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Best Campgrounds near Pineola, NC

1,446 Reviews

Pineola, North Carolina serves as a gateway to diverse camping experiences along the Blue Ridge Parkway and surrounding mountain regions. Spacious Skies Bear Den offers cabin camping, RV sites, and tent camping with amenities including electric hookups and showers. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Linville Gorge Wilderness provides dispersed camping opportunities along NC 128, while Julian Price Park Campground features lakeside sites along the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 297. The area's campgrounds typically accommodate various camping styles, from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spots and cabin rentals.

The Blue Ridge Parkway campgrounds operate seasonally, with most facilities open from April through late October. Linville Falls Campground at Milepost 316.3 provides access to hiking trails but lacks electric hookups and showers. Old NC 105 offers free dispersed camping options with fire rings but no facilities, requiring campers to pack in water and pack out waste. Weather conditions can change rapidly at higher elevations, particularly in spring and fall. Cell service is limited throughout the region, especially in gorge areas and along forest roads. A review noted, "Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping has amazing views for free! The road itself is all dirt and gravel and can get a little rough. It's much easier with a 4WD vehicle, but we saw sedans and minivans driving it."

Campers consistently praise the mountain views and riverside locations available throughout the region. Grandfather Mountain State Park campsites receive high ratings for their proximity to hiking trails and scenic overlooks. Several visitors mentioned the convenience of accessing the Blue Ridge Parkway from nearby campgrounds. Julian Price Park Campground features lakeside sites that fill quickly during peak season. As one camper described, "Julian Price Park is a beautiful campground just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. We enjoy this campground on the weekends throughout the fall and spring as it is less occupied." The area between Pineola and Linville Falls contains numerous small streams and waterfalls accessible from camping areas, making it popular for those seeking both mountain and water features in their camping experience.

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Best Camping Sites Near Pineola, North Carolina (306)

    1. Spacious Skies Bear Den

    65 Reviews
    Spruce Pine, NC
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 765-2888

    $24 - $999 / night

    "Spacious Skies Bear Den in North Carolina offers an ideal blend of relaxation and adventure for families."

    "Bear den was a perfect location for the Blue ridge parkway. We stayed at a two cabin lot that had a hot tub. Bear den has everything from RV camp sites to a game room."

    2. Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    47 Reviews
    Blowing Rock, NC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 963-5911

    $30 / night

    "Julian Price Park is a beautiful campground just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. We enjoy this campground on the weekends throughout the fall and spring as it is less occupied."

    "This campground is on a beautiful lake. There is no swimming on the lake(its pretty shallow) but awesome for kayaking and paddleboarding."

    3. Linville Falls Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    28 Reviews
    Linville Falls, NC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 765-7818

    $30 - $45 / night

    "Another lovely campground along the BRP, close to Linville Falls and gorge, picnic area and visitor center."

    "There are cabins, RV spots and tent sites all with access to newly renovated restrooms and coin operated laundry."

    4. Roan Mountain State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Roan Mountain, TN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 547-3906

    $14 - $54 / night

    "Fire pits you had to walk up to but were away from tents, which I liked. Bathhouse was clean, well lit, pretty warm showers. Campground was very clean and has a lot of amenities."

    "Great tent pads with running water located right next to every pad. Plenty of hiking and biking to do. Pool and playground for the kids to enjoy, a great place for easy camping."

    5. Grandfather Campground

    23 Reviews
    Seven Devils, NC
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 788-2582

    $35 - $42 / night

    "The campsite is always clean and friendly staff are there ready to answer questions on where to hike, eat and about the wildlife that's in this area of Western North Carolina."

    "The positives: Location: very close to Grandfather Mountain entrance and BRP. There are plenty of stores, restaurants, antiques nearby too."

    6. Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he

    13 Reviews
    Linville Falls, NC
    6 miles
    Website

    "Take 221 to linville falls, right on 183, and right onto kistler memorial highway. It’s a dirt road but no issues with my Subaru Forester. I camped here in December 2020 and didn’t see anyone else."

    "We often camp in and around the Linville Gorge area, mostly in the primitive campsites down in the Gorge on Linville River.

    We stayed before Hurricane Helene but haven't been back since then."

    7. Mountain River Family Campground

    11 Reviews
    Linville Falls, NC
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 765-4810

    "Love this family owned campground tucked away by the Toe River near Spruce Pine NC and the BRP. Linville Falls. Eat at Famous Louise’s."

    "This is the kind of campground we would feel good about our kids biking around in the evening as they chase fire flies and meet new friends!  "

    8. Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Linville, NC
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 257-4200

    "This was our first stop on our first trip to North Carolina and now we don’t want to leave!"

