Searching for the best camping near Shelby, NC? Shelby is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Shelby camping trip.
Tent camping only - No RV spaces. All campsites at Crowders Mountain State Park are hike-in and primitive. Campground is accessed via a 1 mile trail starting from the visitor center.
Set right off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 324.8, among the breathtaking Blue Ridge and Black Mountains and nestled in the Pisgah National Forest, Spacious Skies Bear Den is your mountain adventure destination!
While most of our sites are full hook-up, we have water/electric spots for a more rustic camping experience or for our tent campers. We also offer cabins in an array of sizes and with varied amenities, ensuring we have the perfect spot that meets each family or group’s needs.
When you arrive at your site or cabin, breathe in the serene beauty of the Pisgah National Forest, of which Spacious Skies Bear Den is a part. Leave your stress behind as you explore 13 miles of wooded hiking trails, some leading to waterfalls on the park grounds. Playgrounds, a rec hall, arcade, basketball, volleyball, and a swimming lake with a separate fishing area will keep campers of all ages occupied. A camp store stocked with necessities and treats alike, bathhouses, laundry on-site and WiFi all bring the comforts of home to your campsite.
We are proud to announce our partnership with Black Folks Camp Too and are now the first “unity blaze certified” collection of private campgrounds!
Being Unity Blaze Certified confirms that all 15 of our campgrounds and our team are committed to making sure all campers know “You are Invited and Welcomed” — the Unity Blaze motto. While Spacious Skies has always firmly held this belief, we wanted to go one step further in partnering with BFCT to make sure all campground staff completed the Unity Blaze training program.
Please navigate to our website for up to date information regarding our amenities.
$25 - $999 / night
Lake Norman State Park, on the largest manmade lake in North Carolina, boasts one of the region’s more popular mountain biking network, offering 30.5 miles of single-track trail. Nearby are a 125-yard-long swim beach and bathhouse complex as well as a boat ramp and opportunities for fishing from spots along park trails. Lake Norman campground with 32-sites and a group campground are available during warm-weather months, and a community building with kitchen facilities, restrooms and fireplace can be rented for family and group events year round. Free interpretive programs are complemented by educational exhibits throughout the visitor center and along the child-friendly Dragonfly Trail.
$26 / night
Limited to adults 18 and up; 9 acres of dog parks.
Blending the beauty of the blue-colored, tree-filled mountains in the distance with a full array of fun amenities on the grounds, Spacious Skies Hidden Creek is the perfect place for your family’s next camping adventure! Just outside the town of Marion, “where main street meets the mountains”, we are situated right at western North Carolina’s gateway to the Blue Ridge mountain range, an area renowned for the many offerings for all lovers of the great outdoors. Make your way through the forested drive to enter the grounds where you’ll find a campground wonderland for all to enjoy!
We offer full hook-up sites as well as water and electric only sites, and for a more rustic camping experience or for our tent campers, our sites up on the ridge look out over a valley where the views are unmatched. We have cabins that are available in a variety of sizes and with differing amenities, ensuring we have the perfect spot that meets each family or group’s needs. Enjoy the many mountain views, our signature hidden creek, and come fish our stocked lake. Let loose with our many forms of onsite entertainment, featuring a pool complex, hillside waterslide, playground, arcade, mini-golf, gem-mining, and more. A fully-stocked camp store, 24-hour laundry facility, golf cart rentals, and café offering lots of goodies and treats round out your stay at Spacious Skies Hidden Creek.
We are proud to announce our partnership with Black Folks Camp Too and are now the first “unity blaze certified” collection of private campgrounds!
Being Unity Blaze Certified confirms that all 15 of our campgrounds and our team are committed to making sure all campers know “You are Invited and Welcomed” — the Unity Blaze motto. While Spacious Skies has always firmly held this belief, we wanted to go one step further in partnering with BFCT to make sure all campground staff completed the Unity Blaze training program.
Please navigate to our website for up to date information regarding our amenities.
$24 - $195 / night
Come enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends in the rolling hills of Western North Carolina at Emberglow Outdoor Resort. We’ve assembled one-of-a-kind lodging options on 72 acres in a beautiful private valley, complete with spring-fed creeks and a night sky of a billion stars. We’re conveniently situated between Asheville, Charlotte, Greenville, and Columbia. At Emberglow, you can play outside on your own terms, limit your travel time, and disconnect from the daily hamster wheel. It is our mission to deliver to our guests an exceptional place to enjoy the great outdoors with a variety of comfortable lodging options.
$40 - $350 / night
Whatever your lodging needs, this Carowinds camp wilderness delivers. Cabins sleep up to 8, and level sites with full hookups easily accommodate both pop-ups and RVs up to 45 feet. Need to house a large group? Great Wilderness Lodge sleeps 14 and offers a large meeting area, equipped kitchen, three bathrooms, and a wraparound, rocking-chair porch.
Everyone will find their own way to unwind with a swimming pool, cornhole, pool table, video games, shuffleboard and free wireless internet in many places. What’s more, registered Camp Wilderness guests can purchase discounted tickets and free shuttle service to the park during park operating days.
