3 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Pisgah Forest, North Carolina offers a wide range of tent camping options, from free primitive tent campsites to reservable walk-in campgrounds with fire rings and vault toilets. The Looking Glass Trail Head provides primitive tent camping with no amenities but direct trail access, ideal for hikers seeking backcountry solitude. Jones Gap State Park Campground, located about 30 miles southeast, features walk-in tent sites along a river with picnic tables and fire rings. Courthouse 1 in Pisgah National Forest offers free tent camping with minimal amenities, while White Pine South Group Camp provides reservable tent sites year-round.
Most tent campgrounds in the area require preparation for basic conditions. Many walk-in tent sites require carrying gear short distances from parking areas, with some sites featuring gravel tent pads that may challenge non-freestanding tents. Vault toilets are available at some locations, while others require strict adherence to Leave No Trace principles. Fire rings are common, but firewood availability varies by location. Water sources are limited at primitive sites, so campers should bring their own water or reliable filtration systems. Bear activity is common throughout the region, necessitating proper food storage in vehicles or on provided bear cables.
The tent camping near Pisgah Forest is characterized by dense forest cover, creek-side sites, and access to extensive trail networks. According to reviews, Blue Valley Dispersed Camping offers secluded tent sites with "wonderful creek/river by every campsite" and minimal traffic on access roads. One visitor to Ammons Branch Campground noted, "At night, it is quiet because it is miles from the nearest town. The only sounds this time of year are the sounds of Ammons Branch and the wind." Backcountry tent camping options extend into nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where tent campers can access more remote sites along the Appalachian Trail and connecting paths, though permits are required for overnight stays.
"Love the privacy of this spot (#8) which is the closest walk in spot from the Parking area."
"Tent camping only. Nice, private walk-in sites. Creek runs through park. Definitely no call service. Only an emergency call box if anything goes on at night. It's a pack in pack out park."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when available"No generators allowed. But clean campsites and plenty of toilets. There's even a primitive hot shower. The people are very friendly both the campers and the people who operate the camp."
"If what you are looking for is a great place to get out in nature and get away from the crowds you’re in the right spot."
from $24 - $110 / night
"As other reviews have said, this campground is in a lovely location, right on a small creek/river. The grounds are well maintained and grass covered for the most part."
"Me and my party of 6 stumbled upon this Gem after we had made reservations at another site that was extremely sketchy on Labor Day weekend so we called around and heard BRMC had some space."
from $15 - $50 / night
"This area is near the riding stables in Pisgah. There are several tent spaces that you can drive right up to. The river is within walking distance."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $60 / night
"There are grills an firepits beside each platform (each platform is large enough for 3 four person tents) and there are two common shelters with electricity and GORGEOUS bathrooms."
"I want to welcome Josh, your host, to our platform. Right on the border of Pisgah National Forest. This property can accommodate large groups and offers fire-pits at each site."
Available next weekend
from $300 - $2500 / night
"this was a more intermediate trail but the view at the top is unbelievable"
"My friend and I hiked the Raven Cliff Falls loop trail a while back and have added it to our list of top 10 favorite trails."
"Wonderful trails with breath taking views and technical climbs plus discrete camping."
from $4 - $20 / night
"This site was perfect being right next to the water. Only problem is the main flat area is on the other site of the creek but other than that it was a beautiful spot."
"This trail was lots of fun! My friend and I decided to go here on a whim and it didn’t disappoint."
ScoutWe stayed for a week in late October. Quiet and secluded but right outside of Franklin. Very. Nicely decorated. Has small campstore, very nice laundryroom, and a guest event center. Rick, the campsite host, helped me get backed in and asked if I needed any more help. Some pull-throughs. Some sites are a little tight but others really nice. We will definitely come back.
TravelerMy son, daughter-in-law, and twin grandchildren, and I camped here to watch the full solar eclipse in 2017. We had a beautiful tent site. There was a little playground that the kids really enjoyed and abundant shade at the camping site. Bathrooms were clean, wood for campfires was available, and we had a wonderful time.
TravelerThis place is a nice campground, quiet and the guests (during our stay) respect others by keeping the noise down. The spaces are set up to maximize privacy between sites. There is no cell phone service (to do this report we are in a picnic area by a small lake and I can get cell as well as internet on my travelfi device) sos is the only access. I normally listen to audio books but not while here. On my computer I could see three others with low signals; they might have had a better device/provider. The spots tend to the small back in typically found in campsites built before RVs got really big, type. There is another camping area I haven’t been to yet and I did see a large over lander (looks indestructible and tall/long) towable head that way and the campground attendant didn’t predict any problems so perhaps there are larger spots elsewhere. This place has single person shower rooms and nice flush toilets. The whole place is set in woodland so it isn’t like a commercial RV place that was more concerned with volume over aesthetics. This is a lovely spot with ample amenities (my space had no hookups) for our type of camping (toilets, trash, quiet neighbors, semi private spaces) just zero phone or internet.
