The best campgrounds near Marion, North Carolina with swimming

In Marion, campers who want to swim have over 799 campsite options, with nightly prices averaging $48 and some dipping as low as $20. You’ll find sites set along creeks, tucked beside swimming holes, or within reach of cool, shaded rivers. Pets are welcome at many spots, and you can count on showers and campfire rings at most locations. Swimming, fishing, and wildlife-watching are the main draws here. Locals rave about TangleWood Creekside Campsites (373 reviews) for its easy water access, while Haw Ridge (271 reviews) and Riverside Camping on the Farm (241 reviews) offer laid-back swimming and plenty of shade. If you’re after a spot to cool off and unwind, Marion’s campgrounds deliver with a mix of water, woods, and a friendly local vibe.

97% (4.5K)

Top-rated campgrounds

/ night

14. The Sanctuary at RockHouseFarm

98%

(61)

21mi from Marion · 1 site · Tent · Morganton, NC

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.

15. joyville, camping site on elk creek

100%

(124)

44mi from Marion · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Deep Gap, NC

Learn more about this land: camping sites on elk creek or smaller creek that feeds elk creek. trout fishing on stocked stream. mountain biking, hiking. 20 min. to Boone. n.c. Hiking trails can be fairly easy or as steep as your goat would like. there are dirt bike trails near by that can be ridden from camp site. come pan for gold in elk creek. Nice swimming hole at site, motorcycle campers welcome.

16. Raven Ridge

99%

(269)

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.

17. Stoney Creek Oasis Campground

91%

(358)

44mi from Marion · 21 sites · Tents, RVs · Candler, NC

Learn more about this land: We have 20 beautiful campsites, including tent,and rv sites, along Stoney Fork Creek .We are located in Candler, NC, 20 minutes from downtown Asheville. 5 minutes to the Blue Ridge Parkway and within 2 miles to national forests. 10 minutes from Mt. Pisgah and 9 waterfalls within 10 miles. We offer off grid primitive campsites with a few touches of modernism, with and Wi-Fi. The sites are located adjacent from the greenhouses in a large grassy field, next to the creek, and behind the barn.

18. 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.

19. The Waldhaus Resort

99%

(177)

23mi from Marion · 5 sites · Lodging · Barnardsville, NC

Waldhaus Resort is a special place surrounded by the Pisgah National Forrest. Pure nature close to a thriving metropolitan area. We offer the Sawmill and the Summit!I have been an engineer, corporate executive and world traveler all my life. Born and raised in Switzerland I speak German, French, English and a little Spanish. My passion is the outdoors, hunting, fishing and cooking . My other calling is to entertain people which share the same passions. That’s why I created the Waldhaus resort.During the past years, the Sawmill has become my favorite place to spend quality time in what I call "Cabin Living" which I love so much. Nearly every day there is a small challenge, nothing comes easy, but all the coziness and comfort is there. The water is supplied by a spring above the mill. Electricity is generated by solar technology and a generator. All refrigeration and cooking appliances are propane; and so is the basic heat (propane again) - and a very old Jotul wood stove will do the rest. I sleep a lot on the day bed in the living room so the Sawmill can be comfortably rented for up to 4 guests. The outhouse is a thing of the past, just recently I installed a compositing toilet besides the bedroom.We also offer The Summit which is a high elevation, 2-story cabin surrounded by national forest which has evolved into an off-grid living and play space located at nearly 3300 feet elevation on a 1/2 acre flat with an incredible view. There are very private old forest service trails leading directly into the Pisgah National Forest.

20. 3feather Sanctuary

94%

(50)

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!

Camper favorites near Marion

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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.

The Waldhaus Resort

99%

(177)

23mi from Marion · 5 sites · Lodging · Barnardsville, NC

Waldhaus Resort is a special place surrounded by the Pisgah National Forrest. Pure nature close to a thriving metropolitan area. We offer the Sawmill and the Summit!I have been an engineer, corporate executive and world traveler all my life. Born and raised in Switzerland I speak German, French, English and a little Spanish. My passion is the outdoors, hunting, fishing and cooking . My other calling is to entertain people which share the same passions. That’s why I created the Waldhaus resort.During the past years, the Sawmill has become my favorite place to spend quality time in what I call "Cabin Living" which I love so much. Nearly every day there is a small challenge, nothing comes easy, but all the coziness and comfort is there. The water is supplied by a spring above the mill. Electricity is generated by solar technology and a generator. All refrigeration and cooking appliances are propane; and so is the basic heat (propane again) - and a very old Jotul wood stove will do the rest. I sleep a lot on the day bed in the living room so the Sawmill can be comfortably rented for up to 4 guests. The outhouse is a thing of the past, just recently I installed a compositing toilet besides the bedroom.We also offer The Summit which is a high elevation, 2-story cabin surrounded by national forest which has evolved into an off-grid living and play space located at nearly 3300 feet elevation on a 1/2 acre flat with an incredible view. There are very private old forest service trails leading directly into the Pisgah National Forest.

3feather Sanctuary

94%

(50)

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!

25mi from Marion · 1 site · in Pisgah National Forest

100%

(5)

Mortimer Campground

26mi from Marion · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pisgah National Forest

Boone Fork Campground

31mi from Marion · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pisgah National Forest

Hiking down Roan mountain on foggy morning.

