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

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Looking to camp in North Carolina by a river with an RV? Hipcamp has over 3,100 options that fit your accommodation and activity/terrain preference. With options as low as $5 per night and an average price of $35 per night, you can find the perfect spot that fits your budget. Check out top campsites like Starlight Hills (627 reviews), Dark Ridge Hide Out (422 reviews), and Smoky Mountain Mangalitsa Farm (388 reviews) to see what others are saying. Popular amenities include toilets, potable water, and allowing pets. Popular activities include off-roading (OHV), paddling, and wildlife watching.

96% (17.3K) 2,224 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in North Carolina

Starlight Hills

1. Starlight Hills

98%
(2576)
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.
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Lil Snowbird Farm Primitive Camping

2. Lil Snowbird Farm Primitive Camping

99%
(1121)
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.
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TangleWood Creekside Campsites

3. TangleWood Creekside Campsites

98%
(750)
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.
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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.
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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.
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Peaceful Cove Campground

6. Peaceful Cove Campground

Franklin, NC · 3 sites · RVs, Lodging
Nestled along the serene Cullasaja River just outside Franklin, NC, this campground offers a unique blend of tranquility and adventure, making it an ideal getaway for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Guests can enjoy fishing, kayaking, or tubing down the refreshing river and gathering around the campfire to cook with friends. They can also explore the winding mountain roads in their vehicle, hike the Bartram and Appalachian Trail, go horseback riding, and gem mining in the area. There are 4 waterfalls within 11 miles of the campground. With its stunning natural features, nearby swimming holes, and a variety of outdoor activities, this campground is not just a place to stay; it’s a destination for creating lasting memories. Additionally, the local area boasts delightful restaurants and shops, ensuring that visitors have everything they need for a perfect getaway.
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Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

7. Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

99%
(1604)
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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At the Ridge Camp-Riverside Escapes

8. At the Ridge Camp-Riverside Escapes

95%
(230)
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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Full hookups
The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms

9. The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms

99%
(1390)
Yadkinville, NC · 17 sites · Tents, RVs
Update on Fire ban: I spoke with the forest ranger of Yadkin County, and You ARE allowed SMALL campfires for cooking and heating purposes only. No bonfires. Charcoal and propane grills are OK too. 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 and beef for sale on site as well. Like us on Facebook (Harmon Creek Farms of NC)
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Appalachian Pond Campground

14. Appalachian Pond Campground

97%
(173)
Waynesville, NC · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Get back to nature at this incredible private campground nestled in the Great Smokey Mountains of Western North Carolina! This tranquil campground offers a peaceful place to unwind while listening to the wonderful sights and sounds of nature at its best! There are 11 unique and cozy campsites to choose from as well as a shower and portable potties. This campground has a pond for fishing and swimming, a creek running along the campsites and is surrounded by the most magnificent and beautiful foliage and wildlife! Prepare to have the most peaceful sleep under the glorious celestial stars of Western North Carolina! *We also have a sink for dishes alongside the shower house as well as a drinkable well water spicket in the back of the campground! *We are also located close to stores for your convenience as well as many nearby attractions! * Please contact us regarding pets before booking… *We recommend checking in before 10 pm…. The property gets really dark and hard to navigate at night without being shown where to go! If for any reason you will be getting here later please inform us upon booking so we can plan for your arrival! *During the months from November to April we cannot guarantee our shower will be operational due to freezing temperatures. However, during warm periods during those months we do have our shower available. If you’re looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of life and return to the simplicity of nature this is your spot! We hope to see you soon!!
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Electrical hookup
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Smoky Mountain Meadows

