The best ranch campgrounds near Hickory, North Carolina

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping adventures in the United States! If you're looking for a ranch-style camping experience near Hickory, North Carolina, you're in luck. We have over 300 options available specifically for you in this area. From picturesque landscapes to cozy accommodations, we've got it all. Check out some of our top campsites like Dark Ridge Hide Out (422 reviews), The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms (288 reviews), and ON TOP . CAMP - NW NC Ashe Co (240 reviews). With popular amenities such as trash, showers, and toilets, and exciting activities like snow sports, hiking, and climbing, you're bound to have an unforgettable camping experience. The average price per night is $40, with options as low as $15. So gear up and get ready to make lasting memories in the great outdoors!

98% (1.3K) • 44 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Hickory

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping adventures in the United States! If you're looking for a ranch-style camping experience near Hickory, North Carolina, you're in luck. We have over 300 options available specifically for you in this area. From picturesque landscapes to cozy accommodations, we've got it all. Check out some of our top campsites like Dark Ridge Hide Out (422 reviews), The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms (288 reviews), and ON TOP . CAMP - NW NC Ashe Co (240 reviews). With popular amenities such as trash, showers, and toilets, and exciting activities like snow sports, hiking, and climbing, you're bound to have an unforgettable camping experience. The average price per night is $40, with options as low as $15. So gear up and get ready to make lasting memories in the great outdoors!

98% (1.3K) • 44 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Hickory

1. The Sanctuary at RockHouseFarm

98%

(62)

25mi from Hickory · 1 site · Tent

Escape to a wild, 400-acre mountain and two river property beside Pisgah National Forest in western North Carolina. Our land offers direct access to two rivers—Wilson’s Creek( a scenic River Act member) and the Johns River soon to be a scenic river —along with freshwater springs , hardwood forests, and miles of private hiking trails that can be walked . Wildlife, water, and mountain air make this a peaceful retreat into nature. With a multitude of activities , like one mile away across the road, you'll find Brown Mountain Beach Access—a favorite stop for the motorcycle and RV crowd. For hiking enthusiasts, the Table Rock trailhead is less than 5 miles away, Sitting Bear up Hwy 181 less than 12 miles and so much more like the blue ridge parkway etc . Our farm is a perfect spot for cooling off, relaxing, or using as a launch point for exploring the wild region that so closely surrounds us. Please note that Wilson’s Creek Gorge is closed for Summer 2025, but you’ll still have all our private creek and river access on the farm property. Campsite Details: Your campsite includes a wooden tent platform (~12’ x 24’) with steps, a fire pit and grilling area, four chairs, a round dining table, a water hose, and four electrical outlets. A newly built outhouse is just steps away. Tent Platform Use: Additional $8 per night, payable upon arrival A Frame under construction. Firewood: Not provided, but available for a fee by prior arrangement with owner Dogs: Welcome if well-managed and leashed when needed Parties or Gatherings: Not permitted without advance approval and paid arrangements Swim, rock-hop, or sunbathe along our private riverbanks. Kayak routes end on the property, and secluded spots for stargazing or just sitting with the sounds of the forest are everywhere. Whether you're here for adventure or deep quiet, this is a wild mountain stay where nature leads.

2. Blue Ridge Ranch

99%

(214)

29mi from Hickory · 16 sites · Tents, RVs

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.

3. Overland Camping for 4!

96%

(25)

29mi from Hickory · 9 sites · Tents, RVs

The majority of our 440 acres is timber with established trails, but we are also a working farm and we have five ponds and a trout stream throughout the property. We offer tours to guests for $10 per person and we love to introduce you to our farm animals. We provide coffee in our camp store mornings and we offer a community bonfire on Saturday evenings. It's important to us to make sure our guests have the best experience possible!

