Best Campgrounds near Waynesville, NC

Looking for the best campgrounds near Waynesville, NC? Waynesville is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Waynesville, NC. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Waynesville, North Carolina (636)

    1. Cataloochee Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    31 Reviews
    Maggie Valley, NC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 497-9270

    $30 / night

    "The North Carolina part has a slightly different feel. Less of a circus and less crowded and more laid back. Loving it! Beautiful. Just wish there were showers here....lol."

    "This:

    Access to Cataloochee is via a narrow, winding, mountain road. A 3-mile stretch of gravel road contains many narrow, blind curves."

    2. Davidson River Campground

    83 Reviews
    Pisgah Forest, NC
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 785-5337

    $37 - $84 / night

    "Once again, interested in checking out as many waterfalls and cascades we could locate, the water flow will be so much more dramatic amidst heavy rainfall."

    "We had a quick nights stay in Davidson River Campground after picking up our new SylvanSport GO tent trailer in nearby Brevard, North Carolina."

    3. Mount Pisgah Campground

    40 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 648-2644

    $30 / night

    "We decided to escape the heat and head for one of the “cooler” campgrounds in western North Carolina for a weekend. Mt Pisgah Campground is at an elevation of roughly 5300’."

    "Pisgah National Forest on the outskirts of Asheville, NC is a must stop for all ages."

    4. Smokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    53 Reviews
    Cherokee, NC
    18 miles
    +1 (828) 497-9270

    $30 / night

    "Smokemont is a great campground in the North Carolina side of the Smoky Mountains. It is a perfect base camp to enjoy this amazing national park."

    "We only stayed for 1 night but really enjoyed the campgrounds proximity to activities on the North Carolina side of the park."

    5. Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    25 Reviews
    Maggie Valley, NC
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 497-9270

    $30 / night

    "These are very close to the entrance, to other sites, to the bathrooms, the campground hosts, and the dishwashing station, and they are right on the road."

    "And this campground is in a fabulous location. When you stay here, you are tucked in a lush green mountain about a mile above sea level."

    6. Stonebridge RV Resort

    16 Reviews
    Maggie Valley, NC
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 926-1904

    $60 - $90 / night

    "Easy access to everything needed. Tent sites were a little small. But overall very friendly management. Close to Waynesville and all the cute places in Maggie Valley."

    "Near Waynesville grocery stores. Great WiFi and Verizon is good. Sites a bit narrow but everyone was nice. Staff was very helpful and kind. Would definitely go back."

    7. Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    70 Reviews
    Cosby, TN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 487-2683

    $50 / night

    "Cosby is great if you want to explore the eastern section of North Carolina sections of the park."

    "Cosby is about half an hour outside of Gatlinburg and worth every minute.

    A16 was big and shady. There were a few steps down to it. Plenty of trees and distance to the nearest neighbors."

    8. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina

    62 Reviews
    Enka, NC
    21 miles
    +1 (828) 552-8040

    $37 - $135 / night

    "The sites are spacious and well spaced, offering more privacy than many locations. The showers and bathrooms were very clean. There are numerous hikes that are on the grounds or just outside."

    "PROS 

    Discounted camp fee with senior pass 

    Reserved 169 days prior to arriving 

    Friendly and helpful gate attendant 

    Nearly 100% shade at each site 

    Excellent dark sky viewing 

    Private sites with"

    9. Moonshine Creek Campground

    15 Reviews
    Balsam, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 586-6666

    "Minutes from the parkway for hiking, 2 miles away from a creek on the WNC fly fishing trail, and plenty of space to get out and walk around the grounds."

    "My site was right next to the stream and little covered bridge. It sounded like it was always raining. We used the pavilion for get togethers, it has a nice kitchen area with a grill."

    10. Indian Creek Campground

    24 Reviews
    Cherokee, NC
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 497-4361

    $26 - $37 / night

    "Indian Creek offers the most relaxing creekside camping in North Carolina.

    Every campsite is lush with greenery, private and well maintained after each occupancy."

    "The site was pretty large, level, and had unparalleled views and access to Bunches Creek."

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Recent Reviews near Waynesville, NC

3056 Reviews of 636 Waynesville Campgrounds



Guide to Waynesville

Camping near Waynesville, North Carolina, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails in the Great Smoky Mountains. Campers rave about the nearby hikes, with one reviewer from Elkmont Campground saying, "We did one of our hikes from our site—the Little River Trail to Cucumber Gap, and it was beautiful."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground mentioned, "Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing in the nearby rivers and streams. A camper at Davidson River Campground highlighted, "Great place to just relax and have base camp to many hikes in the area."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the breathtaking views. One reviewer at Black Rock Mountain State Park said, "The views are awesome at this park."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are noted for their cleanliness. A visitor at Lake Powhatan remarked, "The bathrooms were some of the cleanest we've seen."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds often have activities for kids. A family at Greenbrier Campground enjoyed, "There were bounce houses, multiple playgrounds, and a lazy river with a swimming hole!"

What you should know:

  • Site Privacy: Some campgrounds have closely spaced sites. A camper at Cades Cove Campground noted, "Most sites are close together."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds offer full amenities. A visitor at Cosby Campground mentioned, "It was a clean and decent campground, but there were no showers."
  • Bear Awareness: Be cautious of wildlife, especially bears. A camper at Tallulah Gorge State Park shared, "The campground is more small RV friendly due to narrow roads."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. A parent at Greenbrier Campground said, "Great campground, wonderful individual bathroom/shower, activities, a store, and free Trolley rides into Gatlinburg."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring games and outdoor toys. A family at Lake Powhatan enjoyed the "nice hike around the lake and the fun little lake beach."
  • Plan for Meals: Make meal prep easy. A camper at Davidson River Campground mentioned, "We actually forgot to bring coffee, so it was great to have the coffee truck 5 mins away outside the campground."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Ensure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Black Rock Mountain State Park advised, "If you have a big RV, it may be hard to get in and out of the park."
  • Use Dump Stations: Familiarize yourself with dump station locations. A camper at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA noted, "Dump station is on the way out."
  • Stay Connected: Be aware of cell service availability. A visitor at Lake Powhatan mentioned, "We had very little cell service (Verizon)."

Camping near Waynesville, North Carolina, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Waynesville, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Waynesville, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 636 campgrounds and RV parks near Waynesville, NC and 48 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Waynesville, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Waynesville, NC is Cataloochee Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 31 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Waynesville, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 48 free dispersed camping spots near Waynesville, NC.

What parks are near Waynesville, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 parks near Waynesville, NC that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.