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Camping near Tusquitee National Forest

2,288 Reviews

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.

Map showing campgrounds near Tusquitee National Forest, North CarolinaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Tusquitee National Forest (675)

    1. Murphy/Peace Valley KOA

    8 Reviews
    Murphy, NC
    5 miles
    Website
    +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!!"

    2. Vogel State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Suches, GA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 745-2628

    $30 - $290 / 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."

    3. Indian Boundary

    28 Reviews
    Tallassee, TN
    20 miles
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Marble, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Culberson, NC
    9 miles
    Website
    +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. Morganton Point Campground

    17 Reviews
    Morganton, GA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 374-1645

    $26 - $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. "

    7. Trackrock Campground & Cabins

    22 Reviews
    Blairsville, GA
    21 miles
    Website
    +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."

    8. Jackrabbit Mountain

    14 Reviews
    Hayesville, NC
    18 miles
    Website
    +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."

    9. Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    16 Reviews
    Robbinsville, NC
    19 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."

    10. Panther Top Dispersed Site

    2 Reviews
    Tusquitee National Forest, NC
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 837-5152

    "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.)"

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Tusquitee National Forest

1025 Photos of 675 Tusquitee National Forest Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Tusquitee National Forest

2288 Reviews of 675 Tusquitee National Forest Campgrounds

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 7, 2025

    Quinn Springs Campground

    Clean and easy

    I’m not a planner so I tend to find spots late in the day and just take what I get. I was so pleased when I pulled into the park at sunset to find only one other camper! The park is beautiful and very well kept. A ranger drove by while I was having coffee the next morning and was very laid back and completely unbothered that I had arrived after hours. This was a Monday morning and he told me they were packed over the weekend and I was floored because it was so clean! The restroom is huge with showers and was older but clean. Absolutely recommend.

  • Jennifer M.
    Nov. 1, 2025

    Dicks Creek Falls Campsites off Main Road

    perfectly scenic

    The winding road to the few campgrounds along the way was beautiful but narrow. We didn't see any potties and it ends with a sandy area at the water where about 6 cars were parked (perhaps they were all kayaking or hiking but we only saw two people. We backtracked a bit to a site along the stream with ample space for at least two or three tents. It was along the road and there were a few cars driving past during the night but not enough to bother us or make us feel unsafe at all. There was a trail at this site as well just on the other side of the water which went a few miles around to the road and looped back but it hadn't been maintained in a bit so there was a decent amount of climbing and exploration on our part to stay on it. Wouldn't advise without good trail maps on your phone.

  • Ken A.
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Little River Campground & RV Resort

    A Bit of a Let Down.

    The campground was clean and friendly and surprisingly quiet considering how full it was. The sites are very tight for bigger rigs and the sites are very close together. We stayed multiple days and we had to cut our trip short by two days. We checked out early and spoke with a very friendly staff member about refunding the two days we were not able to stay. She informed us that the manager was not there and that she would let her know when she came in and she could refund the two nights. We received a call later from the employee and she told us the manager said she would not be able to refund us and if we wanted to call her she would give us her number and her name was Bunny. We gave her call and explained our situation and she said that unless someone had died or had to go to the hospital they didn't issue refunds. I explained without giving too much personal details that we had to leave due to some circumstances and she said she would issue us a voucher for one night if we liked. Probably would have stayed there again with our smaller camper and our not fifth wheel and recommended to friends as well but it came across to us that once they had our money it was our loss.

  • David R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    Great Campsite, But Let’s Keep It Clean

    This campsite is a great little spot just across the road from the water—peaceful, scenic, and well-situated. I was lucky to grab the last open site, and it turned out to be a perfect place to unwind. The only downside was the amount of trash left behind by previous visitors; I nearly filled a bag cleaning up. A gentle reminder to future campers: please do better and respect this beautiful space. Despite that, it’s truly a gem, and I’ll definitely be coming back.

  • j
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Unicoi State Park & Lodge

    Great central location.