4. Camp Karuga

94%

(41)

38mi from Hickory · 7 sites · Tents, Lodging

Nestled under a pine forest, Camp KaRuGa is a campground with cabins and campsites near the Blue Ridge Parkway and the New River. Beautiful creek side campsites and primitive cabins each with its own picnic table and fire pit with cooking grate. Camp Karuga offers 1 fully equipped bath house with hot/cold water, electricity and charging stations as well as a family/handicapped bath house. Enjoy the following on-site amenities during your stay in the coolest corner of North Carolina. On-site hiking trails, a pavilion with scenic pond for floating, and a community fire pit. We offer a kayak float from our campground on the New River $60 per person. We also, offer on-site guided horse trail rides through our sister business One More? Trail Riding Stable. Call 828-295-2274 for reservations. The tiny cabins can only accommodate 2 adults and 2 children maximum occupancy. If your family is larger than that, please contact us or the booking site to make additional arrangements. Each cabin is generously spaced from the others for a pleasant heir of privacy. Tent sites are also spaced apart with your privacy in mind. Ashe County is offers something for everyone. Beautiful hiking trails are as close or as far as you want to drive to get there. Downtown offers an experience in walking back in time with a small town feel that is unmatched. Delicious eating experiences are available from country cooking to fine dining. Camp Karuga is also perfectly situated for traveling to Boone, Blowing Rock or Banner Elk without the exhaustion of a long drive. There is so many wonderful experiences around Camp Karuga that it will be hard to choose from. At Camp Karuga, you can be as active as you want, or just kick back and enjoy the view while your ears relax to the sound of our beautiful creek. Either way, you will leave a healthier, happier person and we are sure you'll want to come back. When you stay at Camp Karuga, we will make sure of it!

5. Oak Creek Horse Farm

96%

(108)

39mi from Hickory · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

Horse farm with lots of space for you and your family! Used to be a dairy farm from 1860 to 1970. Plenty of space, beautiful sunset. You will be surrounded by horses. 5-10 min to restaurants and stores. 5-10 min to swimming and hiking. 20 min to Kings Mountains. 30 min to South Mountains. 20 min to Tryon Equestian Center.  Site 1,2 and 4: full hookup 50A, water and sewer. Site 3: full hookup 30A, water and sewer. Site 1 and 2 are about 100ft apart, site 3 is about 200ft from site 1 and 2, so there is plenty of space.

6. Neal Creek Camping Sites

100%

(267)

41mi from Hickory · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Neal Creek Primitive camping by the creek is located on private property. The two large campsites are approximately 300 feet apart and are located right beside the running creek. Plenty of shaded area's. We have a 6-8 person tent available to rent as well! Learn more about this land: We are only 1/2 a mile from the Interstate 85. So bring your tents, campers or your small RV and come and setup down by the babbling creek. If you don't have or own a tent, we have a large 6-8 person tent available for a small rental fee too. Build a nice fire in the fire pit. The firewood and kindling is provided. The campsites are semi-wooded areas with plenty of shade. They are very large private, peaceful and quiet sites.  View the stars at night, play in the creek during the day or if you are into biking or hiking, go to the Overmountain Victory trail located about 15 minutes away and enjoy the 6.7 mile loop around Lake Whelchel right off I-85. Local attractions: Biking, Hiking, Climbing and Horse trails - Kings Mtn National Park, Kings Mtn State Park, Crowder's Mtn State Park, Overmountain Victory Trail Segment - Lake Whelchel. Two Kings Casino is just a 10 minute trip right up Interstate - 85, exit 5 Convenient stores/restaurants within minutes from site.

7. Blue Ridge Camping

100%

(126)

47mi from Hickory · 10 sites · Tents, RVs

Get away from the crowds. On 300 beautiful acres once operated as a children's summer adventure camp, this property has a house with a dormitory style bathroom for camper use. There are 3 primitive campsites, 2 cottages, and a horse sanctuary. The campsites are spaced out around the property for privacy. Ask about bathroom use depending on the season. 4WD or AWD is recommended for all sites due to 1/2 mile gravel road and then completely off road for a short distance. Or, if you are bringing 2WD, there is plenty of parking and then walk to your campsite. We don't recommend trying to bring large RV's due to the access. We have not had a problem with Black Bears on the property. Help us keep it that way. Do not store or keep food in your tent. Don't sleep with food. Keep in mind bears are omnivores much like us. They eat mostly plants but also eat meat. For more info on bear safety, visit www.bearwise.org Winter camping is encouraged with free firewood. However, you will probably need to park on the gravel and walk to your campsite to limit soil erosion of the off-road trail. Pets are welcome only at some sites, but please please let us know you are bringing them and they will need to be leashed due to other animals. A large part of the property is forest with hiking trails, creeks, and wildlife. You can see wildflowers and lightning bugs in season along with deer, turkey, and horses. And all of our spots have a great view of the sky! We're not far from the Bare Dark Sky Observatory. The grass horse arena and the pond were originally built for the summer camp. The pond is stocked with bass and bluegill and has a chorus of bullfrogs in summer. The arena is flat and has a long range mountain view all the way to Mt. Mitchell (highest peak east of the Mississippi). There are also a meadow spot encircled by trees.

