Forest camping near Hot Springs
Panoramic mountain views, mineral waters, and historic hikes bring campers to Hot Springs.
96% (7183 reviews)
- Hot Springs
96% (7183 reviews)
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12 top forest campgrounds near Hot Springs
98%
(145)
Creek side
4 sites · Lodging, Tents18 acres · Hot Springs, NC
Picturesque meadow on what once was a tobacco farm. All campsites are waterfront along the year round babbling creek. Stocked with trout three times a year. Property located very close to Max Patch for hiking or just to watch the amazing sunset. Each site comes with a fireplace, picnic table and charcoal bbq. Porto potty and outdoor shower on property.
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$25
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95%
(259)
The Baying Hound Campground
2 sites · Tents2 acres · Asheville, NC
THE CAMPGROUND
The Baying Hound Campground is where rural Appalachia meets “keep Asheville weird.” You’ll see sleeping pods decorated by professional artists, structures made from upcycled building materials and permaculture experiments in the making. We’ve been described as “if a European hostel and an Appalachian campground had a baby.” Not quite glamping and definitely not KOA, we're happy to offer you a more social alternative to cookie-cutter lodging without breaking the bank.
*Van-lifers, truck-top-tenters and other vehicle dwellers* Y'all are welcome to book this spot! Note that the parking area is SEPARATE from the site pictured and you can NOT drive down to the site. You'll be sleeping in the parking area and still have access to all our facilities.
SHARED CAMPGROUND AMENITIES:
- Indoor bathroom and sinks with hot and cold running water
- Indoor hangout area with couch, books and outlets
- Charging station for your phones and tablets behind our graffiti’d garage
- A re-imagined, yet decidedly old-school pit latrine
- Outdoor sink with cold running water (seasonal = April-October)
- Outdoor shower with solar-heated water* Mother Nature can be a little stingy with the sun, so unfortunately we can not guarantee that this will provide warm water. If nothing else, it'll be refreshingly brisk. :) (seasonal = April-October, CLOSED Nov-March)
- Community fire pit with wood for sale for $5 a packet
- Community charcoal grill (be sure to bring your own charcoal) + picnic table
- Omoplata Overlook hangout area with deck furniture, table, hammock and solar lights
- Multiple picnic tables where you can hang out & eat
- Wi-Fi zone with varying quality of internet (but you’re camping, so you should enjoy the outdoors and company of your friends :))
- Nearby Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym! Ask us more if you’re interested.
- Curiosity Trail :)
THE NEIGHBORHOOD
The campground is located in the "Emma" area of Asheville. Also known as "Wild Wild West Asheville" (to distinguish it from regular West Asheville which is about 5 minutes' drive away), this is the last bastion of non-gentrified Asheville. Emma is completely un-zoned, so you get an interesting mixture of mostly residential and agricultural properties that scatter the area. The campground itself is tucked away in a 2-acre wooded valley.
We're about 10-15 minutes' drive away from
downtown Asheville and a $12-$15 Uber ride. Unfortunately, public transportation is not very accessible from the campground.
WHAT'S NEARBY?
- There are approximately a bajillion breweries in Asheville, many of which are within 5-15 minutes away.
- Downtown Asheville (~10-15 minutes), West Asheville (~5-10 minutes) and the River Arts District (~5 minutes) are full of city life fun - amazing restaurants, live music, shopping, art galleries and did we mention breweries?
-So much hiking! Choose your own adventure - waterfalls, mountain-top views, fog-drenched valleys, rambling rivers. There are some trails about 20 minutes away, but to get to the good stuff, you'll drive 40-90+ minutes.
- White water rafting ~60-90 minutes away
- Tubing down the French Broad River is the ultimate way to chill out in the sun. French Broad Outfitters, Zen Tubing and Lazy Otter are some companies that can take care of all the details for you. These are all 10-20 minutes away.
OUR HISTORY
We discovered this property in 2017, and quite by chance! We had finished working a seasonal job in Colorado and were on our way out to the coast to look into starting our own business. We happened to come through Asheville and casually stumbled across this property. Long-story-short, we put in a bid on the property. It was accepted, and now we have a real fixer-upper on our hands!
