H
Hunter F.
Scout
ScoutTalona Creek Campground
Not bad
Over priced in my opinion and ran down and outdated but easy to get in and out. Off the hwy and management is friendly.
Camping near Tusquitee National Forest
Tusquitee National Forest region provides a blend of dispersed and developed camping options, with several established campgrounds and primitive sites scattered throughout the area. Murphy/Peace Valley KOA offers a range of accommodations including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping opportunities. Panther Top Dispersed Site provides free primitive camping for those seeking a more rustic experience. The area's campgrounds generally fall within 20-30 minutes of Murphy, North Carolina, making them accessible bases for exploring the surrounding mountains and waterways while still being close to services and supplies.
Access to many campgrounds remains available year-round, though seasonal changes affect site conditions, especially at higher elevations. "We just spent 10 days at Peace Valley KOA, and we had a great time. Everything was very clean! So much to do in the area... Ridge Runners Ziplining, NOC, Rodeo, Tri-county racetrack, and tubing in the river right by the campground," noted one visitor. Most developed campgrounds feature drinking water and electric hookups, while dispersed sites typically lack facilities but offer more privacy and natural settings. Road quality varies significantly, with many dispersed camping areas requiring vehicles with higher clearance. Cell service is generally available near established campgrounds but becomes less reliable in remote dispersed camping locations.
Waterfront camping represents a particularly popular option in the region, with several campgrounds situated along rivers and lakes. Many tent and RV sites border water features, providing scenic views and recreational access. A camper wrote about Panther Top Dispersed Site: "Great spot right on the little lake. You can hear the gun range from the Camp Spot, but it is barely noticeable. There are two main spots right on the lake that are set up for tent camping." RV parks like Peachtree Cove offer well-maintained facilities with proximity to water features, while still providing the convenience of full hookups. Family-owned campgrounds dominate the landscape, with many reviewers noting exceptional hospitality and well-maintained grounds. For those seeking more natural settings, the national forest provides dispersed camping with minimal amenities but maximum immersion in the forested mountain landscape.
Best Camping Sites Near Tusquitee National Forest (699)
1. Vogel State Park Campground
68 ReviewsSuches, GA25 milesWebsite+1 (706) 745-2628$30 - $260 / night
"Vogel State Park was perfectly situated along Hwy 19 in the north Georgia mountains for an easy spot for the night."
"This was a great stop close to the water. Between Blood Mountain and Neels Gap, we camped for two nights at different sites. Both were primitive, non-shelter sites."
2. Murphy/Peace Valley KOA
8 ReviewsMurphy, NC5 milesWebsite+1 (828) 837-6223"They have worked hard to upgrade the campground which is surrounded by a river. There is a large dog run area, playground, pool in season and close proximity to the town of Murphy. Beautiful area."
"This is a great family site and it is fairly quiet, so if you are like me and you camp to GET AWAY from noise and drama, then this is the place!!"
3. Indian Boundary
28 ReviewsTallassee, TN20 milesWebsite+1 (423) 253-8400$20 / night
"The lake is great for kayaking and swimming, with an easy trail around the perimeter. The gorgeous Cherohala Skyway is very close by (highly recommend!)."
"The surrounding mountains and water were breathtaking. This camp ground is close to the water if you stay in loop A. Just a short walk the water and beach."
4. Peachtree Cove RV Park
5 ReviewsMarble, NC6 milesWebsite+1 (828) 557-2722$59 - $69 / night
"Shopping is close yet still tucked away nicely in the NC mountains."
"I informed the staff, Hana and she and her brother came to assess the situation."
5. Persimmon Creek RV Park
6 ReviewsCulberson, NC9 milesWebsite+1 (828) 644-5800$55 - $900 / night
"This is a beautiful secluded site just off of Highway 64/74 not too far from the Tennessee border. The campground is very well kept and has wonderful amenities for both RV and tent campers."
"I don't have a huge point of reference, but I can give you details on everything that was smooth
- Location - Just off a 4 lane highway. Convenient with easy access to your site. "
6. Panther Top Dispersed Site
4 ReviewsTusquitee National Forest, NC3 milesWebsite+1 (828) 837-5152"Not ideal for van life, however pass the sites on your right and head up the to the peak, there is a “off the path” truck trail marked by a rusted metal post."