8. The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms

99%

(1280)

48mi from Hickory · 18 sites · Tents, RVs

Our new BATHHOUSE is now completely functional with toilet, sink and SHOWER 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, just let us know how much you will need so we will have it ready for you. Our STORE offers firewood (delivered to your site!) , meats and eggs from our farm, Tallow & lard (both rendered right here!), drinks, Amish made 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. Check us out for your next camping experience. We promise we will do everything within our power to make it great! 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 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 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) for the latest on what's going on here at the farm. :)

9. Sleep under the stars overlooking the mountains by babbling stream

97%

(16)

50mi from Hickory · 1 site · Tent, RV

Family farm... love our camp site... put your toes in the sand... gaze at the mountains... relax by the babbling stream... watch the horses and cows graze... Learn more about this land: Be lulled to sleep by the peaceful river under the stars of a beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain view. We love the island feeling it has with a little log waterfall and a lot of natural sand between our toes. We can provide new queen air mattress for A frame, up to 4 hammocks, or feel free to bring your own, a tent, a small camper, etc. The road in is relatively flat, but is natural ground. A primitive outhouse is on site as well as a gas grill and firewood. Dogs are welcome if picked up after. We have a quiet generator available for rent.

10. OnTop.camp - NW NC Ashe Co

99%

(820)

51mi from Hickory · 5 sites · Tents

STATUS of OT DOT CAMP 5.29.25 Welcome! Fireflies are now popping and the locust blossoms, wild rose and blackberries have just finished up. Milk weed and butterfly attractants will bloom in the coming month on sunrise mountain and it’s looking good! Our farm is vast and sparse, focusing on sustainability while giving back to the community. We are a safe haven for animals and humans alike. Situated on and between two peaks of Little Phoenix Mountain range in Jefferson Ashe County. Our sites’ altitudes range from 3100 feet to over 3600 feet, which is a lot of slope and hillside to say the least. As a guest you will be offered insane long views and limited exposure to the oldest registered breed of bovine in the world. Our Scottish Highland Cattle are majestic and fit in quite well in the NC mountainside. Located in the Blue Ridge mountains, we have natural water springs popping out, some of which are tapped to drink from. (10.1.23 currently farm springs are not accessible to guests, shatley springs up the road approx 4miles north has a public spring that we highly recommend) If you are looking for a camping spot that is only 5-10 minutes from town (Jefferson NC or the quaint Downtown West Jefferson) but feels like you're in the middle of no where, then we have it! The Blue Ridge Parkway is less than 20 minutes away and the New River equally close. Looking Forward: July update. We are currently working on provided an all downhill mountain bike trail from 3600 to 3150ft. This path will be double wide for the most part and wide open at first to soak in the se view. Will update when completed! *a ride back up for your bike and yourself will be scheduled if requested OnTopOfTheWorld.camp *firewood is available if you pay on site you will have to use Venmo/Paypal *We do not allow any harvesting of campfire wood or burning of our property outside of the designated fire ring. We use any downed wood on our property for our family to keep warm and to cut and split ourselves to sell to our guest. A “full nights worth” of campfire wood is roughly a 3 x 2 stacked pile of wood keeping you warm all night. Please let us know ahead so we can prepare it for you

11. 3 Springs Camping

100%

(2)

19mi from Hickory · 7 sites · Tents, RVs

Small Gypsy Vanner, organic farm, bird sanctuary in the foothills of the Appalachians nestled in on Little King Creek with 3 gorgeous springs running fresh water to the creek from our mountain with 3 hollars. Boy it's a mouthful, but there's a great outhouse built for a king, outdoor shower, picnic area and creekside beaches to wash the world away and relax.

