Camping near Marion with horseback riding

98% (2719 reviews)

Resting at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Marion blends small-town comfort with big-time nature. Close proximity to Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest make the town a popular basecamp year-round. Take a day trip less than thirty minutes from Marion to Lake James State Park. It has over 150 miles of shoreline with beaches, boat ramps, Blue Ridge Mountain views, and lakefront tent and paddle-in campsites. Or stay in town and camp in a cabin rental at Pisgah National Forest, which provides half a million acres of scenic outlooks, tree-covered trails, and iconic waterfalls. East of Marion, South Mountains State Park has RV campsites that can fit trailers and accommodate horses, diverse trails, and multiple creeks—all of which make it a perfect place for paddling, biking, hiking, and horseback riding.

Popular camping styles for Marion

Top-rated campgrounds

Campgrounds at Little Switzerland

1. Campgrounds at Little Switzerland

98%
(223)
14mi from Marion · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Spruce Pine, NC
Welcome to the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina! At approximately 3,455 feet elevation we enjoy mountain breezes all summer PLEASE DO NOT ‘photo book’! We ask guests to please read through the details BEFORE booking a site. For example: not all tent sites are park at sites. Some of our more secluded sites in the woods are far from bathrooms etc. Sites near the winery/bathrooms are not secluded and you can see/hear ‘people’. The ‘wildlife’ sites require parking in guest parking and a 5 minute walk. As of Jan 2025 we change to an age 13+ campground. No one under the age of thirteen years old is permitted to camp overnight. Younger children will still be permitted to visit the winery next door to the campground during open hours but must have an adult (18 years plus) with them at ALL times! Due to an incident that could have ended in tragedy we have a zero tolerance policy of unsupervised children. You will be asked to leave if your young child is unattended by an adult. During the summer months we often have free range chicken eggs and organic produce and herbs available for our campers. We are next to our own winery/cidery that features home brew wines and beer. We also offer sodas. Firewood is for sale. You may bring your own firewood as long as it’s not from out of state. We have a few primitive sites in our woods for those who love more seclusion and places to hang hammocks. Again, PLEASE read through all the descriptions of each particular site to make certain you choose the right fit for your camping needs. We offer Hiking/jogging trails at the campground with more trails on the nearby blue ridge parkway. We are just around the corner from the famous Emerald Village Mines and only a 5 minute drive to downtown Little Switzerland. We are also only a 5 minutes drive to the famous Diamondback scenic mountain road. Approximately 20 minutes drive to Crabtree Falls on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Our cantina next door at 539 blue ridge gem mine road is open for the season and serving home brew beers and small batch ciders for ages 21 and older. Photo ID required. Sodas available for purchase as well. We now have a well lit covered porch area and club house with free WiFi and available 24 hours to our campers. Note: absolutely no outside alcohol or underage alcohol consumption permitted on premises. Anyone not in compliance with North Carolina state laws and federal laws will be evicted from campgrounds without refunds. If the campgrounds happen to be under a burn ban please understand that we can’t and will not break the law for you! All campers must obey the burn ban if in effect or face possible penalties under state law! This is for your own safety as well. Anything sold by us may be legally consumed at your campsite and is covered under our winery ABC permit. Camp host can’t go to bed until all campers are checked in so no late night arrivals please! Thank you for your understanding. Adult horseback trail rides are available at nearby Springmaid Mountain Retreat. Maps provided to Springmaid Mountain. All minors must have ADULT supervision at all times at the winery next door (older siblings do not qualify as adult supervision). With farm animals and 140 acres of woods nearby and three deep ponds in those woods it can be a dangerous situation for young, unsupervised children. If we are babysitting your children to keep them out of danger or from damaging our property you’ll be asked to leave. We want everyone to be safe. Up to 2 dogs are allowed per campsite. Dogs Must remain on leash at all times and have proof of up to date rabies vaccination. We have chickens and horses on our mini farm so please keep dogs under control at all times. Also, please do not feed our chickens, horses or any of the wildlife on our property. It is the responsibility of our campers to check the weather conditions, noting any burn bans for the area or rain etc, looking at all the rules and property details, before booking is the campers responsibility. Please do not blame the host! HipCamp now offers rainy day insurance Watch for our special events like ghost story campfire tales/walk with local guest authors, mountain yoga, herbal remedies classes, trail treasure hunts with prizes, mushroom identification classes etc. Additional parking is available for added cars in the guest parking lot area if campers have no more room at their campsite for visitors or any extra cars. We have a hot/cold shower and modern style flush toilets available in large cargo container. We also now have free Starlink WiFi in the Cantina/clubhouse area and some of the closer tent sites. Our clubhouse stays open for campers 24/7 with a microwave available, games, television and comfortable seating areas. Note: The quarter mile of gravel drive is steep but I drive my two wheel drive car up and down it every day. However, if you have a vehicle that chugs and struggles up hills (older RV etc) you may find it a challenge. We are working on getting that section paved to help out the older RVs and buses. Note: The gray building and pond area is NOT our property. Please be respectful of our neighbors and the family that lives there. Do not wander around our neighbors pond /barn area. Thank you! All campers are expected to read and follow the HipCamp guidelines. This is not just a ‘business’, it is also a family home that we are graciously sharing with you for a small fee so we expect campers to respectful of our land, our neighbors and your fellow campers. Anyone who can’t show integrity, maturity and be responsible and respectful of this will be asked to leave and/or permanently banned from both the winery and our campgrounds. No fighting! This includes couples fighting. Settle it 'off property'. We are pretty mellow, yet take bad behavior and disrespect for others very seriously. Unsupervised children has been a huge problem lately and we simply won’t tolerate very young children wandering the woods, running across other folks campsites, deliberately damaging our property etc. It is up to the parents to fully supervise their children and keep them safe! Caught without a last minute hotel room and rather not park your family in Walmart lot? We offer car camping in our parking lot for $15.00 a night. You’ll have access to bathrooms and a hot shower! We also have tents, sleeping bags and camping mats for rent. Summer of 2025 will be our third year open and there have been many wonderful improvements! ❤️ We made it through Hurricane Helene with minimal damage and with the help of some kind volunteers we have some great updates!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$10
 / night
Site View

