The best river, stream, or creek glamping sites in North Carolina

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If you're looking for a unique camping experience that combines luxury with nature, glamping is the way to go. And if you're seeking to set up camp by a river in North Carolina, you're in luck! Hipcamp offers over 565 options for glamping near North Carolina rivers, with prices ranging from $20 to an average of $95 per night. Some of the top-rated campsites according to guest reviews include Starlight Hills with 627 reviews, Dark Ridge Hide Out with 422 reviews, and Smoky Mountain Mangalitsa Farm with 388 reviews. Popular amenities like campfires, trash, and showers are available, and you can also enjoy exciting activities such as off-roading (OHV), swimming, and climbing.

98% (8.4K) 795 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in North Carolina

Starlight Hills

1. Starlight Hills

98%
(2540)
Bostic, NC · 16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Our Spa and Geodesic Dome Planetarium is now available for booking! Our Pond is now OPEN! We are a constantly evolving location. Our goal is to provide a genuine secluded camping experience immersed in nature in a mountainous forest with privacy and well spaced out, secluded camp sites. We also have minimal light pollution, so our skies are beautiful for viewing the stars. We offer trails through natural wooded habitat with hidden gems of nature. Wildlife viewing throughout. There are feed locations to increase viewing opportunities. A creek on the property is lovely for walking. Centered between Charlotte and Asheville we are within your reach! We offer primitive tent camping, Glamping Tents a tiny cabin and Geodesic Dome. Lodging locations have a private Mountain View, fire pit area, Queen bed, Night Stand (built in phone charger), Desk area, interior and exterior lighting, heater and fan (powered by solar system). As a part of Starlight Hills Campground you have access to filtered drinking water, common overlook (w/ BBQ pits & picnic tables), trails, bathroom and showers. Welcome to bring all your furry family members ❤️. Please Note: 2 Wheel Dr. vehicles can access all of our sites. Gravel/ Dirt road up hill.
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TangleWood Creekside Campsites

2. TangleWood Creekside Campsites

99%
(675)
Marion, NC · 24 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
16 miles North of Marion and closer to Linville Gorge, Linville Falls and The Blue Ridge Parkway area, we are a perfect jump off point for all your adventures including The Apple Orchard at Altapass, Linville Caverns in addition to the ones mentioned above. TangleWood Creekside Campsites offers a rocky creek winding through the woods at the base of several hikable peaks hidden just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Wildlife enthusiasts are encouraged to explore, on foot or mountain-bike, anywhere within our 170 acres (or the adjoining 250 acres owned by the US Forestry Service off our North Western border) and are likely to catch glimpses of turkey, beaver, deer, fox, eastern box turtle and the many species of songbird and raptor. The location is convenient to tons of local attractions for sightseeing and outdoor activities as well as shopping, dining, even wine tasting. We would be happy to supply a comprehensive list of the various local attractions upon request but the following are a few of our favorite things to do within a short drive: visit Linville Falls, Caverns, Gorge and/or Winery; drive the Blue Ridge parkway; tube/kayak down the Catawba river; hike beautiful Crabtree Falls; cross Grandfather Mountains mile high bridge and explore the nearby towns of Spruce Pines or Little Switzerland. The scenic drives to Asheville, Blowing Rock or Banner Elk make them each wonderful day-trip destinations.
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Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

3. Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

99%
(1537)
Waynesville, NC · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Voted #1 in NC and Top 50 in the USA!! 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! 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. No porta potties are provided b/tw Dec 15 and March 15 Please contact us in advance regarding paying for firewood ($7/5 pieces), dogs ($15 each), day vehicle visitors ($30), private farm tour ($15/person) and/or a private porta potty ($120). 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. Contact Catherine directly so you can be checked in safely and accommodate your schedule. LIMITED 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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New River State Park

4. New River State Park

100%
(6)
State park in North Carolina · 81 sites
Relax on the river and explore the trails in this North Carolina park.
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Hanging Rock State Park

5. Hanging Rock State Park

100%
(19)
State park in North Carolina · 86 sites
See waterfalls, heavily wooded trails, and towering peaks in this state park.
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Frida's Airstream Hideaway