    "The sites are pretty spread out but there are a few within shouting distance (which could be annoying if the site next to you decides to bring a battery powered Sawzall to cut firewood at 2am)."

    9. Mortimer Campground — National Forests In North Carolina

    10 Reviews
    Collettsville, NC
    8 miles
    +1 (828) 652-2144

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Hiking, fishing, swimming, and waterfall splashing abound on, and around, this campground. Many of the campsites are situated along Thorps Creek, so the sound of the creek can lull you to sleep."

    "The 5 upfront are walk in, and more private. The about to be 12 in the back are pull in and much closer together. Two shower houses, one on both ends, no hookups."

    10. Grandfather Mountain State Park Campsites

    10 Reviews
    Seven Devils, NC
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 963-9522

    $17 - $37 / night

    "Check your tour cd to verify it works before driving away from the gate. It is helpful as you drive through and not all function correctly."

    "This is the most beautiful hiking trails in the world! A lot of climbing rock slopes and ladders with scenic views from 6000 ft plus elevation."

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Recent Camping Photos near Pineola, NC

675 Photos of 306 Pineola Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Pineola, NC

1446 Reviews of 306 Pineola Campgrounds

  • Theresa S.
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Lake Haven Family Campground

    Stayed for the location, Left because of the owners

    As a retired Air Force couple with over five years of experience as full-time RVers, we have stayed at countless campgrounds across the country. We selected Lake Haven for an extended stay this past July while searching for a permanent home in the Lake Watauga area, drawn by its advertisement for year-round availability. The location is excellent, and our site was level with full hookups, a nice picnic table, and a fire pit. Maneuvering into the spot was also straightforward, despite some large boulders. Two concerns: no owners or host(s) onsite and the entrance/exits can be quite dangerous- each located on a curve. We really wanted to love this campground, but the positive aspects were completely overshadowed by the unprofessional behavior of the owners. The tone was set when we received a campground-wide text message asking“Please, for our sake, when away from your camper, set your AC temp to something reasonable(75 is what I use at my house when not home), to help us save on electricity”. While we understand the concern for costs, the request felt invasive. Then it got personal. In the first week of August, our daughter and her family were renting the on-site(3 bed/3 bath) Airbnb, and after she inquired about more toilet paper, one of the owners came to our RV site to confront us about it. We were shocked that a necessity for a rental guest was treated as a major issue, and the confrontational approach was completely uncalled for and made us feel extremely uncomfortable. To make matters worse, we later learned from other campers that the owners had been gossiping about our family and our stay. This was a major violation of our privacy and fostered a deeply unwelcoming atmosphere. While the physical campground has potential, we cannot recommend it. Feeling safe and respected is essential when you are camping, and due to the owners’ intrusive and unprofessional behavior, we decided to seek out another campground.

  • Shane N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Camp Stonefly

    Great small peacefully time

    Me and wife passing through. Stayed over weekend loved it

  • Gary S.
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Lake Haven Family Campground

    Stayed for the Location, Left because of the Owners

    As a retired Air Force couple with over five years of experience as full-time RVers, we have stayed at countless campgrounds across the country. We selected Lake Haven for an extended stay this past July while searching for a permanent home in the Lake Watauga area, drawn by its advertisement for year-round availability. The location is excellent, and our site was level with full hookups, a nice picnic table, and a fire pit. Maneuvering into the spot was also straightforward, despite some large boulders. Two concerns: no owners or host(s) onsite and the entrance/exits can be quite dangerous- each located on a curve. We really wanted to love this campground, but the positive aspects were completely overshadowed by the unprofessional behavior of the owners. The tone was set when we received a campground-wide text message asking“Please, for our sake, when away from your camper, set your AC temp to something reasonable(75 is what I use at my house when not home), to help us save on electricity”. While we understand the concern for costs, the request felt invasive. Then it got personal. In the first week of August, our daughter and her family were renting the on-site(3 bed/3 bath) Airbnb, and after she inquired about more toilet paper, one of the owners came to our RV site to confront us about it. We were shocked that a necessity for a rental guest was treated as a major issue, and the confrontational approach was completely uncalled for and made us feel extremely uncomfortable. To make matters worse, we later learned from other campers that the owners had been gossiping about our family and our stay. This was a major violation of our privacy and fostered a deeply unwelcoming atmosphere. While the physical campground has potential, we cannot recommend it. Feeling safe and respected is essential when you are camping, and due to the owners’ intrusive and unprofessional behavior, we decided to seek out another campground.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Old NC 105 Dispersed

    Amazing views and Free camping

    This place is amazing, Free and clean campsites.