We took the grandkids to the Bostic, NC Jellystone in mid-July. They had a fabulous time. The RV site we had was #408. It was perfectly level and roomy with trees behind us. The bathrooms/showers are modern and spotless. We could only get a two night reservation, but that was enough. The kids (10 and 11) played so hard they were exhausted. It's a huge park with a system of golf cart trails that connect everything. The kids thought that was as exciting as the water park and the swimming pond. After having been there - I'd say a golf cart rental is a requirement. Despite the nearly 100 degree temps, the staff and other campers were cheerful and friendly. The kids made several friends. We didn't have time to do the crafts, but they looked fun. They loved the rollercoaster and minigolf. It's a good idea to bring your own food, as the options there aren't well-rated and expensive, but the ice cream was great. The only disappointment was that we couldn't stay longer.
I stayed October 2022. My first time at this site. At that time, it wasn't under new ownership yet. The staff was very accommodating and friendly. There was some renovations being done. But, all in all, I found it to be clean and stocked. Looking forward to my next visit.
We stayed for memorial day weekend in one of the rvs they had for rent. Had such a great time I went and bought a camper and have plans to go back already! My husky had a blast, as did the humans.
I honestly love this park. It is my favorite TT park. The staff is friendly and helpful, the annuals mind their business, and the other campers are friendly. I work from home and the internet is iffy, I had to buy the campground internet and then use an antenna to make it strong enough to work, but hey, that's camping for you. The water pressure is low, so we just filled our tanks so we had enough water pressure for our tank less water heater. We are parked right on a creek and love sitting out here at night. So many things to do here as well. This is a great park and I cannot wait to return.
Tried to camp here, but it’s closed for the next year.
Beautiful RV sites in wooded area along Catawba Creek. Old Fort, NC and Falls nearby. Nice bathhouse, pump-out nearby. Diverse tent camping also available. Don’t let full time rv’s scare you. New RV site down from the entrance.
Foothills was great clean grounds friendly guest great views pleasant atmosphere and privacy when needed I defiantly will be back thanks everyone and staff.
Excellent management. Clean park.
Poorly maintained , old leaves and limbs everywhere. The long term campers are filthy, trashy and encroaching on the grass areas of other sites. Too many vehicles per site, loud vehicles and unsafe driving speeds. No presence of management.
Super place, super staff. Kevin the manager and Diane the host are awesome people with plenty of knowledge of the area. The road into the facility (FR 472) turns into a gravel road for the last mile or so with a few small potholes but nothing terrible, we had no problems getting there in a 30' class a RV . Just make sure when you get to the fork in the road STAY TO THE RIGHT! The road on the left is Neil Creek road (which btw has some really nice dispersed camp sites) but if you have a bigger rig and go up that road you will hate life... It twists then gets steep and only a couple places to make a 180. No cell service whatsoever even with a booster... If you walk a 1/4 mile out the gravel road by the 1st A frame house you can get a signal there. The showers have plenty of hot water and are clean. The place is a bear super highway so they take policing your food and garbage very seriously. There are an abundance of hiking trails accessible from the site and are well kept... S
Toe River has some beautiful spots to take a dip if you can handle the cold water.
On 8/25/23 - 8/27/23, WE went camping for the first time this year and left early that sunday morning. Which turned into a nightmare for my family on the following Monday 8/28/23 we had a social worker come out to investigate my family due to steel creek making a HUGE mix up on giving the wrong site number and wrong information to dss. AND All Steel Creek had to say was they are sorry!! Our life was turned upside down for over two weeks due to Steel Creek giving out wrong information. Shouldn't Steel Creek make sure they give the right information to a department like child protective services? The case was eventually closed because we were the wrong family, but now dss says it will always be on my husband's record with them that he was investigated for child abuse even when we were the wrong family to start with! a weekend that was supposed to be a nice and relaxing vacation turned into my husband having to lose time at work, lawyer fees, and emotional distress for my family. My husband tried to contact Steel Creek after everything was over, but they are screening his calls and staying silent on this situation. The very least they could have done was offer a refund of our stay if not more for everything steel creek has put us through. All of this was due to Steel Creek giving wrong information to the Department of Social Services! Be very aware because this can happen to you! This could be your information given next! I've been going to steel creek since I was a little girl and I'll never go back or recommend this camp ground to anyone and will always tell my story of the wrong steel creek camp ground has put us through especially since the owner Joey has not even reached out to my husband for the trouble his camp ground has caused my family! A little business suggestion for you if at any time a department like social services is calling you for information, you need to make sure yourself and / or your employees are giving out the right information. And to your employees who give false information should be fired! This was an awful situation this camp ground put us in! SHAME ON YOU, STEEL CREEK!
On another note our site was also full of dog crap, people who stay here with dogs are supposed to clean up after them and 90% of them never do so just know if you do choose to stay at this campground have plans on dodging dog crap during your stay. If it's not dog crap you will hear of the many dogs barking the whole time during your stay, which is annoying when you are trying to relax with your family.