Here's some history on the property as reported by the previous owners:
The road you park on was the old county road, a long, long time ago. The couple who sold us the property is elderly, and the blue house you pass on the left on the way to park was where the wife grew up. In fact, that enormous pine tree on your right as you come up the road was the old lady's Christmas tree as a child.
The jiu-jitsu gym used to be an auction house. Then it was used as a dance hall. Then it became a cabinet-making space and finally a timber frame-making space. Over the past year we've converted it into a jiu-jitsu gym, although you can still see plenty of "upcycled" remnants of previous uses, all around the gym.
The campground area itself was slated to be turned into a trailer park. You can tell that the area was partially graded at one point or another. Thanks to that initiative, we have some convenient paths all around!
They decided not to follow through on setting up trailer pads since it was more money than they had bargained for. After that, the space was used as a black-market dump! Luckily the city shut it down, and after two spring seasons of cleaning up back there, we're left with what you see!
We're going to continue to pour our hearts, souls, creativity and probably more than just a little money into making "The Baying Hound Campground" a fun place to crash for a couple days while taking in all that is Asheville. Thanks for reading!
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$22
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85%
(10)
Mountain Paradise
2 sites · RVs, Tents27 acres · Marshall, NC
Enjoy a campsite to yourself on top of a mountain with beautiful mountain and sunset views.
Situated near the charming and historic town of Marshall, and nearby Hot Springs and Asheville, you'll have access to a variety of delightful experiences. Despite being close to these attractions, our location is tucked away at the end of a dead-end, low-traffic road. With easy access off the paved road. You’ll have the camp area to yourself although there are some other homes in the neighborhood around our land.
Outdoor enthusiasts will be thrilled with the proximity to the Pisgah National Forest, the Appalachian Trail, and numerous other beautiful hiking trails, recreational activities, and tourism opportunities.
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$42
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100%
(29)
Bull Mountain Ridge
1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Asheville, NC
The site's first appeal is the amazing view of Bull Mountain Ridge. Beautiful all year long, but particularly in late October when the leaves are in their richest colors. The site is roomy for small to mid-sized RVs and offers a private water hook-up, 30 amp, and 20 amp power outlets. It feels private and tucked away, but is very accessible to all of what the Asheville area has to offer. Downtown is a 15 minute drive; ride services and shuttles* are both easy to secure and quite affordable. Additional parking is available for a fee. The backdrop of the site is forested and easy to relax in - the understory is maintained for guest use, providing cooling shade with a stunning view.
I usually try to say hello to folks and make sure they get settled in alright, but let me know if you'd prefer just to come in and have privacy. Don't feel the need to come to the house unless you can't get a hold of me via text and you need assistance. I may not be available when you arrive, but I'll try to get back in touch with you as soon as I'm able.
*If I am available, I can offer boat, bike, and hike shuttling for a fee. I also have a one-person kayak, and a two-person canoe that are usually available and camping gear. Contact me beforehand if you are interested in renting any of these items.
**Please be aware that this section of North Carolina has a particularly large population of American black bears. Any food stuffs, or other "smell-ables" will potentially attract bears.
Refer to:
https://www.nps.gov/articles/bearsafetyfood.htm
...for proper treatment of potential attractants.
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$42
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100%
(42)
Troublesome Gap Camping
2 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Hot Springs, NC
My parents bought the 120 acre property in the 1960s. I started clearing and building the campsite in 2019.
Watch the sun rise on one side of Troublesome Gap and watch it set on the other side. There is a circle drive for 2 teardrop / squaredrop or pop up campers and plenty of spots to pitch tents. There are also great spots to hang your hammock.
Camp where my family camps. My parents bought the property in the 1960s and we have camped up here, hiked, hunted, and cut firewood many weekends. We decided to share the property so you can enjoy camping up here too!
The property is in a remote location where you can enjoy the wildlife and the cooler temps in the summer. You'll have 3 acres all to yourself. You wont have to share the spot with anyone else unless you bring them. The closest grocery store is an hour away but the Trust General Store with a restaurant and gas approximately is 7 miles away. There is also a burger joint (Dave's 209) on the way to the Trust General Store.
This camping site is in a remote area and the nearest neighbor about 1/2 mile away. Max Patch is about 25 minutes away and features beautiful hiking.
