Fancy Gap Cabins and Campground
We were traveling through for an overnight stay, view was excellent and staff was very friendly.
15 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Several tent camping options surround W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir in North Carolina, with tent campsites ranging from free primitive backcountry sites to reservable facilities with running water and showers. Growing Faith Farms & Retreat offers tent camping with drinking water, showers, and toilets in a reservable setting near Moravian Falls. Basin Cove on the Blue Ridge Parkway provides free primitive tent camping with designated fire rings but requires a permit from the park office.
Most primitive tent campsites near W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir require preparation and self-sufficiency. Basin Cove tent sites require a one-mile hike from the parking area along a riverside trail, with no vehicle access permitted. Campers must bring water filtration systems as no clean water sources are available at the primitive sites. Fire pits and basic log seating are provided, but there are no picnic tables at most primitive locations. Several campgrounds maintain pit toilets, though amenities vary significantly between established and backcountry locations.
Tent campers frequently use Basin Cove as a base camp for day hikes on surrounding trails. The area provides relatively flat terrain that works well for beginner backcountry tent camping experiences while still offering a sense of wilderness. Sites are well-spaced to provide privacy, though the Blue Ridge Parkway location sees day hikers passing through during morning and midday hours. At Blue Bear Mountain Camp, tent sites are positioned on higher elevation terrain, offering cooler summer temperatures compared to surrounding areas. A visitor remarked, "The elevation is high so weather is nice for those trying to escape the summer heat."
"Location is private and secluded, yet within reasonable driving distance to stores and other attractions like hiking/biking/kayaking."
from $25 - $190 / night
"What a magical experience floating in the trees surrounded by fire flies! Elizabeth and Mark were exceptional hosts. There is so much to do on property, and they are working on more!"
from $40 - $200 / night
"It offers RV, drive in and hike in tent sites and also teepee camping."
"We had a neighbor nice enough to give us his site because he was leaving early and I would have stayed another night there. It was C3 backed into the woods on level ground. It made for a cozy morning."
from $25 - $136 / night
"Great trails for all levels of mt bikers About 13 miles one way and return to visitors center"
"I went up the vertical mile trail to get to the upper campsite, it was dry, beautiful and not too steep of a hike"
from $13 / night
"Walk up and down the creek through the neighbor's properties on both sides (which is legal), what amazing land! EB JEFFRESS is like 15 minutes away for hiking and a waterfall."
from $25 - $79 / night
"You have to make a reservation with the park office for your site and drop by the ranger station to pick up your permit."
"Easy hike in, but far enough that you won’t find High-maintenance campers or crowds. Maybe some horseback people. Campground has tent pads, picnic tables, fire pits, pit toilets, water pump."
from $75 - $200 / night
"There is a 5 mile long trail that goes through the campground called Boone Fork Trail. This trail leads to Hebron falls where you can explore giant boulders and have a picnic."
"The terrain is also flat and easy to hike through, making it a good long trail for beginners or children."












We were traveling through for an overnight stay, view was excellent and staff was very friendly.
Driving 14 1/2 hrs I was cooked called and had the most easiest booking. There was a sites available so I booked it. Needless to say I got there in the dark and a kind person helped me to my site and got me backed in. Soo exhausted I hooked up electric only hit the bed passed out
Great location , clean bathhouse
Let 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
My 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?"
Seems 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.
We brought our whole family out and rented almost every cabin on the property, plus the event center, for the weekend— we gave this place a lot of business. And honestly, the stay itself was great— nice place, no complaints about the cabins. The owner is the problem. He came flying in in his blue F-150 doing 20–30 mph where the posted speed limit is 5, and started screaming at us over something that could've been handled with a simple conversation. His exact words:"Where are your parents? This is a family establishment. I will not have hooligans running around here." Every single one of us is over 21 and family. All we were doing was playing hide and seek— which isn't against any of the property's rules— and there were no other guests to disturb, since we had the entire area rented. He still threatened to call the police, even though it wasn't even quiet hours. Before anyone could get a word in, he peeled out so fast the gravel sprayed up at us and our cars. Then on his way out he drove the wrong way down the property's one-way road, so apparently the rules only apply to guests. It's sad, because the property itself is great, and we were never anything but nice to the owners the whole weekend. To be treated in such an unprofessional manner— screamed at, threatened, and never given so much as an apology afterward— put a real dent in the weekend. We won't be back
Our group of about 20 rented nearly every cabin at Doe River Landing for my friend's wedding weekend, with the reception held on site. The cabins were nice and well-equipped, and the only other guests were in a cabin half a mile away through the woods. Unfortunately, the hosts ruined the stay. One night, some of us were playing hide and seek in an area that wasn't blocked off or against any rule. The host's husband came speeding in at roughly 30 mph(the posted limit is 5), jumped out of his truck screaming that he"will not have child hooligans running around the campground," told us to"go back to the motel we crawled out of," and demanded to see our parents— despite all of us being adults in our twenties. He then peeled out so aggressively he sprayed gravel at us and our cars. It wasn't even quiet hours, and we weren't disturbing anyone. Afterward, the host called us again, passive-aggressive, and questioned our ages— even though you have to be 21 just to rent a cabin there. The property is lovely, but the hosts' behavior put a real damper on what should have been a joyful wedding celebration. It's a shame they treat people paying good money this way. We won't be back.
