37 campgrounds with availability this weekend
The Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding Vilas, North Carolina feature diverse camping options along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and nearby wilderness areas. Julian Price Park Campground at milepost 297 offers lakeside camping with boat-in access and tent sites nestled in wooded areas. Grandfather Campground in nearby Banner Elk provides full hookup sites for RVs alongside tent camping areas and cabin rentals. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access Blue Bear Mountain Camp in Todd with yurt accommodations, while Honey Bear Campground and Flintlock Campground near Boone cater to families with amenities like shower facilities and camp stores. The region's camping landscape ranges from primitive backcountry sites to developed campgrounds with modern facilities.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability, with most campgrounds operating from April through October. According to camper Corey M., "The road itself is all dirt and gravel and can get a little rough. It's much easier with a 4WD vehicle, but we saw sedans and minivans driving it." Many Blue Ridge Parkway campgrounds like Julian Price and Linville Falls have limited or no hookups, focusing instead on natural settings. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, particularly at higher elevations and in valleys. Weather patterns can change quickly in the mountains, with summer thunderstorms common and cooler temperatures even during peak season. Advance reservations are strongly recommended for established campgrounds, especially during fall foliage season when visitor numbers peak.
Mountain views and waterfront access represent key highlights for campers in the Vilas area. Riverside sites at Grandfather Campground receive particular praise, with one visitor noting, "I've been multiple times throughout the summers and have always enjoyed staying at one of the campsites right by the river." Tent campers frequently mention uneven terrain as a challenge, with several reviews noting difficulty finding level ground at hillside campgrounds. The proximity to hiking trails, including access points to the Appalachian Trail and paths to waterfalls, enhances the camping experience. Wildlife sightings, including deer and bears, are commonly reported, requiring proper food storage. Traffic noise can be an issue at campgrounds directly off the Blue Ridge Parkway, with quieter conditions typically found at more remote locations.
"Julian Price Park is a beautiful campground just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. We enjoy this campground on the weekends throughout the fall and spring as it is less occupied."
"This campground is on a beautiful lake. There is no swimming on the lake(its pretty shallow) but awesome for kayaking and paddleboarding."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
"It offers RV, drive in and hike in tent sites and also teepee camping."
"There is a place to wash dishes outside as well. Fantastic walking trails - some parts quite steep but we got a good workout through the woods on the property."
from $25 - $136 / night
"The campsite is always clean and friendly staff are there ready to answer questions on where to hike, eat and about the wildlife that's in this area of Western North Carolina."
"The positives: Location: very close to Grandfather Mountain entrance and BRP. There are plenty of stores, restaurants, antiques nearby too."
from $35 - $42 / night
"The campground is tucked away outside of Boone, but not so far that if you really need something you cant get it."
"Check-in was easy at the office at the entrance of the campground."
"When I checked in, the host was very nice, and when I returned later to look at the camp store, another host was behind the desk, and he was friendly. "
"The people running it are very nice and since it right outside boone nc its very close to shops, restaurants and hiking trails."
from $31 - $63 / night
"Fire pits you had to walk up to but were away from tents, which I liked. Bathhouse was clean, well lit, pretty warm showers. Campground was very clean and has a lot of amenities."
"Great tent pads with running water located right next to every pad. Plenty of hiking and biking to do. Pool and playground for the kids to enjoy, a great place for easy camping."
Available this weekend
"Check your tour cd to verify it works before driving away from the gate. It is helpful as you drive through and not all function correctly."
"This is the most beautiful hiking trails in the world! A lot of climbing rock slopes and ladders with scenic views from 6000 ft plus elevation."
Available this weekend
from $17 - $37 / night
"I enjoyed the drive out to this site, it is far enough off of the beaten path but still close to town. The site is a very easy drive to Boone and Tweetsie Railroad."
"The only down side is that the tent sites are road side…so when the campers pull in and out you hear them hitting the gas."
"Very close to the falls to swim at and hike to (wear hiking shoes to get to the falls) over all great quiet little campground!"
from $20 - $45 / night
"Spacious Skies Bear Den in North Carolina offers an ideal blend of relaxation and adventure for families."
"Bear den was a perfect location for the Blue ridge parkway. We stayed at a two cabin lot that had a hot tub. Bear den has everything from RV camp sites to a game room."
from $24 - $999 / night
ScoutNobody was here on Sat. Had gard time finding site. Site reserved did not have 30 amp and could not reach staff. Moved to other site hoping it would not be a problem. We were able to finally reach staff on Mon. Also no pcknick tables or fire rings.
ScoutNice camp and staff friendly. We drive the Blue Ridge Pkwy which was a bit of drive but the ride up to Mt Mitchell was beautiful. Only negative was the laundry rooms were small for a large camp like this but I made it work. Probably a bit more challenging during busy season but all that said this is a nice campground
ScoutGreat camping spot! Road isn’t horrible going up but there are some rougher areas toward the end of the road. Gorgeous sunset and sunrise spot! Fire rings seemed fairly abundant at the pull offs.