The quaint town of Marshall is about 30 minutes away. Asheville is about an hour away.
The campsite is easily accessible from Baltimore Branch Road. However Baltimore Brand Road (public road) is steep in places and we don't recommend an RV bigger than a popup camper. If you are pulling a trailer you'll really want to consider having 4wd. If you aren't used to driving on steep dirt mountain roads, you may want to bring your 4wd vehicle.
If you have a 2wd vehicle, then you'll want to come to the site via Big Pine Road. This route will take you through Walnut, NC
We also provide a porta-a-john for your convenience.
Once the reservation is made, I'll send out an info sheet with important info like the gate combination. Please let me know if you haven't received the info sheet within a week of making the reservation.
The inclusion policy below is from HipCamp corporate. Our policy is much simpler. Be respectful to others and the property and have a good time. This is a campsite where have the whole 3.5 acre property to yourself. You are surrounded by properties that vary from 40 acres to over a hundred acres. You are with the people in your campsite and pretty much no one else. We just want you to have a great time and bring home great stories. It seems like every visitor to Troublesome Gap has a great story. Come camp with us and build your own story.
Important Note: Water is only available on the site from May through September. If you camp on the site Oct through April, you'll need to bring your own water.
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$45
/ night
99%
(183)
Raven Ridge
2 sites · Lodging3 acres · Marshall, NC
James landed on the property in 2009, built a small barn and milked 3 cows for 3 years. Then, started planting trees,gardening the hillsides. He married in 2015 and has three Daughters with Sofi, originally from Sweden.
Together they manage a botanically interesting hobby hill farm and are happy to host travelers and seekers in their cabins. Hilltop was a joint project that James built in 2012 with a talented woodworker and friend in 6 months of saturday for less than $5k. We have maintained the original vibe of the place, rustic simplicity and elegance a notch or two above glamping, well-described by the zen koan, "chop wood, carry water" Orchard House was built entirely by James from the block up to the roof, averaging 1 hour/day for 3 years or 1,000 hours.
Some of the Hilltop photos are a bit dated, we have a more private outhouse behind the cabin, and have made a few improvements here and there. Reach out anytime for any reason ! We really like hosting and nearly everyone enjoys their stay.
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$98
/ night
99%
(1152)
Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch
15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents95 acres · Waynesville, NC
Voted 2nd in NC!! We are a Mangalitsa farm in The Smoky Mountains of western NC. The entire property is oriented toward private farmland views, a half mile of river and surrounding mountains. It's really quite remarkable to be so accessible yet feel so remote! Come swim, fish, cook and play! Check out www.smokymtnriverranch.com for more information.
PLEASE NOTE, our rate is based on the number of vehicles in your group. The first vehicle is included in the nightly rate and admits 4 campers. WE CHARGE FOR ADDITIONAL CARS. The charge will be added to your booking once you select the number of vehicles at checkout.
Please note that each additional car admits four campers. For EXAMPLE, 2 cars = 8 campers total. If you only have two cars but more than eight people, YOU MUST select the "Extra Person" Extra for each night they are camping. Please select these extras at checkout. If you have questions about this PLEASE message me prior to booking.
Our 95-acre farm was once owned by the Davis family who predominantly raised dairy cattle. We now raise the wooly Mangalitsa pig and sell to the best chefs and restaurants. We sell our pork at the farm too!
All of our campsites are next to running water except the two hilltop sites.
Two porta-potties are on the farm and private porta-potties are available for rent. Groups of eight or more are required to rent a porta potty should you not bring your own toilet system with you. We do not allow the use of our small wooded areas as toilets.
Please review the Extras options as we offer river lifts, firewood and dog stays; thank you!
Quiet hours are from 10pm to 9am.
Checking in before 5 pm is requested. Later times may be available with prior arrangements. Our farm is very dark and navigating at night is difficult. Please contact Catherine directly so you can be checked in safely and accommodate your schedule. NO CHECK-INS AFTER DARK.
We are 1 mile off of I 40, 17 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, 15 min. to Maggie Valley, 10 min to the Elk at Cataloochee, 25 min to Cataloochee ski area, 10 min to Lake Junaluska and 15 min to downtown Waynesville. Asheville is 20 miles to our East.
