14 campgrounds with availability this weekend
State parks and national forests surrounding Hickory, North Carolina offer tent campsites ranging from backcountry hike-in spots to developed sites with flush toilets and showers, all within an hour's drive. South Mountains State Park, located 30 miles southeast of Hickory, offers backcountry tent camping at Little River and Upper Falls campgrounds. Crowders Mountain State Park, about 45 miles southeast, features walk-in tent-only sites accessible via a one-mile hike. Mortimer Campground in Pisgah National Forest lies northwest of Hickory, providing primitive tent camping along creek beds with nearby waterfall access.
Most tent campgrounds near Hickory require some preparation for basic conditions. Sites typically feature dirt or gravel tent pads with minimal grading. Backcountry locations like Little River require a 1.5-mile hike with 600 feet of elevation gain to reach the campground. Water sources vary significantly, with many primitive sites requiring campers to filter water from nearby creeks. Pit toilets are standard at most backcountry locations, while some developed tent campgrounds offer flush toilets and shower facilities. Bear boxes are available at several South Mountains State Park sites, addressing wildlife concerns in the region.
In early spring and fall, tent campers experience fewer crowds and more comfortable temperatures at higher elevations. According to reviews, South Mountains State Park's backcountry sites remain "quiet and well-kept even on Memorial Day weekend" when day-use areas become congested. One camper noted that Crowders Mountain's walk-in tent sites provide "very private" camping despite being only a mile from parking. At Mortimer Campground, the five walk-in tent sites near the entrance offer more privacy than the drive-in area. Tent campers frequently use these locations as base camps for day hikes, with many sites positioned near streams that provide both water sources and natural white noise for sleeping. Hickory's surrounding tent campgrounds are particularly popular for weekend getaways, offering scenic natural settings for traditional camping experiences.
"Jacob Branch: Three sites arranged around a clearing. Two pit privies and a BEAR BOX! Woot!!"
"The hikes near the falls were quite busy on Memorial Day weekend, but the backcountry campsites were quiet and well-kept."
from $17 / night
"I went up the vertical mile trail to get to the upper campsite, it was dry, beautiful and not too steep of a hike"
from $13 / night
from $17 / night
"Location is private and secluded, yet within reasonable driving distance to stores and other attractions like hiking/biking/kayaking."
from $25 - $190 / night
from $25 - $50 / 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."
from $20 - $30 / night
"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."
"This is a hike in campground so we were in a hurry. The campground had lockers with firewood and you could leave the money in the envelope at the trailhead."
"I visited Crowders Mountain in December, and the weather only required a sweatshirt. My brother and I spent the day rock climbing."
Available this weekend
from $17 - $47 / night
"It offers RV, drive in and hike in tent sites and also teepee camping."
"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."
from $25 - $136 / night
"What a magical experience floating in the trees surrounded by fire flies! Elizabeth and Mark were exceptional hosts. There is so much to do on property, and they are working on more!"
from $40 - $200 / night
GuideDriving 14 1/2 hrs I was cooked called and had the most easiest booking. There was a sites available so I booked it. Needless to say I got there in the dark and a kind person helped me to my site and got me backed in. Soo exhausted I hooked up electric only hit the bed passed out
GuideSeems to be a well established campground in an off the beaten path location. Roads alternately paved and gravel. The campsite is gravel in a wooded setting. Fair amount of space between sites. The bathhouse is clean but dated.
TravelerIt’s a small, clean campground but we are next to a busy road (site 28) and also the entrance to the public access of Moss Lake. It’s a tight squeeze for us as a 33’ fifth wheel.
TravelerNice spot right on the river..Camp store & staff seem friendly & helpful-especially Sonny & Joshua.
GuideTight fit, we stayed here with our 20ft trailer and it is a little tight. The site was at a slight angle and I noticed a lot of sites are the same way. Plus side is there is a security gate with code entry. Easy access to lake. Good clean boathouse and nice full hookups.
GuideThe campground was full but very quiet. The campers are stacked into the hillside and are very close to each other, but it was still a peaceful overnight experience. The office staff were friendly and the restrooms and showers were clean and always stocked. It’s nice that it feels like it’s out in the mountain countryside, but is just right outside of downtown. A great place to stay if you’re coming in for an ASU home game.
GuideI'm kinda biased about national park campgrounds because I'm an NPS employee. The Parkway is Awesome and the campgrounds are great. They don't have hookups or showers in the bath houses but the peace and quiet is incredible. We spent 5 nights on the blue ridge parkway and Shenandoah skyline drive. Great trip. Love the National Parks!!!
TravelerNice campground but getting in is treacherous. Don’t come up NC 226 it unfriendly for RVS . About 1 mile to the campground the road is horrible and will beat you and your rig half to death. The swimming lake is more like a mud hole then a lake and the game room machines wont take your money and the pool table is missing the cue ball and chalk. Overall I will not be coming back.
ScoutCampsites are great and the host will go out of his way to ensure you're having a great stay. Highly recommend
Tent camping options around Hickory, North Carolina extend beyond state parks into national forest lands at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 feet. The area's mixed hardwood forests create seasonal camping considerations, with oak and hickory trees providing dense shade in summer months while offering colorful backdrops during fall camping seasons. Water availability varies dramatically between developed and primitive sites, with backcountry campers often needing to carry all necessary water or rely on filtration systems.
