Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Purlear? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Purlear campsites are perfect for tent campers.
Blue Bear Mountain Camp offers year round camping experiences for every type of outdoor enthusiast. Car accessible tent and RV sites in a natural setting. Hike in sites for those looking for a little more adventure and privacy. Stargazer Domes and Cabin rentals for guests wanting a rustic, mountain getaway while staying in comfort. Located just 8 miles north of Boone, NC on over 150 acres of pristine mountain land, miles of hiking trails, a trout pond and spacious low density sites allow the guest to get away from it all in a rustic, remote setting. In the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. At 4,000 feet elevation, come enjoy cool mountain breezes and mild temperatures. Blue Bear Mountain is a scenic location for large events such as weddings, corporate events and family reunions. Come Get away from it all at Blue Bear Mountain!
$25 - $136 / night
Mortimer Campground is a small campground nestled within the Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River Corridor south of Grandfather Mountain. Located at the site of an old Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp, the 17-site campground is surrounded by lush forests, gentle streams, and a large scenic river popular for swimming, fishing, and kayaking.
Visitors to the campground can enjoy a variety of activities including fishing, swimming, day hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, picnicking, and scenic driving. Swimming holes along Thorps Creek provide wading opportunities on hot summer days. Nearby Wilson Creek, designated as a National Wild and Scenic River in 2000, is well known for its excellent trout fishing, swimming, kayaking, and rugged features. History buffs will enjoy exploring the remnants of the once booming timber town of Mortimer as well as an old CCC work center. Two Forest Service trails depart from the campground. The Thorps Creek trail provides a short (approx. 1/4 mile) hike to Thorps Creek Falls. The more strenuous Schoolhouse Ridge Trail connects to the campground via the .2 mile Bill Vines trail and provides a 3 mile ridgeline excursion with beautiful views before connecting to the Wilson Ridge Trail. Many other Forest Service trails are within a short drive of the Campground, including Hunt Fish Falls, North Harper Creek Falls, and Little Lost Cove Cliffs. The area also boasts a network of scenic mountain biking trails.
Visitors to the campground can enjoy a variety of activities including fishing, swimming, day hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, picnicking, and scenic driving. Swimming holes along Thorps Creek provide wading opportunities on hot summer days. Nearby Wilson Creek, designated as a National Wild and Scenic River in 2000, is well known for its excellent trout fishing, swimming, kayaking, and rugged features. History buffs will enjoy exploring the remnants of the once booming timber town of Mortimer as well as an old CCC work center. Two Forest Service trails depart from the campground. The Thorps Creek trail provides a short (approx. 1/4 mile) hike to Thorps Creek Falls. The more strenuous Schoolhouse Ridge Trail connects to the campground via the .2 mile Bill Vines trail and provides a 3 mile ridgeline excursion with beautiful views before connecting to the Wilson Ridge Trail. Many other Forest Service trails are within a short drive of the Campground, including Hunt Fish Falls, North Harper Creek Falls, and Little Lost Cove Cliffs. The area also boasts a network of scenic mountain biking trails.
Located in a rich mountain hardwood forest at an elevation of 1,400 ft., Mortimer Campground provides a secluded streamside setting shaded by large hemlocks and pine trees. Thorps Creek runs along the east side of the campground before feeding into the Wild and Scenic Wilson Creek, a popular destination for a variety of activities. Hardwood forests cover the mountain peaks on either side of the valley and multiple mountain feeder creeks can be found nearby. The Mortimer area provides beautiful scenery year-round, from stunning fall foliage displays to abundant spring and summer wildflowers.
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (828) 652-2144.
The Wilson Creek Visitor Center is 3.2 miles from the Mortimer Campground and provides information on the Wilson Creek area and has a photograph and artifact collection that tells the history of the area. The towns of Blowing Rock and Morganton are located within an hour___s drive of the campground, to the north and south respectively. Both towns offer a variety of restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, and medical facilities. The Julian Price Memorial Park and Campground is located 24 miles north of Mortimer Campground and is a well-known destination for hiking, canoeing, fishing, and camping. Mortimer Campground is 21 miles away from Linville Falls, and the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. The Gorge offers breathtaking views and numerous hiking trails. The Campground is 17 miles from the popular Grandfather Mountain State Park, the highest peak on the eastern escarpment of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
$20 / night
$40 - $200 / night
This site is__not maintained but can still be used.__Campers must hike in to the developed areas, and all sites are primitive. No electric hook ups, no toilets, no running water available.
