Lakeside camping near Murphy with campfires
Seek tranquility while camping under the stars in the Appalachian wilderness near Murphy.
96% (1039 reviews)
- Murphy
96% (1039 reviews)
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12 top lakeside campgrounds near Murphy with campfires
97%
(36)
Top of the Mountain
2 sites · RVs1 acre · Murphy, NC
One acre lot in an 18 spot RV gated community. Enjoy mountain views, easy access with pull thru lot and beautiful starry night skies while sitting around the fire pit. This property is a bit over an acre down in the woods beyond the picnic table.
We offer Full service, 50-amp connection with water and septic hook ups, Fire Pit, Picnic Table, WiFi, Pull thru level gravel parking pad, end of road access off of the turnaround at the end of the road. There is no public bath facility. (a 30 amp will require a converter)
We also have a shed with a front porch and roof that you are welcome to sit on. It's a great spot to pull out the chairs, sit and view the Mountains. Sunsets are stunning.
Explore nearby hiking trails, waterfalls and lake as well as other outdoor adventures. Cherokee Lake is not far away with walking trail picnic tables and a great place to kayak. The property is near Appalachia Lake, Fire Creek Falls, River Walk in Murphy, John C Campbell Folk School, Harrah's' Cherokee Casino, Hiwassee Dam, Chattahoochee National Forest., close to both Georgia and Tennessee borders.
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Mother Well Remote Glamping or Tent
1 site · Lodging10 acres · Murphy, NC
Get away from it all on a secluded mature wooded hill twenty minutes from the Ococee River. You can feel how old the Appalachian mountains are here. Remote enough and private but no 4WD needed (flat terrain to parking) and enough neighbors if needed (road running through property leads to subdivision by Apalachia Lake so has traffic on it.) To the right of the road is a creek and bog, to the left we have several acres of woods to explore and relax in. You will see an occasional car on the private road that runs below the Hut but on the hill, you will have complete privacy. We have also just put in a tent platform on the Northern edge of the property which you can access either from the road or through a rough path on the hill. It is a beautiful place to chill and hang out.
Three of ten acres to the right of the road that runs through our property are a bog that runs along a creek with the creek joining wild remote Apalachia Lake. Enjoy hiking and exploring our seven gently sloping mature wood hills. There are also lots of well maintained dirt hillside roads for exploring or biking.
Enjoy our Baba Yaga hut with only the bare necessities but you will be flat, dry and able to enjoy the woods all to yourself.
Come explore and then chill away from it all.
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Chattooga Belle Farm Lakeside
18 sites · RVs, Tents198 acres · Long Creek, SC
Chattooga Belle Farm – They Built It! By Tracy McCoy
I wonder if when standing on the sprawling in upstate South Carolina, just a short hour trip from Greenville, Ed and Kitty Land heard a small still voice say, “if you build it, they will come.” While there isn't a baseball field on the property, that's about all that is lacking. Chattooga Belle Farm began as an event building set on 138 acres with a small seasonal retail store. Soon people found their way to the soon-to-be full-fledged farm and they felt it; that feeling that you've found a very special place. Peaceful, majestic and unlike any other, Chattooga Belle Farm is quite possibly the perfect place for any event and most certainly an ideal place to pledge your heart and life to another.
Since the Lands opened their doors in 2010 they have come. There have been families, couples, groups, the media and fruit pickers who have all visited the farm; and they return year after year. Having been written up countless times across the southeast, US and more recently featured on The Today Show, the farm just keeps growing and getting better. With a history of growing sweet juicy apples, the soil in this part of the world has proven to be excellent for peaches, muscadines, scuppernongs, blackberries, raspberries and blueberries. The farm also grows exotic fruits like persimmons, paw paws, Asian pears, figs, and more!
Today, the farm offers tours for visitors which offer incredible views and a visit to their horseshoe lake. Educational in nature, the tours leave guests more in love with the land than when they arrived. The landscape is picturesque and the mountain views are truly breathtaking in every direction. The farm hosts farm to table dinners that sell out year after year. Their U-Pick fruit opportunities evolve throughout the season with something always coming in from early summer through fall. A list of available fruit is updated often on their website as is farm tour info, upcoming events and information about cabin rentals on Horseshoe Lake.
