Blue Bear Mountain Camp is situated at a high elevation in the mountains near Todd, North Carolina, approximately 15 minutes from Mountain City, Tennessee. The campground's altitude creates milder summer temperatures, typically ranging from 70-80°F in July, providing relief from typical southern heat. The property features primitive sites nestled in dense forest areas that create natural privacy buffers between campsites.
What to do
Explore the Appalachian Trail: Hickory Ridge Campground near Grayson Highlands State Park offers direct access to hiking sections of the Appalachian Trail. "Jump on the AT or any number of other trails for a multi day or just a simple day hike. The wild ponies make this area so special and worth the drive," notes Kevin G.
Kayak on mountain lakes: Julian Price Park Campground offers lake access with kayak rentals. "There is a spot within the park to rent kayaks which was great. There is a hiking trail that goes around the lake. There's also a trail that you can access from the park that leads to Hebron Rock Colony which is an incredible hiking trail," shares Danielle L.
Fish in mountain streams: Local creeks near the camping areas provide fishing opportunities. "The hike to the pond was a little more strenuous than we anticipated but once you get there, there is a nice creek and we caught a trout in the pond right away," according to Kristen J. who visited Blue Bear Mountain Camp.
What campers like
Cool mountain climate: The elevated location keeps temperatures comfortable even during summer. "The elevation is high so weather is nice for those trying to escape the summer heat," reports Kristen J. about Blue Bear Mountain. Similarly at Hickory Ridge Campground, campers appreciate the mountain temperatures, with one reviewer noting, "Weather is unpredictable, so pack a raincoat and warm clothes just in case."
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions. "The night sky was incredible with little to no light pollution," observed a camper at Flintlock Campground. Another camper noted, "We saw several deer, some turkey but no bears. Still be aware of your surroundings when moving around and in the campground."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the Mountain City area maintain high cleanliness standards. "Bathhouse was nice and clean," noted a Blue Bear Mountain visitor. At Grandfather Campground, "The restrooms are heated, have 3 nice showers with good water pressure, 4 stalls, and 2 sinks. Fully stocked with TP and paper towels," according to Tracy H.
What you should know
Access challenges: Some glamping sites near Mountain City require preparation for rugged access. At Roan Creek Campground, "If your goal is to enjoy camp while still having access to amenities like showers and restrooms, this spot is great. There were some OHV trails close to the campground as well as various hiking locations," explains Josh H.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds have limited availability during winter. At Julian Price, the camping season runs "Apr 01 to Oct 29," while Flintlock Campground operates from "Apr 1 to Oct 31," making advance planning essential for fall visits.
Varied site types: Blue Bear Mountain Camp offers multiple accommodation options. "This is a simple & beautiful campground. There are trails to walk/hike, mountain view to see, bathhouse with 3 bathroom/showers, and one with just a bathroom," explains a visitor about the facilities available.
Tips for camping with families
Creek exploration options: Flintlock Campground features a creek that children enjoy. "This campground has a very nice little creek running through it. My children spent hours every day exploring," shares Robyn C. Another visitor confirms, "There is a beautiful mini river running through the campground with a lot of rocks to jump on."
Look for campgrounds with playground access: When glamping close to Mountain City, Tennessee, some sites offer child-friendly amenities. "I wish there was a playground for the kids but overall it was very nice. Close to Boone," mentions Kristen J. about Blue Bear Mountain Camp.
Pack for variable mountain weather: Temperature fluctuations can be significant, especially in spring and fall. "The elevation is high so weather is nice for those trying to escape the summer heat," notes a Blue Bear visitor, suggesting families bring layered clothing for comfort.
Tips from RVers
Limited water hookups at some sites: At Honey Bear Campground, RVers should prepare for specific hookup configurations. "They do not have water hookups - you fill your camper tank with water at the office area. They have spots with electric hookups. They have a dump station where you can empty your tanks on your way out," explains Mandy R.
Leveling challenges on mountain sites: The terrain creates some challenges for larger rigs. "The site was quite un-level side to side, and we couldn't get our trailer completely level side to side. The site was a bit tough to maneuver into (doable, though!)," shares Tracy H. about Grandfather Campground when glamping close to Mountain City.
Reserve early for prime sites: The most desirable RV sites book quickly, particularly those with shade and creek access. "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.
