3 MONTHS FREEPlan your North Carolina trip with offline maps, RV Trip Planner, and the Free Camping Map.Try PRO
Try PRO free for 3 months
The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Get the app

Tent Camping near Swannanoa, NC

13 campgrounds with availability this weekend

Search destinations
    Add dates

    Pisgah National Forest surrounding Swannanoa, North Carolina offers 82 tent campsites ranging from primitive backcountry sites to campgrounds with water and fire rings. Tent camping near Swannanoa spans walk-in sites with drinking water and fire rings to fully dispersed backcountry locations, giving tent campers a broad range of options across the region. Tent-only camping areas like Pisgah National Forest Dispersed sites provide primitive experiences with minimal amenities, while established options such as Briar Bottom Group Campground (open April 8 to October 30) offer more facilities for tent campers. Paradise Ridge Permaculture and Maple Camp Bald feature walk-in tent sites with drinking water and fire rings, providing a balance between accessibility and wilderness experience. Celtic Camp, located about 20 miles northwest of Swannanoa, offers tent-specific sites with basic amenities in a natural setting.

    Most tent campsites in the region feature dirt or gravel pads with varying degrees of levelness. Walk-in sites typically require carrying gear between 100-500 feet from parking areas, with some backcountry locations requiring more substantial hikes. Fire rings are common at established sites, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply during dry periods. Bear activity is prevalent throughout the region, requiring proper food storage in vehicles or bear boxes where provided. Vault toilets are available at most established campgrounds, while dispersed camping areas require following Leave No Trace principles. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most locations, particularly in valley areas and deeper forest settings.

    Tent campers frequently comment on the privacy and natural setting of sites in this region. According to reviews, Cosby Campground in nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers "heavily wooded sites that lend themselves nicely to hammock camping," with "the sounds of the creek audible from your tent." One visitor to a backcountry site noted that "the sites are well-spaced so we did not see other campers," highlighting the seclusion available at primitive tent camping locations. Spring and fall provide the most comfortable temperatures for tent camping, with summer bringing occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Most tent-only areas connect directly to hiking trails, allowing campers to explore directly from their sites without driving to trailheads.

    Best Tent Campgrounds near Swannanoa (92)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Pisgah National Forest Dispersed

      4.3(13)12mi from SwannanoaTents

      "Definitely some disrespectful neighbors but sites aren't closely packed. Get there early as possible as people can post up for a week there. Great launch pad for hiking and mountain biking."

      "It wasn't officially designated but it was used as a campsite. You'll need four wheel drive to get in and out of it though."

      2. Paradise Ridge Permaculture

      4.3(3)4mi from Swannanoa3 sitesTents

      "I have cleaned out about an acre for tent or hammock camping, another acre for shared areas, and the pasture has about an acre wide open for dogs, horses or other well mannered animals."

      "She showed us around the grounds which has horses, pigs, chickens, a natural spring, and fruits/vegetables/mushrooms growing around the property."

      Available this weekend

      from $20 - $30 / night

      Check Availability

      3. Sage Nesbitt Farm

      5.0(2)5mi from Swannanoa2 sitesTents, Cabins

      "Happy to welcome this new listing to our platform. Check them out, and come back here to leave them some love!"

      "Plenty of fire wood! I actually want to come back in the next month now that I’m seeing this again!"

      from $120 - $35 / night

      Check Availability

      4. Maple Camp Bald

      5.0(3)15mi from SwannanoaTents

      "A little below where we set up camp, we found a natural spring for water and theres a decent amount of firewood around. We parked at the top of Mt."

      "It’s a 6 mile hike up Maple Camp Ridge on trail 191 (Buncombe Horse Range) starting from a small parking lot close to Carolina Hemlocks Campground."

      Check Availability

      5. Briar Bottom Group Campground

      5.0(2)14mi from Swannanoa6 sitesTents

      "Briar Bottom Campground is located in the heart of Pisgah National Forest, close to several hiking trails."