The recent addition of a distillery on the farm means the fruit is grown, fermented, distilled and bottled on the farm. The distillery is open year round Monday – Saturday. Brandies, Bourbons and Whiskeys are aged in oak barrels and aged to produce some of the finest liquors made in these mountains.
The farm also boasts a challenging 18-hole Disc Golf course. The course is open to the public and the cost is $3 per game or an annual pass offering unlimited games is available for only $25. The holes are placed throughout the farm enabling play even when private events are taking place on the property.
The farm store is complete with fresh produce (in season), canned jams, jellies and bottled ciders. Grass-fed, natural, antibiotic-free Black Angus beef is sold in the store. The cattle are raised on pasture which produces some of the healthiest beef you can buy. Using only natural, humane and environmentally sustainable practices, the Lands and their staff raise beef as nature intended. Bringing the best to your family has never been easier. Beef is offered in a variety of cuts boxed ahead for you when you call to order. A complete list of options is offered on their website with ordering instructions.
Belle's Bistro at Chattooga Belle Farm serves salads, sandwiches, burgers and soups made with the freshest ingredients possible. The bistro is open for lunch Tuesday – Sunday from April – October. Their menu includes Certified South Carolina Grown food which makes for an outstanding menu, also which can be viewed on chattoogabellefarm.com.
When it comes to weddings, Chattooga Belle Farm has it all! With all-inclusive packages that offer rental items, catering, a wedding coordinator, the minister or officiant, photographer, flowers, music, bar service and even the wedding cake. The couple can customize a package or choose from their Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum packages. Getting married has never been this easy, you bring the dress and your partner and you enjoy the day! Some of the area's loveliest weddings have happened in this remarkable place!
The 2017 Eclipse Festival event planned on the farm August 21 will include music, camping, great food, distillery and farm tours, craft vendors and astrology talks and it will be unforgettable. Get your tickets today at SolarEclipseFest2017.com.
Ed and Kitty and the outstanding farm team welcome you and we guarantee that if you come, you'll find that you want to stay forever! Plan your visit: Chattooga Belle Farm is located at 454 Damascus Church Road, Long Creek, South Carolina 29658. Information is abundant online.
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Nantahala: Cabins & Campsites
13 sites · Lodging, Tents7 acres · NC
We just retired from Active Duty Air Force! My ancestors have owned the land our NC cabins sit on since 1836. In fact, my mother grew up there after my Grandfather returned from WWII when there was no electricity and the outhouse was a bench over the creek. I grew up hiking the mountains with my brothers and our BB guns and my Uncle Frank at our family reunions. In 2005 he deeded us a parcel of land and we built our first cabin - Smawlie. We love to come to the cabin and Hike the trails on our own property, and of course, the world famous ones that join them, namely the Bartram and the Appalachian Trails. As you explore the lake, the trails, the rivers, and the mountain roads you'll see why our ancestors settled here. In 2018 - we bought the remainder of Uncle Frank's land - and in his honor built our second cabin - Frank's Landing. Also in that year I started managing my brother Bill's cabin.
When we were stationed in Alaska for 6 heavenly years - we purchased a remote parcel of property and have slowly begun to develop it. We just completed building our cabin there.
Thanks for reading this little tid bit about us. We love to explore the mountains and are excited to share our cabins with you.
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Blairsville Ga
5 sites · RVs1 acre · Blairsville, GA
Beautiful Small campground in the Blue Ridge Mountain. We also grow a garden and lots of Sunflowers. Chickens are also here to lay beautiful eggs for us and our guest.
