Best Campgrounds near Tuckasegee, NC

The Tuckasegee region in western North Carolina provides access to multiple campground options within the Great Smoky Mountains and surrounding forests. Campgrounds like Grumpy Bear situated directly on the Tuckasegee River serve as convenient bases for exploring both developed and backcountry areas. Nearby options include Ralph J. Andrews Campground at Lake Glenville and Indian Creek Campground with tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. The area connects to the Cherokee entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering a range of camping experiences from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spots and cabin rentals.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability throughout the region, with most campgrounds operating from April through October. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly during summer months and fall color season. Winter camping options are limited due to campground closures and mountain weather conditions. Road access varies considerably, with some campgrounds requiring navigation through twisting mountain roads. Cell service can be inconsistent in more remote areas, though coverage is generally reliable near established campgrounds. As one visitor noted about the area, "Small campground situated on the Tuckasegee River bank. Great location for area activities. Owners Karen and Jerry friendly and helpful!"

Several visitors highlight the peaceful water features as a primary attraction at campgrounds in the region. The sound of flowing creeks and rivers creates a natural soundtrack that enhances the camping experience. Indian Creek Campground receives particular praise for its waterside sites, with one camper reporting that "Indian Creek offers the most relaxing creekside camping in North Carolina. Every campsite is lush with greenery, private and well maintained." Bathroom facilities and shower cleanliness vary across campgrounds, with some offering surprisingly well-maintained facilities despite remote locations. The region balances proximity to outdoor recreation with reasonable access to supplies, as multiple reviewers mention the convenience of nearby stores for camping necessities. Most campgrounds in the area feature mixed-use sites accommodating both tent and RV camping, with several offering cabin rental options for those seeking additional comfort.

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Best Camping Sites Near Tuckasegee, North Carolina (678)

    1. Davidson River Campground

    83 Reviews
    Pisgah Forest, NC
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 785-5337

    $37 - $84 / night

    "Once again, interested in checking out as many waterfalls and cascades we could locate, the water flow will be so much more dramatic amidst heavy rainfall."

    "We had a quick nights stay in Davidson River Campground after picking up our new SylvanSport GO tent trailer in nearby Brevard, North Carolina."

    2. Moonshine Creek Campground

    16 Reviews
    Balsam, NC
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 586-6666

    "The site we were at was right behind the volleyball net field so we were able to play badminton as much as we wanted. The creek was so soothing, and the staff were very friendly and helpful."

    "Minutes from the parkway for hiking, 2 miles away from a creek on the WNC fly fishing trail, and plenty of space to get out and walk around the grounds."

    3. Smokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    53 Reviews
    Cherokee, NC
    22 miles
    +1 (828) 497-9270

    $30 / night

    "Smokemont is a great campground in the North Carolina side of the Smoky Mountains. It is a perfect base camp to enjoy this amazing national park."

    "We only stayed for 1 night but really enjoyed the campgrounds proximity to activities on the North Carolina side of the park."

    4. Devils Fork State Park Campground

    51 Reviews
    Tamassee, SC
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 944-2639

    "We had reserved a walk-in tent sight and absoulty loved it."

    "This hidden gem is a few miles off a major highway but well worth the journey. I would consider it among my top ten 'near a lake' spots in the entire US."

    5. Mount Pisgah Campground

    40 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 648-2644

    $30 / night

    "We decided to escape the heat and head for one of the “cooler” campgrounds in western North Carolina for a weekend. Mt Pisgah Campground is at an elevation of roughly 5300’."

    "Pisgah National Forest on the outskirts of Asheville, NC is a must stop for all ages."

    6. Ralph J. Andrews Campground

    6 Reviews
    Glenville, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 743-3923

    "A very beautiful mountain waterfall trail to High Falls. The rock steps where amazing."

    "This is a great little RV and tent campground located near High Falls. The campground itself is alongside Lake Glenville and provides easy access for putting in boats, fishing, or swimming."

    7. Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area

    7 Reviews
    Sapphire, NC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 269-4453

    "The first campsite we stayed at was on the Green Valley Trail, the second one was on the Panthertown Valley Trail right near the Schoolhouse Falls Trail, and the third was on Mac's Gap right past the Granny"

    "The sites near the middle of Macs Gap trail are huge and there is easy access to a couple streams. Bring a good map and stick to the trails that your map covers."

