Most wildfires are preventable. Be fire safe

The best river, stream, or creek camping in North Carolina

·

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in the United States! If you're looking for a camping experience near a river in North Carolina, you're in luck. We have over 2,600 options available just for you. Whether you prefer pitching a tent or parking your RV, we've got you covered. Our top campsites like Starlight Hills (627 reviews), Dark Ridge Hide Out (422 reviews), and Smoky Mountain Mangalitsa Farm (388 reviews) are sure to impress. With popular amenities like potable water, trash disposal, and campfire pits, you'll have everything you need for a fantastic camping trip. Plus, with activities like climbing, surfing, and fishing nearby, there's never a dull moment. So why wait? Start planning your river camping adventure in North Carolina today, with prices as low as $10 per night and an average price of $39 per night.

96% (22.6K) 3,232 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in North Carolina

Starlight Hills

1. Starlight Hills

98%
(2602)
Bostic, NC · 21 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
TangleWood Creekside Campsites

2. TangleWood Creekside Campsites

99%
(786)
Marion, NC · 26 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
!!NEW BATH HOUSE!! Private, climate-controlled bathrooms each consist of hot/cold shower, sink with spacious vanity, and toilet. *6 new, 11 total Safari Tents (multiple layouts sleep 2-5)* LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! North of Marion, NC and just south of Linville, TangleWood Creekside Campsites offers something for everyone: primitive campsites, Safari Tents, a Little Log Cabin and a Tiny House with a wood-fired hot tub. 95% of our wooded sites are situated immediately beside a clear mountain stream and all are just minutes from the regions most famous local attractions for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The following are but a few of our favorite things to do within a short drive: visit Linville Falls, Caverns, Gorge and/or Winery; cruise the Blue Ridge parkway; pick apples at the Orchard at Altapss; tube/kayak down the Catawba river; hike beautiful Tom’s Creek Falls or 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, Banner Elk, Sugar and Beech mountains make them each wonderful day-trip destinations as well. We are happy to supply a comprehensive list upon request (including distance, drive time and links with directions) but there is also plenty of exploring to do right at here on site where nature lovers and 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

3. Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

99%
(1626)
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Nantahala National Forest

4. Nantahala National Forest

95%
(73)
National forest in North Carolina · 438 sites
Discover what the Cherokee call the Land of the Noonday Sun.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Pisgah National Forest

5. Pisgah National Forest

97%
(158)
National forest in North Carolina · 251 sites
One of Pisgah's gems is Richland Balsam, the highest peak on the Blue Ridge Parkway at 6,410 feet.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Lil Snowbird Farm Primitive Camping

6. Lil Snowbird Farm Primitive Camping

99%
(1152)
Robbinsville, NC · 11 sites · Tents, RVs
Private property bordering Nantahala National Forest on Little Snowbird Creek in Robbinsville, NC. 16mi from Lake Santeelah, about 10mi from the Cherohala Skyway. MUST HAVE 4X4 OR AWD VEHICLE TO ACCESS MOUTAINTOP CAMPSITES. Property damage fee of $100 for 2WD vehicles not adhering to rule. 2WD vehicles must camp creekside, sites 1-6. NO AXES, HATCHETS, MACHETES ALLOWED ON THE PROPERTY. NO NAILS IN THE TREES TO HANG THINGS. It damages the tree and causes them to die. Keep pets on a leash, especially if they like to roam or have any aggressive behavior. Spacious camping lots, and great trout fishing along little snowbird creek which is on private property. Fishing privileges are actually written into property owners' deed on the purchase of land. Views that can bring a tear to a glass eye and relaxing sounds of the creek can be heard from anywhere on the property. Hundreds of Hiking trails in the area, many just a short distance from the property. Please be respectful of others' property and no trespassing signs. It’s a gravel mountain road the last several miles to the property and like driving through an enchanted forest. The secluded location, peaceful and breathtaking views make this place a must-see adventure.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms

7. The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms

99%
(1410)
Yadkinville, NC · 18 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to our Oasis on Harmon Creek! We'd love to have you come and camp with us! Feel free to peruse our Hipcamp page and check out all of our current site offerings. (We also have a tiny house that is rented off of Hipcamp-- just message to inquire of availability.) Festival season is fast approaching, and we are centrally located for you to take advantage of all the fun festivities! Sites are already booking fast, and we don't want anyone to miss out on the fun! Please respect our land by not bringing firewood from off-site and burning it here. We are a working farm that allows camping, not a campground. Our native trees and crops could easily be devastated by outside diseases or pests that are carried in firewood. We offer firewood for sale from our farm (delivered to your site for no additional fee). You do NOT have to purchase it prior to your arrival, and we have large tubs too! Our STORE offers firewood, meats, eggs, Tallow, lard (both rendered right here!), drinks, Amish ice cream and jams/jellies/preserves, hammocks, hammock chairs, smoked dog bones, soaps (made right here), rentals of: cast iron cookware, a tent, Coleman stove, fishing poles, ... and MUCH MORE! Please note that all our sites are reserved with a one vehicle limit. Some sites are large enough to accommodate additional vehicles but each additional vehicle will incur a $10 per night charge. Free parking for additional vehicles is located at the office/store. Looking for a camping experience with a little luxury to boot? Look no further than our Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms! You can drive right up to most sites, weather permitting. You will have access to a fire ring and picnic table (located at each site), firewood for sale on site (please do not bring firewood from off-site), clean well water (located near the pond), the creek to explore, our stocked pond to fish, and wooded trails to hike. Once roamed by Native Americans and now farmed by the same family for over 6 generations, Harmon Creek Farm is a working farm of over 160 acres. Peace, quiet, tranquility and privacy are overflowing along the creek, and hiking throughout the hills on the backside of the farm (and on the other side of the creek) leads to interesting and abundant flora and fauna. The stocked, spring fed pond is 'brimming" with angler challenges🎣 Our cows, pigs, sheep, donkeys, chickens, ducks, geese, rabbits and llamas are all eager to meet you, as are we! We currently have fresh eggs, pork,, chicken, rabbit and beef for sale. Like us on Facebook (Harmon Creek Farms of NC)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Riverside Camping on the Farm

8. Riverside Camping on the Farm

98%
(555)
Mills River, NC · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
*Do not use map photo to enter property - you will receive a message with the correct address to use. Please do not enter neighbor's driveway* Sleep under the stars while listening to the river run while staying on a working farm! During the summer months watch our vegetables grow and the pickers pick! The winter months you'll enjoy a sea of green as our cover crop takes over the field. You can cool off in the river or check out the surrounding Pisgah National Forest. Dogs on leashes are welcome and owner is responsible for cleaning up after pet. The farm provides a portable toilet but no other amenities. Campfires may be restricted, so check local regulations. This is a working farm, so please be respectful of the crops and workers and keep dogs on leashes. Fishing is NOT allowed on the river unless you have booked a trip with one of our guides. Please note, if it’s rainy the roads will be muddy and 4-wheel-drive vehicles are the best option. Head 4 miles east to the town of Mills River for restaurants, stores, and services. You can find hiking, biking, and horseback-riding trails within a short bike or car ride in Pisgah National Forest. Chimney Rock State Park is 25 miles east and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountain scenery. Or perhaps go for a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Our guests love staying here: "This was our first time using Hipcamp and we couldn’t have been happier! Candace was great at communicating and quick to respond to our questions. Site 1 was perfect. We had so much room for just the two of us and the water access was great for our dogs to swim. Plus it was so quiet, we’ll probably never go back at state park camping! Thanks for everything and look forward to visiting again!"
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Riverbend RV & Tent Campground

9. Riverbend RV & Tent Campground

95%
(21)
Canton, NC · 13 sites · Tents, RVs
Your Gateway to Adventure: Nestled by the Pigeon River below Cold Mountain and the scenic Blueridge Parkway, Riverbend is the perfect spot for family fun and outdoor adventure. Whether you're RVing or tent camping, your mountain getaway starts here!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Uwharrie National Forest

10. Uwharrie National Forest

95%
(33)
National forest in North Carolina · 141 sites
Off-roading with full-size vehicles, hunting, fishing and equestrian are all in this amazing forest!
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
New River State Park

11. 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Hanging Rock State Park

12. 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Merchants Millpond State Park

13. Merchants Millpond State Park

100%
(5)
State park in North Carolina · 47 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Merchants Millpond State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Hidden River Experience

14. Hidden River Experience

98%
(231)
West Jefferson, NC · 8 sites
Nestled along a full mile of the scenic New River, this quiet, private campground offers a peaceful escape into nature’s calm. Tucked away from the noise of everyday life, the property stretches along gentle river bends, shaded by mature trees and framed by rolling mountains. Campsites are spacious and thoughtfully placed to preserve privacy, giving every guest their own slice of riverfront serenity. Wake to the sound of flowing water, spend your days fishing, paddling, or simply relaxing by the riverbank, and unwind each evening under wide-open skies perfect for stargazing. With its untouched natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and secluded atmosphere, this campground is an ideal retreat for anyone seeking rest, reflection, and a deeper connection to the outdoors.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
DuPont Bike Retreat

