The best cave campgrounds near Andrews, North Carolina

In the western corner of North Carolina sits Andrews, a small scenic town that sits in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Just a short drive away, Great Smoky Mountains National Park beckons campers to discover scenic trails, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. Then, take a scenic drive along Cherohala Skyway, a 43-mile scenic byway that winds through the Appalachian Mountains. Or explore the vast natural beauty of Nantahala National Forest, which offers hiking trails, fishing spots, and picnic areas near several developed tent and RV sites. More hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching is available at Cherokee National Forest as well as primitive campsites. In Andrews, it’s possible to pitch a tent by the riverfront and start a campfire under the stars or enjoy the amenities of a glampsite or cabin.

80% (5) • 147 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Andrews

Drifting Meadows

1. Drifting Meadows

77%

(13)

29mi from Andrews · 99 sites

Hello! We are Drifting Meadows. A small community located just shy of three hours from Atlanta. Nestled in TN. Not far from Chattanooga and Knoxville. We strive to hold art events, educational seminars, weddings, corporate get-aways and much more. We look forward to hearing from you. Learn more about this land:Hello! We are Drifting Meadows. A small community located just shy of three hours from Atlanta. Nestled in the Tennessee mountains. Not far from Chattanooga and Knoxville.  Primitive camp spots "with community campfire" available with quick access to nearby waterfalls, a lake, and many hiking trailheads. You can also get into town to see live bluegrass bands on the weekends or stop by the local bakery for some amazing fresh food selections. We provide fire wood and portable toilets. Please note that we are off grid so we request that you use all degradable products if possible. (shower supplies are provided). Also, we do request that any trash/recycling products are taken with you when you leave. Looking forward to hosting you. 

Pets

Toilets

Showers

from

$25

/ night

Wingnut Holler

2. Wingnut Holler

83%

(9)

42mi from Andrews · 10 sites · Tents, RVs

Set in quiet, Philadelphia, Tennessee, no city lights or traffic noise. Minutes from the Lost Sea and Cherohala National Forest, guests can enjoy lavender, a garden, goats, cats, dogs, and a winding, walking path. This is a small Homestead and start up for a wild life rescue, rehabilitation and zoo. The property is a work in progress.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

from

$20

/ night

Cove Creek RV Resorts

3. Cove Creek RV Resorts

38mi from Andrews · 68 sites

Cove Creek RV Resort stands out as a premier destination for luxury RV living, offering breathtaking, unobstructed views of Cove Mountain. Nestled in the serene Smoky Mountain region of Wears Valley, this resort is perfectly situated between the vibrant towns of Pigeon Forge and Townsend, TN. What makes Cove Creek RV Resort truly special is its blend of tranquility and adventure. Guests can unwind in the peaceful surroundings or dive into a plethora of exciting activities nearby. Explore the stunning natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains, discover hidden swimming holes, or embark on outdoor adventures such as hiking and fishing. In addition to the natural attractions, visitors will find a variety of restaurants and shops just a short drive away, ensuring that all your needs are met during your stay. Whether you’re looking to relax on-site or explore the vibrant local area, Cove Creek RV Resort is the perfect home base for creating unforgettable memories. Book your stay today and experience the charm and beauty of this unique destination.

Cherokee National Forest

4. Cherokee National Forest

96%

(49)

National forest 135mi from Andrews · 625 sites

Follow us to Tennessee and dive into the grandeur of the Cherokee National Forest! It’s filled to the brim with scenic forested trails, rushing rivers, and rainbow trout. During the day you can go rafting, and at night you can bask yourself in moonshine (of various sorts) and brush up on your constellations. If you are in pursuit of some Appalachian Mountain bliss, this is the right place to start. Don’t forget your camera, you're going to want to show these vistas off!

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

5. Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

96%

(65)

National forest 31mi from Andrews · 557 sites

Visit the Georgian gateway to the Appalachian Trail.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

6. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

98%

(194)

National park 32mi from Andrews · 621 sites

Forest trails link campsites with waterfalls and reminders of once-bustling Appalachian communities.

In the western corner of North Carolina sits Andrews, a small scenic town that sits in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Just a short drive away, Great Smoky Mountains National Park beckons campers to discover scenic trails, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. Then, take a scenic drive along Cherohala Skyway, a 43-mile scenic byway that winds through the Appalachian Mountains. Or explore the vast natural beauty of Nantahala National Forest, which offers hiking trails, fishing spots, and picnic areas near several developed tent and RV sites. More hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching is available at Cherokee National Forest as well as primitive campsites. In Andrews, it’s possible to pitch a tent by the riverfront and start a campfire under the stars or enjoy the amenities of a glampsite or cabin.