    8. Indian Creek Campground

    24 Reviews
    Cherokee, NC
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 497-4361

    $26 - $37 / night

    "Indian Creek offers the most relaxing creekside camping in North Carolina.

    Every campsite is lush with greenery, private and well maintained after each occupancy."

    "The site was pretty large, level, and had unparalleled views and access to Bunches Creek."

    9. Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    26 Reviews
    Maggie Valley, NC
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 497-9270

    $30 / night

    "These are very close to the entrance, to other sites, to the bathrooms, the campground hosts, and the dishwashing station, and they are right on the road."

    "And this campground is in a fabulous location. When you stay here, you are tucked in a lush green mountain about a mile above sea level."

    10. Cherokee-Great Smokies KOA

    25 Reviews
    Cherokee, NC
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 497-9711

    "If I’m not mistaken, the one we were at this time was either the same cabin or one close to it.  It is perfectly situated beside the river.  "

    "But if you’re a tent camper, be aware that the tent sites are located near the road (I will never understand why campsites do this, since we are the ones with no soundproofing)."

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Recent Reviews near Tuckasegee, NC

3249 Reviews of 678 Tuckasegee Campgrounds


  • Alden B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Ash Grove Mountain Cabins & Camping

    Very Nice camping near Dupont National Forest

    If you want close access to Dupont and Pisga NF you're within minutes! The owners Mark & Esther are wonderful. We call him SouthSide Mark ( hails from South Africa). Some sites are a little tight, but fine. If you have a big rig call ahead. The cabin was wonderful. The bathhouse is older but very clean. You can tell the owners love their campers and property. The site is tree covered and hilly. We will come again, guaranteed! Watch your step. Wood Spirits are Everywhere!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Little River Campground & RV Resort

    Labor Day weekend

    Overall a positive experience. We stayed in the tent camping area. Absolutely beautiful site with a wonderful river view, but be aware that the direct river bank is considered common area including day use so it had a lot of traffic while we were there. The staff was very helpful and friendly. Being a holiday weekend it was very crowded and very noisy, including a few neighbors without regards to quiet hours. Overall the facilities including bath house are were very nice though I believe the large crowds caused issues with the crew being able to keep up with keeping them clean. The location is very convenient to Townsend and we rode bikes out to explore and get food in the evening. We would definitely go back just probably not on a holiday weekend.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Corbin Creek Tray Mountain

    Best off grid camping

    This is by far my favorite place we’ve been off grid camping. It’s more Jeep friendly than full size vehicles, to get a spot down by the creek. But it is possible to get a full size 4*4 truck down the switch back.

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Mountaineer Campground

    Pleasant Stay

    Lovely campground on the river and close to amenities. Biking, hiking, tubing, swimming. My favorite experience here has been the pavilion prayer and fellowship on Sunday mornings hosted by Charm ministry volunteers. Very casual with lots of singing and great conversation in a very positive and welcoming atmosphere. The bathrooms and showers were kept very clean as well as the laundry and pool area. The camp hosts were very helpful and work hard to keep the above clean. The campground offers a 50% discount on a 28-day stay which I took advantage of. They allowed me to stay an extra 28 days due to my dog passing away so I could wait for his remains. They were very understanding, thoughtful and gracious during this sad time for me and I am very grateful to the management and hosts for the time, space and respect they extended to me July & August.

  • A
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Triple Creek Campground

    Would recommend!

    It got only for stars because I can hear traffic from my campsite.
    I was next to a brook, under a paw paw tree. It was safe, very friendly. The bath and shower house were clean and very nice for tent camping! Laundry room, firewood delivery.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5

    Great place to stay just be aware of your surroundings

    Was a pretty nice camp site compared to a lot you just have to be aware of the people around you. Across from our campground there was another camper who seemed out of it who came up to us at 11:00pm and asked for tape for his tent. Also garbage bag and garbage on the ground at front of campsite. PEOPLE MAY NOT BE THE BEST AROUND YOU BUT THE SITES ARE GREAT!

