Waterside camping near Maggie Valley

Maggie Valley is a gateway to the Great Smokies, stellar camping, and Blue Ridge adventure.

95% (8421 reviews)

United States
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North Carolina
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Maggie Valley

95% (8421 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Maggie Valley

2 top waterside campgrounds near Maggie Valley

99%

(200)

Mountaintop Fantasy

4 sites · Lodging8 acres · Cullowhee, NC

Selected by Outside Magazine as their Favorite Hipcamp in North Carolina and a Hipcamp Finalist in N.C. 2020, 2021, and 2022 and runner up best treehouse in 2023, you can choose among three separate and memorable experiences in our 8 acre compound: 1) a woodsy, peaceful glamping experience with million dollar views in an 6 person tent;; 2) a glampingTreehouse with W/C; and 3) the newly built 2BR 1 1/2 BA private annex to our house. Each can be all yours - this is not a commercial campground. Explore the innumerable trails and waterfalls of the Smokies; fish in the Lake or numerous rivers and streams; swim in the Lake and at the sand beach down the road; rent a pontoon boat; travel the Blue Ridge Parkway; enjoy the shopping and restaurants of nearby Cashiers and Highlands. Or just chill out. These are truly unique high altitude sites with amenities you won't find elsewhere. Both are in a gated "subdivision" that has 60 lots but only 8 houses - the rest is woods and the only place in your vicinity is our cabin. With unmatched mountain and western views, if you like the great outdoors on the mountain and in the woods, This is the place for you and your family. If you like a more camping style with tent (provided), covered camp kitchen, table and firepit ( along with the uncovered ones) check out Smoky Mountain High. Don't like tents? No problem. Check out our Treehouse with kitchen, bunks, grill, cooktop, heaters, W/C and more. Prefer indoor rustic luxury? The Glenville Aerie (4100') is a fully furnished, annex we built for our family, guests and friends who value their privacy. Walkie-talkies to facilitate mountain communications. Board games too. Access to our dock, canoes and kayak? Yep. Adult life preservers provided. Secret nature trail to our kids playground and trampoline. Hammock, kid's swing, hanging chair and dining for 6. Visit with Jake the Cat and our chickens. This area is truly one of a kind spiritual respite. These mountains are justly known for hiking, fishing, water sports, chilling out and forgetting about the Virus, politics and the nuisances of the workaday world. Our goal is to provide you and your family with an unforgettable and magical N.C. mountain experience, while reducing your blood pressure.

100%

(14)

Sacred Roots

2 sites · Lodging1 acres · Rosman, NC

A sublime place where art and the natural world collide. Start your morning enjoying coffee on the patio among the trees, completely immersed in nature. Relax by the garden after a long day of exploring or take a spin around the lake in one of our rented kayaks. (A waiver will be required for all boat use.) The fire pit is a perfect way to end the day with stories, music, and laughter while the stars shine down upon you. Learn more about this land: Enchanting and unique cottage on 1.5 acres, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains just 20 minutes outside of charming Brevard. A perfect getaway for outdoor enthusiasts or anyone seeking tranquil solitude. Beautiful, wooded property with gardens, creative art, screened-in porch, patio, fire pits, and an 11-acre lake for kayaking, swimming, fishing, and exploring. Two kayaks are available for 150.00 or stand up paddleboards for 150.00 for the duration of your stay. A liability waiver is required for all boat use. The foothills trail, hiking, biking, and waterfalls are all within minutes of the property.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

100%

(13)

Table Rock State Park

Pickens, South Carolina

100%

(10)

Black Rock Mountain State Park

Mountain City, Georgia

100%

(1)

Lake Barkley

Cumberland City, Tennessee

Waterside camping near Maggie Valley guide

Overview

Maggie Valley is a cozy North Carolina mountain town that sits on the banks of Jonathan Creek. It’s 10 minutes from the Cataloochee Ski Area and makes an ideal basecamp for exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Blue Ridge Parkway. Maggie Valley is close to hiking trails, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting. It also borders the Nantahala National Forest, where hundreds of miles of trails let you explore waterfalls, lakes, and old-growth trees. At 3,000 feet elevation, Maggie Valley is accessible year-round. The deciduous trees surrounding Maggie Valley put an an astonishing fall foliage display of golds, reds, and oranges each autumn

Where to go

Maggie Valley Area

Ten minutes from Maggie Valley is Soco Falls, an iconic double waterfall. The three mile section of Jonathan Creek that passes through town is designated Mountain Heritage Trout Water. There are multiple creekside RV parks and RV resorts with full hookups and wifi, as well as mountain cabins with hot tubs and glamping sites in this area. If you aren’t satisfied with your options in the Maggie Valley area, checkout nearby Waynesville or Asheville.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Maggie Valley is just below the Great Smoky Mountain National Park’s Balsam Mountain area. At 5,130 feet, the Balsam Mountain Campground has sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and mountain views. If you enter the center of the park on Route 441, you’ll intercept numerous hiking trails, including the Appalachian Trail and the approach road to Clingman’s Dome. There are beautiful hikes to waterfalls and lookouts throughout the park, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot its famous fog or black bear residents. The park’s central campsites have excellent RV camping and tent camping, but book early for these popular spots.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway bisects Route 19 a few miles west of Maggie Valley. This scenic byway starts at nearby Cherokee and travels a whopping 469 miles to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. The Parkway traces the ridge-line of the Blue Ridge Mountains in a winding course with incredible views. There are multiple overlooks and spur-trails for hiking along the Parkway. It’s also a popular road ride for cyclists. The Waterrock Knob Visitor Center is a local highlight with great sunrise and sunset views.

When to go

Maggie Valley is a fun getaway year-round. Summer has the best temps and the most sunlight, fall has peak foliage, winter is ski season, and spring has powerful waterfalls and the least crowds. The summer is the busy season in this area, so book well in advance. Winter visitors should also be prepared for road conditions with snow and ice.