97%

(15)

Roan Mountain Campground

35mi from Marion · 141 sites · Tents, RVs · in Roan Mountain State Park

Rock Creek Recreation Area and Campground

37mi from Marion · 37 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cherokee National Forest

Lake Powhatan nice spot for a relaxing picnic

97%

(16)

Lake Powhatan Campground

38mi from Marion · 85 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pisgah National Forest

Dennis Cove Campground

40mi from Marion · 1 site · in Cherokee National Forest

Stories from the community

K

Karissa

4 days ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to joyville, camping site on elk creek

We absolutely loved our stay here! The host went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed, and the campsite itself was peaceful, clean, and perfect for a relaxing getaway. We would 100% recommend this spot to anyone looking for a great camping experience and would love to come back!

M

Mary

6 days ago

16 ft car

With pets

1 night at Bull Mountain Ridge

Nice set up with the fire pit and sitting areas. Good spot to park if you’re camping out of a vehicle. Electrical outlets and water close by.

Kristen

1 week ago

22 ft Class B

2 nights at Bull Mountain Ridge

Great views and peaceful! Country feel but close to everything! Site was clean and communication was great!

S

Stuart

2 weeks ago

22 ft Class B

With pets

2 nights at Bull Mountain Ridge

We loved our RV camping at Williams place. This site is perfect for a small group or family in a quiet setting with a short drive into town. There is firewood you can purchase, fire pit, picnic tables, and outdoor seating. We look forward to staying here again on our next visit to Asheville.

M

Michael

2 weeks ago

With kids

Weekend Trip to Outercamp, Blue Ridge Falls Retreat

Evan’s place is perfect. It represents Hipcamp and what it was and is supposed to be. A unique glamping experience with everything you need. It’s also near the parkway so the stars and views are amazing

J

Joshua

2 weeks ago

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!

J

Johanna

2 weeks ago

15 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Asheville Area Luxury Solo RV'ing

What an incredible find! This Hipcamp site delivered the perfect blend of secluded nature and premium comfort. It truly felt like a private, luxurious escape nestled in the woods. The covered amenity area was a game-changer. The rustic wood counter and comfy seating were great, and the patio heater made spending time outdoors cozy even on a chilly evening. The real highlight, though, was the hot tub—it was clean, and ideal for unwinding after a day of hiking.

Lots of space level at Pond Site 1. Has a trail that leads up to the hilltop lodge.

S

Scott

2 weeks ago

22 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to DuPont Bike Retreat

Had a great time camping and will definitely be back. Biking from the campground straight into DuPont was a treat. All amenities were as described. Heed the warnings about the gravel drive to the pond campsites; we made it fine with an AWD van but would be spicy in bad weather!

Stephanie

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Mystic Pass

We loved the site! Absolutely stunning sunset and it was quite easy access. I would 100% stay here again!

M

Mia

2 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to joyville, camping site on elk creek

My friends and I LOVED this camp site! The land was beautiful and we enjoyed waking up by the lovely creek. Dianne was incredibly helpful and nice. In short, we had a blast. It was so easy to get up and go see Boone, visit Blowing Rock, and find hikes along the blue ridge, etc. We will definitely be back in the summer time. Thank you, Garry & Dianne!!

E

Ethan

2 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Barnhill Mountain in Fletcher, NC

Another great trip to Barnhill Mountain! The views were even better this time, and we had a fantastic time. The weather was perfect, and the host was very accommodating. Would recommend and we will come back soon!

T

Thadeus

2 weeks ago

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Mountain Haven

Great experience camping at the hidden haven! Loved getting to use the fire pit they provided too 🙂

S

Shirley

3 weeks ago

35 ft fifth wheel

With pets

5 nights at Asheville Area Luxury Solo RV'ing

Our family had a wonderful time camping here this past weekend. The amenities are wonderful, and the camp hosts were great! Our family will definitely be back to camp here again.

N

Nathan

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

1 night at Mountain Haven

Site was clean and had great camping amenities. Had a picnic table, a camp fire pit and lots of pretty decorations

Paige

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Jake's Farm

My partner and I spent two peaceful nights at this private and magical site. The creek was only a few feet from our tent site which made for excellent sleeping. The platform for our tent kept us warm and dry. We awoke to a beautiful view and id'ed many birds. The field allowed us to practice with our boomerangs too! The hosts were warm and down to earth and I would recommend this site to all!

n

nancy

3 weeks ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to joyville, camping site on elk creek

Such an amazing weekend at Joyville!! Gary and Dianne were just amazing. Our little cabin had 2 rooms, a deck overlooking the creek where we played games and had such a great time!!

T

Tatum

3 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to joyville, camping site on elk creek

We loved staying at Joyville! The site was so lovely and the sounds were so serene. We loved tent camping by the creek! The covered deck was great during the evenings when it rained. Dianne & Gary (and Booger!) were great hosts!

S

Sarah

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to TangleWood Creekside Campsites

The host responded very quickly to any requests. I love this site and have been twice now. It’s cute, each spot has its own privacy and I love having the security of the locked gate. Well maintained and perfect location to get to any hikes around.

C

Christy Lynn

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to TangleWood Creekside Campsites

We loved our visit and will very likely return! The safari tent was exactly as described, and it made for an easy and relaxing overnight after a big hiking day. Really enjoyed the creekside spot, winding-down around the fire-pit and the Adirondack chairs on the deck. Other campers were around but were no bother. The peaceful sound of the creek reduced any noise, plus wooden dividers around sites increased privacy. Thank you Blair for hosting us!