FS 289 Pull Off
Tranquil but out there!
Great spots out by a creek but be prepared to lose cell service driving through the park
383 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Green Mountain, North Carolina serves as a gateway to numerous mixed-use campgrounds within the Pisgah National Forest and Blue Ridge Parkway corridor. The surrounding mountains contain a variety of developed campgrounds suitable for tent and RV camping, including Spacious Skies Bear Den and Mount Mitchell State Park Campground. Campers seeking rustic experiences can find primitive sites at Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area, while those preferring more amenities have access to full-hookup RV sites at campgrounds like Black Mountain. Several locations also offer cabin rentals and glamping accommodations, particularly along the North Toe River, which runs through the region.
Seasonal operation varies significantly among campgrounds in the Green Mountain area, with most open from April through October, though select sites maintain year-round availability. "The temperature is cooler than in Erwin," notes one visitor about Rock Creek Recreation Area, highlighting the climate advantages of the higher elevations. Roads throughout the region range from well-maintained highways to narrow forest service roads with tight turns. While many developed campgrounds offer electrical hookups and water access, amenities vary considerably between locations. Cell service remains limited in valleys and remote areas, particularly within the national forest boundaries. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months and fall color season when the Blue Ridge Parkway experiences high visitation.
Waterfront campsites consistently rank among the most popular options, especially along the North Toe River. According to a visitor who stayed at Toe River Campground, "Best campsite in the place for a small RV or tent is site 56! It's short and wide but lots of River front access and two trees to hang a hammock from!" Many campgrounds in the area feature hiking trail access, with notable routes including the path to Rock Creek Falls. Proximity to the Appalachian Trail represents another major draw for outdoors enthusiasts. Tent campers will find shaded sites throughout the region, though some locations have limited tree coverage for larger RVs seeking satellite reception. Most developed campgrounds maintain clean bathhouses with showers, though facilities at more primitive sites may be basic or seasonal.
"Fire pits you had to walk up to but were away from tents, which I liked. Bathhouse was clean, well lit, pretty warm showers. Campground was very clean and has a lot of amenities."
"Great tent pads with running water located right next to every pad. Plenty of hiking and biking to do. Pool and playground for the kids to enjoy, a great place for easy camping."
"Spacious Skies Bear Den in North Carolina offers an ideal blend of relaxation and adventure for families."
"Bear den was a perfect location for the Blue ridge parkway. We stayed at a two cabin lot that had a hot tub. Bear den has everything from RV camp sites to a game room."
from $24 - $999 / night
Check Availability"They'll deliver firewood ($5) to your site by golf cart, they even will collect your site fees as they drive around."
"This is a wonderful spot to be to explore the surrounding areas:
- The famous Mount Mitchell trail, starts a short walking distance from the campground."
from $28 - $56 / night
Check Availability"The campground is open from May 1 to Oct 31...but if you walk-in to the sites, as in via the trails, you can rent a site amost all year. Tent sites are small, but nice."
"There are plenty of tent camping sites along the Mountain to Sea trail and throughout the park. I camped by Commissary Ridge next to a small Creek and an excellent view of sunrise."
from $27 / night
Check Availability"Another lovely campground along the BRP, close to Linville Falls and gorge, picnic area and visitor center."
"There are cabins, RV spots and tent sites all with access to newly renovated restrooms and coin operated laundry."
from $30 - $45 / night
Check Availability"There isn’t too much of any one activity in/near the campground but lots more in the greater area. Cons: just plan to drive to another area if you’re staying for a few days (not really a con though)."
"Convenient location in the Cherokee National Forest that is close to the Appalachian Trail and the Nolichucky River. Campground is popular with families and busy on weekends."
from $20 - $50 / night
Check Availability"We stayed for two nights, a little away from the main camp area but was kinda glad for it. Had a great spot tucked into the woods near the water. Great path to skip rocks and just enjoy."
"It is tucked in next to the South Toe River with an excellent swimming hole, rapids for tubing, great trout fishing, and a good launching off point for hikes into the Black Mountains and Mt Mitchell."
from $28 - $70 / night
Check Availability"Nolichucky Gorge is right next to USA Raft, same road, same entrance to the left. Veteran owned and well maintained. The staff is friendly and professional. River view sites, other sites and cabins."
"This is a great spot located right next to USA Raft. There are a handful of tent only riverside camping spots with RV sites set back from the river."
"On the Blue Ridge Parkway, nestled in the trees and mountains of North Carolina, this campground is an older style NPS campground, but has been well maintained."