TravelerThis campground has a great location in maggie valley, close to Waynesville with plenty to do in close proximity. While it is a traditional campground, they have very competitive rates for weekly and monthly stays. For us its the perfect getaway destination for the summers and fall. The staff is super welcomming and friendly. You find a cute creek on the backside of of the campground with trout as some fisherman told me. The staff takes pride in all the flowers, landscaping and seasonal decorations. Also nice to know is you are not being looked down to with an older camper. As long as your rig is decent and functional you are admitted.
ScoutLovely spot on the river. Freeway was loud but not too bad.
ScoutGreat spot to pull in last minute. There are multiple spots along this stretch of road. Would not recommend if you want to post up somewhere private, decent amount of traffic pulling through for a mountain road.
ScoutBeautiful Campground, but Absolutely NOT Family-Friendly! I rarely leave negative reviews this strongly, but our experience at Turkey Creek Campground was so disappointing that I feel compelled to warn other families. First, I’ll give credit where it’s due. The campground is beautifully maintained, and the creekside sites are incredibly peaceful and serene. It’s a lovely setting, and during the day, the owner is friendly enough and seemingly hospitable. Unfortunately, the hospitality comes to a screeching halt the moment the clock strikes 10 PM.
We were two families camping together with six well-behaved kids who absolutely love the outdoors. We understand and respect campground quiet hours. We weren’t looking to throw parties, blast music, or disturb anyone. But apparently, at Turkey Creek,“quiet hours” doesn’t mean keeping noise to a respectful minimum. It means absolute silence, complete darkness, and seemingly no normal human activity whatsoever.
I’m not exaggerating.
* We were told to turn off ALL our lights at 10 PM.
* We were confronted for opening our vehicle’s trunk because it made a brief beeping sound.
* Our children were startled by a large spider near the bathhouse, and the owner actually yelled at them to be quiet.
* One evening around 11 PM, we were talking quietly INSIDE OUR OWN TENT, barely above a whisper, when the owner approached our tent door to reprimand us for talking.
* On another occasion, he approached us to complain that our children had left TWO STICKS on the ground near the bathrooms. Two sticks! At a campground surrounded by woods, where the kids had just walked down a wooded trail to reach the bathhouse!
And don’t even think about enjoying a little background music while sitting around your campsite. Music of any kind played through a speaker is prohibited, regardless of volume. Apparently, even a little John Denver played quietly while enjoying the mountains is too much to ask. I fully appreciate that some people camp specifically for peace and quiet. We respect that, too. But there is a massive difference between enforcing reasonable quiet hours and making paying guests feel like they’re constantly being watched, monitored, and reprimanded for simply existing. The owner’s enforcement of these rules felt excessive, confrontational, and completely out of proportion to what was actually happening.
Instead of relaxing and enjoying our family vacation, we found ourselves walking on eggshells, worried that the smallest sound, light, or ordinary childhood behavior would result in another confrontation. What makes this particularly frustrating is that our kids were doing exactly what we’d hope children would do on a camping trip: spending time outside, exploring nature, enjoying each other’s company, and making memories away from screens. Yet somehow, even that seemed unwelcome. If we hadn’t already paid for five nights, we would have packed up and left after the very first night. That’s how uncomfortable the experience became.
If you are someone who wants a meticulously maintained campground where everyone retires to complete silence and darkness by 10 PM, Turkey Creek might be perfect for you. But if you’re a family hoping to enjoy a campfire, share some laughs, quietly socialize in the evening, and let your children experience the simple joys of camping, I cannot recommend this place strongly enough AGAINST it.
There are so many beautiful campgrounds in this area, and I cannot imagine choosing to return somewhere that made our families feel so unwelcome. Beautiful property. Extremely disappointing hospitality. Absolutely terrible experience for families. We will never return.
ScoutVery pretty site but its right on the road
TravelerNice spot right on the river..Camp store & staff seem friendly & helpful-especially Sonny & Joshua.
Tent camping in Pisgah Forest, North Carolina ranges from primitive backcountry sites to more established walk-in areas situated between 2,000-5,000 feet elevation. The region experiences significant seasonal temperature variations with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter lows regularly dropping below freezing. Campsites in this mountainous terrain often feature uneven ground that can challenge tent setup, particularly after rainfall when the clay-rich soil becomes slippery.
Waterfall exploration: Courthouse Falls is accessible via a short half-mile hike from the parking area near Courthouse 1 -- Pisgah National Forest. As one camper noted, "I walked past the falls because I heard the water but didn't see the falls because of all the dense foliage... If I ever go back, I will try to find that trail [to the base]."
