Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Croatan National Forest, NC is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Croatan National Forest. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Croatan National Forest. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
$30 / night
"There’s a river that runs a long the outside of the campground. Good swimming holes. A store that sells food (the best ice cream), firewood & camping supplies."
"The sites were pretty close to each other but the store was convenient and awesome proximity when we biked the loop. Far drive from all of the other hikes and adventures we did."
$20 / night
"The lake is great for kayaking and swimming, with an easy trail around the perimeter. The gorgeous Cherohala Skyway is very close by (highly recommend!)."
"The surrounding mountains and water were breathtaking. This camp ground is close to the water if you stay in loop A. Just a short walk the water and beach."
$30 / night
"Right outside of Gatlinburg so plenty to do and see if you feel like exploring outside of the park."
"I had the most fantastic campsite right next to the river in Elkmont."
$30 / night
"We were in site 11, nice but next to a group site so a little louder than I like. There are trails near by but I was unable to experience. Bear boxes and trash bins. Centrally located water."
"Way if they beaten path and reservations can ONLY be made online. No cell service no internet for at least ten miles away from camp.. absolutely gorgeous location and rangers keep it clean every day."
"Each has a picnic table, fire pit/grill, and level area for 1-2 tents (a few can accommodate more if you’re ambitious), and lake views (most have lake access if you want to put in a kayak or canoe)."
"There are nine lakeside campsites along a smooth gravel road off of NC-143. Each of the campsites have fire rings and some had picnic tables."
$50 - $94 / night
"There is a camp store with firewood (you are required to buy it from an authorized location!). Nice roomy campsites, but not as much plant cover as at Elkmont in my experience."
"I wanted to see if there was a difference in the camping experience at the two locations."
"Nice lakeside side with good lake views. Park next to site. Toilet facility available, site next to marina on north side. Cellphone service with Verizon ok 1or 2 bars."
"Campsite L8 was one of 30 something dispersed primitive sites scattered around Lake Santeetlah, and it was an amazing place to spend 4 nights."
"This cute little national forest roadside campground is situated in the Nantahala National Forest, just due south of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park."
"It is right off a lake for access to water, (must purify yourself) because we werent close to the purified water. We loved swimming in the lake daily."
"It's an absolutely beautiful lake in the forest. The trees are turning and the sky is blue. Only drawback is the Pine Ridge Rd dispersed camping is along the roadside. Not really private."
"There are a handful of Lots located right along the lake with a beautiful view of the mountains in the distance."
"But driving a stake more than 4 inches is almost impossible. There are very few trees actually on sites for hammock campers."
"The best way to experience Fontana Lake is to kayak to the north side which is the border for the great Smoky Mountain National Park. You can park and put in at the marina and pack in food and water."
ScoutIt is an absolutely beautiful campground with an awesome club house and a ton to do. The pool and lazy river are heated. Honestly though you really need to want to splurge to justify staying here because you are still camping if that makes sense.
Also the trolley “system” is super confusing and the front desk knows nothing about it lol
Our site is great. It is right across the road from the playground without having to pay for a family site.
LegendThis is one of the quietest campgrounds I’ve stayed at. Sites are nestled in the woods in a cove in the Smokies. No cell service. No internet. No cable tv. Just peace and quiet! This is a national park campgrounds, so no water, electric or hookups. There is a dump station and modern bathrooms. Cold water showers. There is a camp store with basics. There is a lot of traffic especially on weekends with visitors driving the scenic Cades Cove Loop Road.
TravelerOverall a positive experience. We stayed in the tent camping area. Absolutely beautiful site with a wonderful river view, but be aware that the direct river bank is considered common area including day use so it had a lot of traffic while we were there. The staff was very helpful and friendly. Being a holiday weekend it was very crowded and very noisy, including a few neighbors without regards to quiet hours. Overall the facilities including bath house are were very nice though I believe the large crowds caused issues with the crew being able to keep up with keeping them clean. The location is very convenient to Townsend and we rode bikes out to explore and get food in the evening. We would definitely go back just probably not on a holiday weekend.
TravelerThis is by far my favorite place we’ve been off grid camping. It’s more Jeep friendly than full size vehicles, to get a spot down by the creek. But it is possible to get a full size 4*4 truck down the switch back.
TravelerPersimmon Creek is a beautiful and peaceful place. The owner is very friendly and helpful. It is centrally located to some great attractions.
GuideLovely campground on the river and close to amenities. Biking, hiking, tubing, swimming. My favorite experience here has been the pavilion prayer and fellowship on Sunday mornings hosted by Charm ministry volunteers. Very casual with lots of singing and great conversation in a very positive and welcoming atmosphere. The bathrooms and showers were kept very clean as well as the laundry and pool area. The camp hosts were very helpful and work hard to keep the above clean. The campground offers a 50% discount on a 28-day stay which I took advantage of. They allowed me to stay an extra 28 days due to my dog passing away so I could wait for his remains. They were very understanding, thoughtful and gracious during this sad time for me and I am very grateful to the management and hosts for the time, space and respect they extended to me July & August.
TravelerThis campground is great. The hosts/camp store workers are so nice. This site is big and has easy walk-in access to water for swimming or fishing. **Only weird thing is the hookups are on the opposite side of the site. Take a 50 ft water hose and a 30 amp extension - ours was 50 ft but I think a 30 ft would work. **
TravelerBathrooms always clean. It’s pretty family friendly with adult supervision. Great views and scenery. Swimming lake.
ScoutSo peaceful and accommodated our 34” trailer and 2500
Camping near Croatan National Forest, North Carolina, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.
Camping near Croatan National Forest, North Carolina, has something for everyone. With beautiful scenery, friendly staff, and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot for your next outdoor adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Croatan National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, Croatan National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 724 campgrounds and RV parks near Croatan National Forest and 52 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Croatan National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Croatan National Forest is Cades Cove Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 98 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Croatan National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 52 free dispersed camping spots near Croatan National Forest.
What parks are near Croatan National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 parks near Croatan National Forest that allow camping, notably Tusquitee National Forest and Nantahala National Forest.
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