Waterfall exploration: 0.5-mile hike from Mortimer Campground leads to Thorps Creek Falls, perfect for summer swimming. "Beautiful, clean grounds with access to a 1/2 mile round trip hike to a waterfall on the property! Definitely plan ahead on provisioning bc it's about 45 mins drive into the national forrest," notes camper Tanner G. at Mortimer Campground.
Rock climbing: Beginner routes available at Crowders Mountain State Park. "My brother and I spent the day rock climbing. It was his first time climbing, and we were able to set up some beginner-friendly routes," shares Les R. at Crowders Mountain State Park Campground.
Gem mining: Day trip opportunities in Hiddenite, known for gemstones including emeralds and sapphires. "The campground is close to its namesake town of Hiddenite, which is a famous gem mining area known for gemstones such as hiddenite (spodumene), emeralds, sapphires, etc.," explains camper Myron C.
Creek hopping and swimming: Several campgrounds offer natural water features. "Lots of places to play on the river, rock hopping or swimming around the Jacob Fork Parking area," writes Danielle T. from Little River Backcountry Campground.
Natural sound barriers: Creek-adjacent sites provide ambient noise for sleeping. "Many of the campsites are situated along Thorps Creek, so the sound of the creek can lull you to sleep," notes Chad K. at Mortimer Campground.
Wildlife preparation: Some campsites provide dedicated storage solutions. "The pit toilet had plenty of TP when we were there, and there was a central bear bin for use by all campers," reports Danielle T. about Little River campground.
Cooler temperatures: Higher elevation sites offer relief from summer heat. "The elevation is high so weather is nice for those trying to escape the summer heat," explains Kristen J. at Blue Bear Mountain Camp.
Winter camping options: Some areas remain accessible during colder months. "Upper Falls Campground is amazing during winter," according to Austin W. who visited Upper Falls Backcountry Campground.
Access challenges: Many campgrounds require significant travel on unpaved roads. "9 miles, minimum, of dirt roads getting in, so pack accordingly. Quick trips don't happen," warns Clementine K. about Mortimer Campground.
Varying hike-in distances: Walk-in sites range from 0.5 to 1.5 miles. "It isnt a rugged hike, but you must be prepared to pack everything in," explains Janet R. about Crowders Mountain State Park Campground.
Water source planning: Available water varies by location. "From the Little River campground, the closest water source is a creek 0.6 miles (1.2 miles round trip) away- filter it- the walk back to camp is a steep uphill," advises Danielle T.
Variable weather conditions: Mountain locations can experience rapid changes. "This is a wet area, but the rocket stove will give you a fire no matter what," notes LaRee S. at Self Sufficient Holler.
Beginner-friendly terrain: Look for flatter trails with natural features. "The terrain is also flat and easy to hike through, making it a good long trail for beginners or children," suggests Jolie L. about Boone Fork Campground.
Swimming access considerations: Some water access points require steep descents. "We tried swimming at the base of Thorp's Creek Falls here, but the cray fish chased us out," cautions Tony E. at Mortimer Campground.
Site selection for privacy: Choose walk-in sites away from main traffic areas. "The 5 upfront are walk in, and more private. The about to be 12 in the back are pull in and much closer together," advises Clementine K.
Campground layout knowledge: Understanding site arrangements helps family planning. "There are actually two campgrounds, one with large group sites, and one with individual and family campsites," explains Janet R. about Crowders Mountain.
Water fill planning: Some sites lack direct hookups but provide central water stations. "They do not have water hookups- you fill your camper tank with water at the office area," explains Mandy R. at Blue Bear Mountain Camp.
Size restrictions: Mountain roads limit RV size at many campgrounds. "The state maintained gravel road used to access campground was narrow and would be difficult to get a large camper up there, although there were lots of large ones there," notes Kristen J.
RV-appropriate site selection: Certain campgrounds offer better pull-in options. "A small trailer would fit, nothing big. No W/E/S but great place," advises Cody B. at Mortimer Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best season for tent camping in Hickory, North Carolina?
Spring through fall offers the best tent camping weather in the Hickory area. Basin Cove — Blue Ridge Parkway is particularly pleasant during these seasons, with its creek access and natural setting. Water pumps may not function in winter months. Late spring brings comfortable temperatures and blooming vegetation, while summer provides longer days for outdoor activities. Fall delivers spectacular foliage but requires warmer sleeping gear. At Self Sufficient Holler, campers enjoy magical experiences with fireflies during summer months. Winter camping is possible but less common; some campers report requiring only a sweatshirt during mild December days, though this varies significantly year to year.
What amenities are available at Hickory, NC tent camping sites?
Tent campsites near Hickory offer varying levels of amenities. Lake Curriher Wilderness provides ADA-accessible tent sites, with regular tent areas in an open field setting. The park features cabins as well as remote lakeside camping options. At Mortimer Campground — National Forests In North Carolina, you'll find both walk-in sites (more private) and pull-in sites, two shower houses, fire rings, and an on-site host during the camping season. Many campgrounds in the region offer basic facilities like picnic tables, fire pits, and pit toilets, while others include water access, bear boxes, and established tent pads.
Where are the best tent campgrounds near Hickory, NC?
The Hickory area offers excellent tent camping options within a short drive. Crowders Mountain State Park Campground features walk-in tent sites about a mile from the parking area, offering a peaceful experience away from crowds. The park is popular for rock climbing and hiking. For a more secluded backcountry experience, Little River Backcountry Campground — South Mountains State Park provides tent sites arranged around a clearing with pit privies and bear boxes. While the ground can be challenging for tent setup due to roots and slopes, the natural setting more than compensates for this minor inconvenience.
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