Best Campgrounds near Topton, NC

The mountainous terrain surrounding Topton, North Carolina provides a gateway to diverse camping experiences within the Nantahala National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains region. Campgrounds like Turkey Creek in nearby Almond offer full hookup sites with amenities including showers and dump stations, while more rustic options such as Long Hungry Road and Lake Santeelah dispersed sites provide free primitive camping with minimal facilities. The Nantahala area features both established campgrounds like Tsali Recreation Area with its mix of tent and RV sites, and backcountry opportunities along the Appalachian Trail, including trail shelters near Wayah Bald. Simple Life Mountain Retreat and Nantahala Hideaway Campground represent private options with cabin accommodations for those seeking additional comfort.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through October, with limited winter camping options. As one camper noted, "Nantahala is just a beautiful area in general. There were lots of great trails and gorgeous waterfalls." Bear activity requires proper food storage throughout the area, particularly in the national forest and park lands. Cell service varies significantly, with better coverage at developed campgrounds and limited to no service in dispersed areas. The winding mountain roads, including the famous "Dragon" section of Highway 129 with its curves and switchbacks, can be challenging for larger RVs. Many campers appreciate the North Carolina side of the Smokies for being "less of a circus and less crowded and more laid back" compared to the Tennessee side.

Water features prominently in camping experiences around Topton, with creeks, rivers, and lakes enhancing many sites. Fontana Lake provides opportunities for paddling and fishing, while numerous streams create peaceful soundscapes at night. According to one visitor to the area, "The sound of the creek at night melts all your worries away and takes you off to peaceful slumber." Elevation differences create notable temperature variations, making higher campgrounds particularly appealing during summer heat. Facilities range widely, from well-maintained bathhouses at established campgrounds to completely undeveloped areas requiring self-sufficiency. Proximity to outdoor recreation is a consistent highlight, with many campgrounds offering direct access to mountain biking trails, hiking paths, and water activities. Most sites accommodate pets, though leash requirements and trail restrictions vary by land management agency.

Best Camping Sites Near Topton, North Carolina (810)

    1. Cades Cove Campground

    98 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $30 / night

    "There’s a river that runs a long the outside of the campground. Good swimming holes. A store that sells food (the best ice cream), firewood & camping supplies."

    "The sites were pretty close to each other but the store was convenient and awesome proximity when we biked the loop. Far drive from all of the other hikes and adventures we did."

    2. Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    124 Reviews
    Gatlinburg, TN
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 430-5560

    $30 / night

    "Right outside of Gatlinburg so plenty to do and see if you feel like exploring outside of the park."

    "I had the most fantastic campsite right next to the river in Elkmont."

    3. Turkey Creek Campground

    14 Reviews
    Almond, NC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 307-3077

    $36 - $100 / night

    "The owner’s at Turkey Creek are very kind and inviting... water and electric at nearly every campsite, very clean bath facilities... small creek runs through the campground offering sweet sounds to fall"

    "Such a beautiful location with access to many nearby attractions. Ramelle is so so sweet and took great care of us, as first time trailer campers and gave us the “best” location, right on the creek."

    4. Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    14 Reviews
    Robbinsville, NC
    11 miles

    "Each has a picnic table, fire pit/grill, and level area for 1-2 tents (a few can accommodate more if you’re ambitious), and lake views (most have lake access if you want to put in a kayak or canoe)."

    "There are nine lakeside campsites along a smooth gravel road off of NC-143.  Each of the campsites have fire rings and some had picnic tables."

    5. Standing Indian Campground

    19 Reviews
    Otto, NC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 524-6441

    $26 - $100 / night

    "The entrance to this park is right across the street to an entrance to the Appalachian Trail. A beautiful trout stream runs through the park, close to all the campsites."

    "Our site was about 30 feet away from the Nantahala river. The bathrooms and showers were spotless. Keep in mind that it’s far from any store or restaurant so bring food along. No cell service."

    6. Tsali Campground

    13 Reviews
    Almond, NC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 479-6431

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Sites are first come, first serve, most sites are in the open with a few more private sites around the edge."

    "Great for accessing the mountain bike trails at Tsali. The entire campground is first come first serve, never had a problem finding a spot, but does fill up by the weekend."

    7. Lake Santeelah Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Robbinsville, NC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 257-4200

    "It's an absolutely beautiful lake in the forest. The trees are turning and the sky is blue. Only drawback is the Pine Ridge Rd dispersed camping is along the roadside. Not really private."

    "There are a handful of Lots located right along the lake with a beautiful view of the mountains in the distance."

    8. Nantahala National Forest Appletree Group Campground

    5 Reviews
    Topton, NC
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 524-6441

    "There was also a large field next to the camping area that could be used for various activities. The facilities (covered picnic area, bathrooms) were great."

    "It's in a beautiful location, very close to the mountains and the Nantahala river. Definitely worth it!"

