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Best Campgrounds near Whittier, NC

3,282 Reviews

Whittier, North Carolina serves as a gateway to multiple camping areas within and surrounding Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The camping landscape includes established sites at Smokemont Campground, Elkmont Campground, and Deep Creek Campground, all part of the national park system. These campgrounds accommodate various camping styles, from primitive tent sites to RV-compatible spaces, with some areas offering cabin rentals and glamping options. Several privately operated campgrounds such as Cherokee Great Smokies KOA and Timberlake Campground provide additional camping options with more amenities within a 15-mile radius of Whittier.

Seasonal considerations impact camping in the Whittier area, with many national park campgrounds operating only from April through October. "Absolutely beautiful campground! We were given a free bundle of firewood (one bundle per night) and told about the free ice machine," notes one camper about their experience at a local campground. Weather patterns in the Smoky Mountains create significant temperature variations between higher and lower elevations, even during summer months. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak leaf-viewing periods in October when facilities reach capacity quickly. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better connectivity at private campgrounds than within more remote sections of the national park.

Riverside camping represents a distinctive feature of the Whittier area, with several campgrounds situated along waterways like the Tuckaseegee River and various creeks. Campers report enjoying the natural soundscape of flowing water, with one visitor mentioning, "Our campsite backed up to a beautiful creek. We walked the entire campground, and there really isn't a bad site, the entire area is peaceful and you feel very remote even though you are 15 minutes from town." Fishing opportunities exist at multiple campgrounds, with some private facilities offering dedicated fishing ponds. The proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides convenient access to additional recreational activities including hiking, tubing, and scenic drives. Campground amenities vary significantly between developed campgrounds with full hookups and primitive sites with basic facilities.

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Best Camping Sites Near Whittier, North Carolina (681)

    1. Smokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    53 Reviews
    Cherokee, NC
    9 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."

    2. Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    124 Reviews
    Gatlinburg, TN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 430-5560

    $30 / night

    "Right outside of Gatlinburg so plenty to do and see if you feel like exploring outside of the park."

    "I had the most fantastic campsite right next to the river in Elkmont."

    3. Deep Creek Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    29 Reviews
    Bryson City, NC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 488-3184

    $50 / night

    "The Deep Creek Campground is located just minutes away from the charming Bryson City with its shops, breweries, little cafes an other attractions such as steam train rides on the"

    "Quiet with plenty of space between the RV sites, surrounded by hiking trails and waterfalls. Tent sites are next to the river and in close proximity to one another."

    4. Cherokee-Great Smokies KOA

    25 Reviews
    Cherokee, NC
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 497-9711

    "If I’m not mistaken, the one we were at this time was either the same cabin or one close to it.  It is perfectly situated beside the river.  "

    "But if you’re a tent camper, be aware that the tent sites are located near the road (I will never understand why campsites do this, since we are the ones with no soundproofing)."

    5. Indian Creek Campground

    24 Reviews
    Cherokee, NC
    11 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."

    6. Greenbrier Campground

    70 Reviews
    Gatlinburg, TN
    22 miles
    Website

    $35 - $258 / night

    "The campground is surrounded by a little river so many sites have river views. Most are relatively spacious. There are also a few spots on the road side of the island. The amenities were spotless."

    "_

    Greenbriar is located near the Greenbriar entrance of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, very near the arts and crafts district of Gatlinburg."

    7. Deep Creek Tube Center & Campground

    14 Reviews
    Bryson City, NC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 488-6055

    "Located close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it is a private campground and has several types of camping opportunities. "

    "Campground review: Located in Bryson City, N.C. on Deep Creek, this campground has around 50 sites with full hookups."

    8. Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    26 Reviews
    Maggie Valley, NC
    14 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."

    9. Kirkland Creek Campground and Cabins

    11 Reviews
    Bryson City, NC
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 488-6482

    $27 - $120 / night

    "My daughter and I were looking for a campground in or near Bryson City to reserve last week. Very nice and peaceful campsite for RV or Tent camping. We thoroughly enjoyed our night there."

    "Great spot away from some of the more touristy campgrounds. Nice stream running next to park. Cool little trout pond, quails, chickens and ducks Limited sites."

    10. Cades Cove Campground

    98 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $30 / night

    "There’s a river that runs a long the outside of the campground. Good swimming holes. A store that sells food (the best ice cream), firewood & camping supplies."

    "The sites were pretty close to each other but the store was convenient and awesome proximity when we biked the loop. Far drive from all of the other hikes and adventures we did."

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Recent Camping Photos near Whittier, NC

1436 Photos of 681 Whittier Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Whittier, NC

3282 Reviews of 681 Whittier Campgrounds

  • Ken A.
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Little River Campground & RV Resort

    A Bit of a Let Down.

    The campground was clean and friendly and surprisingly quiet considering how full it was. The sites are very tight for bigger rigs and the sites are very close together. We stayed multiple days and we had to cut our trip short by two days. We checked out early and spoke with a very friendly staff member about refunding the two days we were not able to stay. She informed us that the manager was not there and that she would let her know when she came in and she could refund the two nights. We received a call later from the employee and she told us the manager said she would not be able to refund us and if we wanted to call her she would give us her number and her name was Bunny. We gave her call and explained our situation and she said that unless someone had died or had to go to the hospital they didn't issue refunds. I explained without giving too much personal details that we had to leave due to some circumstances and she said she would issue us a voucher for one night if we liked. Probably would have stayed there again with our smaller camper and our not fifth wheel and recommended to friends as well but it came across to us that once they had our money it was our loss.