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Whippoorwills Nest
3 sites · Lodging10 acres · Turtletown, TN
On 8.1 acres I have built a peaceful existence with rescue horses. In the evenings you can hear the whistle of a train echo throughout the mountains, chirping of frogs or the sweet call of the Whippoorwill. There's lots of shade to be found and plenty to see and do by car, boat or hiking. You can do it all or do nothing. The mountains are calling. Come join me.Learn more about this land: Rustic small sleep cabin. 10x10. Full size bed with clean linens and quilt. Solar lights outdoors. Bedside table. Bedside battery powered flashlight/bug light. Electric 110 outlet for fan lamp or other needs can be provided for an extra $5 per night. Note: If it’s cold outdoors it’s cold in the cabin. Pack accordingly and bring electric blanket if you like. The perfect do nothing campsite or get out and enjoy everything the area has to offer like THE OCOEE RIVER (money spent here is directly donated to the Non Profit 501 C 3 horse rescue that you'll be camping on.) There's beautiful hiking trails near, including a 2 mile hike into Turtletown's twin falls. A great place to fish in the above streams or get wet in the cold, clean waters that pool beneath the falls. 15 minute drive to most everything. Amazing restaurants in our historical twin towns of Copperhill, Tn and McCaysville, Ga join together on the riverbank. The Taccoa (GA side) and Ocoee River (TN side) You can dine and shop on the river at River Walks indoor mall. Hungry? You have the best of the best from amazing hand tossed, wood fired oven pizza at Twisted Tomato Co to just about anything you'd desire on the menu at Burra Burra On The River. There's also Happy Bear Cafe with hand dipped Hershey's ice cream, amazing fudge, coffee and other sweet treats to enjoy. The atmosphere !! Just wow. All 3 places have outdoor riverside dining, and a host of beers and wine. During your stay here, just mention you are a guest of Whippoorwill Horse Rescue and you will receive %15 off your tab at any of the 3 restaurants.
The General Store is a sweet place to pick up something unique for yourself or a gift for a friend. A list of other foods, I haven't mentioned and you can book a guided fly fishing trip while in town.
Feel like a day of tubing and/or whitewater rafting? Rolling Thunder River Company has got you covered & they're the home of the only 3 mile float. Book your trip online to assure your trip but they also take walk ins. For whitewater rafting on the Ocoee you must be 12 years of age by law. You've got the site of the '98 Olympic Course at the gorgeous White Water Center. Plenty of places to hike, picnic, grill and simply take in the view from two bridges. (One high above the water) Take a seat on a warm rock or take your lawn chair. Watch the rafters take on some huge rapids like "Humongous" during the course of "The Upper" river.
Even closer is our tiny town of Ducktown, TN. There you'll find "Rods Rockin Rolls". Some of the best egg and spring rolls I've ever had and the entire menu is fun. Outdoor dinning is available there. (8 minutes away) If you're feeling up to a good brew, there's a brewery located next door to "Rods Rockin Rolls". Visit the Burra Burra mine museum in Ducktown to learn our copper mining history.
Located on the outskirts of both Ducktown and Copperhill you will find fresh vegetable stands (during season). They both carry a small assortment of vegetables and fruits such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peaches, apples, corn and melons.
Located closely to NC and GA state lines. Blue Ridge, GA home of The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway and Merciers Apple Orchard with you pick berries, wines, ciders and farm tours. Murphy, NC home of Harrahs Casino for a night out of entertaining slots and black jack.
Enjoy a day trip on a open or closed train car? You'll love "The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway" A 4 hour excursion and fun for the entire family. (handicap accessible) Book your trip online to assure your trip but, they do take walk ups. (1/2 hr drive to depot) in Blue Ridge, GA. You'll ride through the gorgeous mountains to TN and travel next to the Taccoa river. Your train car host will give you a little of our history along the way. There's restrooms on board and a snack car located in the middle that you can visit en-route. Trip is 13 track miles (one hour) to Copperhill, TN for shopping and lunch break for 2 hour lay over then one hour back to depot. Lots of shopping there in Blue Ridge.
Your stay here will be located on site of Whippoorwill Horse Rescue of Tennessee. (see us on the website) You'll be sleeping in our 10x10 cottage with a cozy full size bed with fresh linens and pillows, storage inside for your things and some comforts of home.
You will share a common area with kitchen utensils, dinner ware, grilling tools, serving spoons and an extra ice chests (bring your own ice). Outdoors you'll enjoy cooking on the fire pit. With the fire pit there is fire grill for cooking things from burgers to breakfast. I also supply cast iron pan and cooking utensils. I'll have your first fires wood ready but after that you'll have to gather your own from dead fall in the woods OR if you'd rather, I sell split hardwood on site .Wash sink area uses gravity water brought in from the well (filtered) and stored in 50 gallon drum for doing your own dishes and ask that you use dish washing soap. Trash bins with lids on site for all disposal as marked. Please, don't leave food out in the open, especially over night.