This is not a resort type campground. It is a place for people to bring old campers to live full time and long term. The electric and water utilities are original from the 50's and there are constant problems with both. There is a lot of unrecognized potential because the owners do not reinvest any money into anything for the campground.
Tent camping opportunities around W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir provide outdoor recreation access in North Carolina's western Piedmont region at elevations between 1,000-1,200 feet. The area receives approximately 50 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forest surroundings and reliable water sources for campers. Several campsites require permits and reservation windows vary from same-day to several months in advance depending on the campground.
Hiking from campsites: Basin Cove on the Blue Ridge Parkway connects directly to a network of trails with river access. A camper notes, "The hike in is excellent, as it follows the river along the way...The site is surrounded by excellent hiking trails and is a great place to set as 'base camp' for day hikes."
Gem mining excursions: Tent campers at Hiddenite Family Campground can explore nearby gem mines. The town of Hiddenite is "a famous gem mining area known for gemstones such as hiddenite (spodumene), emeralds, sapphires, etc." according to a visitor who stayed at this campground.
Mountain biking access: Riders looking for the best tent camping near W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir can base from the W. Kerr Scott Visitor Assistance Center area. A camper reports, "Great trails for all levels of mt bikers. About 13 miles one way and return to visitors center."
Water activities: Campers at several locations have creek and river access for wading and swimming during warmer months. Boone Fork sites provide "an area just 1.5 miles from the Boone Fork Trail parking lot where you can go swimming and sliding off rocks."
Cool mountain temperatures: Tent campers appreciate that Blue Bear Mountain Camp offers relief from summer heat. A reviewer confirms "The elevation is high so weather is nice for those trying to escape the summer heat" while another mentions "the weather so much cooler in the summer there (70-80 in July!)."
Private, well-spaced sites: Campers consistently mention site spacing and privacy as advantages when tent camping near W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir. A Blue Bear Mountain camper notes "The campsites are very spaced out" and a visitor to Basin Cove confirmed "The campsites are well spread out so there is enough room for privacy."
Stargazing opportunities: The areas surrounding the reservoir have minimal light pollution for night sky viewing. A Basin Cove camper shared their experience: "Stars are amazing!" while others mentioned enjoying the peaceful nighttime ambiance near creeks and rivers.
Natural soundscapes: The sound of moving water enhances many camping locations. As one Basin Cove visitor observed: "Campsite is right next to the creek—fun to hear the water at night."
Water access limitations: Many primitive tent sites near W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir lack potable water. At Basin Cove Campground, "There is NO clean water source, you have to bring a filter system with you."
Vehicle restrictions: Several camping areas require hikes to reach tent sites. Basin Cove "sites have NO vehicle access at all, you have to hike a mile into the campsite."
Seasonal facilities: Bath houses may close during colder months, and water systems might be winterized. A Hiddenite Family Campground visitor noted "During the summer, the bath house wouldn't be so bad, but it was cold and there was no heat."
Trail traffic patterns: Some campsites experience day hiker traffic during certain hours. Basin Cove campers should know that "a lot of hikers pass through morning-midday."
Beginner-friendly terrain: Boone Fork Campground offers accessible terrain for families with children. A visitor notes "The terrain is also flat and easy to hike through, making it a good long trail for beginners or children."
Educational opportunities: Growing Faith Farms provides learning experiences with farm activities. A family reported, "The farm is beautiful, well-maintained, and the hosts super friendly and helpful. Plenty of great things to do locally, from hiking and waterfalls to apple picking."
Pack-in requirements: Families should prepare to carry gear for walk-in sites. At Self Sufficient Holler, pack accordingly as it requires a "fully equipped camp kitchen" for family meals.
Swimming spots: Several locations offer river and creek swimming during summer months. A Boone Fork camper mentioned specific spots where "you can go swimming and sliding off rocks" that work well for family outings.
Water fill procedures: Self Sufficient Holler requires RVers to understand specific water systems. A camper noted, "Elizabeth walked us through how to use the pump—easy as pie!"
Road conditions: Access roads to several campgrounds require appropriate vehicles. A visitor to Hiddenite Family Campground reported "The road coming into the campground is dirt as was the road within the campground."
Elevation considerations: Mountain campgrounds may have challenging access roads. A Blue Bear Mountain Camp visitor cautioned "The state maintained gravel road used to access campground was narrow and would be difficult to get a large camper up there, although there were lots of large ones there."
Tank filling protocol: Blue Bear Mountain Camp has a specific water system. A camper explained "They do not have water hookups—you fill your camper tank with water at the office area."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir is Growing Faith Farms & Retreat with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir?
TheDyrt.com has all 59 tent camping locations near W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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