3. Asheville Area Luxury Solo RV'ing

99%
(201)
28mi from Marion · 1 site · RV · Fletcher, NC
Asheville Area Luxury Dwellings offers a gated year round solo RV site with full hook ups, firewood, kindling, bike wash or pet wash station, and trash service provided by your host in the nightly rate. ADDITIONALLY, you can enhance your stay by adding any of the FIVE EXTRA AMENITIES before checking out. Extras which are available for a one time fee are onsite which include a partially covered lighted outdoor shelter with a grill, bar sink, bar stools, and infrared heater above the couch to warm up on those chilly nights. This outdoor covered porch can be added to your stay in the extras sections if you so choose. The hot tub and outdoor shower are also available for rent for a one time charge under the extras section. Working remotely? Add wifi in the extras section. Rv'ing with a friend? No problem, you can add one additional RV to your booking. Our site can accommodate two large rigs. If these items are not needed then you can still use the site only at the nightly price. Remember, your nightly rate includes a bike wash or pet wash station to clean up after a day of exploring the Asheville area, firewood, kindling, and trash service are always included in your nightly price. 0ur site is only 10 miles to downtown Asheville and 8 miles to the Biltmore Estate. Come relax by the outdoor fire pit and listen to the sound of the natural spring flowing down the mountain. Come enjoy our RV site in the beautiful Asheville Area. We are glad to offer a one of a kind private mountainous solo RV site. Our Second site is now open. If you have guests that DO NOT have an RV and you want a site for them while you are at the Solo RV site then we have a perfect spot. Asheville Area Glamping Deck is now open for bookings on Hipcamp. click our profile to see this property to book. It is great for larger gatherings.
Pets
Potable water
Showers
from 
$75
 / night
Site # 2 located to your right

5. Neal Creek Camping Sites

100%
(266)
46mi from Marion · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Blacksburg, SC
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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$30
 / night
3feather Sanctuary

9. 3feather Sanctuary

95%
(49)
43mi from Marion · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Hot Springs, NC
We are the coolest little campground in WNC. 3feather Sanctuary is tucked away in the amazing countryside of the Appalachian mountains, surrounded by beautiful, stately trees and a creek meanders through the property. We have all the amenities and yet retain the rustic natural charm of the majestic mountain town. We have an amazing bathhouse(commonground) with the best shower, communal fridge & honor system w/d, tucked beside a convenient outdoor covered kitchen, we have fiber WiFi, & swimming hole. This is the perfect peaceful getaway near great outdoor activities and some of the best that North Carolina has to offer! 3Feather Sanctuary is surrounded by beautiful, stately trees and has a creek meandering through it. The closest town is Hot Springs, which is 20 minutes away and the Hot Springs are a definite must-see if that peaks your interest! The town itself is also pretty cool. There are some good shops, restaurants & our favorite hardware store!! Downtown Marshall is also close, about 25 minutes and has a lot to offer! Gr8 restaurants, thrifting and cute shops along the river. Our property is about an hour away from the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the adorable city of Asheville - which makes for a fantastic day trip with delicious restaurants, breweries, cool shops, and more! The Great Smokey Mountains and Deep Creek are about 1.5 hours away from the campsite. The Appalachian Trail is closeby and there are countless opportunities for stunning hikes. There's also kayaking, tubing, white water rafting opportunities as well as zip lining and horseback riding. There is something for everyone to enjoy and we can't wait to share it with you! Full disclosure: We have a camera pointed at the entrance and one at the bath house door, which we can move around to make sure that when people check in they make it to the right spot since I manage remotely part of the year. We have regular yard maintenance, however, we are Country natural landscape, not parking lot type campground, so the grass is slightly higher in some small areas but truly those things are part of a sustainable and uniquely beautiful camping experience!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$29
 / night
Bigfoot Brook Campground

10. Bigfoot Brook Campground

98%
(32)
14mi from Marion · 3 sites · Tents · Lake Lure, NC
If you are looking for peace and tranquility in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this privately owned, primitive campground is a great place for your tent! Nestled in Medford Mountain at about 1200 ft., each creek-side slip has a magnificent view of the 1532 ft. mountaintop. Whether surrounded by spring blossoms or fall foliage, animal and leaf lovers often see turkeys at dawn and deer at dusk. Foxes and bobcats have also been spotted on occasion. It is important to note that bear and coyote roam freely on the adjacent mountaintop, although are rarely seen or heard. Proper wilderness precautions must always be taken while camping. Aside from the flora and fauna, one of the biggest attractions is the star-filled sky. On a clear night, it is imperative to take a break from your private campfire to appreciate the Milky Way. You may also enjoy the meteor showers in August and other celestial events. Not to be outdone, the day sky does not disappoint. If a pop-up shower passes through, a double rainbow is often left in its wake. In the surrounding area, there are many outdoor activities to enjoy during the day. In a half hour or less, you may go horseback riding, ziplining, kayaking, tubing, fishing, hiking, and climbing. Public access to Lake Lure is less than 15 mi. away, but access to a lakeside road with amazing views is only a couple of minutes away. In addition, there is a little-known waterfall about 8 minutes up the street. If spending the day on site, be sure to walk the trail on the opposite side of the creek and hike up the hill for a different view. In addition, badminton, volleyball, ladder ball, cornhole, Yardzee, croquet, bocce, frisbees, footballs, board games and books are available for free rental. Plus, children may enjoy gem mining in the creek (for an additional fee). Of course, everyone can play Slapsquatch on the grounds for free. *Last minute decision? No worries! Check out our equipment package for two. We also sell firewood and rent tents, hammocks and other equipment separately. In addition, some toiletries and basic camping supplies are available for purchase. ***Disclaimer: Bigfoot activity has neither been confirmed nor denied.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$27
 / night
Picnic table and fire circle with benches