The Visitor Assistance Center conference room is located beside the dam at W. Kerr Scott Reservoir in northwestern North Carolina.
The 1,475-acre reservoir offers excellent boating, canoeing, kayaking and swimming opportunities. Anglers will find channel catfish, large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, threadfin shad, spotted bass, striped bass, and hybrid striped bass. Miles of multi-use trails, that allow hiking and mountain biking, surround the lake, including the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, which can be accessed from the parking lot outside the Visitor Center. An additional 25 miles of trails can be found at the Warrior Creek and Dark Mountain areas.
The gentle Yadkin River flows through its scenic namesake valley in the foothills of the eastern Blue Ridge Mountains. Forests of mixed hardwoods, including sycamore, poplar, oak and hickory, cover the region. Wildlife is abundant in the valley. White-tailed deer, black bear, eastern cottontails and more can be found among the hills. Birds in the area include wild turkey, woodpeckers, Carolina chickadees, red-eyed vireo, ovenbirds, mallards and wood ducks.
Berry Mountain Park Shelter is located in Berry Mountain Park at W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir in northwestern North Carolina.
The gentle Yadkin River flows through its scenic namesake valley on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills. Forests of mixed hardwoods, including sycamore, poplar, oak and hickory, cover the region. Wildlife is abundant in the valley. White-tailed deer, black bear, eastern cottontails and more can be found among the hills. Birds in the area include wild turkey, woodpeckers, Carolina chickadees, red-eyed vireo, ovenbirds, mallards and wood ducks.
The 1,475-acre reservoir offers excellent boating, canoeing, kayaking and swimming opportunities. Anglers will find channel catfish, large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, threadfin shad, spotted bass, hybrid striped bass and tiger muskellunge. Roughly 30 miles of multi-purpose trails surround the lake, one of which can be accessed from the park. All of these trails are recognized as some of the best mountain biking trails in the country attracting riders from all corners of the world.
This ADA-accessible lakefront shelter offers six, 8-foot picnic tables. A water spigot can be found at the shelter but there is no electricity available. You can enjoy other park amenities which include a playground, grill, flush toilets, showers, swim beach and a basketball court.
Elk Knob State Park has backcountry campsites. It is a pleasant hike down into a cove forest with beautiful streams. There are: 3 individual sites that can accommodate no more than six people and two tents each. 2 group sites that can accommodate up to 26 people and is for organized groups. A zone camping area that can accommodate three sites of no more than six people and two tents each. These are primitive sites with no facilities except one pit toilet to be shared by the two group sites. The sites are approximately a one- to two-mile hike from the trailhead. All supplies, including water, must be packed to the sites. To drink water from nearby creeks and streams, use a filtration device or boil the water for at least 5 minutes. Camp fires are not allowed. Cooking by camp stove is permitted. Reservations are required for the group sites while the other sites are on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact the park office for more information.
Paddle in primitive camping - 8 sites available
Located in Ashe and Alleghany counties 35 miles northeast of Boone, New River State Park covers seven accesses along this National Wild and Scenic River that flows north through three states. All accesses allow for launching kayaks and inner tubes to paddle or float along the shallow, gentle river. Paddle-in only campgrounds provide a remote experience. The hellbender — the largest salamander in the U.S. — and 14 species of rare and threatened plant species inhabit the New River valley.
$12 / night
For your New River and Blue Ridge Mountain experience, give us a call and come visit. We will accommodate your canoeing, kayaking, tubing, camping, and fishing needs, as well as much more! Located in Ashe and Alleghany Counties, North Carolina. We are just a short drive from Jefferson, West Jefferson, Sparta, Boone and Wilkesboro. Open April through October. Reservations or call ahead are strongly recommended. For a exciting and unique experience, come to Dusty Trails Outfitters.