TravelerAbsolutely one of the most beautiful campgrounds that we have visited, and super clean. Such a great location for hiking and viewing the Blue Ridge Pkwy!
ScoutLet me first start by saying that this campground is absolutely beautiful. I have lived in this area my entire life and the Doe is one of my favorites. I am a avid camper and have camped all over this area. I decided to give this place a try, I own a small pop-up camper and knew it was going to get cold 10/20/2026-10/22/2026, so me and my sister rented the RV at Doe River. #1 check in is not until 3pm, I always order a load of wood from a local guy who delivers to camp sites, I do all my cooking in a Dutch oven over the fire or burgers and dogs in the fire, what is a camping trip without a nice warm fire. The owner came over to my campsite and asked if I had ordered this wood and I replied yes, she then asked what I was going to do with it all, I replied I am going to burn it. So, I told Carl (the wood guy) where to stack it, the owner then said that I need to leave it in my truck bc if I didn't use it all I would have to put it back on my truck and take it home with me, I said really? It's just a unspoken rule that if you don't use all your wood that you pay it forward and leave it for the next camper?? She said absolutely not, So we moved the wood from his truck and into mine. She then asked again why I needed so much wood and that most ppl just buy small bundles from her. And just like that I understood! Carl the wood man and his wife also made a comment about how rude she was about the wood. It does not end there, Not only does she have camaras on some of the out blds which I get, but I don't get why they are pointing directly at camp sites, We felt like we were in a fish bowl the entire time. Every single time we went to the bathroom she showed up abt 5 mins later, There is a camara right above the bathroom door, One on the pavilion, and one on each side of the bathhouse, at the entrances and who know where else. So much for privacy in the great outdoors. I didn't even feel comfortable hiking, we felt like we were being watched constantly. She was constantly there, walking her dog which was not friendly and so big she could hardly control him on the leash which was really scary, she also was driving through several times throughout the day. Then came the kicker, about 1 o'clock in the morning we were freezing, I had turned the heat on in the camper before going to bed and heard it come on, Well the propane ran out between 11pm and 1am, I called her at least 10 times we had every blanket and was still freezing, We decided we would go to the bath house bc it had a mini split hanging on the wall, Out of luck there, it was set on air conditioning with no way to change it, so we found a blow dryer trying to get warm, still the entire time trying to call the owners, We finally ended up in our car until the husband arrived. He acted so annoyed at us and said all u have to do is fip the switch on the propane tanks outside! We had never stayed in a travel trailer before and according to them all we had to do was show up and start glamping!! So, I was supposed to know to go outside at 1 am and switch over propane tanks?? No, It should have been FULL when I got there!!! With attitude he said,"Its Basic Camping" No sir it's not, what I do is basic camping, I was told on the phone that I was glamping, She, the owner also said we should have called 911 when we could not get hold of them so that Carter County police officers could come and wake them up!!! Not sure if that is putting our tax dollars to good use?? Like I said it is truly a beautiful place and has great potential, we left that second night at 11pm because again the heat was not working, we have not asked for any refund we just took the loss. it would be to much of a hassle. We just know better next time. With owners like that they can keep it. Windy Wells/Debra Price
Traveler3 stars only because it says water hookups but they are far and few between communal. No spigot at individual sites. Need long hose(s)to reach the connection. Good T-Mobile 5G but too wooded for StarLink. Quiet, shady, somewhat level sites were available. $20/night.
TravelerThe road was very bumpy but I got up on my 2WD Honda Odyssey. A couple people came during the day to take photos, but the night was peaceful. A couple campsites on the drive up, less secluded though. View was gorgeous and the sunset was amazing. Amazing spot for stargazing.
ScoutMy husband and I arrived at Doe River Landing for 3 nights and enjoyed everything the resort offered. While there we read the 2 reviews posted by Kylie T, and by Andrew W, who gave the resort a 1 star rating. Not knowing the facts that caused the rating by them, and occurred prior to us, we approach the owner and asked.
The owner showed us videos from their security cameras. These adults has stated in Kylie T review and confirm by Andrew W review that they were a group of 20 adults and "every single one of us is over 21 and family". So why are these adults playing "hide and seek" under the pavilion as they stated? Andrew W stated, "It was not blocked off", yet they had to crawl on the ground and around bushes to get under the pavilion. When the owner yelled at them approximately 10 adults that were under the pavilion crawled out which was captured on the security cameras. Andrew W stated in his review the owner called them hooligans, which is rowdy, destructive persons and from the security cameras, that description is correct. There was no mention of damages in their reviews such as the Adirondack chair they broke or possible damage to the water pipes and electric wires under the pavilion, which the owner was currently checking.
Once we read these two reviews by Kylie T and Andrew W and saw the owners security videos, we felt future customers deserved to know another opinion based on our findings.
These entitled adults justified their review of a 1 star by stating they paid money to use the campground.