      "Bathrooms are shared with other group sites. Outdoor spicier at every site along with picnic tables under shelter and a campfire ring. Great spot to take the family. We went for 6 years straight."

      Campground full this weekend

      Get a text when available

      from $125 / night

      Check Availability

      6. Hot Springs Campground

      4.4(29)31mi from SwannanoaRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Situated along the beautiful French Broad River."

      "Beautiful campground with great campstore right at the entrance that sells everything. Large campsites with great privacy foliage, picnic tables, & fire rings."

      Check Availability

      7. Celtic Camp

      5.0(2)18mi from SwannanoaTents

      from $10 / night

      8. Mila's Bunny Farm

      5.0(1)16mi from Swannanoa3 sitesTents, Glamping

      "Mila's Bunny Farm has a secluded tent site for those looking for a nice escape to this beautiful area.  Check them out and share some pics from your stay!"

      from $40 - $75 / night

      Check Availability

      9. Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

      4.5(71)47mi from Swannanoa160 sitesTents

      "Cosby is a small town about a 45 minute easy drive from Gatlinburg. Heavily wooded, lends itself nicely to hammock camping."

      "Most of the sites are better suited to tent campers, though a few of them are designated RV sites offering a back-in parking pad."

      from $50 / night

      Check Availability

      10. Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

      4.8(9)27mi from SwannanoaTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "As other reviews have said, this campground is in a lovely location, right on a small creek/river. The grounds are well maintained and grass covered for the most part."

      "Me and my party of 6 stumbled upon this Gem after we had made reservations at another site that was extremely sketchy on Labor Day weekend so we called around and heard BRMC had some space."

      from $15 - $50 / night

      Check Availability
    View all 92 campgrounds

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Presented byLifeStraw

    Review campgrounds, win gear.

    Enter to Win

    Swannanoa Contest

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time

    Recent Tent Camping Photos near Swannanoa, NC

    158 Photos of 92 Swannanoa Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Tent Camping Reviews near Swannanoa, NC

    1779 Reviews of 92 Swannanoa Campgrounds

    • CThe Dyrt Pro User
      Nov. 4, 2026

      Rutledge Lake RV Resort

      This is almost a perfect park. Sites are a little tight, pond is nice, but geese were on another level. So loud at 3-5am it woke us up and kept us up. Our neighbors were also inconsiderately loud at 4-6am. We thought they were pulling out the first time and gave a pass, but it was 4 straight days. This was only place at the time time that had sites. Definitely pretty more scenic parks. We book 2 days out. Staff is super friendly and price wasn’t bad last minute.

    • NThe Dyrt Pro User
      Nov. 2, 2026

      Avery Creek Roadside Camping

      We were probably lucky, but we drove in on a Monday and found a nice site with the creek/stream burbling in the background. Yes, there is dirt entrance/road and traffic, but not much and way quieter than family campgrounds. This site is my perfect idea of an amazing free off grid camping spot.