  • Cassondra P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Rutledge Lake RV Resort

    Mixed Feelings

    This campground was decent

    Fishing pond has a lot of ducks and seaweed

    Laundry room was nice and large - easy and quick to get 3 loads done

    Waterfront site was fairly level and loved being able to walk down stairs to lake area

    Pool was clean

    Bathrooms had a gross smell to them

    During our walk there was definitely a strong chemical smell around park - it was strange

    There is a lot of airplane noise as it is close to airport

    Overall it was clean and friendly staff

  • Cassondra P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    River Falls at the Gorge

    Not a $96 a night Campground

    We have traveled all across the country and are willing to pay for premium sites when we get our moneys worth with site and campground. This campground feels like it was nice at one time but really starting to show its age and wear. Our site was beautiful on River but our sewer hook up was not where we could access it so only had water/electric. Staff was not very friendly, I had asked about moving and they weren’t having it. The laundry room only had 2 working machines. The pool was cloudy and not very clean. The showers I could make eye contact with the neighbor.

    If this was a 40-50 a night campground I would have different expectations.

  • Mandi R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Fort Wilderness RV Park

    Just passing theough

    The staff was friendly enough. The credit card machine wasn’t working, luckily I had cash. It’s more like a mobile home park not a campground. It was very quiet though.


Guide to Tuckasegee

Camping near Tuckasegee, North Carolina, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails around the area. Many campers rave about the nearby hikes, like the Little River Trail, which offers beautiful views and a chance to see wildlife. One reviewer from Elkmont Campground mentioned, "We did one of our hikes from our site—the Little River Trail to Cucumber Gap, and it was beautiful."
  • Fishing: The rivers and lakes around Tuckasegee are great for fishing. Campers at Davidson River Campground noted, "There are plenty of smallmouth bass to be claimed as well!"
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip in the local lakes. Campers at Devils Fork State Park loved the "crystal clear water" that allowed them to see schools of fish swimming alongside them.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Greenbrier Campground said, "Super clean campground and showers. Lots for the kids to do."
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Campers often mention the welcoming vibe. One reviewer at Lake Powhatan shared, "Everyone we encountered was very friendly and helpful."
  • Scenic Views: The natural beauty of the area is a big draw. A camper at Black Rock Mountain State Park noted, "The views are amazing."

What you should know:

  • Privacy Concerns: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A family camping at Elkmont Campground mentioned, "All of the campsites are extremely close together, and there is no brush to divide them."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A reviewer at Cosby Campground pointed out, "There are no showers, and the bathrooms were adequate."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. Campers at Smokemont Campground reported seeing elk and even bears, so keep food secured.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. A camper at Greenbrier Campground mentioned, "Lots for the kids to do," which makes it a great family spot.
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals and snacks. One family at Lake Powhatan enjoyed having a campfire ring and nearby facilities for cooking.
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. A reviewer at Devils Fork State Park noted, "The lake was beautiful, and the kids loved swimming."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Davidson River Campground said, "It was perfect for 2 tents and our 17’ camper."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have spotty cell service. A visitor at Oconee State Park mentioned, "We could sporadically send texts, but not get on the internet."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds don’t have stores nearby. A reviewer at Lake Powhatan noted, "There is no camp store for extra supplies, but they do sell ice and plenty of firewood at the gate."

Camping near Tuckasegee, North Carolina, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a perfect spot for your next adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Tuckasegee campground located in North Carolina?

Tuckasegee is located in western North Carolina in Jackson County, nestled in the scenic mountains between Sylva and Cherokee. The area is part of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains region, offering easy access to both the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Nantahala National Forest. Nearby, Smokemont Campground serves as an excellent base camp on the North Carolina side of the Smoky Mountains, about an hour from Gatlinburg but with fewer crowds. The region also features Ralph J. Andrews Campground near Glenville, which offers lakeside camping opportunities.

Is Paradise Falls a good camping destination near Tuckasegee, NC?

While specific reviews for Paradise Falls camping are limited, the Tuckasegee area offers several excellent alternatives. Gorges State Park Campground provides a spectacular setting with beautiful waterfalls and excellent hike-in campsites. It's one of North Carolina's newer state parks established in 1999 and the only one west of Asheville. For a more developed experience, Indian Creek Campground offers relaxing creekside camping with private, well-maintained sites, clean facilities, and a campsite store for necessities. Both provide good alternatives to Paradise Falls while enjoying the natural beauty of the western North Carolina mountains.

What camping is available near Tuckasegee, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Tuckasegee, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 678 campgrounds and RV parks near Tuckasegee, NC and 57 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Tuckasegee, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Tuckasegee, NC is Davidson River Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 83 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 57 free dispersed camping spots near Tuckasegee, NC.

What parks are near Tuckasegee, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 parks near Tuckasegee, NC that allow camping, notably Nantahala National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.