Most wildfires are preventable. Be fire safe

The best waterfall camping in North Carolina

·

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping adventures in the United States. If you're looking to explore the scenic waterfalls of North Carolina, we've got you covered. With over 600 options available in North Carolina with waterfalls, you'll have plenty of choices to find your perfect camping spot. Plus, you can expect an average price per night of $40, with options as low as $15. Looking for recommendations? Check out top campsites like Dark Ridge Hide Out (422 reviews), The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms (288 reviews), and Pisgah Forest Mountain Meadows (266 reviews). And don't worry about amenities, as popular options like potable water, campfires, and pet-friendly sites are available. So whether you're into swimming, biking, or wildlife watching, get ready to embark on an unforgettable camping experience!

95% (6.8K) 1,392 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in North Carolina

The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms

1. 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
Creek Fall Basecamp near Boone NC

2. Creek Fall Basecamp near Boone NC

95%
(11)
Deep Gap, NC · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging
8+ acres of North Carolina mountain with 1/4 mile of creek frontage on a state stocked trout stream. We have erected 2 geodesic domes, allow one “hike-to” camper bringing their own tent and we recently added our Base Camp Gazebo where guests can rent a Lounge for the half day with optional camping! Being first to market with primitive geodesic domes back in 2019 was exciting! And now to offer the first of its kind Base Camp - we are again super excited to host nature-forward families wanting to immerse themselves in nature! Roads typically follow streams in the area. The idea of having a glamping tent overlooking a stream and then a roadway, made finding land near impossible in North Carolina. Until we found this land where the road climbs 40+ feet over the property leaving our guests looking over the creek a a HUGE rock wall and NOT a roadway. We are excited to host you!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Pisgah Forest Mountain Meadows

3. Pisgah Forest Mountain Meadows

99%
(826)
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
Toilets
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
Cold Spring Basecamp

6. 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
DuPont Bike Retreat

7. 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
Tellurian Family Campground

8. Tellurian Family Campground

99%
(400)
Casar, NC · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Tellurian Family Campground offers conveniently located spacious travel trailer, camper, RV and tent camp sites with incredible views and access to a pristine mountain river. The property consists of 93 acres and 2780 feet (1⁄2 mile) of river frontage on the First Broad River. The First Broad River offers canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and fishing. Smallmouth and freshwater sunfishing is incredible on this stretch of the river and there are also opportunities for mountain river catfish. Tellurian’s scenic location offers stunning vista views of the surrounding countryside, sprawling views of the South Mountain and Cherry Mountain ranges, as well as long range views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The sunsets are amazing and the star lit skies are uninhibited by city lights. One of the few lights that can be seen at night lights up a steeple silhouetted against the mountain ridges. It’s truly a peaceful site. Tellurian is centrally located between Charlotte NC, Asheville NC, and Spartanburg SC in the small town of Casar, NC. We are located in a rural setting in the foothills on the edge of the South Mountains Range, a branch of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Thank you for checking out our place! We are Jud and Amanda Wortman. We have three children – Emma Grace and Baxter (twins) and Elena Jo. As a family, we enjoy canoeing, kayaking and camping. We live 9 miles from Tellurian on a family farm. We have always enjoyed quiet secluded campsites, river floats and sitting by the river. After years of looking all over the mountains for a river property we could call our own, our favorite spot on the river came up for sale. It just so happened it was nearly halfway between where we both grew up. After many sleepless nights worrying if we could succeed or not (it was much larger than properties we had been looking for), we bought it! Our favorite spot on the river was virtually inaccessible by any way other than floating. But after hundreds of hours of hard work, we think we have developed a place where others too can enjoy the things we do about the property. We dream big and Tellurian remains a work in progress, but we feel we have created a place where folks can enjoy the peacefulness of nature, the river and incredible views. Naming our campground proved to be one of the most challenging tasks throughout the process of developing it. After many ideas and brainstorming sessions as a family, we decided to go with Tellurian. We know it’s a bit different; that’s what we like about it. We think our place stands out and, after visiting Tellurian, we think you’ll agree it does too. Tellurian Family Campground tel·lu·ri·an [təˈlo͝orēən] ADJECTIVE: of or inhabiting the earth. NOUN: an inhabitant of the earth.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Jessup Mill

