Best Tent Camping near Swannanoa, NC

Pisgah National Forest surrounding Swannanoa, North Carolina offers diverse tent camping options ranging from established campgrounds to remote backcountry sites. 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 Sites Near Swannanoa, North Carolina (90)

    1. Pisgah National Forest Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    Barnardsville, NC
    12 miles

    "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

    3 Reviews
    Swannanoa, NC
    4 miles
    +1 (828) 707-7607

    $20 - $30 / night

    "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."

    3. Sage Nesbitt Farm

    1 Review
    Gerton, NC
    5 miles
    +1 (252) 723-0099

    $120 - $35 / night

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

    4. Maple Camp Bald

    3 Reviews
    Pisgah National Forest, NC
    15 miles
    Website

    "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."

    5. Briar Bottom Group Campground

    2 Reviews
    Montreat, NC
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 675-5616

    $125 / night

    "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."

    6. Hot Springs Campground

    29 Reviews
    Hot Springs, NC
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 622-7676

    "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."

    7. Celtic Camp

    2 Reviews
    Mars Hill, NC
    18 miles
    +1 (704) 737-0109

    $10 / night

    8. Mila's Bunny Farm

    1 Review
    Burnsville, NC
    16 miles
    +1 (828) 284-6942

    $40 - $75 / night

    "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!"

    9. Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    70 Reviews
    Cosby, TN
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 487-2683

    $50 / night

    "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."

    10. Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    9 Reviews
    Canton, NC
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 235-8350

    $15 - $50 / night

    "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."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Swannanoa, NC

1680 Reviews of 90 Swannanoa Campgrounds



Guide to Swannanoa

Tent camping near Swannanoa, North Carolina, offers a variety of scenic locations and amenities for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • The Mount Mitchell State Park Campground features nine walk-in sites, each equipped with a firepit, picnic table, and lantern pole, ensuring a comfortable camping experience.
  • At Wilderness Cove Campground, campers can enjoy clean facilities, including showers and toilets, along with access to drinking water and firewood for a cozy stay.
  • The Briar Bottom Group Campground offers spacious group sites with covered shelters, picnic tables, and fire rings, perfect for family gatherings or group outings.

Tips for tent camping near Swannanoa

  • Book your site early, especially for popular spots like Mount Mitchell State Park Campground, as weekends fill up quickly due to high demand.
  • Be prepared for changing weather conditions; the elevation at Mount Mitchell can lead to sudden temperature drops, so pack extra layers and a warm sleeping bag.
  • If you’re looking for a more secluded experience, consider the Pisgah National Forest Dispersed area, where you can find unofficial campsites along scenic dirt roads.

Some prices for tent camping range from $20 to $30

  • Camping at Wilderness Cove Campground is reasonably priced, making it an attractive option for families and solo adventurers alike.
  • The Briar Bottom Group Campground offers affordable group camping rates, ideal for larger gatherings or events.
  • For a unique experience, Maple Camp Bald provides a moderate hike-in site with stunning views, typically costing around $20 per night.

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 90 tent camping locations near Swannanoa, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.