"We also hiked up to a nearby fire tower and it was a fun little hike. 10/10 will be returning. I just got a new drone and I made a fun little video of the campsite and the hike we did.)"
7. Morganton Point Campground
19 ReviewsMorganton, GA19 milesWebsite+1 (706) 374-1645$30 - $50 / night
"Camped on lot 14 which was quite spacious with easy access to the water. Tent was located away from the fire pit and picnic table and the restrooms were close by."
"We were right next to the camp host, which was pretty nice – we didn’t have to go far to ask for wood or ice! Plus, there were trails leading right to the lake. "
8. Trackrock Campground & Cabins
23 ReviewsBlairsville, GA21 milesWebsite+1 (706) 745-2420"Good sized campground tucked into the mountains. I brought my dog with me and had a great time. There is a lake that you can fish in, stables to ride horses, and hiking trails on the campground."
"CAMPGROUND REVIEW As I was walking around the campground the word roughstic came to mInd. The road in was rough, the campsite was nice enough but somewhat minimal and the decor rustic."
9. Jackrabbit Mountain
15 ReviewsHayesville, NC18 milesWebsite+1 (828) 837-5152$20 - $40 / night
"Located on Lake Chatuge in both North Carolina and Georgia, you can ride right to the biking trails or launch your paddleboard right from your lakeside site. "
"Parking is right above the steps that go down to the tent pad. This site has direct water access for swimming and fishing. This particular site has no shade between noon and 4."
10. Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites
17 ReviewsRobbinsville, NC19 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)."
"This campsite is a great little spot just across the road from the water—peaceful, scenic, and well-situated."
Recent Camping Photos near Tusquitee National Forest
968 Photos of 699 Tusquitee National Forest Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Panther Top Dispersed Sitec
Wilmington KOA
Murphy/Peace Valley KOA
Glamp Camps NC
John C. Campbell Folk School Campground
Charming Tree House in the Forest
Persimmon Creek RV Park
The Meadows at Double Creek RV CampgroundT
Foxfire of Murphy RV ParkA
Tellico River Campgrounds
Sourwood Campground
Lil Snowbird FarmA
Recent Reviews near Tusquitee National Forest
2411 Reviews of 699 Tusquitee National Forest Campgrounds
- K
Kim Q.
GuideClay County Recreation Park Campground
Lake and Mountain View’s
Gibson Cove campground Bring your water toys as the lake is clean and easily accessible. Gorgeous hiking trail. Very spacious campsites. Quiet campground. Managed and well maintained sites. I would have given five stars but the bathrooms were in desperate need of maintenance and the quantity was not sufficient. Men’s bathroom had 1 toilet for approximately 40 sites. Expect freakishly large bees and plenty of spiders.
- June M.Scout
Highlands Riverbend RV Resort and Cabins
Mountain Gem in the "Gem Capital of the World"
With only 18 waterfront sites this campground facilitates comradery like no place we have ever experienced. Taco Tuesdays, Margarita Fridays, Soup Sundays, potlucks, on-site bluegrass concerts, sharing stories with new friends with our chairs and feet in the cool river water, watching the lunar eclipse in our best dress pajamas are all events we enjoyed in our two and a half months here. The campground is clean and well maintained at all times. The owners and hosts are outstanding individuals who truly make every effort to make everyone comfortable at their home away from home. Strangers really have become friends, just as advertised.
Eric Y.
TravelerDavis Branch Campground
River Sounds
6 back in campsites, right off a paved road, sites are 20 yards from river, fishing, peaceful, cooler than in town. Outhouse is clean and has TP. Not much traffic on the road, not many campers. There are several campgrounds in the same general area on the river. All are nice, we had our pick and chose Davis. No power, water, or dump but there's a store just down the road that has fishing gear, ice, firewood, drinks, and vices. Good spot in a cool location.