9. Jessup Mill

100%
(103)
Westfield, NC · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Hi there. Here is a little rundown of everything we do at the mill…. So, as far as camping, there are two main options on either side of the river; the mill yard or primitive camping across the river. In the mill yard, we do festival style camping, meaning that there are no individual campsites per se, but rather a large grassy lawn near the mill and bathhouse with shared fire pits, picnic tables, charcoal grill, and sinks for water/dishes. We also have two platforms up in the woods that are good for a little more privacy and are completely shaded, but do require a small climb up the hill. The bathhouse has three restrooms and hot showers in each. Across the river, there are several more primitive sites that are generally very private and offer great sounds coming from the river and waterfall, but no facilities. Most sites are car accessible, and a 5 minute walk back over to the mill (or a 1 minute drive). Lastly, our newest camping spot on the primitive side is a river front beach right by the dam with space for a several medium sized tents and a private fire pit. The beach is hike-in only (2-3 minutes along a mostly flat trail). Our normal rate is $10 per person per night. Firewood is available for per wheelbarrow load. We accept cash, credit card, Venmo, Paypal, and crypto. We are also fairly flexible on check in/check out times, but just let us know if you’ll be arriving at odd hours. Dogs are generally welcome as long as they are kept on leash. Here is a little rundown of tubing at the mill (May-October, weather permitting). We have two tubing options available. We have a short Fun Run that takes roughly 45 minutes, and cost $10 per person for as many rides as you’d like. The river bends sharply like a horseshoe in this section, so it makes everything accessible by foot traffic. It’s a 3 minute walk up the trail to the dam, put in and float 30-45 minutes (depending on water level), then a 5-10 minute walk back to the mill carrying your tube. There is also the longer Forks Run, which last 3-4 hours (~2.5 river miles), and costs $15. For this, we shuttle you up the river in a vehicle, and you float back to the top of the dam, then 3 minutes walking back to the mill. Most weekends, tubing starts at 11 am and the last Forks Shuttle is around 3 pm, with the Fun Run staying open till around 5. Also, with enough heads up, we can sometimes arrange for trips during the week. Our tubes are required for each person floating for insurance and liability reasons, but you are welcome to bring your own cooler tubes to carry drinks and snacks. Technically, alcohol is not permitted on the river, but what is in your cooler is your business. Either way, please bring ALL trash out with you! Water shoes are recommended, and we have life jackets on request. Most of our tubes come with bottoms and back rests, but a few are open to the water. Most weekends, reservations are not required, but it does help tremendously if we know when you want to come and how many in your group. Lastly, check out a Facebook page for our occasional live music events and festivals!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
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
Hanging Rock State Park

11. 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
Sumter National Forest

12. Sumter National Forest

88%
(13)
National forest in South Carolina · 259 sites
Explore the vast South Carolina wilderness on foot, by bike, or by boat
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
South Mountains State Park

13. South Mountains State Park

100%
(3)
State park in North Carolina · 86 sites
In fall 2016, 97 park staff worked 3,700+ hours over three weeks fighting the Chestnut Nob fire.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
3feather Sanctuary

14. 3feather Sanctuary

94%
(73)
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!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Destination Outdoors! DO IT!