    • Windy W.
      Oct. 23, 2026

      Doe River Landing

      Beautiful Place, Ugly host, Oct 2026

      Let me first start by saying that this campground is absolutely beautiful. I have lived in this area my entire life and the Doe is one of my favorites. I am a avid camper and have camped all over this area. I decided to give this place a try, I own a small pop-up camper and knew it was going to get cold 10/20/2026-10/22/2026, so me and my sister rented the RV at Doe River. #1 check in is not until 3pm, I always order a load of wood from a local guy who delivers to camp sites, I do all my cooking in a Dutch oven over the fire or burgers and dogs in the fire, what is a camping trip without a nice warm fire. The owner came over to my campsite and asked if I had ordered this wood and I replied yes, she then asked what I was going to do with it all, I replied I am going to burn it. So, I told Carl (the wood guy) where to stack it, the owner then said that I need to leave it in my truck bc if I didn't use it all I would have to put it back on my truck and take it home with me, I said really? It's just a unspoken rule that if you don't use all your wood that you pay it forward and leave it for the next camper?? She said absolutely not, So we moved the wood from his truck and into mine. She then asked again why I needed so much wood and that most ppl just buy small bundles from her. And just like that I understood! Carl the wood man and his wife also made a comment about how rude she was about the wood. It does not end there, Not only does she have camaras on some of the out blds which I get, but I don't get why they are pointing directly at camp sites, We felt like we were in a fish bowl the entire time. Every single time we went to the bathroom she showed up abt 5 mins later, There is a camara right above the bathroom door, One on the pavilion, and one on each side of the bathhouse, at the entrances and who know where else. So much for privacy in the great outdoors. I didn't even feel comfortable hiking, we felt like we were being watched constantly. She was constantly there, walking her dog which was not friendly and so big she could hardly control him on the leash which was really scary, she also was driving through several times throughout the day. Then came the kicker, about 1 o'clock in the morning we were freezing, I had turned the heat on in the camper before going to bed and heard it come on, Well the propane ran out between 11pm and 1am, I called her at least 10 times we had every blanket and was still freezing, We decided we would go to the bath house bc it had a mini split hanging on the wall, Out of luck there, it was set on air conditioning with no way to change it, so we found a blow dryer trying to get warm, still the entire time trying to call the owners, We finally ended up in our car until the husband arrived. He acted so annoyed at us and said all u have to do is fip the switch on the propane tanks outside! We had never stayed in a travel trailer before and according to them all we had to do was show up and start glamping!! So, I was supposed to know to go outside at 1 am and switch over propane tanks?? No, It should have been FULL when I got there!!! With attitude he said,"Its Basic Camping" No sir it's not, what I do is basic camping, I was told on the phone that I was glamping, She, the owner also said we should have called 911 when we could not get hold of them so that Carter County police officers could come and wake them up!!! Not sure if that is putting our tax dollars to good use?? Like I said it is truly a beautiful place and has great potential, we left that second night at 11pm because again the heat was not working, we have not asked for any refund we just took the loss. it would be to much of a hassle. We just know better next time.   With owners like that they can keep it. Windy Wells/Debra Price

    • a
      Oct. 23, 2026

      Lake Powhatan Glamping — National Forests In North Carolina

      This place is a nice campground, quiet and the guests (during our stay) respect others by keeping the noise down. The spaces are set up to maximize privacy between sites. There is no cell phone service (to do this report we are in a picnic area by a small lake and I can get cell as well as internet on my travelfi device) sos is the only access. I normally listen to audio books but not while here. On my computer I could see three others with low signals; they might have had a better device/provider. The spots tend to the small back in typically found in campsites built before RVs got really big, type. There is another camping area I haven’t been to yet and I did see a large over lander (looks indestructible and tall/long) towable head that way and the campground attendant didn’t predict any problems so perhaps there are larger spots elsewhere. This place has single person shower rooms and nice flush toilets. The whole place is set in woodland so it isn’t like a commercial RV place that was more concerned with volume over aesthetics. This is a lovely spot with ample amenities (my space had no hookups) for our type of camping (toilets, trash, quiet neighbors, semi private spaces) just zero phone or internet.

    • M
      Oct. 22, 2026

      Winngray Family Campground

      Great family run campground

      This campground has a great location in maggie valley, close to Waynesville with plenty to do in close proximity. While it is a traditional campground, they have very competitive rates for weekly and monthly stays. For us its the perfect getaway destination for the summers and fall. The staff is super welcomming and friendly. You find a cute creek on the backside of of the campground with trout as some fisherman told me. The staff takes pride in all the flowers, landscaping and seasonal decorations. Also nice to know is you are not being looked down to with an older camper. As long as your rig is decent and functional you are admitted.

    • Bonnie H.
      Oct. 21, 2026

      Doe River Landing

      Kylie T & Andrew W. Review not accurate

      My husband and I arrived at Doe River Landing for 3 nights and enjoyed everything the resort offered. While there we read the 2 reviews posted by Kylie T, and by Andrew W, who gave the resort a 1 star rating. Not knowing the facts that caused the rating by them, and occurred prior to us, we approach the owner and asked.

