The best star host camping near Hot Springs

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The only known natural hot spring in North Carolina gave rise to the city of Hot Springs, which has become a resort town rife with privately owned spas, lodging rentals, and lots of camping and outdoor recreation. Hot Springs sits near the Appalachian Trail, a popular destination for long-distance hikers, and the French Broad River, believed to be one of the oldest rivers in the world. Head deeper into nature with a trip to Pisgah National Forest for mile-high peaks and dispersed camping. Lake James State Park offers lakeside campgrounds for water enthusiasts. And Mount Mitchell State Park offers backpacking campsites next to the highest point of elevation east of the Mississippi River.

99% (8.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Turkey Creek Oasis~valley views

1. Turkey Creek Oasis~valley views

98%
(62)
16mi from Hot Springs · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Leicester, NC
STATUS REPORT: totally intact after hurricane. No damage and the land is not flooded. Even RVs can drive to the creek. Attention RV and van-lifers, here's your safe haven! Introducing a brand-new listing, and I'm seeking your assistance in navigating the ins and outs of hosting. Located just 25 minutes from downtown Asheville, this property sits in a rural, fertile valley, offering breathtaking views to the north and south. Encompassing a total of 23 acres, 5 of which are nearly flat and ideal for parking/camping, while the remainder provides excellent hiking opportunities. A charming bubbling creek, a storage barn suitable for construction or running a business, and the promise of future hydro-power with solar and a battery bank by the creek add to the property's appeal. For those parking near the main house, a 120v extension cord is available for power and internet access. Alternatively, if you prefer to park by the creek, please note that there is currently no power, internet, or water available in that area, though plans are underway for hydro-power with solar and a battery bank. IMPORTANT NOTE: heavy rains turn this area into a mess, it can be tricky to get in and out after a big rain. You are welcome to park at the top by the barn and walk down with a tent, but your RV could get stuck, so keep that in mind. Anticipate future offerings with RV power hookups. Presently, the amenities are somewhat rustic, serving as a trial to gauge interest. Composting outhouse is available now!. Rainwater and shallow well water are provided. Looking for a place to park your vehicle while you convert it into your home on wheels? Happy to set that up with power, water, and even a barn in which to work. Feel free to reach out with any questions or suggestions; your input is appreciated!
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night
Inside the tent.

2. Gnome Hollow Farms

100%
(10)
17mi from Hot Springs · 1 site · Lodging · Greeneville, TN
Gnome Hollow at Dixon Hill Farms, LLC Nestled just outside Greeneville, Gnome Hollow hosts guests in their fully furnished on-farm tent campsite featuring beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and an amazing view of the entire mountain range. They also offer guided and self-guided farm tours that give visitors the opportunity to feed the baby and adult goats, chickens, turkeys, guineas, ducks and geese. They have added The Giddy Goat Gift Shoppe where they offer all types of handmade and one of a kind works from local artisans. Their event areas include the Hen Haven Gathering Hall and Pyrenees Pavilion. They also have a picnic and playground area. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram and on their website to keep up with their weekly and monthly Family Friendly Events. And if you stay on Saturday Nights, Gnome Hollow Drive-In is there for a little Nostalgia at Dusk. gnomehollowatdhf.com
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$36
 / night
Inner Wolf Retreat Space

3. Inner Wolf Retreat Space

100%
(55)
17mi from Hot Springs · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Mars Hill, NC
A Sound Healing Retreat Center for you to find renewal and unplug on 6 peaceful acres with a large creek running through the whole property, several ponds, and a large field of flowers. Our property is a healing space , complementing the sounds of nature and meditative sound healing instruments like gongs and crystal singing bowls to help you find your inner compass. Please ask us if you'd like to add a sound healing session to your camping experience. As you enter the property, flow downstream, leaving worries behind, pass the Sound Healing Pyramid Barn, set up for events and sound healing sessions, in addition to retreats. Under the eaves of the back of the barn you'll find a picnic table to enjoy in the shade while listening to the babbling large creek running along side you and leading you to your peaceful campsite in the field, under the trees, and under the stars. Van and small RV camping spots are located by the workshop and small cabin and the portajon.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
Property borders the Pisgah National Forest and is next to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

5. Mount Sterling Base Camp

100%
(107)
17mi from Hot Springs · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · 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!
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
$100
 / night

The only known natural hot spring in North Carolina gave rise to the city of Hot Springs, which has become a resort town rife with privately owned spas, lodging rentals, and lots of camping and outdoor recreation. Hot Springs sits near the Appalachian Trail, a popular destination for long-distance hikers, and the French Broad River, believed to be one of the oldest rivers in the world. Head deeper into nature with a trip to Pisgah National Forest for mile-high peaks and dispersed camping. Lake James State Park offers lakeside campgrounds for water enthusiasts. And Mount Mitchell State Park offers backpacking campsites next to the highest point of elevation east of the Mississippi River.