"This review (just as future reviews to this page should be) is about the Crab Tree Falls Campground that is in North Carolina along the Blue Ridge Parkway and is managed by the National Park Service."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability"Love this family owned campground tucked away by the Toe River near Spruce Pine NC and the BRP. Linville Falls. Eat at Famous Louise’s."
"This is the kind of campground we would feel good about our kids biking around in the evening as they chase fire flies and meet new friends! "












Great spots out by a creek but be prepared to lose cell service driving through the park
I’m thrilled to give this campground my highest recommendation! The owners and staff couldn’t have been more accommodating, helpful and kind! We called that morning because the campground we were booked at turned out to be awful. They fit us in and then we ended up extending our stay. We had to keep moving sites because they had other campers coming in, but it was worth it! Our favorite sites was 54 and 27. Some sites are close, but all are on the creek so you don’t notice it at all! Nothing better than waking up to the sound of water! The campground location is perfect, 20-30 minutes from things to do like hiking and wineries.
Typical National Park Campground.Sites are small but spread apart.Not many that we could fit 28 foot Airstream .Clean restrooms and free showers. The rangers are very friendly. Very professional and helpful. The restaurant is great but you need to make a reservation.
We arrived and easily got to our spot. There’s a river just behind our spot and only a handful of RVs and cabins. Our GPS wanted us to pass the turn to the campground, we had to make a U turn to get in…. Of course, on the second approach we saw the entrance signs (my bad). It looks like it is best to approach from the west (Hampton?), it was a sharp turn entering from the east (Roan Mountain). We settled in and got to relaxing quickly.
It was a long day of travel for me anyways. I arrived around 17:15 and the ranger was nowhere to be seen. Honor system was full out the form and pay cash before you go find your site.
This place is better for tent campers and those with rigs 20ft and under. Our 30ft bumper-pull was no match for the narrow sites due to trees. Most sites were not level either. As advertised, no sewer hook-up, and bring at least a 50ft hose for water…better yet, bring a 100ft hose and an additional splitter. The birds were nice to hear. It was quiet throughout the night also, mainly because there were only about 10 campers in the whole park (it holds about 78).
The bathhouses were clean and bright; but only shower curtains for doors on the toilets—reminded me of my deployment to Afghanistan.
Fuel…the hill to get in and out of the park is very steep! And if you spend time trying to fit your rig into any site you might think you can fit into but can’t, you’re going to need enough fuel to make it to the next gas station! If your rig is longer than 30ft and it’s not a 5th wheel, look elsewhere.
Personally, I won’t be stopping here again. The overall park was nice; but for $20/night, it wasn’t worth the stress.
Doe River Landing is a small, delightful RV and cabin camping park that sits on the banks of the Doe River in the Roan Mountain valley of TN. We enjoyed our stay enough that we extended a few extra days. Five shaded, landscaped RV sites offering water/electric are located about 20 yards from the river’s edge. An additional site offers a fully-outfitted rental RV. Sites are pea gravel and mostly level. Luxury rental cabins(5) are available along with a truly awesome rental pavilion outfitted for larger group gatherings. The friendly hosts live in a home nearby and were around daily during our stay.
For a small family campground the amenities are super nice. The top-notch children’s playground and toy shed obviously delighted guest’s children. Wi-Fi signal is strong enough for streaming. Nice, clean bathhouse. Public grills are available. Hiking trails meander along the river and up through their woods.
There are few places we enjoy more than the Roan Mountain area for camping. The location is fantastic and even peak summer temperatures are usually comfortable. Roan Mountain State Park is minutes away for hiking and a slew of activities, while the top of Roan Mountain houses the famous wild Rhododendron Gardens. The AT and multiple hiking trails run along the top of the mountain.
There were only a few considerations with this venue.
The sites are mostly level although we needed two OxBlocks in each of the sites we stayed in. One needed leveling front-to-back, the other side-to-side. When Hurricane Helene scoured the area it likely left some dips in the parking pads.
The bathhouse contains one toilet and shower, both housed in the same room which can tie them up for long periods.
3) There may be some day and night traffic noise as large trucks involved in repairs from Hurricane Helene are still active.
The approach is rather challenging. New lighted signage helps identify where their single-lane entrance road takes a HARD fork off US-19E. Be sure to check the Directions tab on their website. If you are arriving from the north (through Elizabethton) you will be able to pull directly onto Bob Ray Rd.(entrance to the right of the little Bible church). Approaching from the south on US-19E is more difficult. Bob Ray Rd basically runs parallel to US-19E which requires essentially a U-turn across 2-3 lanes to accomplish. The host suggests turning through the closed fruit stand parking lot(on the left within sight of the entrance) but we weren’t sure about it given on-coming traffic. We elected to drive~ 2 miles further down 19E and U-turn across the left shoulder.