$20 / night
Scout
I stayed on the “not great for kids” side. Camp host said the other part of the park was better for families and had easier trail inclines. I loved my spot. It was quieter than I expected given how close the camp sites were to each other.
Scout
Love tent camping here, awesome views and great prices
Scout
GGreat location to Main Street, Galax and New River Trail park. Scenic location overlooking Chestnut Creek, clean Bathhouse, great price. No Picnic tables or firepits. Nearby roadway noise fades by dark. Would stay there agai n.
ScoutI found Camp Attocoa accidentally. I felt like a pirate that found treasure. Private owned, water and wood on site. The owner will have you park and will haul you and your gear in and out. Sites are few and far between. Peace and quiet…… this is the spot for you.
Scout
This place is tucked away near a river, plenty of indoor and outdoor activities, plus a nice laundromat. One of the quietest RV parks I've ever been to! The owners are nice and the grounds are well kept. Only reason it's not 5/5 is they currently lack a bathhouse.
Guide
Hosts were nice and helpful. Thanks to Robbi and Darell. Everything was very clean and well kept. Cell service was 3 bars. Lake was beautiful!!
Traveler
I took my horses and grandson to camp in the equestrian campsite. The bathrooms are very clean with AC. There a beautiful creek you can ride your horses in or just play if you want.
ScoutWe've been going to Scales for several years now, & it's one of the few places we keep revisiting! Yes, the road in is rocky (& not short...probly 45 mins from the road to the campground), but anything with Subaru Outback ground clearance will be fine.
The campground itself is great! It's right on the AT, so there are lots of through hikers that you'll see stop in for a night. That also means that there's lots of great hiking options! Our favorite parts are the beautiful views, wild ponies, & it's (usually) relatively quiet!
Additionally, there are a lot of fire pits& there are pit toilets.
ScoutMy site was B82. Plenty of shade, very private on one side and pretty level,-1 from front to back. Most sites will require at least some leveling in the back and on the right side. The site was gravel and clean. Water and electric(30 amp) were fine. I was there a Monday thru Friday and it was VERY quite, I was the only one in my loop. I don't know if it's always like that or if it was a result of the campground only opening the Friday before my arrival due to damage/high water in the lake caused by Hurricane Debbie. It must be really busy on the weekends because they have a separate gate for campers already registered. Based on shade, privacy and level, I would recommend the following sites in B loop 10, 79, 80, 81 and 82. All sites in B loop had more trees between the next site as compared to Loop C. The downside to loop B is there is a lot of tent camping which can cause a lot of people in the showers. Loop B has it own 2 stall dump station, which was clean. There is a 4 station dump on the main road for the other loops. There were a lot of mosquitoes. I don't know if this was a result of the high lake water. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The Rangers patrolled on a regular basis. Now to the bathrooms. I agree with all the other comments. I don't know if it's always this way but the"comfort" station(toilets only) was only open Friday-Sunday. It only has cold water at the sink and no soap. The toilet stalls at the shower house were covered in spider webs. The sinks were filled with mosquitos. The floor wasn't swept or mopped during my stay. The doors of the shower stalls were very short. So short that any other user of the shower area could see entirely into the shower. Your fellow campers would know you very well. I drove thru Loop C and here are my observations. Loop C seems to be the favorite loop of the locals. It's has more lakefront sites which allows for boat docking. The sites didn't appear to have as much gravel as B. The shower house is MUCH better the the one in loop B. It had been remodeled and was clean and the shower doors were of a height that offered privacy. The water turn on is motion sensor and is activated when you enter the shower so be prepared. The water temperature is preset. The other loops were closed due to lake levels and hurricane damage so I could not observe them. The beach is small and not much. To access the bathroom at the beach you have to go to the adjoining campground loop bathroom. Verizon was 2 bars in the entire park. No local TV channels but some like Me TV, etc. No WIFI
Guide
So this is the most unusual place we’ve ever camped. I would call it a‘community where there are campsites’ more than a campground. The majority of the sites are populated by beautifully-kept tiny houses with RVs sprinkled in. The grounds are beautifully planted and tended, evoking a feeling of being in a park. The bathhouse rooms are clean, individual rooms and decorated. The swimming pool is large and clubhouse lodge well provisioned. This is what a camping resort should be(but minus the huge fees)! WiFi is standard; we opted for the Pay version and had great connectivity. You will lose cell service~ 20 minutes from the campground.
