open all year, but there are a few things to consider.
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During off peak (November 1st to April 1st) there's no water and the rest rooms and showers are closed.
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This campsite is right next to the busy highway 19, so there's a lot of road noise especially at night.
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No cell service! Take your satellite communicator or Starlink with you in case of emergency.
If you are okay with these things, then this is the camp site for you.
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- Nick M.Traveler
USFS - Campsite J11 - Joyce Kilmer Road
Great Spot next to a running stream
Came to camp at a different campsite, but it was already taken. The first couple of designated spots are excellent with lakeside views. We chose this spot as it was the next available spot. It’s comfortable and allows you to enjoy the tranquility of a running stream.
- Mac W.Traveler
Sarah's Creek Campground (Clayton, Ga) — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest
Great alternative to the state parks
Camped in f150 with RTT, stayed at site 13 with plenty of room for any overlanding or tent campers. Sites 1-5 fairly close in section 1. Sites 6-13 good for tent or overlanding, sites 14-21 are clumped together at the end for tent/overlanding rig/campers. Small creek crossing, but very easy to cross. We saw a few trailer campers, nothing over 20 feet, and there was plenty of room, but the road is rough coming in, so doable if you’re brave.
Road is marked well off the main road, but is narrow with few pull off opportunities for passing. 1 mile of blacktop with 1* mile of hard pack gravel.
Single vault bathrooms and bear trash cans are at sites 1-5 and another at site 14-21, 5-10 minute walk either way from middle campsites.
Fire rings and picnic tables, well marked sites.
Site 22 is the last site we could find before crossing a more cumbersome creek crossing, just above sites 17-21. Creek accessible from most every campsite, with a few of the sites on the other side of ride (see rec.gov for waterfront specific sites)
Busy road for motorcycles/off road vehicles, but overall peaceful.
Reservations required, no service until almost back to town, so reserve ahead before heading to camp. Cash/envelope/paper tag system no longer present (seems to be the new norm)
- FFrances B.Scout
Vogel State Park Campground
Site 54
I was in a tent, not an RV. This spot is roomy and isn’t right on top of any other campers. Since no sites were to the east, I walked down to the creek with my chair to get away from people. It’s a very crowded campground, but quieter than expected, probably because the road to this site leads to a dead end. There’s a lot of road noise from Gainesville Hwy until dusk. The bathrooms are nearby and very clean.
Sami G.TravelerLong Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites
Gorgeous Views on the Lake
The campground was easy to find & it’s just close enough to town if you need to make a store run. There is lush forest with incredible views. plus, our site has lake access. The wildlife life is thriving and we could hear barred owls hooting at dusk. Perfect area for fishing. We are happy to have found this little gem!
Jeff P.GuideIndian Grave Gap Campsite
This is a great spot for anything up to an off-road teardrop
These sites are not where Dyrt says they are. The previous reviewer described them well and they have a couple of small creeks running past. Tents to the west, anything including a small off-road camper for the two sites to the east of the road. This is one of those sites I'll probably return to
The true location is just south of the High Falls Trailhead. 34.80718,-83.72466
Guide to Murphy
Dispersed camping near Murphy, North Carolina offers tent and small RV options within Nantahala National Forest. The Forest Service allows camping on most lands with some restrictions at 1,200-5,000 feet elevation. Sites are typically primitive without facilities, requiring campers to be self-sufficient with water and waste disposal. Fire regulations vary by season, with potential bans during dry periods from late summer through fall.
What to do
Fishing access: The Valley River near Murphy/Peace Valley KOA offers good fishing opportunities. "The river is right by the campground," notes a camper, with another adding that the "Valley River winds through" providing "opportunities for fishing."
Horseback riding: At Track Rock Campgrounds, horseback rides are available on site. As one visitor mentioned, "I got to enjoy a lovely horseback ride on Chubby Checker with Sonya... that was the highlight of the trip for me."
Mountain biking: The area has multiple trail systems for biking. At Jackrabbit Mountain, "The 15 miles of mountain bike trails are absolutely amazing for all skill levels," and another visitor noted there's a "1.5 mile connector dirt trail to the Jackrabbit mountain trail system, so no need to ride on the road."
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Many campgrounds offer direct water access. At Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites, "Each has a picnic table, fire pit/grill, and level area for 1-2 tents (a few can accommodate more if you're ambitious), and lake views (most have lake access if you want to put in a kayak or canoe)."
Clean facilities: Peachtree Cove RV Park maintains high standards. "This is a beautiful, well maintained park with a very friendly and helpful staff (family operated). The sights are level and well spaced, and the creek is charming," reports one camper.
Wildlife viewing: The rural setting provides opportunities to see local animals. At Persimmon Creek Campground, one camper mentioned "Deb wants me to mention that she enjoyed watching the cows at the neighboring farm cool off in the river."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Not all campgrounds operate year-round. Jackrabbit Mountain is "open April 1 through October 1," while others like Vogel State Park Campground remain "open all year."
Road conditions: Some forest service roads can be challenging. At Long Hungry Road, a visitor advises to "drive carefully (lots of big potholes and blind curves)!" Similarly, at Track Rock, "Very steep and unlevel roads; especially when leaving."
Cell coverage: Signal can vary widely across the area. At Gibson Cove Campground, "AT&T speeds are slow in this area but Verizon works well," according to one camper's experience.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas. At Indian Boundary, "There's a lake with a sandy area," and "it was so serene just sitting there watching the water flow by" at Peace Valley KOA.
Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer additional recreation beyond camping. Indian Boundary has "a large dog run area, playground, pool in season," while Track Rock Campgrounds features "a beach/pond, swings, horseshoes."
Site selection for children: Choose sites with easy water access but safe conditions. At Murphy/Peace Valley KOA, one camper was "a little concerned about my little one tumbling off the small drop off, but she was smart enough to realize it was not safe, and stayed on the camper pad."
Tips from RVers
Site sizes: Check length restrictions before booking. At Peachtree Cove, "Site 16 is long enough for a 43' 5th wheel and has suitable height clearance." Gibson Cove campsites are "staggered well to provide most with good view of lake."
Hookup availability: Service levels vary significantly between campgrounds. Persimmon Creek has "electric & water hookups" with "sites that are very spacious." At Jackrabbit Mountain, "RVers will have to rough it with no hookups, but there is access to a dump station."
Maneuvering challenges: Big rigs may face difficulties in some locations. Track Rock cautions "Fifth Wheel Owners BEWARE!," with one reviewer reporting "Our camper came in contact with the side of our bed and tailgate multiple times."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Murphy, NC?
What camping is available near Murphy, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, Murphy, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 708 campgrounds and RV parks near Murphy, NC and 65 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Murphy, NC?
Which is the most popular campground near Murphy, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Murphy, NC is Vogel State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 68 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Murphy, NC?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Murphy, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 65 free dispersed camping spots near Murphy, NC.
What parks are near Murphy, NC?
What parks are near Murphy, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 parks near Murphy, NC that allow camping, notably Tusquitee National Forest and Nantahala National Forest.
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