12. 🌲 Welcome To Southern Love Farm

100%

(1)

27mi from Hickory · 1 site · Tent, RV

Escape to nature at Southern Love Farm, nestled on 5 beautiful acres in Statesville, NC. Our property is a haven for animal lovers and outdoor adventurers alike. As part of Infinite Hearts Dog Sanctuary, we offer a peaceful, dog-friendly retreat where guests can relax, unwind, and reconnect with nature – alongside their furry friends! 🐶 What Makes Us Special: Dog-Friendly Environment – Bring your pup along for the adventure! Expansive Open Spaces – Perfect for tents, RVs, or glamping setups. Sanctuary Vibes – Experience the warmth and love of our rescue sanctuary. Local Charm – Enjoy the beauty of North Carolina’s countryside, just a short drive from Charlotte. 🏕️ Whether you’re looking for a quiet camping spot, a place to bond with your pets, or just a break from city life, Southern Love Farm is the perfect destination. ✨ Book your stay and experience the heart of North Carolina’s great outdoors! https://www.tiktok.com/@red.dirt.mama/video/7512211618038680862 dogfriendlyeverything.com

13. Triple J Farm and Campground

100%

(9)

30mi from Hickory · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Camp down by the creek at our private campground. Pan for gold or rock hound for gems in over 1/2 mile of pristine North Carolina creek. Outdoor shower and bathroom facility available. Bring all your camping gear, tents and headlamps for a fun adventure in the woods.

14. Chestnut Village Campground

35mi from Hickory · 1 site · Lodging

Our property includes 3 tiny house cabins 400sf with 1 queen and two bunk beds a full bathroom a living room, dinning room, full equipped kitchen and a loft a private porch. You also have your private outdoor grill, picnic table with umbrella, hammock, fire pit with androniack chairs and corn holes. Communal amenities are our playground, shipping container sauna/pool/hot tub and private cold plunge upon request. Guest must provide ice. This property is private, secluded!, peaceful in middle of the country on a mountain valley with a creek. We offer top quality stainless steel pots and pans, fast wifi and 3 roku smart TV's. You have your own private parking easy accessible to the guests. No need for a 4x4 our roads are flat. There are nearby wineries, breweries and state parks that are great and fun to visit. Nearby places include Asheville, Greenville,Tryon Equestrian Center, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure all within 1 hour of our campground.

15. Teague Mountain Farm

35mi from Hickory · 2 sites · Lodging

Teague Mountain Farm borders the Pisgah National Forest. It is only a mile from the Linville Gorge Wilderness and Blue Ridge Parkway. Trails for hiking and horseback riding into the Pisgah are accessible from the property. Enjoy 360 degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains; and, a beautiful view looking over Lost Cove towards Grandfather Mountain.

16. Serene Pastures Retreat

36mi from Hickory · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Escape the hustle and bustle and embrace the peaceful countryside at our glamping retreat on a small farm in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Experience the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern luxury in a spacious safari-style tent — complete with a full bathroom inside — plus scenic views and friendly farm animals. Plush memory foam mattresses and organic cotton sheets provide a luxurious night’s sleep after a long day of hiking. Conveniently located just 9 minutes from downtown Marion!

17. Bull Run RV Park

36mi from Hickory · 1 site · Tent, RV

Bull Run RV Park is a Full Hook Up (FHU) park. Scenic views on this 112 acre ranch. We are conveniently located 20 min from I-85, 5 min from Hwy 74 and 10 min from Two Kings Casino. Our Park is nestled along the Wolfbranch Creek and Longbranch Creek. We have hiking and mountain biking trails your enjoyment and exercise as well as pickleball/ basketball courts. Each of our sites is complete with 45 x 15 concrete pads with attached 8 x 8 patio. County water and city sewer at each site along with 50, 30 and 20 amp service. Our park has a full bathhouse with separate and private shower / toilets for men and women. We offer overnight stays as well as weekend / weeklong stays and extended stays. Check out the Bull Run RV Park, you will be glad you did.

18. Campsites at Shipley Farms

100%

(7)

43mi from Hickory · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

Visit this 150+ year old working cattle farm with sites ranging from primitive campsites by the fire, to luxury tents with air conditioning and plumbing. The historic family farm still raises Appalachian Grown pasture raised beef, with a farm store onsite. See the website (shipleyfarmsbeef.com) for the farm store and for booking tours and cattle feeding experiences

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

William

December 2025

Tent

2 nights at The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms

Nice place to stay was very peaceful and quiet. owner was super nice

D

Devyn

December 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to OnTop.camp - NW NC Ashe Co

Beautiful property. Host was excellent at giving directions to the site. We will be back next year for sure!