Should there be a windy day and I deem a fire in pit is unsafe, I'll provide a burn barrel so you can still enjoy an open flame and not miss out on your S'mores.
On site you'll have a private shelter with compost toilet. Please be tidy and most of all clean.
I'll be on property most all days but do have to leave for feed, hay & general things for my home but, will pretty much on hand if you need something. The horses on the property are all residence of Whippoorwill Horse Rescue of Tennessee.(check out our website) As friendly as most of them all are, being in the pasture is prohibited for safety of all unless I am with you. A 900 to 1200 pound animal has a mind of it's own and If spooked a horse could kick. One of our horses is completely blind and wouldn't harm anything on purpose but, just a reminder. Please, don't feed the animals/horses anything without checking with me first. Some horses are so old they don't have teeth (Scarlet is 43) and that is a choking hazard as well as possibly getting your fingers bitten by those who do have teeth. I just want you and them safe but they truly enjoy interaction with you hoomans.
The property is 8.1 acres with plenty of shade to kick back and relax. Neighbors aren't real close but, I do wish to respect them. No Swearing aloud for anyone to hear ( the mountains have ears and it echoes) I like noise pollution on a low scale but, you will hear a truck/tractor starting up, cows, horse, dogs and chickens. This is after a small farm so if those noises bother you ... well.
Quiet time is 9:00 PM. but, I'm not telling you to go to bed, just keep it low. No parties, drugs or firearms. I do not discriminate and will do any and all I can to make you feel welcome. Don’t worry about the walk to campsite because it’s pretty easy and I’ll have a pull wagon you can use to haul you gear in. Google Maps of the area is very helpful as well as things to do and see. Bring your mountain bike, hiking shoes, hammock and swimsuit for sure. You may want to check the weather so you know what to bring with. You can look us up under the zip code 37391.
Spring, Summer and Fall are beautiful here and our little towns always have something going on during holidays and many other days. You'll find antique car shows, outdoor music and firework celebrations and parades and most all activities are free. Craft shows and chili cook offs happen on different occasions as well. I'll do my best to get these dates on the calendar. Please know that you are responsible for securing your own fishing licence but, I'll be happy to point you in the best direction for stream or lake fishing (as well as the best bait).
There's great spots for Trout and Fly fishing at Horseshoe Bend Park. You can also book a guided fly fishing tour.
Bring your flash light as solar lights aren't always dependable. Bring your camp stove if you like and I'll have a space for you to set up for cooking. This is a working farm/horse rescue so, if you see a frail horse just know they're here to mend.
There's so much to see and do nearby but at the same time you're tucked away in the peace of the mountains. You may hear an occasional car but not close to a highway. I look forward to meeting you and making your stay as fun or laid back as possible. When looking at photo's of this listing you can see a brief description of what you're looking at. Please message me at anytime with questions or concerns.
Leave Nothing But Footprints, Take Nothing But Memories.
PLEASE NOTE: THE DRIVEWAY CAN BE ROUGH AT TIMES AND OFTEN AFTER RAIN YOU MAY NEED FOUR WHEEL OR ALL WHEEL DRIVE. I will be happy to assist you if need be. The mountains are calling.
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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.
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Twin Valley Horse Ranch
5 sites · Lodging100 acres · Walland, TN
My late husband and myself bought the property in 1983 and it was all just overgrown land!We worked, cleared, built horse shelters/barns, cabins, cut trails, built the outdoor chapel for our wedding and of course fenced it all in for the horses! Started sharing with guests in 1993, so we have met so many amazing folks from all over the world! Pass thru our gate into another world and leave all your worries and tensions behind. We are all about getting back to what is real -- nature, animals/horses and each other. Complete privacy!There are many mountain trails leaving right from our property! Lots to explore. You can even hike to the outdoor chapel with the pretty view of the Chilhowee Mountain range. It is a short hike to the barn area for those who want to spend time rubbing the pot belly pigs' tummy, walk the mini horses, groom the love bug~Junebug (donkey), pet horses, cuddle with bunnies and feed chickens! Every morning and night we set a time for all those who want to become involved with the care/feeding of petting animals and horses!