12. Quiet Troublesome Gap

99%
(98)
47mi from Marion · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Hot Springs, NC
My parents bought the 120 acre property in the 1960s. I started clearing and building the campsite in 2019. Watch the sun rise on one side of Troublesome Gap and watch it set on the other side.  There is a circle drive for 2 teardrop / squaredrop or pop up campers and plenty of spots to pitch tents.   There are also great spots to hang your hammock.   Camp where my family camps.  My parents bought the property in the 1960s and we have camped up here, hiked, hunted, and cut firewood many weekends.  We decided to share the property so you can enjoy camping up here too! The property is in a remote location where you can enjoy the wildlife and the cooler temps in the summer.  You'll have 3 acres all to yourself.  The closest grocery store is an hour away but the Trust General Store with a restaurant and gas approximately is 7 miles away.  There is also a burger joint (Dave's 209) on the way to the Trust General Store.   This camping site is in a remote area and the nearest neighbor about 1/2 mile away.  Max Patch is about 25 minutes away and features beautiful hiking. The quaint town of Marshall is about 30 minutes away.  Asheville is about an hour away. The campsite is easily accessible from Baltimore Branch Road.  However Baltimore Brand Road (public road) is steep in places and we don't recommend an RV bigger than a popup camper.   If you are pulling a trailer you'll really want to consider having 4wd. If you aren't used to driving on steep dirt mountain roads, you may want to bring your 4wd vehicle. If you have a 2wd vehicle, then you'll want to come to the site via Big Pine Road. This route will take you through Walnut, NC We also provide a porta-a-john for your convenience. This is a campsite where have the whole 3.5 acre property to yourself. You are surrounded by properties that vary from 40 acres to over a hundred acres. We just want you to have a great time and bring home great stories. It seems like every visitor to Troublesome Gap has a great story. Come camp with us and build your own story. Important Note: Water is only available on the site from Memorial Day through Labor Day, Otherwise you'll need to bring your own water. There is a camera on the property. It faces the gate (and away from the campsite).
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$48
 / night
Pink Fox Cove Cabin

13. Pink Fox Cove Cabin

100%
(14)
29mi from Marion · 1 site · Lodging · Weaverville, NC
This immaculate small cabin near Asheville is ready to treat you to a luxurious retreat experience. We are located only 15 minutes from Asheville and a few miles from the parkway, surrounded by 14 acres of forest. There is a private hot tub that is all yours! Sauna available upon request. Professional massage therapist onsite as well. The house is hand crafted with unique creative touches for your delight. We look forward to having you! This home was built in 2019 by an expert craftsman with the vision of making it cozy and spacious with sweet artistic details and lots of care and love. The home is 300 sq feet but feels much more grand inside. You will be nestled on 14 pristine acres of forest, with two decks, your own personal private hot tub, and a spring fed creek not too far down the driveway. There is a gas fireplace outdoors on the porch, and an outdoor fire pit for your use as well. The house has a queen size bed in the upper loft, a large twin day bed on the first level, and an extra loft with camping mats if needed above the day bed. The house can comfortably sleep 3 and up to 4 or 5 especially if a couple of them are children or petite people. The house has a full kitchen and bathroom, living room area and two lofts. For now there is a composting toilet that is easy to maintain and we are happy to help you with it if you’re on the land for more than a few days. The main house is about 30 yards up the hill, and although somewhat close, you will have plenty of privacy. We are close if you need us, but we try to give all of our guests ultimate privacy. The house is under a huge magnolia tree, so it stays shaded in the summer and quite cool. There is an AC unit and heaters in the house as well. There is a personal hot tub, which is screened in, and located on the front deck of the house now. You will love it! There is a back deck that is only for meditation, yoga, and bird watching, and we ask that folks stay silent on the back deck if they use it. Pets are welcome at an extra charge of $40 a night. If anything is needed down at the house we are available. Much of the time there is a massage therapist on site, so if you are interested in getting Bodywork please just inquire about prices and availability. There is also a wood-fired sauna on the property, so if you would like to sauna please let us know. And an added bonus is that you are only 5 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway and LOTS of great hiking, great restaurants, bars, coffee shops, art galleries and more. Asheville is 15 minutes from the tiny cabin and Weaverville is 10 minutes away. On any given day you might see a family a deer, turkeys or bears in the front yard. There is a spring fed creek on the edge of the property you are welcome to soak your feet in, and there is incredible hiking just a few miles away. You are welcome to explore the 13 acres of property as well that the home is located on. This is not a place for parties. Our neighbors are about 200 yards down the hill so we try to respect their privacy and keep it quiet. That is why we have made the back deck a retreat/silent deck. Maximum of 4 guests.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$108
 / night
Back Yard Campground

14. Back Yard Campground

94%
(50)
46mi from Marion · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Penrose, NC
Hello, we are Scott and Lynn. We hope you Enjoy your stay with us in our Back Yard Campground! We started the campground in 2016 after friends of the family pitched their tents down along the creek. They shared their enjoyment with us, and we realized how much we enjoyed knowing they were down there camping. We both have a great appreciation for God's creation and decided to open our gates to you. Lynn is a true Blue Ridge native and we both hope you enjoy the proximity to our towns, the mountains, rivers, streams, and waterfalls. The local apple orchards are also amazing! Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and rafting are only a few of the activities available within a short drive. So, soak it all in, come back home to Back Yard Campground, watch the sunset and enjoy sweet dreams.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night
The cabin sits atop a hill.

15. Raven Ridge

99%
(268)
37mi from Marion · 2 sites · Lodging · Marshall, NC
Raven ridge is a 5.0 acre property with plenty of botanical appeal, Appalachian charm and mountain views. James landed on the property in 2009, built a small dairy barn and milked 3 cows for a couple years before building the two cabins. In 2015 he was joined by Sofi, originally from Sweden and together they have three daughters. Together they manage a botanically interesting hobby hill farm and are happy to host travelers and seekers in their cabins. Hilltop was a joint project that James built in 2012 with a talented woodworker and friend in 6 months. We have maintained the original vibe of the place, rustic simplicity and elegance a notch or two above glamping, well-described by the zen koan, "chop wood, carry water" Orchard House was built entirely by James from the block up to the roof, averaging 1 hour/day for 3 years or 1,000 hours. Some of the Hilltop photos are a bit dated, we have a more private outhouse behind the cabin, and have made a few improvements here and there. Reach out anytime for any reason. We love hosting and nearly everyone enjoys their stay.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$77
 / night
Paradise Ridge Permaculture