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$51
/ night
98%
(27)
Honeysuckle Springs
10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Cosby, TN
Welcome to our beautiful campground nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains! This enchanting getaway offers breathtaking mountain views that will leave you in awe. Whether you're a nature lover, an avid stargazer, or a hiking enthusiast, this spot has it all.
One of the standout features of our campground is its unbeatable panoramic view of the majestic Smoky Mountains. Imagine waking up to the sight of rolling peaks and vibrant colors painted across the sky as the sun rises. The evenings are equally mesmerizing, with a clear night sky perfect for stargazing. Be prepared to witness a dazzling display of stars that will leave you feeling connected to the universe.
Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the abundant wildlife surrounding the campsite. Keep your camera ready, as you may spot deer gracefully grazing in the nearby fields or catch a glimpse of a majestic eagle soaring through the skies. It's an opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the wonders of nature.
For adventure seekers, there are numerous hiking trails nearby, allowing you to explore the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains up close. Whether you're looking for a challenging trek or a leisurely stroll, you'll find the perfect trail to suit your preferences.
We understand the importance of comfort during your experience, which is why we provide a well-maintained bathhouse with hot running water. Freshen up after a day of outdoor activities and relax in the clean and inviting facilities.
Convenience is key, and our campground is ideally located near two entrances to the Smoky Mountain National Park. This means you'll have easy access to all the park has to offer, from its picturesque trails to its awe-inspiring waterfalls.
Adding to the charm of our campground is its historical significance as an old farm. You'll have the opportunity to explore the charming barns and learn about the area's rich agricultural heritage. It's a glimpse into the past that adds a unique touch to your camping experience.
We understand the importance of staying connected, even while surrounded by nature. That's why we provide Wi-Fi access, allowing you to share your adventures with friends and family or simply stay connected to the world if needed.
While our campground provides a serene and secluded environment, we are just a short 30-minute drive away from the vibrant towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. You'll have the best of both worlds – a peaceful retreat in nature and the option to indulge in the attractions, restaurants, and entertainment that these bustling towns have to offer.
Come and experience the beauty, tranquility, and adventure of the Smoky Mountains at our camoground. It's a truly unforgettable experience that will leave you with cherished memories and a deep appreciation for nature's wonders.
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$30
/ night
94%
(631)
Haw Ridge
5 sites · Tents1 acre · Mars Hill, NC
****READ THROUGH ENTIRE LISTING BEFORE BOOKING****
Haw Ridge is a mountain top camp site with a total of only two campsites. At a 4,550 foot elevation and with nearly 360 degree views, there is a perfect sunrise and sunset experience. With no light pollution the stargazing is amazing.
On foggy mornings, the mist rolls right over the ridge top. There are 2
sites on one acre so plenty of space for social distancing!
Rocky Fork State Park Tn. is just a short drive away for some great additional hiking ,swimming and fishing.
Enjoy the view and your stay!!
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$39
/ night
99%
(174)
Above the Fray Glamping, Black Mtn.
6 sites · Lodging11 acres · Black Mountain, NC
The views are hypnotic and look down and out over the continental divide. Good morning sun and sunsets can be seen in the same spot. Your car is parked within feet of your deck so Car Campers and experienced campers can enjoy. Designed with campers and dogs in mind. The deck is large (384 square feet) with a tin roof. Some roofs are full size, some 2/3rds and some 1/3rd, depending on what one wants for tent size or sun exposure. (See pictures of each site/deck) Each deck has sun and rain curtains for helping keep comfortable in normal weather. Dogs enjoy a two gate system so quests and dogs can be leash free and away from the road. All dog owners know to pick up after their pets. The human Private Porta John is cleaned weekly. Lights and electrical is 110V (3 prongs) for YOUR coffee pots, electric grills, mattress inflators, crockpots, electric blankets fans, etc. I do not provide any electrical appliances, other than counter area lighting and low level string lights so one can see the night sky. Many of my campers will "Pay it Forward" and leave coffee pots, hot plates, fans and such, so count yourself lucky to find a deck with them. I provide chairs, 5 gallons of fresh water in containers, fickle solar shower and pop up changing room along with an assortment of camping supplies from dog bowls to antimicrobial wipes. I provide various size garbage bags to manage your garbage. Your parking area is next to the deck. Black Mountain’s tasty restaurants are 4 miles away and All Trails is a great app for finding trails suited for your interest. Be respectful to the place and please be friendly to the people you meet.