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Ronald C.’s Land
6 sites · Lodging, Tents50 acres · Murphy, NC
My great grandfather sold this property to his son Edgar, $1.25 acre in 1926. He was 16 years old and getting married, they raised 7 children in a one room cabin on this property and life was hard. Grampa cut wood, worked in a mine in Chattanooga, made moonshine, and anything else to feed his family. There's 200 acres here still in the family, most can be used to explore and camp on.
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Sky High Ridge RV Campground
10 sites · RVs14 acres · Scaly Mountain, NC
Escape the noise and heat of the valley. Chill in the cool mountain air high atop the Highlands Plateau with breath taking views and sunsets. Unhitch and relax in one of our secluded treed sites with water, up to 100 amp electric, and waste hookup. Base camp to adventure in hiking, waterfalls, kayaking, winter and summer tubing, ice skating, and the largest Zipline in NC, in National Forests and Parks. Bartram Trail, that peaks Rabun Bald, and the Appalachian Trail are a within a stones throw. Our campground is for the hardy even getting here is an adventure!Sky high Ridge Campground is in the western mountains of North Carolina at a cool altitude of about 3700 feet.Welcome!
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Drifting Meadows
99 sites · LodgingTellico Plains, TN
Hello! We are Drifting Meadows. A small community located just shy of three hours from Atlanta. Nestled in TN. Not far from Chattanooga and Knoxville. We strive to hold art events, educational seminars, weddings, corporate get-aways and much more. We look forward to hearing from you. Learn more about this land:Hello! We are Drifting Meadows. A small community located just shy of three hours from Atlanta. Nestled in the Tennessee mountains. Not far from Chattanooga and Knoxville. Primitive camp spots "with community campfire" available with quick access to nearby waterfalls, a lake, and many hiking trailheads. You can also get into town to see live bluegrass bands on the weekends or stop by the local bakery for some amazing fresh food selections. We provide fire wood and portable toilets. Please note that we are off grid so we request that you use all degradable products if possible. (shower supplies are provided). Also, we do request that any trash/recycling products are taken with you when you leave. Looking forward to hosting you.
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Turkey Creek Campground
1 site · Tent10 acres · Almond, NC
Located just a short drive from Bryson City in Western North Carolina, Turkey Creek Campground is the perfect staging ground for all your Smoky Mountain adventures. Our quiet, family-friendly campground is located just minutes from the Tsali Mountain Bike Trails, the Nantahala River and Outdoor Center, and the Appalachian Trail. The camp is located just steps from Fontana Lake where you can enjoy fishing, swimming, boating, paddle-boarding or just leisurely enjoying the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. When the sun goes down, the fireflies come alive and are only outshined by the beautiful night sky views.
Our campground features generous and well-groomed tent pads, 20/30 and 50 amp power connections, freshwater access at every site, picnic tables and fire rings. If you’re traveling in a van, RV or pulling a trailer, we have options for all our guests. Or if you want to leave that all behind, you can rent one of our vintage trailers! Our bathhouse and laundry facilities are impeccable and we have an elevated deck area that overlooks the camp and is perfect for gatherings or just sitting in a rocking chair enjoying a good book. If you really must be productive or keep yourself connected to the outside world, we have fast, reliable high-speed WiFi available throughout the camp.
Consistently voted one of the “Top 10 Best Campgrounds”, come see what it’s like to be treated like family at Turkey Creek Campground.
For more camping options - including group reservations - please visit our website at https://roam.camp/turkey-creek-campground or call 828-307-3077.
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Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Lakeside camping near Murphy with campfires guide
Overview
The Appalachian Trail passes through Murphy, giving hikers a tremendous opportunity to traverse one of the more challenging legs of the iconic trail or hit Lake Hiwassee for fishing, boating, and swimming. The trail also passes through Nantahala National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, immersing campers in awe-inspiring forests of eastern hemlock, northern red oak, and yellow poplar. From full-service RV parks and comfortable mountain cabins to peaceful, off-grid backcountry campsites, the Murphy area promises a great camping escape for nature lovers.
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.
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