17. Paradise Ridge Permaculture

100%
(94)
23mi from Marion · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Fairview, NC
The name Paradise Ridge came from the area my family settled in during the late 1600's. That place is now called Joelton. I love the old name and I love that my family came through North Carolina to Tennessee, so I decided to bring the name back east with me. Creating Paradise Ridge as a permaculture paradise is my life's work. It is a slow and painful process in a world set on instant gratification but very rewarding to see it step by step each year. We hope to share our passion with you. Learn more about this land: Paradise Ridge is on a dead end road, with a gated community at the top of the mountain. It is a wonderful place in Fairview, NC. A small 5-acre lot completely off grid, we have no animals due to the storm that rocked the area. Most of the property has been untouched for the past 30 years. The small area kept under hand is managed with a permaculture approach to make as little disturbance as possible and to keep it protected for the wildlife around the area. The property has been chemical free for the past 20 years under Paradise Ridge; thus, it has plenty of wild edibles around for your pleasure. Mushrooms, weeds and added edibles for your experience. At the moment, we accept tents, hammocks, and the like for anyone to enjoy this little piece of paradise on Flat Top Mountain. We are located between Asheville and Chimney Rock. There is SO much the area has to offer; it is too much to list here. You can find great food, good beer, and lively music in either direction from Paradise Ridge. Or you can enjoy a simple quiet shared camp fire area. We are in the process of repairing fences, reseeding the pastures, and restructuring the hen house.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$15
 / night
Private woods located in the Ripshin Mountains

18. Tiny House in Happy Valley

99%
(247)
35mi from Marion · 1 site · Lodging · Lenoir, NC
I moved here from San Francisco, to simplify my life, and accomplish my dreams. The Tiny house was designed and built by architect, Jesse Plaster. It's a unique cozy loft style design, set back in the woods on our property. It's purposely placed next to a creek, with a nice stone fire ring to really enjoy the outdoors. In the cold months, it's heated by a wood burning stove. Also next to the house are logging roads that allow you to hike the Ripshin Mountains. The Yadkin River is near by, and so is Boone and Blowing Rock. If you like mountain biking, bring your bike to ride Kerr Scott, or Zacks Fork trails. Also, check out the workshops at Pattersonschoolfoundation.org They offer sustainable living classes such as cheese making, mushroom foraging, blacksmithing, soap making, kimchi making, etc...  Also ask about our private Yoga sessions. Last but not least, there is a wood burning private sauna that your able to reserve.Come enjoy our Happy Valley! Mi casa es su casa!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$105
 / night
Fire pits available at each campsite

19. Nero Coffee Camping Spot

97%
(156)
44mi from Marion · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Hendersonville, NC
Nero Coffee is a coffee brand based in the mountains on Western North Carolina, so when you camp at Nero Coffee + Camp you can enjoy a great cup of coffee (free coffee in my "coffee shed" on property!) and enjoy a relaxing spot in the mountains. Nero Coffee's mission is to create connection between people through sharing great coffee and conversation outdoors. I started Nero Coffee in 2019 and purchased 6 acres near DuPont State Forest to share my land and create my own coffee campground to continue growing the mission. Update for 2024! Nero Coffee's Camping Spot has three ways to camp. Site 1: Glamping in my custom built (and way too adorable) mini A frame cabin. This cabin is tucked in the rhododendrons for complete privacy. Enjoy the super comfy bed and unique lifting side door to let the outdoors in :) or Site 2: Camping with room for up to 8 guests. There are multiple sites and so much room to spread out for groups up to 8 people. This year I am only opening tent camping for one group at a time so you can experience the mountains in the most peaceful setting. The upper camping area has plenty of flat areas for vans, cars, trucks and tents, and if you don't mind carrying our tent down the hill, the lower creekside camping area is THE PERFECT stargazing spot. There's plenty of room to set up any size tent down there, too. basically, You have the campground to make yourself totally at home. Site 3: Simple Car Camping Spot - Just want a spot to pull over camp for the night close toDuPont State Forest? We can make that happen. No tents allowed here, but it's a peaceful alternative to a cracker barrel parking lot. ----- Once you set up camp feel free to visit the Coffee Shed - It's a small shed on the property by the house that has everything you need to make a great cup of coffee. Coffee is always free. :) I have fire pits, tables an, if I am home, I have a super cute corgi that roams around the property throughout the day. If you spot me outside feel free to say hi or ask any questions about the area. I love helping guests find new places to explore. You will be about 8 minutes to DuPont State Forest (my favorite hiking and biking area) which has miles and miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails. The entrance to Pisgah National Forest is about 15 minutes away as well so it's a convenient drive to visit the forest and drive up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. I also own a company that guides "coffee hikes" to local waterfalls in DuPont State forest. You can find more about that in the photo descriptions. :) Please note!! My road up to my driveway is steep and bumpy. It’s only 0.3 miles up but bumpy. You don't need four wheel drive but higher ground clearance is recommended. (I have had small cars make it up but it is a bit intimidating if you are not used to driving in the mountains). if you have a small car just go slow. :) ------- Larger group? Want an indoor bath and shower?? If you are planning a larger group camping retreat and want to book the entire campground (including the main house with indoor shower, restrooms, and full kitchen and spare bedroom) I can make that happen for $500 a night. It's honestly the perfect spot for private, group camping and glamping up to 15 people. Just send me your date request and I will share a link to book if your dates are available. (2 night minimum for all full campground requests)
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$36
 / night
98% (2719 reviews)

Resting at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Marion blends small-town comfort with big-time nature. Close proximity to Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest make the town a popular basecamp year-round. Take a day trip less than thirty minutes from Marion to Lake James State Park. It has over 150 miles of shoreline with beaches, boat ramps, Blue Ridge Mountain views, and lakefront tent and paddle-in campsites. Or stay in town and camp in a cabin rental at Pisgah National Forest, which provides half a million acres of scenic outlooks, tree-covered trails, and iconic waterfalls. East of Marion, South Mountains State Park has RV campsites that can fit trailers and accommodate horses, diverse trails, and multiple creeks—all of which make it a perfect place for paddling, biking, hiking, and horseback riding.