    9. Deep Creek Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    29 Reviews
    Bryson City, NC
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 488-3184

    $50 / night

    "The Deep Creek Campground is located just minutes away from the charming Bryson City with its shops, breweries, little cafes an other attractions such as steam train rides on the"

    "Quiet with plenty of space between the RV sites, surrounded by hiking trails and waterfalls. Tent sites are next to the river and in close proximity to one another."

    10. Simple Life Mountain Retreat & Campground

    5 Reviews
    Robbinsville, NC
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 788-1099

    $18 - $32 / night

    "HOT nice shower, close to town and the Dragon! Cabins have heat and air and some have bathrooms. Glad I brought my own grate for campfire cooking. Did not take a lot of pictures."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 810 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Topton, NC

3043 Reviews of 810 Topton Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Yarberry Campground

    Beautiful views

    Even the non-lake site spots have lake views. Lots of nice amenities, but still rustic. My site was a little tough to back into, but worth it.

  • s
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground

    Worst experience ever

    Absolutely the worst advertised campground I’ve ever been to in my life. They stated it was“riverside” ummmm nooooo!!! It’s basically a big open field with absolutely no privacy or shade. Picture Woodstock. The“barely there stream of water” was covered by trees at the campsite and there was basically just a huge mound of dirt where they told us to set up. We asked for a different spot and they said they were full. We paid SIXTY SIX dollars for this tent camping experience on the river!! We asked for a refund and they refused(otherwise, I wouldn’t have left a review at all. They should have made it right.) We luckily found a beautiful spot at Deep Creek Campground otherwise we would have had to drive two hours home!!! Do.not.be.scammed.

  • austin C.
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Corbin Creek Tray Mountain

    Great camping as of September 2025

    Very nice area to camp saw multiple sites throughout the road. Weather got a little cooler at night but the stars were a beauty to see. managed to fit 3 tents and 2 hammocks at the campsite near 34°50'26.3"N 83°40'44.6"W Wood was a little wet as it had rained 2 days prior so might be worth bringing your own.

    Also worth it if you're into astrophotography as all of tray mountain sits within the few dark areas within north Georgia.

    Did not see any signs of large predators but did see lots of spent 12GA shells and other casings.

  • Allissa F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    One night stay

    Right on Little River. The view and sound was so enjoyable. The restroom is a couple minute walk away, very convenient. Zero signal for Att (for signal, take a right out of the campground heading toward Gatlinburg. There’ll be a Pulloff with a view on the left, pull in and use your phone if needed).

  • Isabelle C.
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Indian Creek Campground

    Excellent Campground

    Indian Creek Campground in Cherokee, NC is a hidden gem. Nice hosts, clean facilities in the woods. We have a 25 ft pull behind camper and sites are big enough for slide-outs. Picknick table and campfire ring was on site. We had a 30 amp full hook-up site. Campground has tent sites, RV sites, cabins, clean bathhouse and is dog friendly.

  • Gary D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Douglas Tailwater Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

    Great Location

    Nice campground near river and dam. Had three pup tents for overnight motorcycle stay. Bridge nearby is a bit noisy if that bothers you. Decent rest rooms. Camp host was very friendly! Half hour to Gatlinburg and Dolly Wood.

  • Gary D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground

    Way overpriced for tent camping

    Three of us on motorcycles with pup tents were going to be charged for three tent sites at $141 each per night . We laughed and left. Hotels were charging less than that. Being a KOA member didn’t make a difference.

  • Zoey W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Mountain Rest Mountain Top

    Great campsite, you guys are pansies though

    great spot, can see the stars super clearly and its pretty much just open woodland once youre there.

    you dont need 4 wheel drive or a truck like some of these people are saying, i did it fine in my honda civic, just dont have anything with worse clearance than that, and be ready to get some branch scratches which is kinda expected for wood roads

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Gorges State Park Campground

    CAUTION: steep grades and curvy road

    This campground would’ve gotten five stars except for the road getting there was pretty exciting. The last 10 miles out of Brevard were curvy and had some grades. And the last 2 miles into the campground had I would guess a couple of 10% grades both up and down. Other than that, this campground was super nice. Has the nicest showers I have ever seen in a campground. All the sites for RVs are on concrete pads with electric, water, and sewer. This was a great staging point for our trip up to the great Smoky Mountains. The visitor center was very informative.


Guide to Topton

Camping near Topton, North Carolina places visitors at elevations between 1,500-5,000 feet in the southwestern corner of the state, where the Nantahala National Forest meets the Great Smoky Mountains. Winter temperatures typically drop to the 20s-30s°F while summer days average 70-85°F with significantly cooler evenings at higher elevations. Dispersed campsites in this region often require high-clearance vehicles to access, particularly after periods of rain.

What to do

Mountain biking at Tsali trails: Located just 11 miles from Topton, the Tsali Campground offers direct access to over 40 miles of single-track mountain biking. "One of the best views of the lake and GSMNP that I know of," notes Mickey L. The trail system operates on an alternating schedule for bikes and horses, so check the posted signs before heading out.

