Private sites camping near Fontana Dam

Soak in Smoky Mountain views while camping near Fontana Dam.

98% (739 reviews)

United States
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North Carolina
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Fontana Dam

98% (739 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Fontana Dam

Community favorites near Fontana Dam

Stories from the community

Weekend Trip to West Preserve

Awesome property and spot. Friendly and responsive host. Site was flat and easy to get to thanks to her written instructions. Also had restroom access and a power plug for charging phones etc. Would definitely recommend to anyone needing a spot in the area.

Weekend Trip to Mountain Creek Rest

This site was great! We had a good bit of rain during our stay so the cabin was a great place to stay dry. Even with the rain, the site wasn’t a muddy mess. Our first day there was dry and beautiful. Would definitely come back.

Weekend Trip to Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

We had a great time! So fun to explore around the farm and be so close to the water!

Weekend Trip to Skip A Stone Farm

Kim was a charming hostess. She kept great communication throughout and showed us where everything was when we arrived. She was kind enough to gift us some fresh farm eggs! We hope to stay again for a longer period of time. The animals were wonderful and we absolutely loved our time with Shooter, the sweet guard dog who kept us company.

3 nights at Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

Amazing as always! 100% recommend this beautiful place!

Michael

2 weeks ago

2 nights at Misty Mountain Inn & Cottages

My Wife and I (dogs as well) were exceptionally pleased with our stay for the weekend. We felt that the overall location is very conveniently placed, however, perfectly hidden. Their property is beautifully maintained. It is very apparent the amount of foresight and hard work that went into developing their land for travelers to visit. From an outside perspective, you feel a sense of humility and nostalgia influenced by the landscape. Our cabin was pleasantly clean and was well prepared for us. Everything inside the cabin functions, as it should. From the individualism in the decorations of each cabin to the craftsmanship of the stairs and landings, it all displayed significant attention to detail. Our dogs had a blast exploring around our cabin. The free ranging chickens made us feel at home. The owners were helpful and accessible to answer questions we had. Our cabin was cozy and was a nice place to lay our heads at night. We were sad to get up this morning and leave. Bill and Sarah have done a great job and should be proud!

4 nights at Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

Second time around and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay! Catherine is so sweet!

Weekend Trip to Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

The owners were extremely grateful that we were willing to come stay even during a burn ban. The farm is gorgeous! The river noise blocks out any potential noise from other camp sites. I would absolutely come back and look forward to doing so!

Weekend Trip to Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

Catherine was a super awesome Host! Beautiful property Was a great experience for my first tome trying hipcamp. Definitely hope to go back soon

Bonnie

3 weeks ago

3 nights at Shoestring Creek Campground

We really enjoyed the seclusion and the starry sky. It's so much better than an RV city. We really would have liked to use the firepit, since it was so beautiful outside, but due to an area wide burn ban, it wasn't possible. We will be back, to hike more of the many nearby trails.

2 nights at Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

Catherine was great and the property was so cool. Rocks campsite had the river view and sounds I was craving :) Bring hammocks! However, buyer be aware! For riverside campsites like Rocks that were hit badly by hurricane Helene, they are trying to regrow the grass, so no tents/carpets on the grassy areas. That is 90% or more of the flat tent camping space. We found one ok spot for our small (4 person) tent in the pea gravel by the fire pit, so it worked out. But if we had brought a tent that was any larger (like the 6p tent we’ve been eyeballing), or more campers, we would have been out of luck. The other spaces in the pea gravel are not flat, and if you’ve ever slept on a hill you know it is… not great. Maybe they’d have allowed us to switch to another site if we couldn't make it work but I feel you should know (or double check) before you book. Also! Make sure to check for burn bans before you go! Big drought, wildfires in NC, strict burn ban meant that no campfires were had. Check before you go to set your expectations. Still, the amazing spot was worth it for us (2 ppl, 2 dogs). Good times were had and we would come back! And, thanks for the eggs, they were great!

Weekend Trip to Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

This is our 2nd time camping here. The view was incredible from the hilltop and we love the beautiful farm! Highly recommend.

Weekend Trip to Life On The Vine

Elaine and her husband were such sweet souls! The property is so beautiful and is a great place to camp under the stars. There are mountains all around and the sunset and sunrises are gorgeous.