Morning fishing: South Saluda River at Jones Gap State Park Campground provides excellent trout fishing opportunities within walking distance of campsites. A regular visitor shared, "The rushing river and dense foliage with mountain laurel makes the air seem so fresh. I love just coming here and hiking upstream and playing in the river."
Family hiking: Falls Creek Trail is suitable for various skill levels. A visitor reported, "We did a short day hike to check out the camp sites and look at the waterfalls. The trails and the park are so very well kept up! Was a beautiful day and hike."
Rock hopping: Creek exploration is possible at many sites. One camper at Jones Gap mentioned their Site #8 was "right on the river and a great place to catch some sun on the rocks or rock hop. There are several hike options right from your site including a nice little waterfall."
Privacy between sites: Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area Trailside Camping offers secluded camping experiences. A camper described it as having "wonderful trails with breath taking views and technical climbs plus discrete camping. It's a trip I recommend to all of my camping and hiking friends."
Natural sleeping sounds: The flowing water near Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground creates peaceful ambient noise. A tent camper shared, "Tented along the river and the only thing you could hear was the river. Great sleeping conditions."
Level tent platforms: Many sites offer prepared surfaces. At Jones Gap, a camper mentioned, "As you're in a state park, you have the added benefit of a fire ring and tent pad, but no picnic table. However, unlike other state park campgrounds, each spot is about a quart mile from the next, so you feel like you have the mountain to yourself."
Communal atmosphere: Some campgrounds foster social connections. At Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground, one visitor described, "At night they set up a camp fire where all visitors can meet and greet, have a beer, or eat some burgers. The place offers a lot. They got a lounge, showers, clean bathrooms, and they have a small kitchen where you can buy some food each night."
Bear safety requirements: Food storage is essential throughout the region. Proper equipment is sometimes provided, as one camper at Cherryfield Creek Luxury Campsite noted: "There are sturdy bear boxes to protect food and trash to help keep unwanted visitors from troubling guests."
Water filtration needs: Most primitive sites lack potable water. A camper at White Pine South Group Camp described a natural water source: "There is a community water source beyond the three sites that you can get water to take back to your site if needed. It's a small trickle waterfall in the edge of the mountain. There's a bit of a bank to climb down to it though."
Seasonal road closures: Winter access can be limited. At White Pine South Group Camp, "There is a gate that gets closed off during winter months that continues up the mountain to more campsites. The spots further up are more private."
Reservation requirements: Many sites need advance booking. One Jones Gap visitor advised, "The park trail was right across the river, might have been a little shyer if I had! Restrooms are clean and well stocked. No trash cans in park; you're expected to LNT your trash out."
Short-distance tent sites: For younger children, choose sites with minimal hiking required. At Jones Gap, a parent shared, "Love the privacy of this spot (#8) which is the closest walk in spot from the Parking area. We were able to hike in a ton of gear (coolers, dog bed, etc (with a little work and a few trips) and it was worth it for the seclusiveness. Having both toddler and dog we knew we couldn't go far but this still felt like we were in the middle of nowhere."
Stream safety considerations: Fast-moving water requires supervision. A camper at Mountain Bridge Wilderness warned, "My word of advice is to not take dogs that can't swim across the river; we saw a few couples who struggled to carry their pooches across the cable."
Difficult trail navigation: Some areas can be challenging. At Looking Glass Trail Head, a hiker noted, "this was a more intermediate trail but the view at the top is unbelievable."
Scout-friendly camping areas: Asbury Hills Summer Camps offers group facilities. A visitor explained, "My favorite thing about the boy/Girl Scout campsites was that it was along a river and was very large. It would be a great campsite for those who have a big group or just like the space."
Limited RV accessibility: Most tent camping near Pisgah Forest isn't suitable for larger vehicles. A camper at The Bike Farm warned, "If you're looking for a paved place to park your 30 foot long fifth wheel this isn't it. If what you are looking for is a great place to get out in nature and get away from the crowds you're in the right spot."
Gravel road navigation: Access roads can be challenging. At Courthouse 1, a camper reported, "To get to this camping area, you have to travel down a forest road with a gravel bed... A small RV or travel trailer MIGHT be able to park here, but be aware of the bumpy gravel road."
Seasonal camping limitations: Weather impacts accessibility. Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground offers alternatives, with a visitor noting, "The tent space is nice, flat, grassy, and well cared for. Sits on a river. Cabins are clean. Showers are hot and clean."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Pisgah Forest, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Pisgah Forest, NC is Jones Gap State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Pisgah Forest, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 87 tent camping locations near Pisgah Forest, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
