Private sites RV camping near Fontana Dam

Soak in Smoky Mountain views while camping near Fontana Dam.

98% (576 reviews)

United States
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North Carolina
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Fontana Dam

98% (576 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Fontana Dam

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Stories from the community

Mary

2 weeks ago

2 nights at Mountain Creek Rest

This was my first ‘solo camping’ trip with my companion Sir Eggz of Benedict, aka Bennie, and Diamondstone did not disappoint. Brian welcomed us upon arrival and ensured that I was in safe land. This location was private, which I loved the most, other than the most beautiful landscape I have ever been to camping . This is a special place.

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!

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

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

Zach

March 2025

4 nights at Skip A Stone Farm

Had an absolutely amazing time staying at Sadie’s Place on the farm. Kim was more than welcoming and the farm itself was wonderful. Beautiful setting with all the farm animals and you’ll make good friends with the dogs there! I highly recommend a stay and look forward to staying again!

Weekend Trip to Mountain Creek Rest

Loved our stay at this cabin. The cabin is in a beautiful spot, very peaceful and serene. Loved the view. Would love to come back again when the weather is a little warmer. There is a propane fireplace which heats the cabin perfectly in cold temps. The only downside is that it’s on a timer with three different increment settings and the max time was 120 minutes so it was a little bit of pain having to set alarms on our phone to go off every two hours so we could get up and turn it back on, as temps got down in the 20’s that night. But, we were still very grateful to have had the heat. 10/10 would recommend this cabin. Brian accepted our booking very last minute and even worked with us to switch from the tent site we originally booked, to the cabin instead so we could have the heat. Brian communicated great with us and responded very quickly. Thanks for sharing your cabin, it’s wonderful.

Abraham

February 2025

Weekend Trip to Skip A Stone Farm

Absolutely loved my stay at Kim’s cabin home. Everything was clean and we appreciate the small presents when we arrived. Isn’t too far from Gatlinburg or Pigeon forge. Would definitely book another stay here!!

1 night at Mountain Creek Rest

Brian was an accommodating host who went out of his way to call me right away after booking to let me know what to expect for camping that night including directions, road conditions, campsite conditions and tips for winter camping. I ended up having a great night! It's a beautiful site in a remote out of the way location by a beautiful mountain stream. It's about 20-30 minute from town, shops and cell phone connectivity; a perfect place to disconnect. Camp amenities include a picnic bench, grill, a camp toilet and a platform for your tent. The road in is not great, but drive slow and you should be OK! I would wholeheartedly recommend a stay here, you won't regret it! I hope to be back again sometime.

6 top RV sites near Fontana Dam

99%

(1346)

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.

100%

(195)

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!

98%

(84)

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!

100%

(15)

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.

100%

(65)

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.

100%

(98)

Mount Sterling Base Camp

5 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · NC

It's all about location!! Mount Sterling Base Camp, ran by Falcon Expeditions, is uniquely situated in one of the few remote areas in the Smokies, surrounded by many recreational activities. This is the perfect place to relax and reset or serve as the base camp for your next adventure! This remote camp is run by Falcon Expeditions, who specialize in remote camping experiences. The property is located bordered by the Pisgah National Forest and is next to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Big Creek) entrance. The property is off Forest Service Road 288. Within 4 miles, there is an entrance to the Appalachian Trail, rafting along the Pigeon River, the Smoky Mountain 1000 trail, horseback riding trails, 4x4 trails, multiple hiking trails, horseback riding trails, and so much more! Cataloochee Valley, NC and Cosby, TN are both fun drives (all gravel roads) from the camp. We are happy to share more information with you!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Private sites RV camping near Fontana Dam guide

Overview

Looking to escape to the great outdoors near Fontana Dam, North Carolina? Hipcamp has you covered with over 1600 camping options in the area. Whether you're a fan of wind sports, paddling, or exploring historic sites, there's a campsite for you. Check out some of our top-rated options like Smoky Mountain Mangalitsa Farm (388 reviews), Patrick's Point River Camp (263 reviews), and Low Meadow Farms (Brown Bike Farms) (208 reviews). Prices start as low as $10 per night, with an average price of $40 per night. Amenities like trash disposal, toilets, and pet-friendly options are popular among campers in the area. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the beauty of Fontana Dam, North Carolina!