- Norma J.Scout
Highlands Riverbend RV Resort and Cabins
Highlands Riverbend RV Resort
We have been coming to this RV park for 5 years, and just keep coming back. It's a beautiful campground with all sites on the river. Jodi & Tim (Owners) are wonderful, and make campers feel like part of their family. The comradery is like having a lot of friends in one beautiful environment. Taco Tuesday, potluck dinners, BBQ's and Margarita Fridays round up the different events provided at the big barn. And, it's only a hop, skip and jump to restaurants, site seeing, downtown Franklin and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
Patty P.TravelerHighlands Riverbend RV Resort and Cabins
Highlands Riverbend RV Resort Franklin NC
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What a beautiful hidden gem! This boutique campground right on the river is unlike your typical campground. It has that perfect combination of the peaceful, outdoorsy camping experience with all the amenities and little touches that make your stay feel special. We have been coming here for 6 years now.
The location along the Callasaja River is absolutely gorgeous, and there is so much to enjoy without ever having to leave the campground. Everything is thoughtfully designed, clean, comfortable, and well-maintained.
You can tell the owners have put a lot of thought into creating an experience rather than just a place to park your RV. Whether you want to relax by the river or the big brown barn where we have weekly gatherings (Taco Tuesday and Margarita Friday and pot lucks), enjoy the amenities along with a trading post on site, or simply slow down and enjoy the surroundings, this place has it all.
Give it a try and I promise you will be coming back!!
- RRoddrickGuide
Cades Cove Campground
Very Nice
Great campsites, little closer together than what I like but still nice and shaded all paved. Have three dump stations that are very nice. Will definitely come back. Better have reservations, cause it does stay full.
Mary D.GuideAmicalola Falls State Park Camping
Site 18: Don’t let the “hardest site to back into” reviews scare you! There’s a trick.
We stayed at Site 18, which has a reputation for being one of the hardest sites to back into. There’s definitely a trick to it! Pull your truck forward along the site, then pull out toward the site across from you, making an S-turn. From there, line it up and back in. It's tricky, but doable!
We loved this area and packed a lot into our stay. We visited BJ’s Apple Orchard, stopped at Burt’s Pumpkin Farm (where I somehow ended up with a 150-pound pumpkin 😂), had dinner at Cascades Restaurant, and took the easy way to see the falls.
The fenced-in sites were a huge plus, especially with our pups. It gave them more room to roam. The bathrooms and showers are individual rooms, which was nice, and the welcome center is one of the nicest we’ve come across.
And then there’s THE HILL. I was born and raised in the Smokies, so I’m no stranger to mountain roads, but the incline is no joke! The reviews are absolutely not exaggerating when they say it’s steep. Come prepared!
I have T-mobile and husband has Xfinity and we both have great service. Wifi in the campground gets the job done for Netflix at night.
Overall, we really enjoyed our stay. Beautiful area, plenty to explore, dog-friendly sites, and a campground we’d visit again. 🏕️🥾
Thomas B.
RangerLook Rock Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Surroundings Make The Trip
First thing--be sure you check your route here. Do not end up on Happy Valley Rd with a big rig. My RV life app took me that way with a 30ft TT and the park explicitly says to avoid it. The campground itself is somewhat unremarkable. It was nearly empty during my stay. My site was not remotely level, but no big deal to me. The views around the area made it all worthwhile to me.
Guide to Tusquitee National Forest
Camping in Tusquitee National Forest ranges from primitive lakeside sites to full-service RV parks with varied elevation levels throughout the region. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing at higher elevations, while summer brings afternoon thunderstorms that can rapidly change trail and access road conditions. Cell service varies dramatically depending on your distance from Murphy, with most dispersed sites offering limited connectivity even during peak visitor season.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Panther Top Dispersed Site offers excellent fishing access with visitors reporting success catching largemouth bass using silver spinning lures. "Lots of fish jumping and I caught a 1 pound large mouth bass on a silver spinning lure," notes a camper at Panther Top Dispersed Site.
Mountain biking trails: The Jackrabbit Mountain area features 15 miles of trails for various skill levels with direct access from the campground. "The 15 miles of mountain bike trails are absolutely amazing for all skill levels," reports one visitor, who adds that "There is a 1.5 mile connector dirt trail to the Jackrabbit mountain trail system, so no need to ride on the road."