Super nice park, lots of kids around when we stayed so our kids had lots of new friends to play with. One even set up a lemonade stand. Neighbors are helpful and kind, the first back in sites are roomy but not too far away from neighbors. We’re happy we chose to back in versus pull through, those sites look pretty packed in and in the open sun. Laundry on site was limited but the machines work great and they have an app to let you know when more are available/when your load is done. Parks were well kept for the kids, and there’s even a scavenger hunt set up in the permanent residence lots for kiddos. The pond was nice, but full of shy fish.
Only real cons are there are lots of flies around and the creek is filled with granite so the kids tracked sand and “glitter” in the truck and trailer.
As a beginner too RV camping, this location was an excellent beginning. The campground host were courteous and friendly and they assisted me in backing in my trailer. The bath house was an unexpected luxury and was immaculately maintained through the park service. Lastly, it’s in a beautiful area with a lot of available outdoor activities.
I came on a Sat in August for First Come First Serve (yeah, not the best plan) and they were just taking the "We are Full' sign down to say they had two sites. One was right across from the welcome hut. I took the other and it was lovely. This campground is VERY shady and has water and bathrooms and showers that are well maintained. There are wonderful sites for families big and small around the central "soccer" field and sites for small-medium trailers and tents and camper vans in "Bear Alley" around the outside. One or two pull in sites for bigger rigs.
I'd come First Come First serve on a Sunday night or Monday night and scope out sites that would be best for you. You pay extra for the access to wonderful hiking trails, the deep Forest feel, and did I mention SHOWERS? It is pretty remote and off a long dirt road off route 80. You don't need a 4x4 but it's a slow careful drive .... and you are NOT going to want to take day trips to Burnsville or Marion. Plan to stay and bring what you need. Bring that bug spray and screen tent.
Campground has decent amenities, sites are small and on top of each other. Bathrooms and showers leave a lot to be desired. My site is not what was pictured on the website, and I paid to reserve it, so buyer beware. Camp store is decent, and playground is nice. River swimming is the real attraction, and to my kids it was worth it.
We stopped for one night along a road trip. Bathrooms were fantastic, site was paved and level, rangers rode through and did our check-in at our site for us.
Nice area. Easy check-in. Easy river access
I found my happy place here at Hippie Holler! No kids or loud obnoxious other campers, felt at home, safe,understood and able to relax completely. Hidden Gem for the neurodivergants and chill seekers. Cool solar lights made it trippy ful lol
stayed here for 3 nights.my spot was in the woods tight spot for 42 ft trailer and no area next to the camper to sit unless you want to fall back from the steep grade .
lake was very pretty and very busy . if you don't own a boat there is not much to do. I. thought it was very noisy and crowded.
This is our first time ever camping and this place feels like home away from home and everyone here is very friendly.
From the moment we arrived at the campground the manager "Larry" ( a workamper) signed us in, show us our site on Wagging Tail Dr. We arrived on their opening weekend the Owners provided BBQ meal and live music "Jose Wales" band. It was a wonderful time. As for the "Dog Retreat part - 18 acres of wonder open areas fenced in to keep you furry friends from running away, there is agility park, puppy park, the main dog park, a private park (single or you can invite), a Lure run, a Ball Park, and a Pond for those watery dogs.
Price for Fire wood - a little expensive and 10 lbs of Ice was reasonable. There are fully fenced sites, a couple of sites with a fenced area. The larges rig I saw in there was a Solitude at 38 ft.
Over all, if you want the peace and quiet in the North Carolina foot hills with your furry friend and have a good time. This is the place to be.
One other note: It is the only park in NC that is a dedicated dog campground.
Ashley here with The Dyrt. This campground has new features and activities! Check them out and leave them some love.
Beautiful quiet peaceful
I am curious about why the listing states that the campground is closed. I am writing this from my campsite in the campground! It closes on Christmas day, but as far as I know, that is the only day of the year when it closes.
The campground is in a forest on the shores of Lake Norman. Well maintained hiking trails branch out from the campground. RV sites are paved, with a picnic table and fire ring on a compacted gravel base next to each site.
Sites and facilities are very well maintained. I made an off-hand comment to a staff member about drainage at our site, and the next time we visited, the problem had been satisfactorily addressed.
Very friendly and accommodating. I called the campground office just prior to arrival, to see if they were open this time of year, and check site availability. The (I assume owner) was very friendly and stayed in the office past closing hours for my arrival. Had choice of multiple sites.
Truly a dog-oriented campground, there are tons of activities and plenty of room to roam for the dogs.
No camper? No problem. They have campers, yurts and tiny cabins for rent.
Everyone is extremely nice and the grounds and facilities (bathrooms, laundry, dog wash, etc) are very clean.
We were traveling form ma to SC. I needed a place to rest for the night and we went here. Unfortunately during the night or cat got out and we didn't realize it until morning. The staff there went out of there way to look for our cat unfortunately we didn't find him. We are grateful for all they did including a couple of free nights so we could continue to look for our cat
Camping near Shelby, North Carolina, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From family-friendly activities to serene nature spots, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.
Camping around Shelby, NC, offers a mix of fun, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you're with family or exploring solo, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Shelby, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Shelby, NC is Crowders Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Shelby, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 31 glamping camping locations near Shelby, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