6. Frida's Airstream Hideaway

Weaverville, NC · 1 site
Escape to Frida’s Airstream Hideaway, a retreat that feels like a world away yet is close to everything! Here you’ll find 1.5 acres of peace and quiet, just a 5-minute drive from Downtown Weaverville and 20 minutes from Asheville. Relax in the completely renovated vintage Airstream, stroll through the meditation garden, unwind on the patio by the fire, or prepare a meal in the outdoor kitchen. Inspired by the warm colors of Mexico and the art of Frida Kahlo, Frida’s Airstream Hideaway delights the senses and offers a memorable Weaverville/Asheville experience.
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Conleys Creek Campground

7. Conleys Creek Campground

96%
(480)
Whittier, NC · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to our little slice of creekside heaven! Four years ago, we took a run-down manufactured home park and started turning it into something special — a peaceful, down-to-earth spot for campers to relax, explore, and feel right at home. It's been a total labor of love, and now we’re excited to share it with folks who appreciate the beauty of nature, good company, and a few chickens wandering by. At night, things slow down — our campground is quiet, peaceful, and perfect for stargazing. We’ve got: 3 creekside RV sites with water + electric hookups 1 creekside RV site with full hookups (water, electric, and septic) 4 first-come, first-served creekside tent spots A 38' luxury RV available to rent for a comfy glamping stay All sites are right along Conleys Creek, which is stocked with trout and perfect for fishing or cooling off in the summer. Every spot includes a picnic table and fire pit — and tent sites come with a fire pit that includes a cooking grate for easy campfire meals. Our land is totally pesticide-free and full of life — from colorful flower gardens to veggies, herbs, fruit trees, and our famous 14 free-range chickens (a.k.a. The Dixie Chicks). Guests love feeding them, petting them, and collecting fresh eggs. You’ll also find: A clean, private bathhouse A game room with ping pong + darts Outdoor yard games Fast, reliable Wi-Fi Firewood, eggs, and ice for sale A dump station for RVs We’re in a super convenient spot — nestled between Bryson City and Cherokee, just a short drive from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Dillsboro, Sylva, and tons of hiking, biking, kayaking, tubing, and whitewater adventures. We’re open year-round, but if you come during leaf peeping season, you’re in for a real treat — the colors are absolutely magical. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome too — we get it, they’re family! This is our home, our lifestyle, and our dream. We’d love to have you come enjoy it with us.
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At the Ridge Camp-Riverside Escapes

8. At the Ridge Camp-Riverside Escapes

95%
(204)
Balsam Grove, NC · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to At the Ridge Camp – “Simple Mountain Camping” at Its Best. Nestled just seven miles from the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, At the Ridge Camp offers a peaceful escape in the heart of North Carolina’s stunning Pisgah National Forest—also known as the Land of the Waterfalls. We offer 7 cozy camping cabins, 14 spacious tent/RV sites, and two convenient bathhouses to make your stay comfortable. Whether you're here to hike to breathtaking waterfalls, cast a line in a quiet stream, or simply unwind by the campfire under the stars, this is your place to reconnect with nature. And one of our favorite pastimes? Just sitting back and watching the water flow by. Come enjoy the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains—without breaking the bank.
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Mountain Creek Rest

