Looking for the best campgrounds near Nantahala National Forest, NC? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Nantahala National Forest, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
$26 - $100 / night
"The entrance to this park is right across the street to an entrance to the Appalachian Trail. A beautiful trout stream runs through the park, close to all the campsites."
"Our site was about 30 feet away from the Nantahala river. The bathrooms and showers were spotless. Keep in mind that it’s far from any store or restaurant so bring food along. No cell service."
$20 - $255 / night
"We chatted about travel and places to go not just her in Georgia but also around the United States."
"We stayed in one of the tent-only, walk-in sites. This was our first (and so far, only) walk-in tent camping experience as a family. I gotta say - there were challenges. "
$36 - $100 / night
"The location? Magical. Nestled in a quiet valley surrounded by mountains and trees in the Nantahala National Forest, just south of the Smokies."
"The owner’s at Turkey Creek are very kind and inviting... water and electric at nearly every campsite, very clean bath facilities... small creek runs through the campground offering sweet sounds to fall"
$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."
$20 - $40 / night
"Located on Lake Chatuge in both North Carolina and Georgia, you can ride right to the biking trails or launch your paddleboard right from your lakeside site. "
"Parking is right above the steps that go down to the tent pad. This site has direct water access for swimming and fishing. This particular site has no shade between noon and 4."
$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."
"There was also a large field next to the camping area that could be used for various activities. The facilities (covered picnic area, bathrooms) were great."
"It's in a beautiful location, very close to the mountains and the Nantahala river. Definitely worth it!"
"Just head to the right when you get to the bottom of the bald where the trail splits and follow it around the mountain staying left at each fork. It joins the forestry road at one point."
"This is a classic bald where you get to the top and there are no trees around so you can see for miles. This also makes for great open space to set up a tent."
$10 - $20 / night
"Sites are first come, first serve, most sites are in the open with a few more private sites around the edge."
"Great for accessing the mountain bike trails at Tsali. The entire campground is first come first serve, never had a problem finding a spot, but does fill up by the weekend."
$22 - $100 / night
"This is a really large and very nice campground near Franklin, NC that caters to both RV and tent campers. They have a ton of sites and several bathroom facilities."
"There is a small pond for fishing and some amazing waterfalls nearby to walk too! We used our pop up camper and the campsites were gravel and level."
TravelerWhat a great campground this was. Private with beautiful sunsets. The wildlife was amazing and we saw two bald eagles. The just was very laid back made us feel totally comfortable. We will certainly go back
ScoutReally enjoyed the peace and quite of the campground, kids loved playing in the creek that the owners have stocked regularly with trout, nice playground and pool for the kids, site has a soccer field also and Cornhole boards, owners are very friendly and have put lots of their time and energy to make this a very enjoyable family campsite!
GuideThis place is gorgeous. All the sites are arranged for phenomenal views of the surrounding mountains. I love the cuts in the tree lines so you can have a vista view from your picnic table.
The showers were hot. The toilets were clean. The water was pristine and easily accessed.
I sleep off the ground, so a lot of campgrounds are understandably not equipped for a couple of easily accessed trees to hold up a hammock. After calling and asking for a good site that would fit, I arrived to find that not only the site I was given (#16) was perfect, but many other tent sites looked easily accommodating for hammocks as well.
The sunset alone was more than worth it. I didn't see any elk, but did fall asleep listening to some owls call to each other, and caught sight of three young bears crossing the road as I left camp.
The only real question left is "When can I go back?" The visit was simply too short.
ScoutFirst time camping at a KOA campground. Campground. Sites have plenty of space. Campground is clean and very well-maintained. Sites have full hook ups, including sewer. As well as trash pick up between 9 AM and noon plenty of stuff for the kids to do especially if you get a spot near the recreation area. Close to plenty of local attractions and easy to get to
ScoutLocation is perfect. Brody is very odd, nice but didn’t do what he said. Stayed during spring 2024 and enjoyed the area. Just be aware if you’re there “alone”.
TravelerSet up camp along the trail. Couple of places have been flattened out by previous campers; made setup a breeze. Plenty of places for a hammock as well.
TravelerHave to reserve ahead of time. Stayed in a van. Restrooms clean. I reserved noon on day of check in and there were only two spots left.
TravelerThe sites have plenty of privacy. I felt very tucked away from the activities. Which there are plenty of! The lake has a beach, you can rent a kayak or paddle boat. There’s a beautiful waterfall and the hikes are amazing! I could have stayed longer!
ScoutWe were truck tent camping and used an RV site with water/electric hookup...... it was close to our gold panning and Brian taught us the proper technique. If there was not a fire pit at your site, they would make one or have one set up at the Pavilion. The picnic table would be at the pavilion, but overall it is a peaceful more rustic campground.
Camping near Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax by a campfire, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a perfect spot for families, RVers, and nature lovers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Nantahala National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 796 campgrounds and RV parks near Nantahala National Forest and 67 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Nantahala National Forest is Standing Indian Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 19 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 67 free dispersed camping spots near Nantahala National Forest.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 parks near Nantahala National Forest that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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