Creek access for kids: Many campsites feature shallow creek access perfect for summer play. At Turkey Creek Campground in nearby Almond, "a small creek runs through the campground offering sweet sounds to fall asleep too," reports Jason L. Families particularly appreciate the natural water features during hot summer months.

Fishing at Lake Santeelah: Just 15 miles west of Topton, the Lake Santeelah Dispersed sites provide excellent bank fishing opportunities. "Not very far to walk to reach the lake and the fishing wasn't bad at all. Bass and Bluegills," reports WDRoberson. Most sites include direct lake access with flat tent pads and fire rings.

What campers like

Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the well-maintained bathhouses in the region. "Cleanest bathrooms I have ever seen at a campground," writes Jason L. about Turkey Creek Campground. Even during peak season, many campgrounds maintain their facilities to high standards.

Proximity to Appalachian Trail: For serious hikers, Standing Indian Campground near Franklin provides excellent access to famous hiking routes. "A hikers dream with the Appalachian Trail skirting the campground and several other trails crossing through the campground," notes Phil L. The campground sits at over 4,000 feet elevation, offering significantly cooler temperatures during summer.

Firefly viewing: During late May and early June, Elkmont Campground in the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park becomes a destination for synchronous firefly viewing. "Is usually very crowed year round (especially during firefly season), but there is plenty of space between the campsites," reports Tyler M. Parking passes for the event are distributed by lottery in April.

What you should know

Cell service limitations: Expect minimal or no cell reception at most campgrounds. "There is absolutely no cell phone service" at Appletree Group Campground, according to Creighton C. Consider downloading offline maps before arrival, as navigation can be challenging on unmarked forest roads.

Bear activity protocols: Proper food storage is mandatory throughout the region. At Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites, campers should be particularly vigilant as these sites lack bear-proof containers. "The site was very clean minus a few pieces of trash that we later picked up," notes Amanda R., highlighting the importance of leave-no-trace practices in bear country.

Seasonal accessibility: Most dispersed camping areas become difficult or impossible to reach during winter months due to unplowed roads. Even established campgrounds like Tsali operate seasonally, typically closing from mid-October through March.

Tips for camping with families

Group sites for larger gatherings: Families traveling together should consider dedicated group facilities. "The grounds are spacious, providing pavilions, showers, firepits, and water spickets," writes Sydney Z. about Nantahala National Forest Appletree Group Campground. These sites typically accommodate multiple tents plus a single RV.

Creekside noise buffer: When camping with children, creekside sites provide natural white noise that helps mask typical kid sounds. "The sound of the creek at night melts all your worries away and takes you off to peaceful slumber," notes a visitor to the region.

Off-peak timing: For families seeking more solitude, visit during weekdays or shoulder seasons. At Cades Cove Campground, one camper advises, "If you want nature and solitude, go somewhere else. If you want nature, love community, and want someone for your kids to play with, this is perfect."

Tips from RVers

Site selection challenges: Many campgrounds in the Topton area have significant limitations for larger RVs. "The entrance to this park is right across the street to an entrance to the Appalachian Trail... The road to this campground is very narrow, the hill is very steep, and there is at least one very tight hairpin turn," cautions John K. about Standing Indian Campground.

Hookup availability: Full hookups are scarce in national forest campgrounds. Turkey Creek Campground is one exception, offering water and electric at nearly every site plus a dump station. The campground accommodates smaller RVs and trailers but requires advance reservations during peak season.

Leveling requirements: The mountainous terrain means few naturally level sites exist. At Deep Creek Campground, Susan G. advises, "bring levelers; you will need them!" Sites often feature steep entrance roads that can be particularly challenging in wet conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available in Topton, North Carolina?

Topton offers diverse camping experiences in the mountains of western North Carolina. Indian Creek Campground provides relaxing creekside camping with private, well-maintained sites and a campground store for necessities. Jackrabbit Mountain is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, with access to hiking trails, water sports, and mountain biking around Lake Chatuge. For those seeking more rustic options, the nearby Nantahala National Forest offers dispersed camping. RV campers can find accommodation at various private campgrounds in the region, though some sites may have limited hookups.

What county is Topton, NC located in?

Topton, North Carolina is located in Macon County, in the southwestern part of the state. This area is part of the scenic Nantahala National Forest region. Nearby Gibson Cove Campground sits on Lake Chatuge, offering well-maintained sites with water and electric hookups. The surrounding Macon County area features beautiful mountain landscapes that attract outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year.

What camping is available near Topton, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Topton, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 810 campgrounds and RV parks near Topton, NC and 69 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Topton, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Topton, NC is Cades Cove Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 98 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Topton, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 69 free dispersed camping spots near Topton, NC.

What parks are near Topton, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 parks near Topton, NC that allow camping, notably Nantahala National Forest and Croatan National Forest.