9. Mountain Creek Rest

100%
(279)
Robbinsville, NC · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging
Mountain Creek Rest is a rural, creek side get-a-way in the mountains with 2 beautiful, huge, tent sites and a mini-cabin! Bring your kids & dog! (Registering pets in the "Extras" portion of your registration is required.) It does not have hook ups, power, or running water. You get there on a gravel road with 2wd. 5.5" of clearance is recommended. (google your car) Heartstone tent site is a stunningly beautiful, romantic campsite for 2! There is a large tent pad if you have children! The Diamondstone site is also a unique, beautiful, one-of-a-kind site! It has a beautiful, furnished, shelter cabin which is provided for you instead of using your tent!!! Leave your tent and tent set-up at home! There is room for your tent and your children out front, right beside the creek! Islandsite is an equally beautiful tent site ideally for two, but the 10x12 platform can accommodate a 6-man tent, best for 2 adults and a couple of kids! You won't want to leave, but if you do there are many recreational opportunities in the area such as hiking, biking, rafting, fishing, and more! Stays of 6 days or more get a big discount! Enjoy the fresh, cooler mountain air, and the beautiful, settings! Heartstone is located on a modestly pitched, terraced slope where a divided mountain stream, the tumbling Squally Creek rejoins itself! The sunlight filters down through the forest canopy providing a warm, inviting glow!! There is a 9'-6" x 10' wooden tent platform, and if needed a new, larger tent pad! Islandsite is located at the top of the island where the tumbling Squally Creek divides! Access is provided by the 40' long fallen tree bridge! Islandsite is amazing and very unique! Diamondstone, Heartstone, and Islandsite all feature a picnic table, charcoal grille, and comfort facility. They are all within a short walk from your private parking! Enjoy evenings at the new fire pit area with benches overlooking the fire pit and creek! Explore the island on the 400' island trail, or go downstream to a nice pool for dipping! Contact me for discounts when staying more than 6 nights! The gravel road is uneven, and 5.5" of clearance is recommended. Extra guests are an available option! The property is spacious and there is parking for a second vehicle nearby if needed!
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Merchants Millpond State Park

10. Merchants Millpond State Park

100%
(5)
State park in North Carolina · 47 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Merchants Millpond State Park.
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Carolina Beach State Park

11. Carolina Beach State Park

100%
(18)
State park in North Carolina · 81 sites
This state park has an obvious name with not-so-obvious sights.
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Nantahala National Forest

12. Nantahala National Forest

95%
(73)
National forest in North Carolina · 438 sites
Discover what the Cherokee call the Land of the Noonday Sun.
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Goose Creek State Park

13. Goose Creek State Park

100%
(2)
State park in North Carolina · 15 sites
Discover Goose Creek State Park's natural beauty and outdoor activities.
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Cold Spring Basecamp

14. Cold Spring Basecamp

98%
(205)
Zirconia, NC · 7 sites · Tents, Lodging
Cold Spring Basecamp is the perfect place to launch your next adventure, tucked into the mountains of Western North Carolina. Whether you’re camping, glamping, or sleeping high in a treehouse, this is your jumping-off point for biking, hiking, paddling, zip-lining, chasing waterfalls—or simply slowing down on our beautiful 38-acre property. With a lovely new bathhouse, sauna and cold plunge, mountain bike trails, hiking paths, creeks, waterfalls, and wide-open space to relax, you don’t even have to leave camp to feel immersed in nature. Our one-of-a-kind treehouse is nestled high in the woods, surrounded by nothing but forest—yet equipped with all the comforts you could want: a tiled shower (with a tree in the bathroom), kitchen, heat and A/C, a loft that is perfect for the kids. The cozy A-frame cabin sits beside the creek and offer tons of charm. Three rustic, historic cabins have been thoughtfully restored to preserve their old charm while adding modern comforts. Each cabin features either a roll-down cover or glass doors that open you to the outdoors, plus the amenities that make camping easy. We also offer two tent sites and a lovely bathhouse with two private rooms (each with sink, shower, and toilet), plus an outdoor shower in the warmer months. Every stay offers a unique way to reconnect—with loved ones, with friends, or with yourself. Venture out and you’re surrounded by some of the best small mountain towns in the region, including Flat Rock, Saluda, Hendersonville, and Asheville. Each offer a myriad of great restaurants and shops. We are on the edge of apple country with orchards and wineries to explore. Just up the road you can explore nearly 100 miles of trails and stunning waterfalls at DuPont State Recreational Forest. Ride world-class mountain biking trails at Ride Rock Creek Bike Park and Ride Kanuga Bike Park, or head into Pisgah National Forest for hiking and biking. Paddle the world-famous Green River with Class I–V rapids, or soar through the trees with The Gorge Zipline. Launch your adventure—or simply stay put and let the mountains do the rest.
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The Dancing Pig On Abbotts Creek