Learn more about this land:
Private Glamping Decks with a view that pictures do not do justice. Private decks on a dead-end gravel road mean hopefully the sounds will only be of nature. The conveniences of electricity, porta john, water, chairs, table, roof, cleaning supplies, rain curtains, and astounding views have my Glampers coming back often. Designed with Dogs in mind with a two-gate system and no need for a leash when on the deck. Obnoxious, barking dogs are not welcome, so bring only controlled and well socialized dogs. Help me keep it dog friendly. Never block the road with a park car.
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$75
/ night
98%
(30)
Sunset Ridge in the Smoky Mountains
1 site · RV2 acres · Del Rio, TN
Welcome to our picturesque RV site, where you can experience stunning views of the Smoky Mountains, Cherokee National Forest, and Pisgah National Forest. The natural beauty of this area is truly breathtaking, with layers upon layers of mountain vistas stretching as far as the eye can see.
Our site is conveniently located just 5 miles from the Martha Sundquist State Forest, offering easy access to hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. For those seeking a bit more adventure, there's also white water rafting just 4.5 miles away!
If you're looking to explore the surrounding towns and cities, you're in luck. Our site is located just an hour from Gatlinburg, TN, and Pigeon Forge, TN - two popular tourist destinations known for their theme parks, attractions, and shopping. You're also just an hour away from Asheville, NC, a vibrant city known for its arts, music, and culinary scene. And if you're looking for a more low-key experience, Hot Springs, NC is just 45 minutes away, offering natural hot springs, charming shops, and restaurants.
Our RV site is the perfect basecamp for your next adventure in the mountains. You'll have access to all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay, including electric and water hookups, and ample space for parking. And when you're ready to relax after a long day of exploring, you can kick back and enjoy the stunning views from your RV or around the campfire.
We can't wait to welcome you to our little slice of paradise in the mountains!
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$50
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98%
(206)
Tranquil Toggle
2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Asheville, NC
Adjacent to popular trails and downtown Asheville while also being secluded and safe. You can hike straight from your site or catch an Uber to downtown in five minutes. Must request with details before booking. This is a launching pad reserved for folks with strong Leave No Trace mentality and camping skills.
Learn more about this land:
Pull in or pitch a tent in a white oak forest tucked into the edge of Asheville adjacent to the Blue Ridge parkway land. and The Mountains to Sea trail. Enjoy serenity and privacy while being super convenient to the fun vibe of downtown. Dogs are welcome. Bathroom provided. Starbucks is a three minute drive, and Central Downtown is only 6 minutes away. It's quiet here, and we love it that way, so no parties, please. We limit occupancy to one tent site and one RV site to ensure your experience is peaceful, but feel free to reach out for hiking, biking, paddling, tips or restaurant, shopping, or brew advice. We're happy to help make your visit all around lovely!
As we have had trouble with first time campers cutting our trees, leaving out trash that attracts native bears, and misunderstanding fire safety, we limit acceptance to friends and family, NOLS, Outward Bound, and MST thru hikers, and experienced campers. You must be willing to be unarmed on this private property (no guns) and have experience camping in bear country (yes, Asheville has a plethora of bears).
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$44
/ night
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Forest camping near Hot Springs guide
Overview
Looking for a camping adventure in the forest near Hot Springs, North Carolina? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 2,590 options available, you'll find the perfect campsite that suits your needs. Whether you're looking for a rustic getaway or a glamping experience, Hipcamp has got you covered. Enjoy the serene beauty of the forest while exploring the nearby Hot Springs area. And with average prices starting at just $40 per night, camping has never been more affordable. Check out some of the top-rated campsites like Starlight Hills (627 reviews), Smoky Mountain Mangalitsa Farm (388 reviews), and Pisgah Forest Mountain Meadows (266 reviews). With popular amenities like potable water, showers, and trash services, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable camping experience. And don't forget to take advantage of popular activities like swimming, wildlife watching, and horseback riding. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable forest camping experience near Hot Springs, North Carolina!
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