Best Campgrounds near Highlands, NC

Camping near Highlands, North Carolina, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds in the area that cater to all types of campers.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. Campers at Cades Cove Campground rave about the nearby hiking opportunities, with one reviewer noting, "The sites were pretty close to each other but the store was convenient and awesome proximity when we biked the loop."
• Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Davidson River Campground mentioned, "Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground."
• Fishing: Enjoy some fishing in the nearby rivers and lakes. Campers at Greenbrier Campground appreciate the access to fishing spots, with one saying, "The river ran close enough to our site that we didn't feel like we needed a premium spot."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground noted, "Campground facilities are clean and very well kept."
• Scenic Views: Campers love the breathtaking views. One visitor at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground said, "The views are amazing."
• Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Vogel State Park Campground offer plenty of activities for kids. A camper mentioned, "The kids had loads of fun playing by the little rivers."

What you should know:

• Crowded Campgrounds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak season. A visitor at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground shared, "It's a very busy campground with close together spaces."
• Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in many areas. A camper at Lake Powhatan mentioned, "We had very little cell service (Verizon)."
• Bear Encounters: Wildlife is abundant, including bears. A camper at Cosby Campground recounted, "An assertive mother bear and her three cubs showed up at dinner time."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. Campers at Greenbrier Campground enjoyed the "bounce houses, multiple playgrounds, and a lazy river with a swimming hole."
• Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. A family at Davidson River Campground found that "the park has a very nice and well-stocked visitor center."
• Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and outdoor activities. A camper at Cades Cove Campground suggested, "Do not forget to remove the drip pan on the Blackstone!!!! Doing so just irritates the bears."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground's site dimensions. A reviewer at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground warned, "A bigger RV may not be able to make the trip."
• Use Dump Stations: Familiarize yourself with dump station locations. A camper at Lake Powhatan appreciated that "dumpsters were within walking distance."
• Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have stores nearby. A visitor at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground mentioned, "There is no camp store for extra supplies, but they do sell ice and plenty of firewood at the gate."

Camping near Highlands, North Carolina, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. With beautiful scenery and plenty of activities, it's a perfect spot for families and adventurers alike.