15. The Dancing Pig On Abbotts Creek

99%
(312)
Lexington, NC · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging
A small homestead on the bank of Abbotts Creek near where it feeds into High Rock Lake. Peace and solitude , but close to the amenities of town. Less than a five minute drive to the grocery store, and less than a fifteen minute drive to uptown Lexington. Public access for kayaks is less than half a mile away. And the view is unbelievable! We have a corn hole board and bags now available for use, as well as a few other yard games. Please let us know if you are interested in using them. The edible landscape is available for you to enjoy. A list of current available items is posted in our greenhouse, as well as baskets for picking and foraging.
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Marshall Creek Farm

16. Marshall Creek Farm

98%
(84)
Westfield, NC · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
North Carolina is currently under a fire ban. Which means No campfires allowed at the moment but we do have propane cook /camp stove available on the cabin site for cooking. Propane firepits are allowed if you would like to bring those. Marshall Creek Farm is offering 2 camping spots on our 26 acres property out in the country of Westfield NC Just 15 minutes from Hanging Rock State Park where you can enjoy scenic waterfalls and breath taking views on some of our states most beautiful hiking, biking, and horse riding trails. First site is a cabin for two nestled in the private woods on a ridge on the back of the property. Second site is a tent/rv site that sits on the edge of a 3 acre pasture on the bank of Marshall Creek. Other nearby interests include kayaking, tubing, and fishing the Dan River, Zip-lining, Pilot Mt. State Park, Also the town of Mt. Airy (Mayberry) from the Andy Griffith show. You can also visit the well known Maybry Mill on a nearby section of the Blue Ridge Parkway. And of course you can always have a memorable time simply hanging around camp enjoying a cozy fire or gazing into the brightly lit starry skies that have escaped the city lights. Split firewood available on the honor system for purchase on the site of your choice. $5/bundle cash. Please scroll down and explore each listing for more detail.
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Winding Stair Campground

17. Winding Stair Campground

99%
(205)
Franklin, NC · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Winding Stair Campground sits at an elevation of 3,380 feet, next to the headwaters of the Nantahala River and is surrounded by national forest and undeveloped private land trusts. The stunning mountain views in a remote tucked-away setting make our farm a perfect getaway! Just a 15-minute scenic drive from Franklin in North Carolina, easily accessible off Hwy 64, our campground offers a chance to enjoy nature without being far away from the public amenities of a small but well-equipped town. A few features about our property: - Working farm: Campers are welcome to meet our Icelandic sheep and take a self-guided tour of our farm, along designated pathways. - Security: The campground and farm are fenced in on three sides with the river being the fourth boundary. Personal code to the entrance gate will be given at check in. - Bath House: The restored bathhouse is split into boys’ and girls’ sides. Each side has 2 private showers, 4 flushing toilets, sinks, hot water, and gas heat. - Community Pavilion: The Pavilion is a large 40x30 ft. open sided structure overlooking the Nantahala River. It has an ample fireplace, running water sink, counter space, couches, and table with benches. - Pack Room: Where the adventure begins! A cozy hub where all guests get local information, view maps, and grab some local seasonal groceries. Also available to all campers are washing sinks with hot water, toaster oven and microwave. - Communication: Or rather, lack thereof! There's no cell service on the property so it's a great time to get away from it all. There is limited Wi-Fi available near the Pack Room and an emergency landline available. - Charging: Traveling in an electric vehicle? Recharge for free at our dedicated EV 50amp outlet when you stay at any of our sites. First come, first served. Want to know more about the history of the property? Visit the 'Our Story' section on our website. Learn more about this land:
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Mountain Top Cabins on Private Land