  • Robert N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Campfire Lodgings

    Tent camping

    Tent camping sites are walk in, down hill, obviously thar means hauling your stuff out uphill when you leave. RVers have a great view from the ridge top. But a difficult day camping is far better than any day at work.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC

    Good spot!

    Spent two nights here at a site right next to the creek, which was awesome listening to the running water as you fall asleep. Easy to get to, just a forest service road. A 4x4 makes it easy but there were minivans and junkyard beaters driving by. There are multiple sites along the service road and not too close to each other.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    Great spot!

    This is a great spot along a mountain ridge. The dirt road goes for about 13 miles. Would recommend a 4x4, but I’ve seen all kinds of vehicles travel the entire road from minivans to Honda accords. There are plenty of spots to choose from. Some have great views of the valley and table top mountain and others are just nooks in the woods. The sites are pretty spread out but there are a few within shouting distance (which could be annoying if the site next to you decides to bring a battery powered Sawzall to cut firewood at 2am). Some sites are right off of the road which could get annoying from all the traffic of people going to the hiking trails nearby. And there are spots tucked away a bit off of the road where you really don’t notice trucks and cars driving by. Awesome place for a weekend getaway! Definitely going to visit again.

    P.S. only 4 stars because there are only about 3-5 sites with a great view!

  • xGYABx L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

    Great Getaway and stay

    We spent 1 night out here on a Saturday Night it is very secluded away from everything only downside was had 2 drive at least 10 miles 2 get cell service and the site is close 2 the road so we can hear a lot of traffic

  • Robert B.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Black Mountain Campground - CLOSED INDEFINITELY

    FR472 & Black Mountain Campground Closed

    FR 472 is closed at the Golf Course and there are hefty fines if you are caught walking beyond the gate.  Black Mountain Campground was destroyed by flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.  The bridge across the S. Toe River was broken and washed out.  The water system is also destroyed as well as the road network in the campground.  There have been no announcements by the Forest Service about plans to repair the facility and, after a year, my guess is that there never will be.

Guide to Pineola

Camping near Pineola, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are great trails right from the campgrounds. For example, at Spacious Skies Bear Den, you can enjoy "great hiking right from the campground," making it easy to explore the area.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds are near lakes and rivers. Campers at Roan Mountain State Park have noted, "Park rangers were courteous and provided good local knowledge for anglers," so you can get tips on where to cast your line.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for deer and other wildlife. One visitor at Julian Price Park Campground mentioned, "We enjoyed our stay, and even had deer wander near our site a few times."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Black Mountain Campground highlights, "The bathrooms were so incredibly clean," which is a big plus for many.
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. At Linville Falls Campground, a camper said, "The owners are so friendly and helpful you feel like a long-time neighbor."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having enough room to spread out. A review for Blue Bear Mountain Camp mentions, "The site was beautiful, lots of space between campers."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Mount Mitchell State Park, have no showers or electric hookups. A visitor noted, "The bathhouse is very clean but had no showers or hot water."
  • Weather Changes Quickly: Be prepared for sudden weather changes, especially in higher elevations. A camper at Mount Mitchell State Park warned, "Be careful with the weather. It can change very quickly."
  • Road Conditions: Some campgrounds are accessed via rough roads. A review for Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping mentions, "You're gonna need 4x4 or AWD on the dirt road to the campsites."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. At Spacious Skies Bear Den, one camper said, "There are activities for kids," making it a great choice for families.
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals and snacks. A family at Roan Mountain State Park enjoyed their stay and mentioned, "The campground has laundry facilities, playgrounds, a small store with wood for sale on site."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. A camper at Little Oak Campground noted, "Most sites have a view of South Holston Lake and trail access to the water."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Black Mountain Campground mentioned, "There are wonderful sites for families big and small around the central 'soccer' field."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups. A visitor at Roan Mountain State Park said, "The amenities here were well kept and the campsite was large enough."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to ensure a peaceful stay. A camper at Little Oak Campground appreciated that "generators shut down at 10, so that was nice."

Camping near Pineola, North Carolina, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a great time!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Pineola, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Pineola, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 306 campgrounds and RV parks near Pineola, NC and 21 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Pineola, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pineola, NC is Spacious Skies Bear Den with a 4.7-star rating from 65 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pineola, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 free dispersed camping spots near Pineola, NC.

What parks are near Pineola, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 26 parks near Pineola, NC that allow camping, notably Pisgah National Forest and W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir.

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