15. Destination Outdoors! DO IT!

98%
(99)
Cullowhee, NC · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
If you love the outdoors, our authentic yurts, off grid A-Frame, and improved campsites have it all. This peaceful mountain is located in Cullowhee, North Carolina, on a 108-acre eco-forestry private reserve. Nestled up to 2 national forests, in The Land of 150 Waterfalls, local activities are abundant. Our outdoor experience offers complete, private access to guests only, with fishing, tubing, kayaking, and hiking activities on the property. A rugged 9-hole disc golf trail encourages exploration of your private mountain. Our yurts and A-frame site provide large fire pits, exquisite views from their ample porches, hugging you with a warm, peaceful welcome home from a day full of activities. Our yurts are nicely appointed with a queen-size bed, mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee pot. The detached 144 sq ft shared bath house provides all the facilities, as well as towels and basic bathing necessities for yurt stays only. Lie on the heated mattress pad with soft linens and watch the stars sail across the clear dome as you drift off to sleep to dream of the day's adventures. Nestled up to the Great Smoky Mountains National park, this property is unique in everything it offers. Riverside on the renowned fly fishing river, the Tuckasegee River, or ridge top on Cullowhee Mountain, elevation 3850'. There are improved camp sites, yurts, or free range camping and hiking. The views are spectacular, wherever you decide to locate on the property. We implement " Leave no trace" rules and welcome respectful 4wd access to the entire mountain. All walks of life love the outdoors... The outdoors is here, Destination Outdoors! DO IT!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Blue Ridge Ranch

16. Blue Ridge Ranch

99%
(219)
Ferguson, NC · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Blue Ridge Ranch, established in December of 2020, is located on 440 acres nestled between two mountain ridges in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The property features an established pasture, mountain ridges, barns, and a homestead. In addition, the ranch is home to five ponds (some stocked and one trophy), more than a mile of trout streams, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Together, they provide the perfect foundation for the establishment of farming, livestock, camping, and community events. All profits of Blue Ridge Ranch go to Hope for His Children, Inc., a 501(c)(3) that conducts youth camps at the ranch. Tours of the ranch are available for $10/person and includes interaction with some farm animals. We pride ourselves in doing everything possible to help our guests have a great experience. We offer coffee during morning hours in our farm store! We are sorry, but we are not able to allow guests to bring ATV's and motorcycles to operate on the property. There are many acres of hay that we must protect and our agritourism insurer does not allow guests to operate ATV's and motorcycles on property.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Plumtree Campground Tents & Cabins

17. Plumtree Campground Tents & Cabins

98%
(202)
Newland, NC · 23 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Plumtree Campground and Retreat is an off-the-beaten-path property for hikers, bikers (both pedal and motor), campers, adventurers, parkway goers, mountain lovers, fisherman, and skiers/snowboarders.Learn more about this land:Plumtree Campground and Retreat is an off-the-beaten-path property for hikers, bikers (both pedal and motor), campers, adventurers, parkway goers, mountain lovers, fisherman, and skiers/snowboarders.The property is the former Blind Squirrel Campground which included a zip line recreation area. Relics remain, with zip lines and bridges still running through the tree canopy and an old climbing wall. These aren’t currently in use, and cannot be explored, but they add a wonderland-like quality to the land. Other features also remain that can be used: a sliding rock waterfall which is a short hike within the campground property, moderate trails for hiking, and mountain biking running from the waterfall through the back of the property (these trails are mountainous, so please enter at your own risk), fruit trees, blueberry bushes, small trout pond, a playground, an open meadow for star gazing, and our friendly neighborhood duck, Howard. (He hangs by the pond and accepts treats!) You are welcome to explore all these features, but please be mindful and respectful of residents and guests, do not enter or explore the greenhouses or gardens, and remain aware that this is mountainous terrain with inherent risks.This is a rustic property in the forest, centrally located to all the area has to offer. Privately run, we offer a variety of lodging options:- Seasonal and daily camping with full hook up RV sites- Popup sites, tent sites with water and electric- Group tent site with pavilion- Primitive tent sites- Primitive cabins (no electricity/water)- Lodge with four bedrooms/bath- Cabin with a two-bedroom/bath among the trees- Cabin with a one-bedroom/bath pond side- Studio apartments. Four available. Includes one bedroom/bath Campsites include a fire pit, picnic table, and electric/water/sewer depending on the site. There are 5 tent sites boasting elevated tent platforms nestled against the mountain. Sites are generally mossy, treed (think hammocks!), and have gravel parking. There are 3 his and her bathhouses on the property with the largest within walking distance of the tent loop, with 2 toilets and 3 stall showers each.This corner of the world has so much to offer and we are close, but just far away enough from it all. The scenic drives alone are worth venturing out:- Blue Ridge Parkway- Linville Falls- Linville Caverns- Grandfather Mountain- Beech Mt Ski Slope/Rec area- Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing Park- Sugar Mt Ski Slope/Rec area- Roan Mt State Park- Appalachian Trail- Yellow Mountain Gap Trail Head- North Toe River- Banner Elk- Little Switzerland- Mayland Dark Sky Observatory- Brown Mountain OHV Trail SystemAll these adventures within a 20-40-minute drive. Boone is only 50 minutes away, and Asheville 1 hr. 20 minutes.Off HWY 19-E is Spears Country Store, about 5 minutes from here, where you can get basic supplies, propane, and gas. We can also provide firewood for a fee. Ingles grocery stores in both Newland and Spruce Pine are just 20 minutes away. In Spruce Pine you will also find a Walmart, historic downtown with many shops and restaurants. Be aware cell service can be spotty in the area depending on your carrier. WIFI is offered, but not guaranteed due to the mountainous terrain. One of the joys of being deep in the mountains, true disconnection from the everyday!3 night minimum required for holiday weekends.Plumtree Campground & Retreat913 Big Plumtree Creek RoadNewland, NC 28657
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Sky High Ridge RV Campground