Weekend Trip to Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

Such a beautiful property and lovely place to camp! We loved being able to fall asleep to the river at night. Definitely saving this site for a future visit— thank you Catherine & Rick for the hospitality!

2 nights at The Cove at Dick Branch

Great spot, tucked in the woods. Definitely a steep, narrow and winding gravel road to get there, but absolutely worth it. It was doable with our 35f fifth wheel. Want to come back in the summer when everything is blooming.

2 nights at Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

This was an amazing camping spot. Very friendly and helpful hosts. Will be back as soon as I can! Property was breathtaking! I can’t put the beauty of this place into words! Go and see for yourself.

3 nights at Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

Amazing views! Beautiful piece of land with campsites scattered enough to feel private. Will definitely return!

2 nights at Mountain Creek Rest

Such an incredibly beautiful piece of land and it felt like such an honor to be able to enjoy it! I will hopefully get to come back again and again

Josh

March 2025

Weekend Trip to West Preserve

This was a nice place with all the necessary creature comforts.

3 nights at Twin Valley Horse Ranch

Where to begin? Our whole experience was just amazing!! Janice is an amazing host that gives you all info upfront and what you can expect and what she expects from you! I took myself and my 3 littles ages 8,5,and 3 we stayed from wed and left sat! Well I tell you my kids loved it I mean they cried when it was time to leave and already want to book it again! The animals are so friendly they loved playing and help take care of them 2 a day! We did the mini workshop and the horse workshop and the 2 oldest learned so much and had a blast! Ms.Jayden and ms. Janice are wonderful and patient. The kids fished and caught 6 blue gill to which I cleaned and cooked and ate! The views from the primitive cabin are amazing! It is exactly as described so I HIGHLY recommend backing light! There is a hike but so worth it! My kids are electronic kids(as are most) but never asked for them never cried for TV or power there is so much to do and wore them out each day! I highly recommend getting back to the basics it truly is an amazing experience! Thank you Ms. Janice for opening your ranch! Thank you Ms. Jayden for how wonderful you are with littles and sharing your knowledge and teaching them about horses and how to ride! Thank you both for your patients in letting them help feed twice a day they will forever cherish our time there and haven't stopped talking about it to everybody that will listen! We can't wait to come back!

12 top campgrounds near Fontana Dam

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Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents95 acres · Waynesville, NC

Voted 2nd in NC!! 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! Check out www.smokymtnriverranch.com for more information. We are in our winter season offering only one campsite until March 2025 “Site 2 Knoll”~ come enjoy the river ranch all to yourselves! 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. Please review the Extras options as we offer river lifts, firewood and dog stays; 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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Mountain Creek Rest

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents41 acres · Robbinsville, NC

Heartstone tent site is a stunningly beautiful, romantic campsite for 2! There is a new, large tent pad if you have children! The Diamondstone site is a unique, beautiful, one-of-a-kind tentsite, EXCEPT a beautiful, furnished, shelter cabin is provided for you instead of your tent!!! Leave your tent and set-up at home! There is also room for a 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 unique, private, and very romantic! Diamondstone, Heartstone, and Islandsite feature a picnic table, charcoal grille, and comfort facility 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" 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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Shoestring Creek Campground

4 sites · Lodging40 acres · Newport, TN

We are a campground with tent sites and cabins. 40 acres to explore, the grounds are heavily forested, with walking trails and nature, nature, nature. Each site is secluded, We are located in the Cherokee National Forest at the foot of the Smokey Mountains. Just outside the towns of Hartford and Cosby. Hartford has River Rafting, Zip Lines, Kayaking on the Pigeon River. You will be able to get away from it all. but less than 45 minutes from favorite tourist attractions like Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville. We are located 2.6 miles off of I-40 at mile marker 447 just across the NC state line.Learn more about this land:Small off grid campground away from the noise and bustle of bigger campgrounds. Seclusion and privacy at all cabins. Cabins are primitive with no power or plumbing. Cabins have full or queen bed with 1 set of bunk beds in 2 of the cabins, table and chairs. Fire pit. Charcoal grills and picnic tables outside for cooking and eating. Bathhouse on site with thermal shower and real toilet. You will need your camping items such as sleeping bags, lanterns, and cooking items etc.