18. Mountain Top Cabins on Private Land

99%
(498)
Hot Springs, NC · 5 sites · Tents, Lodging
We offer guests an off-grid and authentic Appalachian experience at our hike-in cabins and campsites located on 500 private acres atop the Newfound Mountains in Western North Carolina! Our Trailhead is located 45 minutes west of Asheville, NC and our hike-in trail is 2 miles long with 1,250 feet of elevation gain. The hike-in trail utilizes an old forest service road which follows a creek providing verdant landscapes and soothing sounds as you make your way up the mountain to our cabins and campsites. We have two antique Appalachian cabins on-site and two campsites available. Our cabins and campsites are priced per person and can be reserved individually or collectively through an entire property buyout. A hearty and healthy breakfast is served each morning in our Main Lodge and is included and you'll never pay a cleaning fee on this mountain because we believe in Southern hospitality! Our Main Lodge (Cabin #1) has a huge front porch with spectacular views, a nicely appointed off-grid kitchen, full bathroom with hot shower and an upstairs loft that sleeps up to 10. Our on-site host/s stay downstairs in the Main Lodge in private bedrooms so they can keep the home fires burning, tend the garden, cook breakfasts, clean the cabins and ensure all your needs are taken care of during your stay. Guests in our Upper Cabin (Cabin #2) enjoy a wooded and secluded setting in a rustic cabin that sleeps up to 6. The downstairs area features an open floorpan with a queen size bed, off-grid kitchen, dining area and the loft upstairs sleeps up to 4 people. Cabin #2 also features a full bathroom with and a tree-house like view from the front porch! Our cabin adjacent camp space features two spectacular campsites and is located 100’ from our Main Lodge. Camp 1 and Camp 2 both measure 12’x15’ and feature a soft grassy surface surrounded by natural boulder walls. Both campsites sit beside our neighboring property owned by the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy and feature a long-range mountain views. Guests at our campsites are welcomed to breakfast daily and have full access to the restroom facilities in the Main Lodge.
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3feather Sanctuary

19. 3feather Sanctuary

94%
(51)
Hot Springs, NC · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We are the coolest little campground in WNC. 3feather Sanctuary is tucked away in the amazing countryside of the Appalachian mountains, surrounded by beautiful, stately trees and a creek meanders through the property. We have all the amenities and yet retain the rustic natural charm of the majestic mountain town. We have an amazing bathhouse(commonground) with the best shower, communal fridge & honor system w/d, tucked beside a convenient outdoor covered kitchen, we have fiber WiFi, & swimming hole. This is the perfect peaceful getaway near great outdoor activities and some of the best that North Carolina has to offer! 3Feather Sanctuary is surrounded by beautiful, stately trees and has a creek meandering through it. The closest town is Hot Springs, which is 20 minutes away and the Hot Springs are a definite must-see if that peaks your interest! The town itself is also pretty cool. There are some good shops, restaurants & our favorite hardware store!! Downtown Marshall is also close, about 25 minutes and has a lot to offer! Gr8 restaurants, thrifting and cute shops along the river. Our property is about an hour away from the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the adorable city of Asheville - which makes for a fantastic day trip with delicious restaurants, breweries, cool shops, and more! The Great Smokey Mountains and Deep Creek are about 1.5 hours away from the campsite. The Appalachian Trail is closeby and there are countless opportunities for stunning hikes. There's also kayaking, tubing, white water rafting opportunities as well as zip lining and horseback riding. There is something for everyone to enjoy and we can't wait to share it with you! Full disclosure: We have a camera pointed at the entrance and one at the bath house door, which we can move around to make sure that when people check in they make it to the right spot since I manage remotely part of the year. We have regular yard maintenance, however, we are Country natural landscape, not parking lot type campground, so the grass is slightly higher in some small areas but truly those things are part of a sustainable and uniquely beautiful camping experience!
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Kerr Lake Glamping at Holly Forest

20. Kerr Lake Glamping at Holly Forest

100%
(42)
Henderson, NC · 7 sites
Tucked into a quiet corner of our working farm called Heritage Farm, Holly Forest offers a peaceful retreat with easy access to shared amenities. Guests have access to water, electricity, and our centrally located Bathhouse, which includes showers, restrooms, and parking. Each day, we provide battery boxes for running a fan or charging small electronics. Heritage Farm is rooted in natural, sustainable practices and hands-on learning experiences. Depending on the season, you may find the farm bustling with activity—especially during flower season as we cultivate our blooms for Cultivate Flower Co., or while we care for our animals and craft small-batch products like our Kinda Crunchy Goat Milk Soap. No matter the time of year, you'll see us tending to the land and the animals we love.
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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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