    I camp at Unicoi State Park several times a year for a number of different reasons. First, it is right in the middle of what I call waterfall country. There are more beautiful waterfalls within an hour than I can count. Second, there are spectacularly beautiful trails everywhere. You’re only about 20 minutes from the Appalachian Trail at Hog Pen Gap and 30 minutes from Blood Mountain and the Blood Mountain wilderness. Third, there are numerous picturesque and friendly little towns nearby. The park is about 3 miles from the town of Helen, which is a pseudo Bavarian village. A little touristy but still fun. There are some great German restaurants there. As to the park itself, I tent camp, and the campsites are excellent. Nice bathroom and shower facilities close by and regardless of the time of year it has never been crowded. Definitely worth $25 a night and I get a discount because I’m a senior (Remember you have to ask for the discount. They won’t tell you). If you are camping in the tent area, I can almost guarantee you’ll see a bear because they come out almost every night. Keep all of your food in the bear boxes. Since it is somewhat of a resort park, there are cabins, RV hook ups and even a motel/conference center. There are lots of activities like swimming, boating, archery, zip lining, etc. The Smith Creek pub is a nice little restaurant for a quick meal or a drink.

  • pThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Amicalola Falls State Park Camping

    Quick fall foliage trip

    The park is absolutely beautiful, great scenery and hiking trails. The visitors center is nice, but the helpfulness of the staff was hit or miss. The campsite is nice, quiet, clean bathrooms and warm showers. We camped in a tent and the ground was hard, almost like cement which made staking the tent down difficult. Other than this, we loved it and would come back again.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Fern Cove — Black Rock Mountain State Park

    Beautiful park but steep slope up

    Black Rock is beautiful but hard on some transmissions. There is a long steep slope up the mountain and it is common for transmissions to over heat. So much so that there is an auto shop at the base of the mountain. The road up is narrow and twisty. I have seen some larger rigs up here but most are smaller. If u can make it, it is worth the journey. Lots of hiking trails for different levels. Clean facilities, friendly hosts. WiFi is available at the trading post. Nice place to sit and rock.incredible views. Have visited in April, may, June, and October. Usually stay on site 6. Later spring into summer had more poison ivy on trails.

Guide to Tusquitee National Forest

Camping near Tusquitee National Forest, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Many campers rave about the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer noting, "The area is very beautiful and a hiker's paradise. Several trails and waterfalls, for example, the AT, are nearby."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing in the nearby lakes and rivers. Campers have mentioned, "The dock and the fishing were very nice and great areas to go boating close by."
  • Swimming: Some campgrounds have access to swimming areas. One visitor shared, "The beach area is great with a beautiful Mountain View."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and campsites. A reviewer said about Moccasin Creek State Park Campground, "The bathrooms are extremely clean. There are super nice camp hosts and volunteers that make sure everything is top-notch."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. One camper at Indian Boundary mentioned, "The staff are super friendly at the camp store. They helped us stay up to date on the forecast since we were staying in a tent with two young children."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Chilhowee Recreation Area noted, "The views are killer! You won't be disappointed!"

What you should know:

  • Narrow Roads: Some campgrounds have narrow access roads. A camper at Vogel State Park Campground mentioned, "Roads are smooth but narrow in some places."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups or extensive facilities. One reviewer at Gee Creek Campground said, "The campground itself is kind of lame—there is plenty to do outside of it."
  • Crowded During Peak Times: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Abrams Creek Campground noted, "The place was packed on the Sunday we stayed there."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. One family at Gee Creek Campground said, "The kids loved the playground, and the fairytale story walk."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Choose campgrounds that offer activities for all ages. A reviewer at Unicoi State Park & Lodge mentioned, "Nice hiking trails from the campground. Ruby Falls was so beautiful—highly recommend."
  • Safety: Keep an eye on the kids, especially in busy campgrounds. One camper at Thunder Rock Campground advised, "The loops where the tent sites are can be quite busy, so keep an eye on the kiddos."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground's site sizes. A reviewer at Indian Boundary noted, "If you’re around 40’, you’ll fit—but anything over probably would not."
  • Reservations: Make reservations ahead of time, especially on weekends. A camper at Chilhowee Recreation Area said, "Make reservations online as it fills up on the weekends."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups if needed. One RV traveler at Thunder Rock Campground mentioned, "The shower house is always clean, and for $15, it is a great deal."

Camping near Tusquitee National Forest, North Carolina, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Tusquitee National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, Tusquitee National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 675 campgrounds and RV parks near Tusquitee National Forest and 62 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Tusquitee National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Tusquitee National Forest is Murphy/Peace Valley KOA with a 5-star rating from 8 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping 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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