Popular camping styles for Marion

Top-rated campgrounds

Campgrounds at Little Switzerland

1. Campgrounds at Little Switzerland

98%
(223)
14mi from Marion · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Spruce Pine, NC
Welcome to the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina! At approximately 3,455 feet elevation we enjoy mountain breezes all summer PLEASE DO NOT ‘photo book’! We ask guests to please read through the details BEFORE booking a site. For example: not all tent sites are park at sites. Some of our more secluded sites in the woods are far from bathrooms etc. Sites near the winery/bathrooms are not secluded and you can see/hear ‘people’. The ‘wildlife’ sites require parking in guest parking and a 5 minute walk. As of Jan 2025 we change to an age 13+ campground. No one under the age of thirteen years old is permitted to camp overnight. Younger children will still be permitted to visit the winery next door to the campground during open hours but must have an adult (18 years plus) with them at ALL times! Due to an incident that could have ended in tragedy we have a zero tolerance policy of unsupervised children. You will be asked to leave if your young child is unattended by an adult. During the summer months we often have free range chicken eggs and organic produce and herbs available for our campers. We are next to our own winery/cidery that features home brew wines and beer. We also offer sodas. Firewood is for sale. You may bring your own firewood as long as it’s not from out of state. We have a few primitive sites in our woods for those who love more seclusion and places to hang hammocks. Again, PLEASE read through all the descriptions of each particular site to make certain you choose the right fit for your camping needs. We offer Hiking/jogging trails at the campground with more trails on the nearby blue ridge parkway. We are just around the corner from the famous Emerald Village Mines and only a 5 minute drive to downtown Little Switzerland. We are also only a 5 minutes drive to the famous Diamondback scenic mountain road. Approximately 20 minutes drive to Crabtree Falls on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Our cantina next door at 539 blue ridge gem mine road is open for the season and serving home brew beers and small batch ciders for ages 21 and older. Photo ID required. Sodas available for purchase as well. We now have a well lit covered porch area and club house with free WiFi and available 24 hours to our campers. Note: absolutely no outside alcohol or underage alcohol consumption permitted on premises. Anyone not in compliance with North Carolina state laws and federal laws will be evicted from campgrounds without refunds. If the campgrounds happen to be under a burn ban please understand that we can’t and will not break the law for you! All campers must obey the burn ban if in effect or face possible penalties under state law! This is for your own safety as well. Anything sold by us may be legally consumed at your campsite and is covered under our winery ABC permit. Camp host can’t go to bed until all campers are checked in so no late night arrivals please! Thank you for your understanding. Adult horseback trail rides are available at nearby Springmaid Mountain Retreat. Maps provided to Springmaid Mountain. All minors must have ADULT supervision at all times at the winery next door (older siblings do not qualify as adult supervision). With farm animals and 140 acres of woods nearby and three deep ponds in those woods it can be a dangerous situation for young, unsupervised children. If we are babysitting your children to keep them out of danger or from damaging our property you’ll be asked to leave. We want everyone to be safe. Up to 2 dogs are allowed per campsite. Dogs Must remain on leash at all times and have proof of up to date rabies vaccination. We have chickens and horses on our mini farm so please keep dogs under control at all times. Also, please do not feed our chickens, horses or any of the wildlife on our property. It is the responsibility of our campers to check the weather conditions, noting any burn bans for the area or rain etc, looking at all the rules and property details, before booking is the campers responsibility. Please do not blame the host! HipCamp now offers rainy day insurance Watch for our special events like ghost story campfire tales/walk with local guest authors, mountain yoga, herbal remedies classes, trail treasure hunts with prizes, mushroom identification classes etc. Additional parking is available for added cars in the guest parking lot area if campers have no more room at their campsite for visitors or any extra cars. We have a hot/cold shower and modern style flush toilets available in large cargo container. We also now have free Starlink WiFi in the Cantina/clubhouse area and some of the closer tent sites. Our clubhouse stays open for campers 24/7 with a microwave available, games, television and comfortable seating areas. Note: The quarter mile of gravel drive is steep but I drive my two wheel drive car up and down it every day. However, if you have a vehicle that chugs and struggles up hills (older RV etc) you may find it a challenge. We are working on getting that section paved to help out the older RVs and buses. Note: The gray building and pond area is NOT our property. Please be respectful of our neighbors and the family that lives there. Do not wander around our neighbors pond /barn area. Thank you! All campers are expected to read and follow the HipCamp guidelines. This is not just a ‘business’, it is also a family home that we are graciously sharing with you for a small fee so we expect campers to respectful of our land, our neighbors and your fellow campers. Anyone who can’t show integrity, maturity and be responsible and respectful of this will be asked to leave and/or permanently banned from both the winery and our campgrounds. No fighting! This includes couples fighting. Settle it 'off property'. We are pretty mellow, yet take bad behavior and disrespect for others very seriously. Unsupervised children has been a huge problem lately and we simply won’t tolerate very young children wandering the woods, running across other folks campsites, deliberately damaging our property etc. It is up to the parents to fully supervise their children and keep them safe! Caught without a last minute hotel room and rather not park your family in Walmart lot? We offer car camping in our parking lot for $15.00 a night. You’ll have access to bathrooms and a hot shower! We also have tents, sleeping bags and camping mats for rent. Summer of 2025 will be our third year open and there have been many wonderful improvements! ❤️ We made it through Hurricane Helene with minimal damage and with the help of some kind volunteers we have some great updates!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$10
 / night
Site View

3. Asheville Area Luxury Solo RV'ing

99%
(201)
28mi from Marion · 1 site · RV · Fletcher, NC
Asheville Area Luxury Dwellings offers a gated year round solo RV site with full hook ups, firewood, kindling, bike wash or pet wash station, and trash service provided by your host in the nightly rate. ADDITIONALLY, you can enhance your stay by adding any of the FIVE EXTRA AMENITIES before checking out. Extras which are available for a one time fee are onsite which include a partially covered lighted outdoor shelter with a grill, bar sink, bar stools, and infrared heater above the couch to warm up on those chilly nights. This outdoor covered porch can be added to your stay in the extras sections if you so choose. The hot tub and outdoor shower are also available for rent for a one time charge under the extras section. Working remotely? Add wifi in the extras section. Rv'ing with a friend? No problem, you can add one additional RV to your booking. Our site can accommodate two large rigs. If these items are not needed then you can still use the site only at the nightly price. Remember, your nightly rate includes a bike wash or pet wash station to clean up after a day of exploring the Asheville area, firewood, kindling, and trash service are always included in your nightly price. 0ur site is only 10 miles to downtown Asheville and 8 miles to the Biltmore Estate. Come relax by the outdoor fire pit and listen to the sound of the natural spring flowing down the mountain. Come enjoy our RV site in the beautiful Asheville Area. We are glad to offer a one of a kind private mountainous solo RV site. Our Second site is now open. If you have guests that DO NOT have an RV and you want a site for them while you are at the Solo RV site then we have a perfect spot. Asheville Area Glamping Deck is now open for bookings on Hipcamp. click our profile to see this property to book. It is great for larger gatherings.
Pets
Potable water
Showers
from 
$75
 / night
Site # 2 located to your right

