The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Camping near Sapphire, NC

588 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

Search destinations
    Add dates

    Campgrounds around Sapphire, North Carolina provide access to the diverse mountain terrain of western North Carolina, with options ranging from developed facilities to backcountry sites. Gorges State Park Campground offers year-round camping with tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and glamping accommodations. Nearby Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area provides free primitive camping with walk-in and hike-in access for those seeking a more remote experience. The region includes both state park campgrounds with amenities like showers and electric hookups, as well as national forest lands with more basic facilities.

    The western North Carolina mountains experience significant seasonal variations that affect camping conditions. Many campgrounds remain open year-round, though facilities may be limited during winter months. A review mentioned that "Gorges State Park is one of the newest State Parks in North Carolina established in 1999 and is the only State Park west of Ashville. Excellent hike-in campsites and beautiful waterfalls." Roads in the area can range from well-maintained paved access to rough forest service roads requiring high-clearance vehicles. Campers should prepare for elevation changes that bring cooler temperatures even during summer months. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage near developed areas and limited or no service in backcountry locations.

    Several visitors note the natural water features as highlights of camping in the Sapphire area. Creeks, rivers, and lakes provide both scenic backdrops and recreational opportunities. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campgrounds like Davidson River are appreciated for their proximity to water: "The sites are plenty big, a little tight to back into, but not a big deal." Wildlife viewing opportunities include bear sightings, which require proper food storage at all camping locations. Most developed campgrounds in the region provide fire rings, picnic tables, and access to toilets, while primitive sites require self-sufficiency and adherence to leave-no-trace principles. Proximity to hiking trails, waterfalls, and the Blue Ridge Parkway makes these camping areas popular bases for exploring the surrounding mountains throughout the warmer months.

    Best Campgrounds near Sapphire (588)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Devils Fork State Park Campground

      4.8(52)11mi from Sapphire108 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "We had reserved a walk-in tent sight and absoulty loved it."

      "This hidden gem is a few miles off a major highway but well worth the journey. I would consider it among my top ten 'near a lake' spots in the entire US."

      Check Availability

      2. Davidson River Campground

      4.6(82)20mi from Sapphire144 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

      from $37 - $84 / night

      Check Availability

      3. Table Rock State Park Campground

      4.6(57)19mi from Sapphire105 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "The alternatives #5 and #6 were close to the entrance and therefore exposed to the road, and #49 was next to the restrooms, but similar to #60, so stayed with #60."

      "One drawback is that from the campground there is no easy access to the lake- you can either drive and park (and hope to find parking) or walk on a busy road . "

      Check Availability

      4. Oconee State Park Campground

      4.3(45)18mi from Sapphire139 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "There are primitive, walk-in sites that had the benefit of added privacy, but with 3 little kids, bathroom proximity was a higher priority this time around. "

      "There are multiple cabins scattered around the lake but they are a good distance apart from each other so you won't be disturbed by your neighbors."

      Check Availability

      5. Keowee-Toxaway State Park

      4.2(26)14mi from Sapphire24 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "There are 3 trailside primitive campsites that are on a peninsula overlooking Lake Keowee."

      "Like most other campgrounds, the tent areas are right next to each other."

      Check Availability

      6. Burrells Ford

      4.2(18)12mi from SapphireTents

      "Our plan was to start on the north end of River trail and hike for a few days camping in between. The Ranger there sold us a map of the trail since the ones online were not so great."

      "Arrived to parking lot with bathroom (outhouse) with about a mile walk to campsites and river. We found semi secluded campsite beside the river equipped with firepit lantern post."

      Check Availability

      7. Gorges State Park Campground

      4.8(9)3mi from Sapphire35 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "This is one of North Carolina’s best waterfall parks. Rainbow Falls, Turtel Back Falls and Bust your Ass Falls."

      "There are six designated backpack sites along the Foothills Trail near the southern boundary of the park."

      from $27 - $75 / night

      Check Availability

      8. Blue Ridge Falls RV Resort

      5.0(8)5mi from SapphireRVs, Cabins, Glamping

      "This was a perfect spot to explore the Cashiers and Sapphire area. Owners are super attentive and facilities are clean and well kept."

      "We were greeted by Jojo and escorted to our spot by Daegan who helped us get our camper situated.  The campground was clean and tidy, and had firewood and ice available for purchase."

      from $65 / night

      Check Availability

      9. Lazy J Campground

      4.3(12)10mi from SapphireRVs, Tents

      "We fished right next to our camp site and then relaxed with a camp fire listening to the sound of the River."

      "We were looking for a place that was wooded and near a river or stream and lucked up at Lazy J. The staff answered our call right away and were both friendly and informative."

      from $20 / night

      Check Availability

      10. Mile Creek County Park

      4.9(27)19mi from Sapphire108 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "We mainly confined our time to our site and Lake Keowee, so this review is only commenting on those observations and not other areas or accommodations within the park."