      The owner showed us videos from their security cameras. These adults has stated in Kylie T review and confirm by Andrew W review that they were a group of 20 adults and "every single one of us is over 21 and family". So why are these adults playing "hide and seek" under the pavilion as they stated? Andrew W stated, "It was not blocked off", yet they had to crawl on the ground and around bushes to get under the pavilion. When the owner yelled at them approximately 10 adults that were under the pavilion crawled out which was captured on the security cameras. Andrew W stated in his review the owner called them hooligans, which is rowdy, destructive persons and from the security cameras, that description is correct. There was no mention of damages in their reviews such as the Adirondack chair they broke or possible damage to the water pipes and electric wires under the pavilion, which the owner was currently checking.

      Once we read these two reviews by Kylie T and Andrew W and saw the owners security videos, we felt future customers deserved to know another opinion based on our findings.

      These entitled adults justified their review of a 1 star by stating they paid money to use the campground.

      I would ask these adults "why do you think it is OK to treat someone else's property in this destructive way?"

    • SThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 21, 2026

      Spacious Skies Bear Den

      Seems 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.

    • Kyle T.
      Oct. 20, 2026

      Doe River Landing

      Unprofessional hosts that ruins a place with good potential

      We brought our whole family out and rented almost every cabin on the property, plus the event center, for the weekend— we gave this place a lot of business. And honestly, the stay itself was great— nice place, no complaints about the cabins. The owner is the problem. He came flying in in his blue F-150 doing 20–30 mph where the posted speed limit is 5, and started screaming at us over something that could've been handled with a simple conversation. His exact words:"Where are your parents? This is a family establishment. I will not have hooligans running around here." Every single one of us is over 21 and family. All we were doing was playing hide and seek— which isn't against any of the property's rules— and there were no other guests to disturb, since we had the entire area rented. He still threatened to call the police, even though it wasn't even quiet hours. Before anyone could get a word in, he peeled out so fast the gravel sprayed up at us and our cars. Then on his way out he drove the wrong way down the property's one-way road, so apparently the rules only apply to guests. It's sad, because the property itself is great, and we were never anything but nice to the owners the whole weekend. To be treated in such an unprofessional manner— screamed at, threatened, and never given so much as an apology afterward— put a real dent in the weekend. We won't be back

    Guide to Swannanoa

    Swannanoa sits at approximately 2,200 feet in elevation within the Swannanoa Valley of western North Carolina, creating distinct camping conditions compared to surrounding regions. The area experiences moderate rainfall year-round with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Most tent campsites near Swannanoa, North Carolina connect to drainage systems that help prevent flooding during the region's frequent summer thunderstorms.

    What to do

    Fishing opportunities: Pisgah National Forest Dispersed sites provide access to numerous trout streams. "The fishing there is absolutely beautiful and the trout are pretty plentiful up there," notes camper Jeff F., who adds that "the campsites are so spread out that the only noises you'll hear are the numerous creeks that flow off the mountain."

    Natural spring exploration: Several campgrounds feature natural water sources for exploration. At Paradise Ridge Permaculture, campers can access "a fresh spring" with a "short walk," according to owner amber G. The property maintains natural water features while still providing drinking water for campers.

    Sunrise viewing: Mountain ridges offer optimal sunrise viewing opportunities. Francis C. reports that Maple Camp Bald provides "an amazing spot to admire sunrises if the weather cooperates," with the bald situated to capture eastern light over Mount Mitchell.

    Trail access: Multiple locations connect directly to major regional trail systems. Justin Z. notes that Maple Camp Bald "is at the base of Big Tom. It's a moderate hike to and from the campsite with great views," making it a strategic basecamp for hiking.

    What campers like

    Space between sites: Campers consistently mention site spacing as a key benefit. Jeff F. from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed explains that "the campsites are so spread out that the only noises you'll hear are the numerous creeks that flow off the mountain or a car driving up or down the gravel road."