5. Neal Creek Camping Sites

100%
(266)
46mi from Marion · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Blacksburg, SC
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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$30
 / night
3feather Sanctuary

9. 3feather Sanctuary

95%
(49)
43mi from Marion · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Hot Springs, NC
We are the coolest little campground in WNC. 3feather Sanctuary is tucked away in the amazing countryside of the Appalachian mountains, surrounded by beautiful, stately trees and a creek meanders through the property. We have all the amenities and yet retain the rustic natural charm of the majestic mountain town. We have an amazing bathhouse(commonground) with the best shower, communal fridge & honor system w/d, tucked beside a convenient outdoor covered kitchen, we have fiber WiFi, & swimming hole. This is the perfect peaceful getaway near great outdoor activities and some of the best that North Carolina has to offer! 3Feather Sanctuary is surrounded by beautiful, stately trees and has a creek meandering through it. The closest town is Hot Springs, which is 20 minutes away and the Hot Springs are a definite must-see if that peaks your interest! The town itself is also pretty cool. There are some good shops, restaurants & our favorite hardware store!! Downtown Marshall is also close, about 25 minutes and has a lot to offer! Gr8 restaurants, thrifting and cute shops along the river. Our property is about an hour away from the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the adorable city of Asheville - which makes for a fantastic day trip with delicious restaurants, breweries, cool shops, and more! The Great Smokey Mountains and Deep Creek are about 1.5 hours away from the campsite. The Appalachian Trail is closeby and there are countless opportunities for stunning hikes. There's also kayaking, tubing, white water rafting opportunities as well as zip lining and horseback riding. There is something for everyone to enjoy and we can't wait to share it with you! Full disclosure: We have a camera pointed at the entrance and one at the bath house door, which we can move around to make sure that when people check in they make it to the right spot since I manage remotely part of the year. We have regular yard maintenance, however, we are Country natural landscape, not parking lot type campground, so the grass is slightly higher in some small areas but truly those things are part of a sustainable and uniquely beautiful camping experience!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$29
 / night
Bigfoot Brook Campground

10. Bigfoot Brook Campground

98%
(32)
14mi from Marion · 3 sites · Tents · Lake Lure, NC
If you are looking for peace and tranquility in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this privately owned, primitive campground is a great place for your tent! Nestled in Medford Mountain at about 1200 ft., each creek-side slip has a magnificent view of the 1532 ft. mountaintop. Whether surrounded by spring blossoms or fall foliage, animal and leaf lovers often see turkeys at dawn and deer at dusk. Foxes and bobcats have also been spotted on occasion. It is important to note that bear and coyote roam freely on the adjacent mountaintop, although are rarely seen or heard. Proper wilderness precautions must always be taken while camping. Aside from the flora and fauna, one of the biggest attractions is the star-filled sky. On a clear night, it is imperative to take a break from your private campfire to appreciate the Milky Way. You may also enjoy the meteor showers in August and other celestial events. Not to be outdone, the day sky does not disappoint. If a pop-up shower passes through, a double rainbow is often left in its wake. In the surrounding area, there are many outdoor activities to enjoy during the day. In a half hour or less, you may go horseback riding, ziplining, kayaking, tubing, fishing, hiking, and climbing. Public access to Lake Lure is less than 15 mi. away, but access to a lakeside road with amazing views is only a couple of minutes away. In addition, there is a little-known waterfall about 8 minutes up the street. If spending the day on site, be sure to walk the trail on the opposite side of the creek and hike up the hill for a different view. In addition, badminton, volleyball, ladder ball, cornhole, Yardzee, croquet, bocce, frisbees, footballs, board games and books are available for free rental. Plus, children may enjoy gem mining in the creek (for an additional fee). Of course, everyone can play Slapsquatch on the grounds for free. *Last minute decision? No worries! Check out our equipment package for two. We also sell firewood and rent tents, hammocks and other equipment separately. In addition, some toiletries and basic camping supplies are available for purchase. ***Disclaimer: Bigfoot activity has neither been confirmed nor denied.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$27
 / night
Picnic table and fire circle with benches

12. Quiet Troublesome Gap

99%
(98)
47mi from Marion · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Hot Springs, NC
My parents bought the 120 acre property in the 1960s. I started clearing and building the campsite in 2019. Watch the sun rise on one side of Troublesome Gap and watch it set on the other side.  There is a circle drive for 2 teardrop / squaredrop or pop up campers and plenty of spots to pitch tents.   There are also great spots to hang your hammock.   Camp where my family camps.  My parents bought the property in the 1960s and we have camped up here, hiked, hunted, and cut firewood many weekends.  We decided to share the property so you can enjoy camping up here too! The property is in a remote location where you can enjoy the wildlife and the cooler temps in the summer.  You'll have 3 acres all to yourself.  The closest grocery store is an hour away but the Trust General Store with a restaurant and gas approximately is 7 miles away.  There is also a burger joint (Dave's 209) on the way to the Trust General Store.   This camping site is in a remote area and the nearest neighbor about 1/2 mile away.  Max Patch is about 25 minutes away and features beautiful hiking. The quaint town of Marshall is about 30 minutes away.  Asheville is about an hour away. The campsite is easily accessible from Baltimore Branch Road.  However Baltimore Brand Road (public road) is steep in places and we don't recommend an RV bigger than a popup camper.   If you are pulling a trailer you'll really want to consider having 4wd. If you aren't used to driving on steep dirt mountain roads, you may want to bring your 4wd vehicle. If you have a 2wd vehicle, then you'll want to come to the site via Big Pine Road. This route will take you through Walnut, NC We also provide a porta-a-john for your convenience. This is a campsite where have the whole 3.5 acre property to yourself. You are surrounded by properties that vary from 40 acres to over a hundred acres. We just want you to have a great time and bring home great stories. It seems like every visitor to Troublesome Gap has a great story. Come camp with us and build your own story. Important Note: Water is only available on the site from Memorial Day through Labor Day, Otherwise you'll need to bring your own water. There is a camera on the property. It faces the gate (and away from the campsite).
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$48
 / night
Pink Fox Cove Cabin