      "Mile Creek Campground is a string of 3 islands connect by narrow straights and surrounded by water. It's hard to get a spot here without great views of Lake Keowee and the Blueridge Mountains."

      from $15 - $116 / night

      Check Availability
    View all 588 campgrounds

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

    Enter to Win

    Sapphire Contest

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time

    Recent Camping Photos near Sapphire, NC

    1166 Photos of 588 Sapphire Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Recent Reviews near Sapphire, NC

    2784 Reviews of 588 Sapphire Campgrounds

    • NThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 18, 2026

      Andrew's Cove Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest

      Mountainside Cove

      Great campsite for a rugged and tucked away feel without having to actually go too far. The campsite has a wide array of spots, fairly close together but it wasn’t very crowded so still private. The vaulted toilets are clean enough. There’s a creek down the middle of the campground that is very relaxing and helps drown out some of the traffic noise since the site sits fairly close to a pretty well trafficked road leading to and from Helen. There is no service.

    • NThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 17, 2026

      High Shoals Falls Trail Dispersed

      Hiking In

      Rough drive up, AWD recommended. Great secluded campsites 0.5-1.0 mile hike-in. Moderate hike, downhill to campsite, uphill to get out. Larger group sites near creek, great small site right across from Blue Hole.

    • JThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 16, 2026

      Creekwood Farm RV Park

      Beautiful river side site

      The team here really maintains the property nicely and the shower rooms a kept clean.

    • J
      Sep. 14, 2026

      Smoky Bear Campground

      Awesome campground!

      We’ve been coming at this campground for 13 years and it is always an enjoyable experience.  The past owners, Barry and Chong, have turned over the day to day management to their son and daughter-in-law.  They are so pleasant and accommodating.  It is a small campground but drive thru spaces are big enough for big rigs.  They keep the campground in immaculate condition….   Would give it 6 stars out of 5!

    • KThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 12, 2026

      Clay County Recreation Park Campground

      Lake and Mountain View’s

      Gibson Cove campground Bring your water toys as the lake is clean and easily accessible. Gorgeous hiking trail. Very spacious campsites. Quiet campground. Managed and well maintained sites. I would have given five stars but the bathrooms were in desperate need of maintenance and the quantity was not sufficient. Men’s bathroom had 1 toilet for approximately 40 sites. Expect freakishly large bees and plenty of spiders.

    • June M.
      Sep. 12, 2026

      Highlands Riverbend RV Resort and Cabins

      Mountain Gem in the "Gem Capital of the World"

      With only 18 waterfront sites this campground facilitates comradery like no place we have ever experienced.  Taco Tuesdays, Margarita Fridays, Soup Sundays, potlucks, on-site bluegrass concerts, sharing stories with new friends with our chairs and feet in the cool river water, watching the lunar eclipse in our best dress pajamas are all events we enjoyed in our two and a half months here.  The campground is clean and well maintained at all times.  The owners and hosts are outstanding individuals who truly make every effort to make everyone comfortable at their home away from home.  Strangers really have become friends, just as advertised.

    • MThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 12, 2026

      Bears Den

      Lovely!

      Really nice place to stay if you are visiting Asheville. Convenient to a variety of activities from biking, hiking & local attractions. The owners are very friendly, accommodating and have provided a beautiful, relaxing space. The parking space is covered, level and easy to back into. They have an expansive beautiful backyard, due partially to hurricane Helene, with seating areas for guests. They due have chickens & rooster, but they stay in their coop & run on the opposite side of the yard. There was no odor and the rooster only crowed during the day, which did not bother us. Looking forward to a return visit. The owners are currently working on an RV park in Brevard, which we hope to visit in the near future.

    • Jim M.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 12, 2026

      Mt Pisgah Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

      Loving the Parkway

      NPS provides beautiful quiet campgrounds in the natural environment without all the modern amenities. If that why you camp this is for you. Perfect for vanlifers and others enjoying the outdoors

    Guide to Sapphire

    Camping near Sapphire, North Carolina puts visitors in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest at elevations ranging from 2,000-4,500 feet. The region features granite cliffs, numerous waterfalls, and dense hardwood forests that provide vibrant fall colors from mid-October through early November. Summer nights typically cool down to the 50s, even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s, making extra layers essential for campfire comfort.

    What to do

    Kayaking on Lake Jocassee: At Devils Fork State Park Campground, the clear waters offer excellent paddling opportunities. "Beautifully located on Lake Jocassee! Camp sites paved, wooded and nicely spaced. The lake is gorgeous. Boat ramp and trailer parking. Kayak rentals available," notes Carissa D.

    Mountain biking trails: Davidson River Campground serves as an ideal base for bikers. "Located right inside Pisgah National forest this campground is perfectly set for all adventures. If you're looking to ride the mtb trails you're in luck. They start literally across the davidson river from the campground," according to Travis S.

    Waterfall hikes: Within a 30-minute drive from most campgrounds, dozens of waterfalls range from roadside accessible to multi-mile hikes. "The hikes to the waterfalls are easily accessible and totally worth it," reports Todd S. about trails near Gorges State Park.

    What campers like

    River campsites: Burrells Ford offers free primitive camping along the Chattooga River. "Great for swimming and Hammocking!" notes Elise W. The sites require a short quarter-mile walk from the parking area but reward with riverside solitude.

