Best Tent Camping near Pineola, NC

Tent campsites near Pineola, North Carolina range from established campgrounds to primitive backcountry sites across the surrounding mountains and forests. Mortimer Campground in the National Forests of North Carolina offers tent-specific sites with both walk-in and pull-in options. Blue Bear Mountain Camp provides secluded tent camping with spacious sites at higher elevations, making it a cooler retreat during summer months. Steele Creek offers free dispersed tent camping in a more primitive setting.

Most tent campgrounds in the area feature basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, though facilities vary significantly between established and primitive sites. Mortimer Campground provides shower houses at both ends of the campground, while dispersed areas like Steele Creek lack drinking water, toilets, and trash service. Access to many tent sites requires driving on unpaved forest roads, with some requiring 9+ miles on dirt roads. A camper noted, "The road back into the camp is long and VERY rough," highlighting the importance of appropriate vehicles for accessing remote tent sites. Many primitive areas follow Leave No Trace principles, with campers responsible for packing out all waste.

The tent camping experience in this region offers exceptional natural beauty and seclusion. Sites at Blue Bear Mountain Camp are described as "very spaced out" with high elevation providing relief from summer heat. Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for exploring nearby hiking trails, fishing spots, and swimming holes. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, many tent sites feature proximity to creeks and rivers, providing both water access and pleasant background sounds for sleeping. Night skies offer exceptional stargazing opportunities with minimal light pollution. While some campgrounds remain busy during peak seasons, the abundance of dispersed and backcountry tent sites allows campers seeking solitude to find quiet spots even on weekends.

Best Tent Sites Near Pineola, North Carolina (75)

    1. Mortimer Campground — National Forests In North Carolina

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

    $20 - $30 / night

    "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."

    "Had some friends stay next to us in a class b. A small trailer would fit, nothing big. No W/E/S but great place. Come early to reserve. You must set up camp immediately. No reservations."

    2. Blue Bear Mountain Camp

    27 Reviews
    Todd, NC
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 406-4226

    $25 - $136 / night

    "We had a neighbor nice enough to give us his site because he was leaving early and I would have stayed another night there. It was C3 backed into the woods on level ground. It made for a cozy morning."

    "It offers RV, drive in and hike in tent sites and also teepee camping."

    3. Steele Creek

    4 Reviews
    Jonas Ridge, NC
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 652-2144

    "I have stayed at all the free campsites around and left my review for each. This is by far the quietest, nicest, cleanest , site yet !"

    "There’s a nice big spot at the end of the trail where you could rooftop tent/car camp, but the actual site is about 100’ away."

    4. Camper Mountain on Roaring Creek

    2 Reviews
    Elk Park, NC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (407) 616-7496

    $29 - $69 / night

    "It’s a bit of a drive out there with little to no cell service but wifi is available over the whole site! Definitely worth it with amazing views all around."

    5. Plumtree Campground & Retreat

    1 Review
    Newland, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 528-5559

    $30 / night

    6. Dark Ridge HideOut (Adults Only)

    3 Reviews
    Beech Mountain, NC
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 260-7169

    $20 - $45 / night

    "Excellent parking spot with plenty of room to set up a 3-person tent. Also, delivery of homemade pizza. I recommend the Jalapeno & Cheese."

    7. Bear Creek Mountain Campground

    2 Reviews
    Bakersville, NC
    13 miles
    +1 (941) 264-3696

    $25 - $30 / night

    "Just a beautiful place camped for a weekend with my son and we couldn't have been more happy with the set up. Thanks Michelle!"

    "I have a few cabins, one glamping tent, and a self-brought tent camping area."

    8. Boone Fork Campground

    4 Reviews
    Collettsville, NC
    15 miles
    Website

    "There is a 5 mile long trail that goes through the campground called Boone Fork Trail. This trail leads to Hebron falls where you can explore giant boulders and have a picnic."

    "The terrain is also flat and easy to hike through, making it a good long trail for beginners or children."

    9. Black Bear Campground

    5 Reviews
    Marion, NC
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 803-5819

    $21 - $36 / night

    "Excellent campground there’s ice and firewood so you don’t have to make special trips to the nearest convenience store. They charge it directly to your card. The host was wonderful."

    "This is a brand new tent and cabin campground built by Duke Energy and run by McDowell county on Lake James."

    10. Paddy's Creek — Lake James State Park

    2 Reviews
    Linville, NC
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 544-6800

    $27 / night

    "I needed some lake time and it didn't disappoint!

    The campground is a 2-minute drive (6-minute bike ride) down to the beach and there is a huge swimming area there."

    "We visited the Paddy Creek campground at Lake James last year. The campsite was impeccably maintained with the cleanest bath/shower house I have ever experienced camping."

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Showing results 1-10 of 75 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Pineola, NC

1256 Reviews of 75 Pineola Campgrounds



Guide to Pineola

Nestled in the beautiful Appalachian region, Pineola, North Carolina, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Experience stunning fall foliage while hiking the well-maintained trails at Blue Bear Mountain Camp, where the vibrant colors create a picturesque backdrop.
  • Enjoy fishing and swimming at Paddy's Creek — Lake James State Park, just a short drive from your campsite, perfect for a refreshing day on the water.
  • Explore the scenic Boone Fork Trail leading to Hebron Falls, accessible from Boone Fork Campground, ideal for families and beginners.

Tips for tent camping near Pineola

Amenities to enhance your camping experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Pineola, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Pineola, NC is Mortimer Campground — National Forests In North Carolina with a 4.3-star rating from 10 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Pineola, NC?

TheDyrt.com has all 75 tent camping locations near Pineola, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.