Imagine falling asleep to the sounds of frogs and cicadas, the cool mountain breeze blowing through the forest trees beneath a wide sky full of vivid stars. There’s nothing quite like camping in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, and with spring and summer on the way, it’s time to start planning your trip.
Whether you like to pack light, making do with a hammock or cozy tent, or you prefer to literally bring the kitchen sink (along with the rest of your RV), there are plenty of scenic spots to rest your head.
Check out some of these popular campgrounds and RV parks, and be sure to look at all of our accommodations listings for more details.
Camping in National Forests, State Parks & the Blue Ridge Parkway
Did you know that Pisgah National Forest, which covers more than a half-million acres in the Blue Ridge, got its start right here outside of Old Fort?
Curtis Creek Campground sits on the first tract of land acquired under the Weeks Act of 1911 that led to the creation of national forests in the eastern U.S. Today the 25-site campground is a popular and picturesque spot along Curtis Creek.
On the Blue Ridge Parkway, visitors will find both tent and RV sites at the Crabtree Falls Campground near Mount Mitchell. The nearby meadow bursts with wildflowers in the spring, and the 3-mile Crabtree Falls loop trail leads hikers to a breathtaking 70-foot waterfall.
To the north, the Linville Falls Campground sits next to the beautiful Linville River, not far from the popular Linville Falls triple waterfall.
Lake James State Park offers drive-in sites perfect for families with lots of gear and walk-in sites great for those who pack light. For the most adventurous, there are 30 paddle-in sites on Long Arm Penninsula that are accessible only by boat.
Top Spots for RV Adventures
For those traveling with a camper or RV, there are a number of RV parks and campgrounds ready to welcome your home on wheels.
Mountain Stream RV Park is nestled in the middle of Pisgah National Forest, just a few miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Relax by the stream, fish for trout and enjoy the convenience of full hook-ups, cable TV and Wi-Fi. New at Mountain Stream: Three modern yurts ready for your luxury camping experience!
Buck Creek Campground features 74 full hook-up sites situated on 48 acres, plus a bathhouse with hot showers, laundry and swimming and tubing on Buck Creek.
In Marion, Tom Johnson Campground is surrounded by beautiful scenery and is also a great spot for big group events and rallies. Another multi-use Marion campground is a seasonal favorite, https://www.spaciousskiescampgrounds.com.
Beyond the Great Outdoors: Camping with Unique Amenities
Several of our Blue Ridge campgrounds offer more than just a place to pitch your tent! Check out these unique campground experiences:
- Strike it rich at the Lucky Strike Gold & Gem Mine where you can pan for gold or screen for gemstones right on site. Grab lunch or dinner at the Miner’s Diner!
- Bear Den Campground & Cabins — located on the Blue Ridge Parkway between Linville Falls and Little Switzerland — features a playground, game room, fishing lake, 13 miles of hiking trails and a 50-foot waterfall.
- Upgrade to a “glamping” trip at Gold River Camp where you can stay in a tiny cabin by the creek where prospectors once mined for gold. Your rental includes tubes for floating and cooling off in the creek.