    River proximity: Many tent campgrounds feature sites directly adjacent to moving water. At Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground, one camper shared: "I took a site by the creek and allowed the sound of rushing water to be my lullaby all night," highlighting the sound-masking benefits of waterside camping.

    Group accommodations: Facilities specifically designed for larger parties exist throughout the region. At Briar Bottom Group Campground, Mark W. noted: "Great place for group camping. Bathrooms are shared with other group sites. Outdoor spicier at every site along with picnic tables under shelter and a campfire ring."

    Access to hot springs: Some campsites provide proximity to natural hot springs for post-hiking relaxation. Roxanne R. mentions that at Hot Springs Campground, you can "Walk to spa for soak in hot tub!!" after a day of outdoor activities.

    What you should know

    Weather preparedness: Mountain weather can change rapidly, requiring adaptable gear. Frank M. from Pisgah noted: "Weather was far from good so I quickly decided this site would work. It was pretty level, had a nice fire pit. It was very foggy all day with off and on rain. My mistake was not paying attention to where the runoff was. This morning I had a small stream running through my camp."

    Water strategy: Natural water sources vary by location. Francis C. reports that at Maple Camp Bald, "0.4 miles from the bald is a nice water source," but Justin Z. recommends "packing in enough water for your stay because there is not a water source at the site."

    Flood vulnerability: Recent weather events have impacted accessibility. Sawyer B. reported in June 2025: "I'm sure this spot is beautiful, however the road was closed due to flood damage when we tried to visit," highlighting the importance of checking road conditions.

    Bear precautions: Wildlife interactions require proper preparation. Mark W. advises: "Make sure to lock up all your food the black bears will come take it if not," reinforcing the need for proper food storage.

    Tips for camping with families

    Kid-friendly trails: Multiple family-appropriate paths exist throughout the region. At Pisgah National Forest, Randice L. notes: "Our doggies love the trails & there are quite a few family friendly paths," making it ideal for families with children and pets.

    Group shelter options: Briar Bottom Group Campground offers covered areas for family meals regardless of weather. "Each campsite has a huge covered shelter with a number of picnic tables underneath, which is super nice in the rain," reports Katy S., adding that "each site has a fire ring and two grills."

    Animal encounters: Some campgrounds feature farm animals that appeal to children. Taylor from Paradise Ridge Permaculture mentioned the grounds "has horses, pigs, chickens," providing natural engagement opportunities for younger campers.

    Waterfall proximity: Kid-friendly waterfall hikes connect to several campgrounds. Katy S. notes that near Briar Bottom, "Setrock Creek Falls - a nice waterfall just a few steps away from the campground" provides easy access for children.

    Tips from RVers

    Size limitations: Most RV-accessible sites have significant size restrictions. Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground specifically notes they are "NO big-rig-friendly," requiring smaller rigs or camper vans for access.

    Partial hookups: Hot Springs Campground offers varying levels of amenities for RVs. Sonya A. reports: "Nice clean gated park. Nice big spots. Only 3 fifty amp full hook up sites. Lots of 30 amp and tent camping. Right on the river," highlighting the limited full-service options.

    Gravel access roads: Approach roads to many campgrounds feature loose gravel surfaces. Gregory P. notes that Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground has "tightly packed gravel surfaced paths lead around the campground," but cautions about "dew soaked grass in the morning," which can affect traction for vehicles.

    Limited dump stations: Sanitary facilities for RVs are sparse in the immediate area. Several campgrounds like Paradise Ridge are completely "off grid," as amber G. explains, with "no running water" and "no electricity but just enough solar lights to help you get around in the dark."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular tent campsite near Swannanoa, NC?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Swannanoa, NC is Pisgah National Forest Dispersed with a 4.3-star rating from 13 reviews.

    What is the best site to find tent camping near Swannanoa, NC?

    TheDyrt.com has all 92 tent camping locations near Swannanoa, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.

    Keep Exploring

    3. View all North Carolina cities for camping