A
Arlene E.
Scout
ScoutCampfire Lodgings
Beautiful views
Full hookups. Campground has several sites with million dollar views and a viewing point for the non view campsites to use. We would recommend it for Asheville area rv camping.
Camping near Pineola, NC
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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.
Best Campgrounds near Pineola (325)
1. Spacious Skies Bear Den
"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."
from $24 - $999 / night
Check Availability2. Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
"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."
from $30 / night
Check Availability3. Linville Falls Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
"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."
from $30 - $45 / night
Check Availability4. Roan Mountain State Park Campground
"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
"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."
from $35 - $42 / night
Check Availability6. Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he
"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. Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping
"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)."
8. Mountain River Family Campground
"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! "
9. Grandfather Mountain State Park Campsites
"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."
from $17 - $37 / night
Check Availability10. Mortimer Campground — National Forests In North Carolina
"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."
from $20 - $30 / night
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Drive Time
- 58 min from Johnson City, TN
- 1 hr 15 min from Kingsport, TN
- 1 hr 26 min from Asheville, NC
Recent Camping Photos near Pineola, NC
635 Photos of 325 Pineola Campgrounds
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Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC
Recent Reviews near Pineola, NC
1501 Reviews of 325 Pineola Campgrounds
- kkathy U.Scout
Buck Creek
Amazing
I’m thrilled to give this campground my highest recommendation! The owners and staff couldn’t have been more accommodating, helpful and kind! We called that morning because the campground we were booked at turned out to be awful. They fit us in and then we ended up extending our stay. We had to keep moving sites because they had other campers coming in, but it was worth it! Our favorite sites was 54 and 27. Some sites are close, but all are on the creek so you don’t notice it at all! Nothing better than waking up to the sound of water! The campground location is perfect, 20-30 minutes from things to do like hiking and wineries.
Mike F.ScoutDoe River Landing
Ahhh-mazing
We arrived and easily got to our spot. There’s a river just behind our spot and only a handful of RVs and cabins. Our GPS wanted us to pass the turn to the campground, we had to make a U turn to get in…. Of course, on the second approach we saw the entrance signs (my bad). It looks like it is best to approach from the west (Hampton?), it was a sharp turn entering from the east (Roan Mountain). We settled in and got to relaxing quickly.
- EEric W.
GuideSugar Hollow Campground
Arrive with 1/2 tank of fuel!
It was a long day of travel for me anyways. I arrived around 17:15 and the ranger was nowhere to be seen. Honor system was full out the form and pay cash before you go find your site.
This place is better for tent campers and those with rigs 20ft and under. Our 30ft bumper-pull was no match for the narrow sites due to trees. Most sites were not level either. As advertised, no sewer hook-up, and bring at least a 50ft hose for water…better yet, bring a 100ft hose and an additional splitter. The birds were nice to hear. It was quiet throughout the night also, mainly because there were only about 10 campers in the whole park (it holds about 78).
The bathhouses were clean and bright; but only shower curtains for doors on the toilets—reminded me of my deployment to Afghanistan.
Fuel…the hill to get in and out of the park is very steep! And if you spend time trying to fit your rig into any site you might think you can fit into but can’t, you’re going to need enough fuel to make it to the next gas station! If your rig is longer than 30ft and it’s not a 5th wheel, look elsewhere.
Personally, I won’t be stopping here again. The overall park was nice; but for $20/night, it wasn’t worth the stress.
- SSara M.Guide
Doe River Landing
What a fantastic find - small, family-owned campground in mountain heaven
Doe River Landing is a small, delightful RV and cabin camping park that sits on the banks of the Doe River in the Roan Mountain valley of TN. We enjoyed our stay enough that we extended a few extra days. Five shaded, landscaped RV sites offering water/electric are located about 20 yards from the river’s edge. An additional site offers a fully-outfitted rental RV. Sites are pea gravel and mostly level. Luxury rental cabins(5) are available along with a truly awesome rental pavilion outfitted for larger group gatherings. The friendly hosts live in a home nearby and were around daily during our stay.
For a small family campground the amenities are super nice. The top-notch children’s playground and toy shed obviously delighted guest’s children. Wi-Fi signal is strong enough for streaming. Nice, clean bathhouse. Public grills are available. Hiking trails meander along the river and up through their woods.
There are few places we enjoy more than the Roan Mountain area for camping. The location is fantastic and even peak summer temperatures are usually comfortable. Roan Mountain State Park is minutes away for hiking and a slew of activities, while the top of Roan Mountain houses the famous wild Rhododendron Gardens. The AT and multiple hiking trails run along the top of the mountain.
There were only a few considerations with this venue.
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The sites are mostly level although we needed two OxBlocks in each of the sites we stayed in. One needed leveling front-to-back, the other side-to-side. When Hurricane Helene scoured the area it likely left some dips in the parking pads.
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The bathhouse contains one toilet and shower, both housed in the same room which can tie them up for long periods.
3) There may be some day and night traffic noise as large trucks involved in repairs from Hurricane Helene are still active.
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The approach is rather challenging. New lighted signage helps identify where their single-lane entrance road takes a HARD fork off US-19E. Be sure to check the Directions tab on their website. If you are arriving from the north (through Elizabethton) you will be able to pull directly onto Bob Ray Rd.(entrance to the right of the little Bible church). Approaching from the south on US-19E is more difficult. Bob Ray Rd basically runs parallel to US-19E which requires essentially a U-turn across 2-3 lanes to accomplish. The host suggests turning through the closed fruit stand parking lot(on the left within sight of the entrance) but we weren’t sure about it given on-coming traffic. We elected to drive~ 2 miles further down 19E and U-turn across the left shoulder.