    Panoramic views: Camping at higher elevations provides exceptional vistas. "This spot is the highest on the third 'island' out from the mainland. It has epic 360 views," writes Adam V. about site #49 at Mile Creek County Park.

    Heated facilities: Winter campers appreciate that many campgrounds maintain comfortable bathhouses year-round. "Bathhouses are nice and have hot water and are heated," Jennifer K. reports about Mile Creek County Park, while another camper notes Davidson River has "heated bathrooms" during winter months.

    What you should know

    Bear activity: Bears are common throughout the region, especially in backcountry areas. "Be aware that the bears here are extremely bad. I actually had an encounter with a very large bear who charged my group and destroyed a tent," warns Phoebe A. about Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area.

    Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially for waterfront sites. "Book your trip a few months in advance so we got all the spots we wanted," advises one camper about Mile Creek County Park, while another notes Devils Fork requires reservations "well in advance."

    Trail navigation challenges: Some areas have confusing trail systems. "Bring a good map and stick to the trails that your map covers. It's an easy place to get lost because of all the unofficial trails," advises Tony E. about Panthertown Valley.

    Tips for camping with families

    Accessible swimming: Look for campgrounds with gradual entry swimming areas. "The area very serene, quiet and pretty. Nice hiking area and swimming area. If you need to get ahold of someone though you'll have to drive 10 to 15 minutes into town," notes Ashley S. about Oconee State Park Campground.

    Playground proximity: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "Each campsite has wonderful views of the water. There is a playground by the entrance and near the farthest campsites as well," reports Jake S. about Mile Creek County Park.

    Cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide comfort with outdoor access. "We spent 2 nights in one of the cabins in this beautiful state park during a road trip through South Carolina. And let me say, 2 nights was not enough! The cabin itself was very well kept. There was air conditioning, 2 bedrooms, 1 full kitchen, 1 full bathroom, and a fire place," shares Jessica S. about Oconee State Park.

    Tips from RVers

    Satellite challenges: Tree cover at most campgrounds limits satellite reception. "Being regular tent campers, we understand that sometimes you are at the mercy of your neighbors," notes Jay B. about camping at Oconee, though he adds this particular campground has good cellular service.

    Site levelness: Many campgrounds in the mountains feature uneven sites. "Be aware, however, that camper pads on the odd-numbered tent sites (5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15) are not level, but Sites 1 and 3 plus the even-numbered sites have level parking pads," advises Lee D. about Gorges State Park Campground.

    Access roads: Some campgrounds require navigating steep, narrow roads. "While the spot is very level, be very weary that the drive up to this spot is steep and curved. We barely made clearance with a 23' trailer that has a lift kit on it. This spot requires backup skills and the right equipment," warns Adam V. about certain sites at Mile Creek County Park.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where can I find Sapphire gemstones in Montana?

    Montana has several famous sapphire mining locations where visitors can dig for their own gems. The Philipsburg area is home to multiple mines including the Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine. In southwestern Montana, you'll find the Spokane Bar Sapphire Mine near Helena. The Rock Creek area is another significant sapphire source. For an immersive experience, stay at Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park which offers similar pristine natural surroundings. Many locations operate seasonally (typically May-September) and offer gravel buckets for purchase that you can sift through to find sapphires. Most mines provide equipment, instruction, and gem identification services.

    What colors do natural Sapphires come in besides blue?

    Natural sapphires come in virtually every color of the rainbow except red (which are classified as rubies). Montana sapphires are particularly renowned for their unique color palette including teal, green, yellow, pink, purple, and the coveted cornflower blue. Some sapphires display color-change properties, shifting hues in different lighting. While enjoying the natural beauty of colorful gems, consider staying at Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina where the changing light through forest canopies creates its own natural color display. Parti-colored sapphires, displaying multiple colors in one stone, are especially prized among collectors and are a Montana specialty.

    How much do Montana Sapphires cost compared to other gemstones?

    Montana sapphires typically range from $200-$10,000+ per carat depending on color, clarity, cut, and size. They generally command higher prices than commercial sapphires from places like Australia but less than premium Kashmir or Burma sapphires. The most valuable Montana sapphires are those with exceptional cornflower blue or teal colors in larger sizes (1+ carats). While exploring gem country, consider camping at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground where you can appreciate other natural treasures. Montana sapphires' value has increased significantly in recent years due to growing interest in American-sourced, ethically-mined gemstones. Self-mined stones typically cost significantly less than retail prices, making sapphire hunting both recreational and potentially valuable.

    What equipment do I need for sapphire mining in Philipsburg?

    For sapphire mining in Philipsburg, you'll need minimal equipment as most mines provide the essentials. Basic supplies include a water spray bottle, tweezers, small containers for your finds, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes that can get dirty. Most operations offer complete mining kits with screens, sieves, and classification trays. For a comfortable base while mining, consider staying at Smokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park or Jackrabbit Mountain which offer clean facilities after a day of digging. Many Philipsburg mines operate seasonally, so check operating hours before planning your trip. Most importantly, bring patience and a keen eye for spotting the subtle gleam of sapphires among ordinary gravel.

    Keep Exploring

    5. View all North Carolina cities for camping