13. Pink Fox Cove Cabin

100%
(14)
29mi from Marion · 1 site · Lodging · Weaverville, NC
This immaculate small cabin near Asheville is ready to treat you to a luxurious retreat experience. We are located only 15 minutes from Asheville and a few miles from the parkway, surrounded by 14 acres of forest. There is a private hot tub that is all yours! Sauna available upon request. Professional massage therapist onsite as well. The house is hand crafted with unique creative touches for your delight. We look forward to having you! This home was built in 2019 by an expert craftsman with the vision of making it cozy and spacious with sweet artistic details and lots of care and love. The home is 300 sq feet but feels much more grand inside. You will be nestled on 14 pristine acres of forest, with two decks, your own personal private hot tub, and a spring fed creek not too far down the driveway. There is a gas fireplace outdoors on the porch, and an outdoor fire pit for your use as well. The house has a queen size bed in the upper loft, a large twin day bed on the first level, and an extra loft with camping mats if needed above the day bed. The house can comfortably sleep 3 and up to 4 or 5 especially if a couple of them are children or petite people. The house has a full kitchen and bathroom, living room area and two lofts. For now there is a composting toilet that is easy to maintain and we are happy to help you with it if you’re on the land for more than a few days. The main house is about 30 yards up the hill, and although somewhat close, you will have plenty of privacy. We are close if you need us, but we try to give all of our guests ultimate privacy. The house is under a huge magnolia tree, so it stays shaded in the summer and quite cool. There is an AC unit and heaters in the house as well. There is a personal hot tub, which is screened in, and located on the front deck of the house now. You will love it! There is a back deck that is only for meditation, yoga, and bird watching, and we ask that folks stay silent on the back deck if they use it. Pets are welcome at an extra charge of $40 a night. If anything is needed down at the house we are available. Much of the time there is a massage therapist on site, so if you are interested in getting Bodywork please just inquire about prices and availability. There is also a wood-fired sauna on the property, so if you would like to sauna please let us know. And an added bonus is that you are only 5 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway and LOTS of great hiking, great restaurants, bars, coffee shops, art galleries and more. Asheville is 15 minutes from the tiny cabin and Weaverville is 10 minutes away. On any given day you might see a family a deer, turkeys or bears in the front yard. There is a spring fed creek on the edge of the property you are welcome to soak your feet in, and there is incredible hiking just a few miles away. You are welcome to explore the 13 acres of property as well that the home is located on. This is not a place for parties. Our neighbors are about 200 yards down the hill so we try to respect their privacy and keep it quiet. That is why we have made the back deck a retreat/silent deck. Maximum of 4 guests.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$108
 / night
Back Yard Campground

14. Back Yard Campground

94%
(50)
46mi from Marion · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Penrose, NC
Hello, we are Scott and Lynn. We hope you Enjoy your stay with us in our Back Yard Campground! We started the campground in 2016 after friends of the family pitched their tents down along the creek. They shared their enjoyment with us, and we realized how much we enjoyed knowing they were down there camping. We both have a great appreciation for God's creation and decided to open our gates to you. Lynn is a true Blue Ridge native and we both hope you enjoy the proximity to our towns, the mountains, rivers, streams, and waterfalls. The local apple orchards are also amazing! Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and rafting are only a few of the activities available within a short drive. So, soak it all in, come back home to Back Yard Campground, watch the sunset and enjoy sweet dreams.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night
The cabin sits atop a hill.

15. Raven Ridge

99%
(268)
37mi from Marion · 2 sites · Lodging · Marshall, NC
Raven ridge is a 5.0 acre property with plenty of botanical appeal, Appalachian charm and mountain views. James landed on the property in 2009, built a small dairy barn and milked 3 cows for a couple years before building the two cabins. In 2015 he was joined by Sofi, originally from Sweden and together they have three daughters. Together they manage a botanically interesting hobby hill farm and are happy to host travelers and seekers in their cabins. Hilltop was a joint project that James built in 2012 with a talented woodworker and friend in 6 months. We have maintained the original vibe of the place, rustic simplicity and elegance a notch or two above glamping, well-described by the zen koan, "chop wood, carry water" Orchard House was built entirely by James from the block up to the roof, averaging 1 hour/day for 3 years or 1,000 hours. Some of the Hilltop photos are a bit dated, we have a more private outhouse behind the cabin, and have made a few improvements here and there. Reach out anytime for any reason. We love hosting and nearly everyone enjoys their stay.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$77
 / night
Paradise Ridge Permaculture

17. Paradise Ridge Permaculture

100%
(94)
23mi from Marion · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Fairview, NC
The name Paradise Ridge came from the area my family settled in during the late 1600's. That place is now called Joelton. I love the old name and I love that my family came through North Carolina to Tennessee, so I decided to bring the name back east with me. Creating Paradise Ridge as a permaculture paradise is my life's work. It is a slow and painful process in a world set on instant gratification but very rewarding to see it step by step each year. We hope to share our passion with you. Learn more about this land: Paradise Ridge is on a dead end road, with a gated community at the top of the mountain. It is a wonderful place in Fairview, NC. A small 5-acre lot completely off grid, we have no animals due to the storm that rocked the area. Most of the property has been untouched for the past 30 years. The small area kept under hand is managed with a permaculture approach to make as little disturbance as possible and to keep it protected for the wildlife around the area. The property has been chemical free for the past 20 years under Paradise Ridge; thus, it has plenty of wild edibles around for your pleasure. Mushrooms, weeds and added edibles for your experience. At the moment, we accept tents, hammocks, and the like for anyone to enjoy this little piece of paradise on Flat Top Mountain. We are located between Asheville and Chimney Rock. There is SO much the area has to offer; it is too much to list here. You can find great food, good beer, and lively music in either direction from Paradise Ridge. Or you can enjoy a simple quiet shared camp fire area. We are in the process of repairing fences, reseeding the pastures, and restructuring the hen house.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$15
 / night
Private woods located in the Ripshin Mountains