18. Sky High Ridge RV Campground

98%
(423)
Scaly Mountain, NC · 7 sites
Escape the noise and heat of the valley. Chill in the cool mountain air high atop the Highlands Plateau with breath taking views and sunsets. Unhitch and relax in one of our secluded treed sites with water, up to 100 amp electric, and waste hookup. Base camp to adventure in hiking, waterfalls, kayaking, winter and summer tubing, ice skating, and the largest Zipline in NC, in National Forests and Parks. Bartram Trail, that peaks Rabun Bald, and the Appalachian Trail are a within a stones throw. Our campground is for the hardy even getting here is an adventure!Sky high Ridge Campground is in the western mountains of North Carolina at a cool altitude of about 3700 feet.Welcome!
Pets
Full hookups
Creekside Park - w/ Wifi!

19. Creekside Park - w/ Wifi!

97%
(215)
Weaverville, NC · 5 sites
Come and enjoy the convenience of Creekside. We provide a clean, flat, full hookup (30/ 50 amp) with FREE WIFI! Its a great location for your RV or travel trailer while you're out enjoying the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We are conveniently located right off of HWY 26 in Weaverville. We are 5 min to Mars Hill and Weaverville. 15 min to Asheville and 20 min to the Blue Ridge Parkway. (MONTHLY STAYS AVAILABLE FOR QUALIFIED RENTERS!)
Pets
Full hookups
Outercamp, Blue Ridge Falls Retreat

20. Outercamp, Blue Ridge Falls Retreat

99%
(141)
Spruce Pine, NC · 5 sites
You've been given the key. Come experience 60-acres of private mountain land off the Blue Ridge Parkway with big mountain views, lush Appalachian forest, & our very own waterfall! Inspired by the tale of a young gnome who discovers the power of gratitude in the forest. We bring Hoot Owl Ridge to you with in the same spirit. We are within 15 min of three magnificent waterfalls (Crabtree, Grassy Creek, & Tom's Creek), and only 25 mins from Linville Gorge! Though we are very secluded in the mountains, Walmart is only 5 mins down the road. Spruce Pine is 10-15 mins and has food, grocery, gas, hospital, and a brewery. Marion is a bigger town with mostly anything you could be looking for and is about 20mins away down the mountain. If you want some city buzz, head to vibrant Asheville under an hour away, where you'll find endless art, restaurants, breweries, live music, and more. Live closer to the earth, the mountains, the curious creatures, and return home with some gratitude!
Pets
Toilets
Showers

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