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Camping near Murphy guide
Where to go
Lake Hiwassee
With almost 180 miles of shoreline surrounding its over 6,000 acres, Lake Hiwassee connects with Appalachia Lake and Lake Chatuge to form the Chain of Lakes. Surrounded by a peaceful mountain setting, the lakes are a popular destination for water activities like water skiing, swimming, and kayaking. Anglers can drop lines for striped bass, yellow perch, and bluegill. Family-friendly RV parks in the area feature back-in and pull-through campsites with water, electricity, and dump stations. Rustic tent camping spots offer a quieter escape with nearby potable water on tap.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Attracting millions of visitors every year, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is about 60 miles northeast of Murphy. Stunning mountain scenery with dense forest covers over 500,000 acres, where hikers especially enjoy the 850 miles of trails crisscrossing the park, including a climb up Mount LeConte, the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi River. Look for such diverse wildlife as bobcats, foxes, woodchucks, white-tailed deer, and bats. Tent, RV, and group campsites offer fire rings, flush toilets, drinking water, dump stations, and full hookups for electricity. For more of an escape, permitted backcountry camping is available.
Nantahala National Forest
Similar in size to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Nantahala National Forest spans over 800 square miles and is the largest of four national forests in North Carolina. The name derives from Cherokee, meaning “Land of the Noonday Sun.” With vast changes in elevation, from 1,200 feet along the Hiwassee River to 5,800 feet at Lone Bald, Nantahala boasts breathtaking waterfalls that are especially impressive in spring. Campgrounds in the area range from backcountry to full-service, many of which feature picnic areas, drinking water, toilets, and showers—some have boat ramps.
When to go
Although summer is peak camping season in North Carolina, thanks to long days and warm weather, the fall months may be preferable for some Hipcampers. Fall foliage in the Murphy area creates a picturesque landscape of oranges, yellows, and reds. The cooler weather can make for more pleasant hikes, too. Summer draws the biggest crowds, so be sure to book campsites early. Spring is another noteworthy time of year to visit, not only for the milder weather but also because the melting snow creates more dramatic waterfalls while blooming wildflowers deliver a colorful backdrop.