T

November 2025

20 ft pop-up camper

1 night at The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms

Very accommodating hosts, guided us to our site 5, right on the banks of a small creek.We camped with a 20 ft trailer,only neighbors were friendly farm critters.We would definitely return, when in the area .

B

Billy

November 2025

29 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Overland Camping for 4!

Had a great time at Blue Ridge Ranch will definitely be back again, Staff was great, site was well maintained

A

Amy

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Blue Ridge Camping

The site has beautiful views. It is private even though the house is right up the hill you can’t see it over a berm. It was a bonus to have access to a bathroom toilet and hot shower. It is a bit of steep walk up to it but still nice to have. We saw deer and heard owls. Would definitely go again. Thank you Rebecca!

T

Travis

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms

Was upgraded to a nicer site on arrival. Nearby stream was nice. New bathhouse is nice as well.

K

Kristen

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Sanctuary at RockHouseFarm

Camping at Edward’s was quiet lots of beautiful land! Great for remote camping with hiking nearby! Directions We’re clear on how to get to the camping site. Bath house was clean and well stocked up!

Stephanie

November 2025

Tent

1 night at OnTop.camp - NW NC Ashe Co

Very pretty and quiet spot! Instructions were very clear and jon was very responsive made everything quick and easy. I will definitely be coming back for another stay here.

J

Joshua

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Sanctuary at RockHouseFarm

Beautiful land that is private but in a great location for the area. Host is very nice, my wife and I will definitely be back!

Bruna

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to OnTop.camp - NW NC Ashe Co

Great place for camping, peaceful and with a great view of the mountains.

C

Chase

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Blue Ridge Camping

Rebecca was wonderful, and the space was convenient and cool. The pond spot was very nice.

C

Carleugh

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Sleep under the stars overlooking the mountains by babbling stream

Awesome spot!! Ample room for the dog to run around. The proximity of the river access was such a cool surprise! The weather was rather warm for November, so we could utilize the river. Super private. The wildlife/cattle are cool. Incredible stars at night. We had a bit of rain and a sort of crazy windstorm one night, but felt super secure in the structure. This is an ideal beginners “primitive” camping spot.

B

Benjamin

November 2025

17 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Campsites at Shipley Farms

Amazing campsite! Very private with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. We camped during early winter, so you could just make out a couple houses and a secondary road in the distance. Hosts are extremely accommodating and very friendly. Farm store is a must visit. Watauga County Rec Center is about 15 minutes away and offers a daily “shower pass” for $5.

J

John

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to OnTop.camp - NW NC Ashe Co

Beautiful views, quiet, and a really relaxing place to stay. I enjoyed the privacy and the open space, and the sunrise and sunset were both worth the trip. Had a great time overall and would definitely stay again.

R

Robert

November 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Neal Creek Camping Sites

Great host checked on us in the beginning and made sure we had wood for a fire .That's right wood who eles does that .no one .Great job on That. there camp ground had a swing and clean area .fire ring and running creek .Will be back

M

Madelyn

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to OnTop.camp - NW NC Ashe Co

The view was absolutely amazing, and I highly recommend site 5!!!! We had a great time. We pre ordered fire wood at the end of our purchase to add on to our stay, Jon ended up bringing it a day later than expected. It was figured out and was all good, but other than that our trip was great.

k

kaylie

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Neal Creek Camping Sites

Our stay at the site was lovely! Our only issue was wet firewood but other than that we had an amazing time :))

Rusty

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Blue Ridge Camping

The arena site was perfect. Incredible sunset views. Campsite was easy to access and flat. Becky was incredible kind and helpful. Will 100% be back soon.

Andre

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Neal Creek Camping Sites

I love staying at David's place. It's always neat and clean and David is a pleasant host.

R

Remington

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to OnTop.camp - NW NC Ashe Co

Awesome camp! Thanks for hosting us Jon! The drive up to the top was fun and not too taxing. Views were great. Really enjoyed having firewood all night.