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Canopy Ridge Safari Tent

7 sites · Lodging9 acres · Sevierville, TN

Come experience nature without the sacrifice of modern comforts! Our safari tents sit high above the valley floor and enjoy cool nights all through the summer. Located only a beautiful 20 minute drive to/from the Greenbriar park entrance, roughing it has never been so comfortable. Choose from 4 tents! Heated tents, hot water showers, the works! This is a special place – a special ‘experience’ – and if you’re seeking an adventure, a chance to disconnect from the norm, embrace nature, and enjoy the tranquility of being off-grid in a beautiful setting, then Canopy Ridge is for you! All of our tents have their own private outdoor area with fire pit, outdoor showers, and are spaced out to afford you intimacy. This beautiful campground is in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee near the National Park. It’s secluded, heavily wooded with nearby walking trails. We have 4 safari tents; each with outdoor showers and sinks. This is an adult only campground with a community bath house, and grilling / coffee station. Our glamping campground was built by ecologists so with the exception of the bathhouse and outdoor kitchen area, there is minimal electricity.

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West Preserve

33 sites · Lodging, Tents100 acres · Warne, NC

West Preserve is located on a family farm of approximately 100 acres. You will see mountains,rolling hills and water. This farm has been untouched until recently.The Briar and The Bloom are brand new structures waiting for you to enjoy.Water Tubing is available at West Tubing Company.

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Panther Creek Hideaway

2 sites · Tents35 acres · Sevierville, TN

Learn more about this land:Enjoy the quiet at our 35 acre cozy secluded hideaway with a pond. Surrounded by a mature wooded forrest and rolling hills with multiple locations at each sites to pitch a tent.. Close to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg attractions. Note: Pappas Peak is a secluded hilltop and will not accommodate trailers due to the turning radius on the hilltop.

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Twin Valley Horse Ranch

5 sites · Lodging100 acres · Walland, TN

My late husband and myself bought the property in 1983 and it was all just overgrown land!We worked, cleared, built horse shelters/barns, cabins, cut trails, built the outdoor chapel for our wedding and of course fenced it all in for the horses! Started sharing with guests in 1993, so we have met so many amazing folks from all over the world! Pass thru our gate into another world and leave all your worries and tensions behind. We are all about getting back to what is real -- nature, animals/horses and each other. Complete privacy!There are many mountain trails leaving right from our property! Lots to explore. You can even hike to the outdoor chapel with the pretty view of the Chilhowee Mountain range. It is a short hike to the barn area for those who want to spend time rubbing the pot belly pigs' tummy, walk the mini horses, groom the love bug~Junebug (donkey), pet horses, cuddle with bunnies and feed chickens! Every morning and night we set a time for all those who want to become involved with the care/feeding of petting animals and horses!

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Destination Outdoors! DO IT!

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents108 acres · Cullowhee, NC

Four years ago I purchased my dream retirement.... 108 acres in the beautiful college town of Cullowhee, NC. 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, a yurt, or free range camping and hiking. The fall views are spectacular, wherever you decide to locate. We implement " Leave no trace" rules and welcome respectful 4wd access to our ridge top. We are currently endeavoring agroforestry techniques to respectfully harvest the bounties of the woodlands in our Living Mountain Farms online store. Our hope is to one day make this magical mountain sustain those who reside upon the reserve, and provide a most memorable stay for our guests!Destination Outdoors! DO IT!

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Martin's Nest Nantahala

2 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Bryson City, NC

The creek in front of the property is available for use. Great for soaking when the weather gets hot and it's shallow enough to just bring a folding chair. Fish? Yes, there are some trout in there. Flies work best. Got kids? Build a dam! Go for a creek walk! Great hiking at the end of Wesser Creek Road. There is a trail by the creek and a fire tower with great view about 4.5 miles up that trail. Water source (spring) is available at the top. Follow the blue blaze. The white blazes at the top tell you you're on the Appalachian Trail. Take a side hike to Maine! Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is just down the road on 19/74. Rafting, zip lines, a ropes course, mountain biking... good food by the river, a bar, public restrooms... the works. They often have music by the river on the weekends. This land was once a hillside farm, after it was first logged early in the last century. They used to grow corn all over the hillside, then let the cows up there to graze and eat up the stalks. If you look closely, you might find some barbed wire in an old oak here and there.