18. Tiny House in Happy Valley

99%
(247)
35mi from Marion · 1 site · Lodging · Lenoir, NC
I moved here from San Francisco, to simplify my life, and accomplish my dreams. The Tiny house was designed and built by architect, Jesse Plaster. It's a unique cozy loft style design, set back in the woods on our property. It's purposely placed next to a creek, with a nice stone fire ring to really enjoy the outdoors. In the cold months, it's heated by a wood burning stove. Also next to the house are logging roads that allow you to hike the Ripshin Mountains. The Yadkin River is near by, and so is Boone and Blowing Rock. If you like mountain biking, bring your bike to ride Kerr Scott, or Zacks Fork trails. Also, check out the workshops at Pattersonschoolfoundation.org They offer sustainable living classes such as cheese making, mushroom foraging, blacksmithing, soap making, kimchi making, etc...  Also ask about our private Yoga sessions. Last but not least, there is a wood burning private sauna that your able to reserve.Come enjoy our Happy Valley! Mi casa es su casa!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$105
 / night
Fire pits available at each campsite

19. Nero Coffee Camping Spot

97%
(156)
44mi from Marion · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Hendersonville, NC
Nero Coffee is a coffee brand based in the mountains on Western North Carolina, so when you camp at Nero Coffee + Camp you can enjoy a great cup of coffee (free coffee in my "coffee shed" on property!) and enjoy a relaxing spot in the mountains. Nero Coffee's mission is to create connection between people through sharing great coffee and conversation outdoors. I started Nero Coffee in 2019 and purchased 6 acres near DuPont State Forest to share my land and create my own coffee campground to continue growing the mission. Update for 2024! Nero Coffee's Camping Spot has three ways to camp. Site 1: Glamping in my custom built (and way too adorable) mini A frame cabin. This cabin is tucked in the rhododendrons for complete privacy. Enjoy the super comfy bed and unique lifting side door to let the outdoors in :) or Site 2: Camping with room for up to 8 guests. There are multiple sites and so much room to spread out for groups up to 8 people. This year I am only opening tent camping for one group at a time so you can experience the mountains in the most peaceful setting. The upper camping area has plenty of flat areas for vans, cars, trucks and tents, and if you don't mind carrying our tent down the hill, the lower creekside camping area is THE PERFECT stargazing spot. There's plenty of room to set up any size tent down there, too. basically, You have the campground to make yourself totally at home. Site 3: Simple Car Camping Spot - Just want a spot to pull over camp for the night close toDuPont State Forest? We can make that happen. No tents allowed here, but it's a peaceful alternative to a cracker barrel parking lot. ----- Once you set up camp feel free to visit the Coffee Shed - It's a small shed on the property by the house that has everything you need to make a great cup of coffee. Coffee is always free. :) I have fire pits, tables an, if I am home, I have a super cute corgi that roams around the property throughout the day. If you spot me outside feel free to say hi or ask any questions about the area. I love helping guests find new places to explore. You will be about 8 minutes to DuPont State Forest (my favorite hiking and biking area) which has miles and miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails. The entrance to Pisgah National Forest is about 15 minutes away as well so it's a convenient drive to visit the forest and drive up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. I also own a company that guides "coffee hikes" to local waterfalls in DuPont State forest. You can find more about that in the photo descriptions. :) Please note!! My road up to my driveway is steep and bumpy. It’s only 0.3 miles up but bumpy. You don't need four wheel drive but higher ground clearance is recommended. (I have had small cars make it up but it is a bit intimidating if you are not used to driving in the mountains). if you have a small car just go slow. :) ------- Larger group? Want an indoor bath and shower?? If you are planning a larger group camping retreat and want to book the entire campground (including the main house with indoor shower, restrooms, and full kitchen and spare bedroom) I can make that happen for $500 a night. It's honestly the perfect spot for private, group camping and glamping up to 15 people. Just send me your date request and I will share a link to book if your dates are available. (2 night minimum for all full campground requests)
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$36
 / night

Stories from the community

Camper favorites near Marion

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds near Marion

Other options near Marion

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

Camping near Marion with horseback riding guide

Where to go

Lake James State Park

Northeast of Marion on the border of Pisgah National Forest, Lake James State Park features sandy beaches, rugged forestry, and two on-site campgrounds. Lake James’ campgrounds offer tent-only accommodations with backpacking areas and paddle-in campsites. All frontcountry campsites include a firepit, picnic table, and 12x12 tent pad with access to potable water faucets, toilets, and hot showers. After a night in nature, check out the park’s boat rentals for a day out on the water or hike along Mill's Creek Trail for Blue Ridge Mountain views.

Pisgah National Forest

Less than an hour from Marion, forested peaks, rivers, and waterfalls await in Pisgah National Forest. The forest maintains multiple campgrounds, cabin rentals, dispersed districts, and horse-friendly campsites, many of which include full hookups, drinking water, dump stations, and showers. Pisgah is also home to over 200 waterfalls, Blue Ridge Mountains, and gem and mining caves in Emerald Village, where visitors can take a unique black-light tour of the cavernous depths. Campers can also consider the rugged terrain and valleys of Linville Gorge Wilderness area for more challenging trails and mountain climbing.

South Mountains State Park

South Mountains State Park has two access points for campers: Clever Creek and Jacob Fork. As the largest state park in North Carolina, South Mountains is renowned for its 18-mile mountain-bike loop, an 80-ft waterfall, and 40 miles of hiking trails reaching elevations up to 3,000 feet. On-site camping facilities for tents, RVs, trailers, and horses are available at the Jacob Fork access. All campsites come with firepits, picnic tables, and access to showers—a few provide electric hookups, as well.

When to go

Marion’s warm summers and mild winters attract campers year-round. With sun-filled summer skies and temperatures reaching the mid 80s to low 90s, campers can spend warm days by the beach and out on the water from late June to early September. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing overnight, making cold-weather camping gear essential for winter camping.