Horseback riding: Track Rock Campground offers on-site horseback riding with guided experiences. "The highlight of the trip for me" was "a lovely horseback ride on Chubby Checker with Sonya," shared one camper at Track Rock Campgrounds, which also features an equestrian area near the camping facilities.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Many sites at Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites offer direct water access for kayaking. "Sites are so spread out it feels like you're the only one on the lake! Most parking next to campsites could fit camper van or tiny trailer," reports a visitor at Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites, who also notes that "each has a picnic table, fire pit/grill, and level area for 1-2 tents."
Cleanliness standards: The bathrooms at Morganton Point Campground receive consistent praise. "The bathrooms looked brand new when we went, and were very well-kept," reports one visitor, while another notes that Morganton Point Campground has "the nicest bathhouse" they encountered in the region.
Year-round access: Many campgrounds in lower elevations remain open through winter. Persimmon Creek Campground stays open all year, with campers noting the friendly ownership: "Very peaceful, great young owners. Spent Labor Day weekend here and it was quiet. The bathhouse was small and rustic but clean and nice."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many dispersed sites requires careful driving. At Long Hungry Road, a camper advises to "drive carefully (lots of big potholes and blind curves)!" while noting the sites are worth the effort with "lake views (most have lake access if you want to put in a kayak or canoe)."
Site availability: Panther Top Dispersed Site has limited capacity with only two primary camping spots. "There are two main spots right on the lake that are set up for tent camping... Since there are only two spots, definitely have a backup plan, especially on the weekends," warns one visitor at Panther Top Dispersed Site.
Regional noise factors: Some campgrounds may experience noise from nearby activities. At Panther Top, "You can hear the gun range from the Camp Spot, but it is barely noticeable," while at Peachtree Cove RV Park, campers note "the only drawback we've found is the traffic noise, but this is a narrow valley in the Great Smokies so it can't be helped."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water features: Vogel State Park provides multiple water activities for children. "The lake has a beach, you can rent a kayak or paddle boat. There's a beautiful waterfall and the hikes are amazing!" reports a visitor to Vogel State Park Campground, which also features a swimming beach on its 22-acre lake.
Family entertainment options: Persimmon Creek Campground offers a central play area and stream. "The kids played in the creek, and also joined in a soccer game on the field. Sites were spacious," notes a camper at Persimmon Creek RV Park, which features a small catch-and-release pond in the center of the campground.
Space between sites: Look for campgrounds that offer adequate separation between neighbors. Indian Boundary Campground offers "campsites seem close but are pretty private. Lush green sites" with a camper noting it's "one of the best maintained campgrounds I've been to."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Consider length and height limitations when selecting sites. At Peachtree Cove RV Park, one RVer with a 43-foot fifth wheel noted: "Length wise I fit with room to spare. However I am 13'6" in height and there is a cable/power line over this site and site 16 that hangs a bit too low and my AC unit got acquainted with it."
Leveling challenges: Many mountain sites require additional equipment for leveling. At Panther Top, a camper reported: "My overland rig fit in the small parking area fine, but I had to find a few rocks to level my truck so the rooftop tent was level."
Weather preparation: Winter camping requires additional planning in the mountains. "From metro ATL, it's just under a 2 hour drive up," reports a winter RV camper at Indian Boundary, who enjoyed the cold weather camping, noting "The bathrooms were immaculate and heated, plenty of hot water."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Tusquitee National Forest?
What camping is available near Tusquitee National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, Tusquitee National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 699 campgrounds and RV parks near Tusquitee National Forest and 64 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Tusquitee National Forest?
Which is the most popular campground near Tusquitee National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Tusquitee National Forest is Vogel State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 68 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Tusquitee National Forest?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Tusquitee National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 64 free dispersed camping spots near Tusquitee National Forest.
What parks are near Tusquitee National Forest?
What parks are near Tusquitee National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 parks near Tusquitee National Forest that allow camping, notably Croatan National Forest and Nantahala National Forest.
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