99% (8.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Turkey Creek Oasis~valley views

1. Turkey Creek Oasis~valley views

98%
(62)
16mi from Hot Springs · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Leicester, NC
STATUS REPORT: totally intact after hurricane. No damage and the land is not flooded. Even RVs can drive to the creek. Attention RV and van-lifers, here's your safe haven! Introducing a brand-new listing, and I'm seeking your assistance in navigating the ins and outs of hosting. Located just 25 minutes from downtown Asheville, this property sits in a rural, fertile valley, offering breathtaking views to the north and south. Encompassing a total of 23 acres, 5 of which are nearly flat and ideal for parking/camping, while the remainder provides excellent hiking opportunities. A charming bubbling creek, a storage barn suitable for construction or running a business, and the promise of future hydro-power with solar and a battery bank by the creek add to the property's appeal. For those parking near the main house, a 120v extension cord is available for power and internet access. Alternatively, if you prefer to park by the creek, please note that there is currently no power, internet, or water available in that area, though plans are underway for hydro-power with solar and a battery bank. IMPORTANT NOTE: heavy rains turn this area into a mess, it can be tricky to get in and out after a big rain. You are welcome to park at the top by the barn and walk down with a tent, but your RV could get stuck, so keep that in mind. Anticipate future offerings with RV power hookups. Presently, the amenities are somewhat rustic, serving as a trial to gauge interest. Composting outhouse is available now!. Rainwater and shallow well water are provided. Looking for a place to park your vehicle while you convert it into your home on wheels? Happy to set that up with power, water, and even a barn in which to work. Feel free to reach out with any questions or suggestions; your input is appreciated!
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night
Inside the tent.

2. Gnome Hollow Farms

100%
(10)
17mi from Hot Springs · 1 site · Lodging · Greeneville, TN
Gnome Hollow at Dixon Hill Farms, LLC Nestled just outside Greeneville, Gnome Hollow hosts guests in their fully furnished on-farm tent campsite featuring beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and an amazing view of the entire mountain range. They also offer guided and self-guided farm tours that give visitors the opportunity to feed the baby and adult goats, chickens, turkeys, guineas, ducks and geese. They have added The Giddy Goat Gift Shoppe where they offer all types of handmade and one of a kind works from local artisans. Their event areas include the Hen Haven Gathering Hall and Pyrenees Pavilion. They also have a picnic and playground area. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram and on their website to keep up with their weekly and monthly Family Friendly Events. And if you stay on Saturday Nights, Gnome Hollow Drive-In is there for a little Nostalgia at Dusk. gnomehollowatdhf.com
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$36
 / night
Inner Wolf Retreat Space

3. Inner Wolf Retreat Space

100%
(55)
17mi from Hot Springs · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Mars Hill, NC
A Sound Healing Retreat Center for you to find renewal and unplug on 6 peaceful acres with a large creek running through the whole property, several ponds, and a large field of flowers. Our property is a healing space , complementing the sounds of nature and meditative sound healing instruments like gongs and crystal singing bowls to help you find your inner compass. Please ask us if you'd like to add a sound healing session to your camping experience. As you enter the property, flow downstream, leaving worries behind, pass the Sound Healing Pyramid Barn, set up for events and sound healing sessions, in addition to retreats. Under the eaves of the back of the barn you'll find a picnic table to enjoy in the shade while listening to the babbling large creek running along side you and leading you to your peaceful campsite in the field, under the trees, and under the stars. Van and small RV camping spots are located by the workshop and small cabin and the portajon.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
Property borders the Pisgah National Forest and is next to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

5. Mount Sterling Base Camp

100%
(107)
17mi from Hot Springs · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · 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!
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
$100
 / night

Stories from the community

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

The best star host camping near Hot Springs guide

Where to go

Pisgah National Forest

With over 500,000 acres of forested slopes, waterfalls, and mile-high peaks, Pisgah National Forest is a camper’s delight. Head out on multi-use trails for biking and horseback riding to rock climbing opportunities. Or go tubing, fishing, or swimming in the streams and rivers flowing through the forest park. On-site RV and tent campsites provide access to potable water and dump stations, while dispersed, primitive camping options in the wilderness are also available. For a bit of luxury, reserve a private furnished cabin or tiny house under the trees.

Lake James State Park

A popular destination on the Catawba River system, Lake James State Park welcomes campers to paddle-in and backpack-in primitive campsites for an immersive lake experience. Wake up and go boating, swimming, jet skiing and fishing. Then hike on pet-friendly trails like Holly Discovery Trail or Overmountain Victory Trail to see more of the park. For those looking for more traditional options, lakeside campsites for tents and RVs are also available with potable waters and hot showers.

Mount Mitchell State Park

Mount Mitchell State Park has two claims to fame—it was the very first state park in North Carolina and the mountain for which it’s named happens to be the highest point of elevation east of the Mississippi River. Campers can access the park in May through November via the Blue Ridge Mountains Parkway, or hike the Mountains-to-Sea state trails connected to Pisgah National Forest. Other peaks in the park like Mount Hallback, Mount Craig, Big Tom, and Balsam Cone have 360-degree panoramic views and are lined with Fraser fir forests. All campsites are walk-in backpacking sites with grills and picnic tables, but private campgrounds for RVs with full hookups are also nearby.

When to go

Hot Springs is in a mountain valley, which brings cooler temperatures in summer and offers  protection from winter storms, resulting in a comfortable temperate climate year-round. Daily high temperatures are around 85°F in summer months, while winters stay between 33°F and 53°F. Since Hot Springs sits near the Appalachian Trail and Blue Ridge Mountains, summer is a very popular time for campers who want to hike on the trails and enjoy the mountain wilderness.