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Misty Mountain Inn & Cottages

12 sites · Lodging5 acres · Blairsville, GA

Affordable Pet-Friendly Cabins & Romantic Inn Near Helen and Blairsville, GA Escape to the beautiful North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains at Misty Mountain Inn & Cottages. Our affordable, pet-friendly cottage-style cabins and charming seasonal Bed & Breakfast offers a peaceful retreat just 2 hours from Atlanta and only 21 miles from the Bavarian town of Helen, Georgia. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, a cozy cabin rental in Blairsville, or a convenient base for exploring nearby Helen. Misty Mountain is the perfect mountain escape. Why Stay at Misty Mountain Inn & Cottages Family-owned and operated, no property managers or crazy fees! Pet-friendly cabin rentals for families, couples, and groups. Variety of accommodations: Six cozy cabins or four spacious suites in a beautiful Inn. Conveniently located near Vogel State Park, just 21 miles from Helen, and close to the Appalachian Trail and Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Ideal for romantic getaways, family/group vacations, or adventure-seekers. Top Things to Do Near Misty Mountain Inn & Cottages From serene hiking trails to charming small-town shops, Misty Mountain Inn & Cottages is perfectly located for exploring Blairsville, Helen, and the North Georgia Mountains. Check out these attractions Hike the Appalachian Trail or visit Vogel State Park. Explore Helen, Georgia, only 21 miles away, for Oktoberfest or tubing on the Chattahoochee River. Discover scenic waterfalls like Helton Creek Falls and Anna Ruby Falls. Drive the Georgia Gauntlet Motorcycle Route or Six Gap route for breathtaking mountain views. Whether you seek rest, rejuvenation, or adventure, our cozy accommodations provide the perfect base for exploring the stunning North Georgia Mountains. Skip the hotel (just this time) and be treated like family at Misty Mountain.

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Life On The Vine

12 sites · RVs, Tents32 acres · Murphy, NC

Valley River Vineyards was established in 1997 by the late Bill and Brenda Stalcup Reece. The property has been in Brenda's family for over 50 years. The family owned and operated vineyards produces Old World and Northern Grapes. Wine is produced and bottled in their winery. The 32 acer property has a elongated pond with Martins Creek thru the vineyards. There are picnic areas along with RV hook ups and Tent Camping. A quiet and serene place to enjoy a weekend get away.Learn more about this land:"Camping In The Vines" is 4 miles from the small town of Murphy NC. Tranquil bright star nights, camp fire, wildlife watching and walking trails from the vineyards to the hill tops. Wildflowers surround you while enjoying a glass of wine beside the cold running waters of Martins Creek. Primitive camping, RV power hook up, outside bathroom w/ sinks, indoor shower w/ hot-water, picnic tables, fire wood and garbage cans available. Just a place to sit back and let the world go by for a little while.

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The Cove at Dick Branch

4 sites · RVs, Tents58 acres · Robbinsville, NC

The Cove at Dick Branch is a trails focused mountain side campground. Horse stalls and pasture available on request. The property is secluded and away from traffic noise but not difficult to get to. Everyone who sees the property comments on its beautiful grounds. The mountain rises above the camp sites with hiking trails leading directly from your site.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Private sites camping near Fontana Dam guide

Overview

Looking for a camping getaway near Fontana Dam, North Carolina? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 320 private sites in the area, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your outdoor adventure. Whether you're pitching a tent, parking your RV, or looking for a cozy cabin, Hipcamp has you covered. Check out the top campsites like Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch (388 reviews), Hammock’Sway (220 reviews), and The Waldhaus Resort (103 reviews) to see what other campers have loved about these sites. Plus, with popular amenities like showers, pet-friendly options, and trash disposal, you'll have all the comforts of home while enjoying the great outdoors. Don't forget to explore the nearby activities like boating, fishing, and whitewater paddling. Get ready to make unforgettable memories on your next camping trip!