Tusquitee National Forest spans approximately 49,900 acres across western North Carolina, with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 5,500 feet. Located in the southern Appalachians, the forest experiences mild springs and falls, hot summers with afternoon thunderstorms, and cold winters that can limit campground accessibility. The surrounding area offers primitive and established camping options near multiple lakes and rivers.
What to do
Tubing opportunities: The Valley River provides excellent tubing experiences beyond the campgrounds. At Indian Boundary, visitors can enjoy both water and land activities. One camper noted, "Great hiking, fishing close. Good lake swimming area. Sites not exceedingly close."
Mountain biking trails: The area offers extensive trail systems for cyclists of various skill levels. At Jackrabbit Mountain, "The 15 miles of mountain bike trails are absolutely amazing for all skill levels," according to one reviewer. The campground features a 1.5-mile connector dirt trail to the main trail system.
Horseback riding: Several campgrounds offer equestrian facilities and guided rides. At Track Rock Campground, "There is an equestrian area where you can book horseback rides. The people that run the park are very friendly and accommodating."
What campers like
Lakeside camping: Many campgrounds provide direct water access. At Morganton Point Campground, "Every site that I looked at, lake side had trails to the lake. The campground is split into a loop and an out and back section." Another visitor mentioned their site had "a view of the water with the leaves off the trees and a little trail down to the water."
Wildlife viewing: The region is home to diverse wildlife that campers frequently observe. At Cades Cove, "I have never seen more black bear. It was a very safe distance we watched them about a football field away across a field pretty amazing experience."
Fishing access: Multiple campgrounds offer convenient fishing opportunities in lakes and streams. According to one camper at Tellico River Campgrounds, the area provides "Easy fishing access. Relatively clean sites. Mostly quiet. No shower house. Mostly boondocks."
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Many campgrounds in the area operate on limited schedules. Vogel State Park is open year-round, but other facilities like Jackrabbit Mountain only operate from "early May to late September."
Bear precautions: Black bears are active throughout the region. When camping at Tellico River, be prepared as "There is a plethora of wildlife in the area, including some very curious black bears, so be prepared to store your food away so as to not attract their attention."
Weather considerations: Mountain weather can change quickly. At Vogel State Park, one camper experienced "12 hours of straight rain(9-9)...the sun broke through for a beautiful fall mountain day. The campground sits at 2500 ft so it was comfortably cool."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's areas. Vogel State Park offers "Two separate children's playgrounds exist, not too far from one another. One near a small kids ball field...the other near a very nice volleyball court, permanent corn hole pit and state of the art outdoor exercise machine area."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds feature historical or nature education components. At Cades Cove Campground, you can "Go on the car tour loop and make sure to stop and look at the cabins and church. History at its finest."
Swimming spots: Many campgrounds provide designated swimming areas. Indian Boundary has a "small beach near campsite" while Jackrabbit Mountain features "a beach area" where the "views of the lake the campground sits on were phenomenal and also fun to swim in."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RVers should carefully evaluate accessibility before booking. At Track Rock Campgrounds, be aware that there are "very steep and unlevel roads; especially when leaving," which could be challenging for larger rigs.
Hookup availability: Hookup options vary significantly between campgrounds. If you require full amenities, Murphy/Peace Valley KOA provides "all sites very close together. If you're looking for privacy, or are more of a party camper, I would not suggest this place."
Leveling challenges: Many campsites in the mountainous terrain require leveling equipment. One camper at Peace Valley KOA noted that "site 1 was nice, there was a very bright light at night, is next to the host and the site is not level."