Starlite is a long-term community that evolved into providing a safe and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ folks looking for a serene mountain experience and this is an exceptional place. If you come with open mind and heart you will feel entirely welcome. My husband and I enjoyed all the people, dogs and kitties we met. We felt so safe and in this setting that we never even locked the RV when we left. Our site(79) was one of two transient camping sites feet away from the creek and a short walk to the lake filled with water lilies. The gravel site has FHU but currently is not level; the hosts have plans to revamp the site and extend the pad.
Follow the websites directions! You do NOT want to venture onto just any road up here, some of the roads are rough. Print directions before leaving home. The shortcut back dirt road between here and Blowing Rock is an adventure for a truck (only); just plan on driving it slow and it’s fine. Shockingly, as we returned from Blowing Rock the long way on Rt 321 our RV GPS program (in RV mode) kept trying to get us to take these mountainous dirt road shortcuts back to the camp. We might well have been stranded if we hadn’t known better.
Main Street Blowing Rock is a boutique shop haven. Great for strolling. Kilwins ice cream and candy shop in Blowing Rock is awesome, as is the spice shop beside it.
From downtown Blowing Rock you can hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway in minutes. South on the BRP you’ll quickly reach Moses Cone and Julian Price parks, both are great places to hike and picnic.
Scout
Great campground. Big private sites, lots of activities for teens. Great hiking right from the campground.
Ranger
This is a gravel road that links up with an OHV area/trailhead/parking lot - there are at least 9 campsites, some on the right and most on the left about 100-200 feet from the creek. Being part of an OHV network, expect a lot of trucks towing bikes, 4x4s, etc. throughout the day/night. Some sites were pretty trashed, but none too far gone. Stayed Sunday night and had an unbothered time. About 20 min from Lenoir.
Scout
Maybe I missed this in the reviews, but all but 1 site were best for tents. I drove in to camp in my car and there was only 1 spot, which is by the creek crossing, and it was already taken. 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. Road wasn’t too bad, only a spot or 2 on the switchback that were probably best for a 4 wheel drive vehicle, but I’m sure most cars would be fine.
Scout
The stay at the cabin with my wife was a true blessing. Amazing atmosphere, quiet and peaceful.
Traveler
Excellent campground. Wonderful staff!
Scout
I showed up after hours on a motorcycle looking for an overnight tent site. They didn't have tent sites available in the after hours check in. Luckily, John, who works maintenance, was near by. He opened up the office, checked me into a tent site and figured out how to give me a military discount even though that is not his job. John saved my night! The tent site was clean, level, grass and water and electric worked great. There was some noise from the interstate but expected in a tent. Restroom and shower facilities were clean and functional. My only staff interaction was with John and he was outstanding in customer service and going over the top to take care of getting me set up. Thank you!
Traveler
My husband and I stayed from the 4th of July to the 7th. The site was nice and level with a beautiful view. It’s a quiet, sleepy campground just perfect for relaxing by a fire. Be aware that only a few sites have septic. Pay attention to the site description. There is no cell phone reception anywhere around until you get to Damascus about 30 minutes away. The office/cafe does has WiFi. It is not park-wide though so plan ahead by downloading your maps and music, etc. The campground is owned and run by a couple who take great care to make sure your stay is pleasant. They have a cafe and small store in the office building. We had breakfast one morning - bacon, egg and cheese biscuit and a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich - made on homemade bread and biscuits. So good! I also got a latte and it was amazing. We stopped in for pizza night and got a homemade pesto pizza. Don’t miss that one! Our camper has a bathroom but the camp bathrooms were incredible. Super clean and well-maintained. If you need diesel, nearly every gas station is gas-only. There is a nice gas station and cafe close by in Whitetop Station that carries diesel and has really good food. We stopped there on our way out and the biscuits and gravy were wonderful. The Virginia Creeper trail head is right around the corner from the entrance to the campground.