I would ask these adults "why do you think it is OK to treat someone else's property in this destructive way?"
GuideSeems to be a well established campground in an off the beaten path location. Roads alternately paved and gravel. The campsite is gravel in a wooded setting. Fair amount of space between sites. The bathhouse is clean but dated.
Camping sites near Vilas, North Carolina offer diverse terrain at elevations ranging from 3,200 to 6,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations even during summer months. The area sits within the Pisgah National Forest boundary, with campsites often requiring navigation on unpaved forest service roads. Most campgrounds in this region remain open from mid-April through late October, with limited winter camping options.
Hike to waterfalls near camp: At Linville Falls Campground, trails lead to spectacular cascades within walking distance. "There are a lot of spots in a small area... The campgrounds clean and the owners are super nice and helpful," notes Jennifer J. The falls trails vary in difficulty from beginner-friendly overlooks to challenging descents.
Kayak on mountain lakes: Julian Price Park Campground offers on-site boat rentals for exploring the adjacent lake. "There is a spot within the park to rent kayaks which was great. There is a hiking trail that goes around the lake," shares Danielle L. Morning paddling provides calmer waters and better wildlife viewing opportunities.
Explore the Appalachian Trail: Several access points to the AT exist within 10-20 minutes of local campgrounds. "The Appalachian Trail is down the road about 10 miles," reports Katrin M. from Roan Mountain State Park Campground. Day hikers can attempt sections with stunning ridge views without committing to overnight backpacking.
Private camping spots: Many campers appreciate the spacing between sites. At Blue Bear Mountain Camp, "The campsites are very spaced out. The elevation is high so weather is nice for those trying to escape the summer heat," explains Kristen J. These secluded spots provide a true wilderness feeling while maintaining access to necessary facilities.
Temperature advantages: The higher elevation creates comfortable summer camping conditions. "The weather so much cooler in the summer there (70-80 in July!)," says Mandy R. about Blue Bear Mountain Camp. This natural air conditioning makes mid-summer camping pleasant when lower elevations experience heat waves.
River sounds for sleeping: Creekside sites rank among the most popular. "I've been multiple times throughout the summers and have always enjoyed staying at one of the campsites right by the creek," reports a visitor to Grandfather Campground. The sound of running water drowns out other camping noises and enhances sleep quality.
Road conditions to campgrounds: Forest service roads require careful navigation. "The road itself is all dirt and gravel and can get a little rough," cautions a camper. Sites like Spacious Skies Bear Den have specific access instructions: "If pulling a camper, don't follow the Bearden sign, go to Linville to get on the parkway and go left. This way you will avoid the steep curvy road going up a mountain."
Limited or no hookups: Many mountain campgrounds offer primitive sites only. "There are no showers on site, but there are flushable toilets. There are a couple of potable water sources on the property," explains Robert D. about Linville Falls Campground. Campers should arrive with water tanks filled and batteries charged.
Uneven terrain challenges: Level sites can be difficult to find. "The sites are a little sloped, so have leveling equipment ready," advises Steve V. who camped at Honey Bear Campground. Even tent campers should bring extra padding for comfort on rocky or sloped ground.
Playground proximity matters: Request sites near play areas for convenience. "We camped at C13 which was right across from the large playground. My daughter had a blast and we could keep an eye on her while we worked/played at the site," shares Charles S. about Spacious Skies Bear Den.
Look for family-focused activities: Some campgrounds provide regular organized events. "The campground had several family activities like a haunted trail and trick or treating for the kiddos," reports Laura B. about Honey Bear Campground. Weekend programs often include outdoor movies, craft sessions, and nature walks.
Creek exploration opportunities: Children enjoy natural water features. "My children spent hours every day exploring. There's a beautiful mini river running through the campground with a lot of rocks to jump on," says Robyn C. about Flintlock Campground. These natural play areas provide endless entertainment away from screens.
Site selection strategy: Research specific sites before booking. "The RV spots are very spacious and C1-C3 are completely shaded. C3 is the best by far! But you have to book early because C3 is very popular," advises Mandy R. about Blue Bear Mountain Camp. End sites typically offer more space and privacy.
Water fill procedures: Note water access limitations before arrival. "They do not have water hookups - you fill your camper tank with water at the office area," explains a Blue Bear Mountain Camp reviewer. Carrying additional water containers helps manage longer stays at primitive sites.
Campground approach routes: Mountain roads can challenge larger rigs. At Grandfather Campground, "When you turn into the campground, you will cross a narrow 1-lane bridge across Watagua Creek," warns Erin S. RVers should research alternate routes that avoid steep grades and sharp turns, especially for units over 30 feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Vilas, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, Vilas, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 300 campgrounds and RV parks near Vilas, NC and 24 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Vilas, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Vilas, NC is Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway with a 4.6-star rating from 49 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Vilas, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 free dispersed camping spots near Vilas, NC.
What parks are near Vilas, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 parks near Vilas, NC that allow camping, notably Blue Ridge Parkway and W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir.
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