  • David R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    Great Campsite, But Let’s Keep It Clean

    This campsite is a great little spot just across the road from the water—peaceful, scenic, and well-situated. I was lucky to grab the last open site, and it turned out to be a perfect place to unwind. The only downside was the amount of trash left behind by previous visitors; I nearly filled a bag cleaning up. A gentle reminder to future campers: please do better and respect this beautiful space. Despite that, it’s truly a gem, and I’ll definitely be coming back.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Fern Cove — Black Rock Mountain State Park

    Beautiful park but steep slope up

    Black Rock is beautiful but hard on some transmissions. There is a long steep slope up the mountain and it is common for transmissions to over heat. So much so that there is an auto shop at the base of the mountain. The road up is narrow and twisty. I have seen some larger rigs up here but most are smaller. If u can make it, it is worth the journey. Lots of hiking trails for different levels. Clean facilities, friendly hosts. WiFi is available at the trading post. Nice place to sit and rock.incredible views. Have visited in April, may, June, and October. Usually stay on site 6. Later spring into summer had more poison ivy on trails.

  • Zach L.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Appalachian Springs Outdoor Resort

    October in the Smokey Mountains

    This is an amazing campsite spot. Minutes outside Pigeon Forge you're close to sites, shops, and anything you need. A short drive to the park and Blue Ridge Parkway. The spaces are easily accessible with options for any setup. Incredibly affordable so great value. The best campsite bathrooms I've ever seen, seriously immaculate bathrooms. Digital processes for registration and check in made it very easy to book. Staff was super helpful and very responsive to texts if you need anything.

  • Alexander C.
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Riley Moore Falls Campsite

    Best night sleep

    Such a great place to spend the night. I took my hammock and spent the night listening to the waterfall and nature. Sky was clear and bright with stars. I risked it and chose no fly tonight just to take in the view. Perfect weather. Met alot of interesting and hopefully new friends.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Mount Pisgah Campground

    October camping experience

    Well I checked when peak leaf season was supposed to occur and what to expect from temperatures. I also appreciate information from those that camped here. We were in site B26 interior of the loop. Unfortunately we weren’t able to get outside loop from the showers to the end. Interior from the showers to site 21 were okay. Ours on the other hand was one of the worst we’ve had. You had a steep 7 step down to picknick table and firepit. It was also in a low sumac shrub area that had a distinct smell. Campground was clean and facilities were well maintained. NPS staff were present despite the current shutdown in Washington! Limited cell service at the site. Best just up the parkway to the Mt. Pisgah picnic area parking lot.

    While we did hit peak color, I didn’t think that the cold front would be as intense. Temperature dropped below freezing and during the night it felt like gale force winds buffeting the GO. Definitely will pick a lower elevation for camping if it’s in October!

  • Katie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Upper Cove Creek - UCC2 Dispersed

    Okay spot

    Avery Road was closed so we ended up here. Not a whole lot of sites in the forest here. This site was fine, nothing special, but nothing bad. There’s a shallow creek that runs next to this spot.

  • SunnyLake
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Lakeside RV Resort & Marina

    Great Place with Great People

    Under new ownership, this little campground is wonderful.  Easy access and close to the activities on Douglas Lake or a quick drive into Sevierville, Pigeon Forge - Dollywood, and the Great Smoky Mountains.  The views from the lake are amazing and the campground hosts are so helpful and available.  Clean and fun!  Love it here!

Guide to Whittier

Camping near Whittier, North Carolina, offers a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With stunning views and a variety of campgrounds, there's something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Many campers rave about the nearby hikes, like the Little River Trail, which offers gorgeous views and is perfect for families. One reviewer mentioned, "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. Campers at Cades Cove Campground have spotted bears and turkeys during their stays. One camper shared, "Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground."
  • Fishing and Swimming: Many campgrounds, like Greenbrier Campground, are close to rivers where you can fish or swim. A visitor noted, "The river ran close enough to our site that we didn't feel like we needed a premium spot."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A reviewer at Greenbrier Campground said, "The bathrooms were amazing," highlighting the cleanliness and upkeep.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many campgrounds cater to families with activities for kids. One happy camper mentioned, "There were bounce houses, multiple playgrounds, and a lazy river with a swimming hole!" at Greenbrier Campground.
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground remarked, "The setting is gorgeous, and I do recommend it."

What you should know

  • Privacy Concerns: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together, which can affect privacy. A camper at Elkmont Campground noted, "All of the campsites are extremely close together, and there is no brush to divide them."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds offer full amenities. For example, Cosby Campground has no drinking water or electric hookups, which some campers found challenging. One reviewer mentioned, "It was a clean and decent campground, but it’s a bit of a drive to the park."
  • Wildlife Precautions: Bears are common in the area, so campers should be cautious with food storage. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground warned, "Do not forget to remove the drip pan on the Blackstone! Doing so just irritates the bears."

Tips for camping with families

  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of family-friendly activities. Campers at Greenbrier Campground enjoyed the variety of activities available, including swimming and playgrounds.
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and outdoor fun. One camper at Cades Cove Campground mentioned, "The store was convenient and awesome proximity when we biked the loop."
  • Choose the Right Site: Look for sites that offer more space and privacy. A camper at Elkmont Campground suggested booking sites along the river for a better experience.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground advised, "A bigger RV may not be able to make the trip. Research the roads if you have a large camper."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups. A camper at Mount Pisgah Campground noted, "No hookup, but bathhouse and hot shower."
  • Enjoy the Scenery: Take advantage of the beautiful views. One RV enthusiast at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground said, "The views are amazing."

Camping around Whittier, NC, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's a spot for you to enjoy the beauty of the Smokies!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Whittier, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Whittier, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 681 campgrounds and RV parks near Whittier, NC and 61 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Whittier, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Whittier, NC is Smokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a 4.3-star rating from 53 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 61 free dispersed camping spots near Whittier, NC.

What parks are near Whittier, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 parks near Whittier, NC that allow camping, notably Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Nantahala National Forest.

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