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Bob Ray Rd is a single-lane road. Based on timing for check-in/check-out you are unlikely to meet another RV coming at you(thankfully!)
Multiple choices for food in the area. The Whiteway Grill– less than 5 minutes away- offers fabulous breakfasts. Smoky Mountain Bakers is beyond awesome! Wood-fired pizza for dinner and breakfast plates from simple sandwiches to breakfast burritos, pancakes and French toast. We find excuses to eat here during the week. Every meal we’ve had at Puerto Escondido Mexican restaurant was huge(as in leftovers) and tasty.
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- SSherry S.
TravelerUpper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC
Very nice!
I camped on Forest Road 982. There were quite a few people camping along this road, but I found a really good spot by the large creek. The campsites are pretty far from each other so the privacy is good. I stayed one night. Will definitely go back.
- KKatie M.Scout
Dark Ridge HideOut (Adults Only)
Awesome private campground!
The owner was super nice and gave us all the info we needed! Very close to the falls to swim at and hike to (wear hiking shoes to get to the falls) over all great quiet little campground!
- JJanet P.Scout
Roan Creek Campground
Constant harassment from owners
This campground is not 420 friendly! It’s Tn where MJ is illegal. We have RX but we were harassed non stop. One day the owner said to smoke by River, next day somewhere else! Owner also would snoop around my camper to upset my Belgian Mal. We spent a miserable summer here May-Nov. Never again! All was ok until we set up!
Gary G.
LegendCarolina Hemlocks Rec Area
Good choice to access Mount Mitchell hike
This small campground is low stress on the banks of a very nice river!
Guide to Pineola
Tucked between mountains at 3,658 feet elevation, Pineola serves as an access point to North Carolina's Pisgah National Forest and Blue Ridge Mountain wilderness. The region's steep topography creates microclimates where weather can shift rapidly, with summer daytime temperatures averaging 72-82°F and winter nighttime lows often dropping into the 20s. The varied terrain around this small North Carolina community offers camping options from forest settings to riverside locations.
What to do
Tubing on Wilson Creek: Visit Mountain River Family Campground for direct access to waterways. "You can rent tubes to tube down the river on site," notes Mary B., who stayed by the river. The campground provides easy water recreation without bringing your own equipment.
Hike to waterfall destinations: Take short hikes from Mortimer Campground to nearby cascades. "Two trailheads are on the campground, one of which is a beautiful and easy hike to a small waterfall," shares Chad K., highlighting the accessibility of natural features right from camp.
Fish in mountain streams: Multiple sites offer fishing opportunities in clean mountain waters. "The campground is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains...so beautiful! Quiet campground with hiking trails, small fishing lake, playgrounds, an arcade room, and camp store," reports Emily B. about her stay at Bear Den.
What campers like
Primitive sites with views: Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping provides free access to scenic spots. "Nice, clean, open lots with beautiful views. We had decent cell service," mentions Amanda R., addressing connectivity concerns many campers have when venturing into mountain terrain.
Clean bathhouse facilities: Several campers note bathroom quality as a major factor in camp selection. "These are the cleanest bathrooms we've ever seen. The on-site store is a life saver and the hosts are very helpful," writes Phil W. about his September visit to Linville Falls Campground.
Less crowded seasons: Experienced campers recommend timing visits strategically. "We enjoy this campground on the weekends throughout the fall and spring as it is less occupied," notes one visitor about Julian Price Park Campground, highlighting seasonal advantages for those seeking more solitude.
What you should know
Road conditions matter: Many campsites near Pineola require traveling unpaved roads. "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," one reviewer mentioned.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies dramatically by location and carrier. "The campground is down a pretty long gravel road, so it's best to have what you need when you arrive. No quick trips to Wally World for resupply here," warns Tony E. about his experience at Mortimer Campground.
Weather preparedness essential: Mountain elevations create variable conditions year-round. "In late July it was cool in the evenings," shared Nicole L. about her stay at Grandfather Campground, showing how even summer nights require extra layers at higher elevations.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer specialized facilities for children. "My daughter had a blast and we could keep an eye on her while we worked/played at the site," shares Charles S. about his fall visit to Bear Den, where the playground proximity made supervising easy.
Check educational opportunities: Many sites provide learning experiences alongside camping. "The sites were amazing and ours backed up to a state park. In late July it was cool in the evenings. Some of the fire rings have 'flip over' grills which were super convenient," Nicole L. reports about Grandfather Campground.
Consider site location carefully: Waterfront sites provide entertainment but may have drawbacks. "We stayed in campsite 62. Our loop was very private and shaded. The only negative point was the street light right across from us. It was pretty bright at night," notes Katrin M. about her stay at Roan Mountain State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions: Campgrounds vary in their ability to accommodate larger vehicles. "We stayed here 10 days in our 34-foot travel trailer and were very happy with our stay," shares Erin S. about Grandfather Campground, noting, "The sites are fairly level, long but a little narrow."
Consider seasonal access: Mountain roads can become challenging in winter months. "The campground is very well maintained, and the bathroom was spotless. The staff, rangers and volunteers, were super friendly," mentions Katrin M. about facilities that remain accessible even during challenging weather.
Look for full hookup availability: While some sites offer limited amenities, others provide complete services. "It has a small lake on property to fish or swim. Has a pretty good market for the things you might have forgot. They have firewood and ice to purchase," notes Chris Y. about the conveniences at Bear Den.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Pineola, NC?
What camping is available near Pineola, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, Pineola, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 325 campgrounds and RV parks near Pineola, NC and 21 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Pineola, NC?
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 51 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pineola, NC?
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?
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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