15. DuPont Bike Retreat

99%
(541)
Brevard, NC · 12 sites · Tents, RVs
DuPont Bike Retreat is located 1/4 mile from the Fawn Lake Access area into DuPont State Forest. The DBR is 37 acres and has a pond with a dock and numerous camping sites available. The property used to hold Glass Feather Studio, which was a glass art studio and is now Glass Feather Lodge. The mountain view from the indoor porch is amazing and there are several places to relax and enjoy this view. There is an outdoor shower and bike wash station behind the lodge and two indoor bathrooms (one with shower) off the porch. The lower Pond Area of the property has a port-a-john near the pond. Starter bundles of firewood are included, and additional can usually be purchased on-site. Come enjoy the forest straight from your campsite!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Cold Spring Basecamp

16. Cold Spring Basecamp

97%
(237)
Zirconia, NC · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Black River Camping Ventures

17. Black River Camping Ventures

99%
(1101)
Ivanhoe, NC · 13 sites
Nestled in the heart of southeast North Carolina and conveniently located an hour from Wilmington, Jacksonville and Fayetteville — our 40+ acre family land is situated directly on historic Black River. Well known for its beautiful trees, wildlife and fisheries, Black River is also home to the oldest bald cypress forest in the world, many being alive hundreds of years before Jesus walked the earth. We are the only riverfront camping experience on Black River so we aim to provide you the best views, the most exceptional hospitality (from hosts Lisa and Eric), with hopes that you leave completely happy with our little piece of heaven and wanting to return year after year!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
The Dancing Pig On Abbotts Creek

18. The Dancing Pig On Abbotts Creek

99%
(334)
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
The Confluence

19. The Confluence

98%
(252)
Mills River, NC · 4 sites
The Confluence campsite is situated on 21 acres between the north and south forks of Mills River. This serene campsite borders native trout water and an an additional 45 private acres that have been passed down in the Brittain family since the 1790s. The upper and lower meadow provides canoe, kayak and fishing access to South Mills River. Four-wheel drive is needed during rainy weather. (Please respect the privacy of neighboring property across the river.) This very private campground is a five minute drive from Pisgah National Forest and 10 minutes from the Asheville Airport and the Sierra Nevada Brewing company. You can follow signs in the driveway. Stay left all the way up the driveway. After you pass the barn, you will see a small sign and stay left below the cabin. When you come to the field, follow the arrows to the right to your campsite. Four-wheel-drive is required for rainy weather.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Little Farm - Swannanoa

20. Little Farm - Swannanoa

100%
(14)
Swannanoa, NC · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Little Farm - Swannanoa! Hi! We are Kiera and Mary Bulan, and we run a community flower, vegetable, and herb farm in Swannanoa, NC. Our 6+ acre property is nestled in a fertile river valley along the Swannanoa River, offering rich habitats for nature lovers and ecological explorers. Women-, queer-, and BIPOC-owned—all friends, new and old, are welcome! Campsites: You'll be staying on a vibrant working farm with your choice of campsite—under shade trees by the river, near a turtle pond, or out in a sunny meadow. Life on the Farm: In our 2-acre production field, you're welcome to wander through carefully tended rows of flowers, vegetables, and herbs. We follow organic practices and regenerative, no-till methods and are eager to share our knowledge with fellow enthusiastic growers. A ½-acre native pollinator planting attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial creatures all season long. Enjoy the mist on the mountains as you sip your morning tea surrounded by blooming snapdragons, marigolds, and cosmos. Wildlife and Nature: Search for frog eggs and baby ducks among the cattails in the swamp. Differentiate dozens of bird species along forest paths. Scan the river for kingfishers and spawning bass. Cast a line for catfish in the pond (just be alert for turtles!). Our Story: We've been growing here since 2021 on a rented acre. After the property was heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene, we took a leap of faith and officially purchased the parcel in early 2026. Today, visitors can witness the inspiring, resilient restoration efforts of both humans and nature at work—live stakes, riparian plantings, abundant birdlife, and flourishing new growth! Bear Safety and Location: We live in Black Bear country, and require responsible behavior from our guests. Keep all food locked in your vehicle or bear-safe container. Never feed or approach a bear. Detailed tips on bear safety from the National Park Service provided prior to arrival. Our location offers convenient access to Swannanoa, Black Mountain, and Asheville.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Top regions in and near North Carolina