Bob Ray Rd is a single-lane road. Based on timing for check-in/check-out you are unlikely to meet another RV coming at you(thankfully!)
Multiple choices for food in the area. The Whiteway Grill– less than 5 minutes away- offers fabulous breakfasts. Smoky Mountain Bakers is beyond awesome! Wood-fired pizza for dinner and breakfast plates from simple sandwiches to breakfast burritos, pancakes and French toast. We find excuses to eat here during the week. Every meal we’ve had at Puerto Escondido Mexican restaurant was huge(as in leftovers) and tasty.
If I was reviewing for just the location and how beautiful it was I’d give a 4 stars for a dispersed campsite however your neighbors do impact your experience.
The site itself I really loved. I was about 200 -300 feet from where you park your car right off the road (the roads by the way are definitely passable by most vehicles but keep in mind I was there in May). While there was alot of traffic going by (cars and bicyclists) the way it was set up it gave more privacy than most especially if you put your tent in the right place.
It was nice to have some distance between the car and the campsite with the large black bear population. Highly recommend keeping all food far from your site and washing any dishes as far from where you sleep as much as you can. Also keep all soaps, perfumes, or toiletries out if your tent. That also attracts.
Wash creek was close by. So accessing water for filtering for use was very easy. I used a 0.01 Micron, 6-Stage, portable BKLES (BKLES Camping Water Filter –... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGLHX2JK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) for the two weeks and had no health issues or otherwise. The water tasted great.
There was a hiking trail that was between the site and the path to the creek. I never saw anyone while I was there (2 weeks) but it’s something to consider if your a solo camper as other campers could easily travel it to access your site without you being aware. I had Portable Outdoor Perimeter Alarm... (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FXGJRD2K?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) to keep me safe and alert at night which I can’t recommend enough. It ended up saving my life. Towards the end of my stay for the first time all four alarm sensors put in several different places yards apart were going off. It continued off and on for over an hour. I did not risk opening my tent to see what it was.
I decided to go to an air bnb the next night. when I returned my tent was riped in several places and my dewalt tool box I was using for storage had what looked like puncture marks and was opened (full disclosure - I forgot I had some dried chick peas in it). Pretty safe to assume I was visited by a bear. I went back to the air bnb waiting for things to dry up before packing.
Upon returning items were stolen. A few things were taken with a note from a nearby camper with his cell (no name ?) letting me know he was keeping them safe for me. When I was at the site inspecting things he showed up. Was nice enough and did return some of my items but my portable firepit and large propane tank were gone.
Granted I had left the site unattended for a few days after the seeing my tent ripped up and was waiting for things to dry (as it had been raining for several days) before packing. Having said this the stolen items could have been because the more permanent folks living in the area thought I had just abandoned my things. I’ll leave it up to you to decide.
So while the spot itself was profoundly beautiful the neighbors add an element that should be considered in your decision to come.
On a positive note, I did see blue ghost fireflies several nights during my stay. I Eastern Tiger Swallowtails two days in a row my site had maybe 50-100 right next to my tent. Then the Spicebush Swallowtail, and Azures decided to join. One day a cardinal sat right on the rock in the middle of the campsite 10 feet from me. If you love rocks like I do be prepared for some really truly beautiful gems (pun intended) if you go wading in the creek. I forgot to mention I accidentally caught a fish when trying to fill my bucket up in the evening (how did it taste? Well, unfortunately I don’t have the skills to prep fish like that so I quickly released it but tells you a bit about the water nearby 🌞)
Overall, a decent dispersed camping spot. I saw and heard no one my entire time at this spot. It’s right on the river which is great. The drive in is mostly paved, but a little narrow. Please pack your trash out though. It seems like no matter the state I camp in, people leave their trash. This site was particularly bad. It’s good to go now, but bring a bag and leave it nicer than you found it.
I camped on Forest Road 982. There were quite a few people camping along this road, but I found a really good spot by the large creek. The campsites are pretty far from each other so the privacy is good. I stayed one night. Will definitely go back.
Camping spots near Green Mountain, North Carolina sit at elevations ranging from 2,500 to 4,000 feet, creating cooler temperatures that average 5-10 degrees below surrounding lowlands. During summer months, overnight lows typically drop into the 50s even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s. Most campgrounds in this area have limited or no cell reception, particularly in the valleys where signal is blocked by the surrounding mountains.