15. Smoky Mountain Meadows

96%
(188)
Bryson City, NC · 34 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
(Please Note: Hipcamp does not have an easy way to add in Pet and Child fees. You will need to go to EXTRAS and add in number of pets ($5/pet/per night) for cabins and/or number of children ($5/child/night) on all sites SEPERATE from adults when making your reservation. IF YOU DO NOT DO THIS, YOU WILL BE CHARGED $10/NIGHT FOR EACH CHILD INSTEAD OF $5. We will no longer be issuing refunds or store credits for the overcharge.) When you enter Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground, you can leave all the “rush-rush” of your daily life behind. You will find yourself in a beautiful valley with quiet green meadows and a bubbling brook encompassing your surroundings. We are almost half-way between Bryson City and the Nantahala Gorge. We have been host to the Carolina Canoe Club's Annual Week of Rivers Event for over 25 years! 2025 Season: March 31 – Oct 31 Rules for the Campground 1. 100 % Refund less credit card processing fee if you cancel before 14 days of your arrival date. 50% Refund if you cancel between 14 and 7 days of your arrival date. No Refund if you cancel within 6 days of your arrival date. 2. CHECK IN: 4 PM. CHECK OUT: 11 AM. 3. QUIET TIME. 10 PM - 8 AM 4. CHECK OUT PROCEDURES. Camp must be broken down by 11 AM on departure day. If you stay past time you could be charged for an additional day. Extension possible with pre-approval. 5. All Overnight Guests Must Pay 6. Trash must be taken to the Green Bins located at the lower corner of the upper field 7. No washing vehicles 8. PETS must be kept on a leash at all times. Please clean up after your pets and do NOT leave them in the campground unattended. 9. Please be respectful of other campers and the property. Disruptive or inappropriate behavior will result in immediate cancellation of your stay and you will be asked to leave the park. 10. We reserve the right to refuse service or ask guests to leave the park at any time and for any reason.
Pets
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Full hookups
Conleys Creek Campground

16. Conleys Creek Campground

96%
(494)
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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Full hookups
Pisgah Forest Mountain Meadows

17. Pisgah Forest Mountain Meadows

99%
(816)
Pisgah Forest, NC · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
This 5-acre parcel was part of a larger 17-acre tract/cow pasture that was for sale in the spring of 2017. We had moved to this beautiful quiet country road the year before after spending 15 years in the hustle and bustle of West Asheville. When our neighbor put the land up for sale, we jumped at the chance to protect our view (we live across the street) and own another piece of the heaven we have come to call home. This land has a creek running through it, and is in a quiet, rural, residential area that is a mix of newcomers and families who have lived here for generations. The property has a secluded feel to it while being very conveniently located to the wonderful hiking, mountain biking, and trout fishing this area is famous for. We’re also very close to cycle shops, outfitters, groceries, restaurants, etc. We love it here and are excited to develop our plan for this space. We hope you will love it here too.
Pets
Electrical hookup
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Green Heart Medicinal Herb Farm

18. Green Heart Medicinal Herb Farm

95%
(392)
Candler, NC · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Peace and privacy await you on ouWe are still cler farm, pasture and woods, this working herb farm is a haven for rest and exploring. The Sites are situated far enough from each other to allow for privacy. Our land was originally where the Cherokee grew their medicine with Mt. Pisgah looking over us. Please be aware we are not completely cleared up after Hurricane Helene so we are limiting cars to 2 per site. There is parking about a mile away, or we can fit a 2 cars per site . If this is an issue please contact me to discuss. Also note we look a little different. The campsites are fine but the creek has changed its banks and the driving path moved a little. Please drive slowly on driveway and grounds. Drones are only allowed on our property and only in daylight hours and must be discussed with us prior. Our farm is Organic and we minimize the amount of chemicals used on it out of respect to the land. The creek has clean water, although we provide well water for the humans. Situated 20 minutes from Asheville and 2 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, we are close to civilization and far from the everyday hustle and bustle. This is a great place to unwind in nature. We will soon be adding Forest Bathing. The frogs eat most of the mosquitos and the fireflies will provide the nightly entertainment from May till August.
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Loafers Joy Meadow

19. Loafers Joy Meadow

97%
(278)
Zionville, NC · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
10/9/2024 NOTICE: We had some damage to our road due to Hurricane Helene that made it impassable. It has since been repaired and is opened to traffic. There are still some remaining rough areas, but the road is easily passable by passenger vehicles and RV's up to 28ft. Our site was once part of a much larger farm growing tobacco and raising cattle and other farm animals. The existing tobacco barn was built in the early 1960's. The concrete pad used for RV camping was used to store silage for the cows. The non-potable water source is a mountain spring that has been used on the farm since the 1930's. While many tobacco barns in the area have been torn down for their rusted tin roofing and rustic siding, we have worked to restore the barn and preserve its history.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Winding Stair Campground

20. Winding Stair Campground

99%
(217)
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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Full hookups

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

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