80% (5) • 147 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Andrews

Drifting Meadows

1. Drifting Meadows

77%

(13)

29mi from Andrews · 99 sites

Hello! We are Drifting Meadows. A small community located just shy of three hours from Atlanta. Nestled in TN. Not far from Chattanooga and Knoxville. We strive to hold art events, educational seminars, weddings, corporate get-aways and much more. We look forward to hearing from you. Learn more about this land:Hello! We are Drifting Meadows. A small community located just shy of three hours from Atlanta. Nestled in the Tennessee mountains. Not far from Chattanooga and Knoxville.  Primitive camp spots "with community campfire" available with quick access to nearby waterfalls, a lake, and many hiking trailheads. You can also get into town to see live bluegrass bands on the weekends or stop by the local bakery for some amazing fresh food selections. We provide fire wood and portable toilets. Please note that we are off grid so we request that you use all degradable products if possible. (shower supplies are provided). Also, we do request that any trash/recycling products are taken with you when you leave. Looking forward to hosting you. 

Pets

Toilets

Showers

from

$25

/ night

Wingnut Holler

2. Wingnut Holler

83%

(9)

42mi from Andrews · 10 sites · Tents, RVs

Set in quiet, Philadelphia, Tennessee, no city lights or traffic noise. Minutes from the Lost Sea and Cherohala National Forest, guests can enjoy lavender, a garden, goats, cats, dogs, and a winding, walking path. This is a small Homestead and start up for a wild life rescue, rehabilitation and zoo. The property is a work in progress.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

from

$20

/ night

Cove Creek RV Resorts

3. Cove Creek RV Resorts

38mi from Andrews · 68 sites

Cove Creek RV Resort stands out as a premier destination for luxury RV living, offering breathtaking, unobstructed views of Cove Mountain. Nestled in the serene Smoky Mountain region of Wears Valley, this resort is perfectly situated between the vibrant towns of Pigeon Forge and Townsend, TN. What makes Cove Creek RV Resort truly special is its blend of tranquility and adventure. Guests can unwind in the peaceful surroundings or dive into a plethora of exciting activities nearby. Explore the stunning natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains, discover hidden swimming holes, or embark on outdoor adventures such as hiking and fishing. In addition to the natural attractions, visitors will find a variety of restaurants and shops just a short drive away, ensuring that all your needs are met during your stay. Whether you’re looking to relax on-site or explore the vibrant local area, Cove Creek RV Resort is the perfect home base for creating unforgettable memories. Book your stay today and experience the charm and beauty of this unique destination.

Cherokee National Forest

4. Cherokee National Forest

96%

(49)

National forest 135mi from Andrews · 625 sites

Follow us to Tennessee and dive into the grandeur of the Cherokee National Forest! It’s filled to the brim with scenic forested trails, rushing rivers, and rainbow trout. During the day you can go rafting, and at night you can bask yourself in moonshine (of various sorts) and brush up on your constellations. If you are in pursuit of some Appalachian Mountain bliss, this is the right place to start. Don’t forget your camera, you're going to want to show these vistas off!

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

5. Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

96%

(65)

National forest 31mi from Andrews · 557 sites

Visit the Georgian gateway to the Appalachian Trail.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

6. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

98%

(194)

National park 32mi from Andrews · 621 sites

Forest trails link campsites with waterfalls and reminders of once-bustling Appalachian communities.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

s

sarah

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wingnut Holler

This was a great place to camp! Very quiet and the goats around were so precious 🙂 It's a perfect place to stay if you're looking to visit The Lost Sea! Would recommend!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best cave camping near Andrews guide

Where to go

Nantahala National Forest

Take a drive to Nantahala National Forest, where campers can walk along hiking trails like Cable Cove or Spirit Ridge while anglers fish for rainbow trout and largemouth bass. Then, mountain bike on the Tsali Recreation Area trails, which offer over 40 miles of singletrack trails with stunning views of Fontana Lake. The forest also features numerous campgrounds, such as Nantahala River Campground and Standing Indian Campground, that provide amenities like picnic areas, fire rings, and restrooms.

Cherokee National Forest

About two hours from Andrews lies Cherokee National Forest. Campers can hike the Appalachian Trail, fish for catfish and brook trout, boat on Lake Ocoee, or whitewater raft down one of the seven forest rivers. RVers may enjoy the two Forest Service scenic byways through the mountains. Then, set up camp at nearby campgrounds, including riverfront RV sites at Indian Boundary Recreation Area with amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to electrical hookups. Tent camping is also available with amenities like toilets and showers.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Approximately 40 miles north of Andrews rests Great Smoky Mountains National Park, known for its stunning beauty and diverse ecosystems. Embark on Alum Cave Trail or Rainbow Falls Trail to see sights above and below ground. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot black bears, white-tailed deer, elk, and a variety of bird species, including the majestic peregrine falcon. Anglers can cast their lines in popular streams like Little River, Abrams Creek, and Deep Creek, known for brook, rainbow, and brown trout. The park also offers several well-equipped campgrounds with facilities like restrooms, picnic areas, and access to hiking trails.

When to go

Andrews experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Spring boasts mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers, perfect for hiking and exploring. Summer brings warm weather in the 80s and longer days, ideal for water activities in nearby lakes and rivers. Fall showcases stunning foliage colors, creating a picturesque backdrop for camping and hiking. Some campgrounds may have limited services or seasonal closures during winter, which brings cooler temperatures in the high 40s to low 50s and occasional snowfall.