Trail hiking at Crabtree Falls: A 2.5-mile loop trail leads to a spectacular waterfall within Crabtree Falls Campground. "I recommend you hike in a clockwise direction, starting from the B loop and ending in the A loop. This leaves the bulk of the strenuous climbing for the end, rather than descending sharply at the beginning," advises Lee D.
Fly fishing opportunities: The South Toe River provides excellent trout fishing at Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area. As one visitor notes, "This campground is tucked in next to the South Toe River with an excellent swimming hole, rapids for tubing, great trout fishing, and a good launching off point for hikes into the Black Mountains."
Tubing and swimming: Many campgrounds offer water access and equipment rentals. At Nolichucky Gorge Campground, "The campground provides tubes for floating down the river and also there is a rafting center right down the road!" according to Jaren E. The water creates natural swimming areas perfect for cooling off during summer months.
Proximity to the Appalachian Trail: Rock Creek Recreation Area offers convenient access for day hikes on the AT. "Convenient location in the Cherokee National Forest that is close to the Appalachian Trail and the Nolichucky River. Campground is popular with families and busy on weekends," notes Ashley B.
Natural swimming holes: Many visitors appreciate the on-site water features. At Carolina Hemlocks, "There is a swimming hole and a fishing hole, both well-maintained. Campground hosts were very nice. Lots of trees for some cool coverage from the sun," according to a reviewer who appreciated the combination of shade and water access.
Clean facilities: Spacious Skies Bear Den receives high marks for maintenance. "Campground has all the amenities you could want. It has a small lake on property to fish or swim. Has a pretty good market for the things you might have forgot. They have firewood and ice to purchase," says Chris Y., highlighting the convenience of on-site supplies.
Weather variability: Mount Mitchell State Park experiences extreme conditions due to its elevation. "Wind gusts easily get into the double digits, and if you aren't prepared for that, it can be alarming, especially while tent camping," warns Erin D. Pack extra layers even in summer as temperatures drop significantly at night.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. "This is a very small campground (only 9 sites) so be sure you plan accordingly. There are other backcountry camping options if the campground is full and you have the appropriate equipment to stay in a more remote location," explains Sarah C. about Mount Mitchell.
Limited amenities at some sites: Mount Mitchell State Park Campground has basic facilities. "This is a primitive campground. So if your family needs some 'downtime' to disconnect and unwind, find your way to Mt. Mitchell Campground. Explore cooking over a campfire and hiking the trails in the refreshing 60 degree weather. No electricity, no wi-fi, just pure quality time," reports Erin D.
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Spacious Skies Bear Den offers family-friendly activities. "The campground is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains...so beautiful! Quiet campground with hiking trails, small fishing lake, playgrounds, an arcade room, and camp store," notes Emily B., highlighting amenities that keep children entertained.
Consider riverside sites for natural entertainment: Roan Mountain State Park Campground features water access that children love. "Doe River runs through so fly fishing is available. Husband did catch a rainbow trout near group tent sites. Several small brookies near the history center," reports Tracy D.
Prepare for limited connectivity: Cell service is spotty throughout the region. "No cell service, but there is (slow) wifi throughout the campground. There is a Verizon hotspot to make calls, but I couldn't connect with US Cellular," says Mary D. about Roan Mountain State Park, suggesting families should plan offline activities.
Check site lengths carefully: Many campgrounds have tight turns and limited space. "The road in is a little narrow, but well maintained and easily navigable. Sites are heavily wooded, fairly well spaced, and most sites have a level area, but you have to back all the way in to get level on some," advises Ray & Terri F. about Rock Creek Recreation Area.
Water access considerations: Some campgrounds have limited hookups. "In B Loop, you can't hook a hose to it to fill your tank, as the spigot is not threaded. C Loop had at least some threaded spigots," notes a reviewer about Rock Creek Recreation Area, highlighting the importance of bringing extra hose length or water containers.
Satellite reception challenges: Dense forest coverage affects services. "We were in site B16, which had no satellite coverage until most of the leaves fell. B Loop sites are 30A only," shares an RV camper at Rock Creek Recreation Area, suggesting choosing sites at the edges of wooded areas if satellite TV is important.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Green Mountain, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, Green Mountain, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 383 campgrounds and RV parks near Green Mountain, NC and 29 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Green Mountain, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Green Mountain, NC is Roan Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 50 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Green Mountain, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 29 free dispersed camping spots near Green Mountain, NC.
What parks are near Green Mountain, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 parks near Green Mountain, NC that allow camping, notably Pisgah National Forest and Cherokee National Forest.
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