Scout
Great place a little bit tight but not bad at all. The layouts are nice, there is a table, fire pit and most places can squeeze 2 tents. They have clean bathrooms and individual showers. It does get quite warm in the summer.
Scout
This place was awesome. Private but well equipped with all the necessities you need. Very pleasant.
Scout
Almost all have shade large % of day. Full hook-ups. No campfires. Extremely clean. Only 20 sites. Walk to trail/river . Great little steakhouse Thursday to weekend. Supplies slim in Fries area. Cvs/Dollar General. Tom, owner is the best.
Guide
Utt’s Campground is the hidden gem of VA! Not a fast paced family resort. But a calm quiet place to sit back, relax, feel the mountain breeze. We love it here. We stayed here from May to November. The monthly rates are super reasonable.
Traveler
The campground, paths, and bathrooms were very clean. Beautiful views at Rock Falls. If we didn't have our dogs with us we would have done hikes longer than 4 miles.
TravelerHost was great, camp site are far enough away from each other some are close enough for couple families together, bathrooms are clean and private beautiful area must try, only wish they had a first come first serve and not just on line reservation
GuideExcellent 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. The campgrounds has pavilions for rent so you can host large parties. The campsites are spacious and spaced fairly evenly apart. The restrooms are in immaculate condition. My only complaint is some of the campsites have great shading while other do not. The site we stayed in did not although surrounded by trees by midafternoon in the middle of June we were cooking like grandma’s chocolate cookies after Sunday service. During the fall or winter months those sites with less shade would really help. I would call the staff and ask in advance. We stayed at site #25
Scout
This place was the first place we stopped along our trip to test out the new camper we just purchased, and this place was so wonderful and fun. We played mini golf, had a view of the lake, and enjoyed a great campfire on our little porch they provided. We truly had so much fun even though we only stayed one night! Can’t wait to come back.
Guide
Our camping trip was excellent, our host was very friendly and communicative. Highly recommended. The view of our site named Crooked Tree # 5 was wonderful. Beautiful night sky with an opening view to the mountains. Excellent parking spot with plenty of room to set up a 3-person tent. Also, delivery of homemade pizza. I recommend the Jalapeno & Cheese.
Guidethere is a lake , I'm guessing it's a public lake due to the fact its outside the campground, I paid for a elec./water site and said if it's in the sun it's a bonus, the picnic table and site and the one above me have sun, however my solar panels do not, now if you want water and elec. you either need a 50' hose or extention cord because they are on opposite ends of the pull through , which I forgot to pay for one that might have been closer to level than a bowling ball. still haven't found the dumpster or a garbage can for that matter , pool is not included , again I'm guessing public.it was entertaining watching a poor fella with 2 young boys walk around for 30 minutes looking for their site, I'm in #41 and if you're so lucky to get thus spot , don't follow the signs telling you where the #'ed sites are because we're next to #53 and not in the 40's at all , we are however right next to the shower room ... I'll update my review after I explore thar situation tonight. it got 2 stars because so far it is peacefull with no other campers around, they probably learned their lesson their first stay too. $75.×× for 2 nights eventhough it says $30 a night. taxes must be killer here in Virginia. if it didn't rain everyday I been here and my batteries weren't hurting so badly I'd of just boondocked it another week in this gorgeous national forest for free. PS. don't bother with firewood on site #41 there's no ring. Update after shower, well I think I got Athletes foot just by looking inside, cold unfinished concrete floor, no mirror no hooks no shelf a very small bench and a trash can and on the floor what I could only describe as a rubber webbed mat you would usually see inside a garage. the water temp was OK for me but i enjoy a cold shower every now and again , there's only 2 settings ...yup on and off couple spiders got to watch me get dysentery but they were friendly. now back at camp enjoying the sweet smell of bathroom. yay. the showers and toilets are individual rooms with a rusty slide latch lock. dirty but I can only speak for the two I went into (the first shower door didn't shut) but I'd assume they're all pretty much the same. Definitely not worth $76
Camping near Purlear, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something to offer.
Camping near Purlear, North Carolina, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a memorable experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Purlear, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Purlear, NC is Blue Bear Mountain Camp with a 4.8-star rating from 24 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Purlear, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 53 tent camping locations near Purlear, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
