100% (571) • 74 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Murphy
Lil Snowbird Farm Primitive Camping
1. Lil Snowbird Farm Primitive Camping
99%
(1001)
12mi from Murphy · 13 sites · Tents, RVs
Private property bordering Nantahala National Forest on Little Snowbird Creek in Robbinsville, NC. 16mi from Lake Santeelah, about 10mi from the Cherohala Skyway.
MUST HAVE 4X4 OR AWD VEHICLE TO ACCESS MOUTAINTOP CAMPSITES. Property damage fee of $100 for 2WD vehicles not adhering to rule.
2WD vehicles must camp creekside, sites 1-6. NO AXES, HATCHETS, MACHETES ALLOWED ON THE PROPERTY. NO NAILS IN THE TREES TO HANG THINGS. It damages the tree and causes them to die.
Keep pets on a leash, especially if they like to roam or have any aggressive behavior.
Spacious camping lots, and great trout fishing along little snowbird creek which is on private property. Fishing privileges are actually written into property owners' deed on the purchase of land.
Views that can bring a tear to a glass eye and relaxing sounds of the creek can be heard from anywhere on the property. Hundreds of Hiking trails in the area, many just a short distance from the property. Please be respectful of others' property and no trespassing signs.
It’s a kinda bumpy mountain road to get there but it’s also like driving through an enchanted forest. The secluded location, peaceful and breathtaking views make this place a must-see adventure.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$35
/ night
Winding Stair Campground
2. Winding Stair Campground
99%
(198)
27mi from Murphy · 17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Winding Stair Campground sits at an elevation of 3,380 feet, next to the headwaters of the Nantahala River and is surrounded by national forest and undeveloped private land trusts. The stunning mountain views in a remote tucked-away setting make our farm a perfect getaway!
Just a 15-minute scenic drive from Franklin in North Carolina, easily accessible off Hwy 64, our campground offers a chance to enjoy nature without being far away from the public amenities of a small but well-equipped town.
A few features about our property:
- Working farm: Campers are welcome to meet our Icelandic sheep and take a self-guided tour of our farm, along designated pathways.
- Security: The campground and farm are fenced in on three sides with the river being the fourth boundary. Personal code to the entrance gate will be given at check in.
- Bath House: The restored bathhouse is split into boys’ and girls’ sides. Each side has 2 private showers, 4 flushing toilets, sinks, hot water, and gas heat.
- Community Pavilion: The Pavilion is a large 40x30 ft. open sided structure overlooking the Nantahala River. It has an ample fireplace, running water sink, counter space, couches, and table with benches.
- Pack Room: Where the adventure begins! A cozy hub where all guests get local information, view maps, and grab some local seasonal groceries. Also available to all campers are washing sinks with hot water, toaster oven and microwave.
- Communication: Or rather, lack thereof! There's no cell service on the property so it's a great time to get away from it all. There is limited Wi-Fi available near the Pack Room and an emergency landline available.
- Charging: Traveling in an electric vehicle? Recharge for free at our dedicated EV 50amp outlet when you stay at any of our sites. First come, first served.
Want to know more about the history of the property? Visit the 'Our Story' section on our website.
Learn more about this land:
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$55
/ night
Rest And Relax Retreat
3. Rest And Relax Retreat
100%
(38)
16mi from Murphy · 16 sites · Tents, RVs
Come enjoy your relaxation space along the banks of Hothouse Creek. Site is on 27 beautiful acres with flowing water, hiking trails, nature, and stargazing. You have access to our indoor common house space with two full bathrooms with showers and air conditioned hang out den with couches.
Every site comes equipped with:
-Hammock along the creek
-Smokeless fire pit
-Six-foot picnic bench
-Pop-up canopy
-Zero gravity chair (additional chairs available for $5 each)
-Charcoal Grill
-Plenty of space to set up your own tent and gear
The property is very quiet and private and a convenient 15 minute drive away from activities/ grocery/ supplies/ restaurant/ shopping in Blue Ridge or McCaysville/Copperhill. Amazing for stargazing- we have open sky and any exterior lights are red to maximize night vision. We have three nice goats that would love to meet and play with you in addition to the fireflies, deer, hummingbirds, cardinals, hawks, rabbits, squirrels, foxes, and bats for viewing. There is a 1/3 mile track in the pasture for walking and a 1/2 mile mountain trail up to the ridge summit. Near world class river rafting, fishing, hiking, and tubing in the Smoky Mountains.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$30
/ night
Mountain Adventure Outfitters
4. Mountain Adventure Outfitters
94%
(43)
40mi from Murphy · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
MAO is any OHV enthusiast’s oasis! We offer multiple creek-side campsites for your enjoyment. Our site boasts a variety of non-typical on-site activities including OHV trail/obstacles, an RC crawler park/trail loop, an RC short course track, and creek side hiking trail. Campsite bookings include MTN ADV Day Pass. Come and experience our growing Off-Road/Outdoor Adventure-based facility. Stay tuned for new accommodations and campsites currently in the works! We do have a free roaming Great Dane named Myla that might visit your campsite throughout your stay, she is very friendly and loves attention!
Find more local activities here:
https://www.mtnjeeps.com/camp
Pets
Campfires
from
$20
/ night
Vee Hollow Campground
5. Vee Hollow Campground
100%
(5)
44mi from Murphy · 73 sites · RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Vee Hollow Campground in Townsend, TN
Located in Townsend, Tennessee, Vee Hollow Campground is nestled in the beautiful Smoky Mountains. Our 3.5 acre campground offers 72 RV camp sites, including full hook ups and amenities such as 14 miles of mountain bike trails, river access, and pool to name a few. We’re convenient to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Highway 129 (The Dragon). We’re also pet friendly! Whether you’re looking for adventure by mountain biking and hiking, or if you just looking to relax by the water, Vee Hollow Campground offers the comfort, beauty, and convenience you’re looking for.
Toilets
Campfires
Full hookups
from
$60
/ night
Life On The Vine
6. Life On The Vine
97%
(16)
5mi from Murphy · 19 sites · Tents, RVs
Valley River Vineyards was established in 1997 by the late Bill and Brenda Stalcup Reece. The property has been in Brenda's family for over 50 years. The family owned and operated vineyards produces Old World and Northern Grapes. Wine is produced and bottled in their winery. The 32 acer property has a elongated pond with Martins Creek thru the vineyards. There are picnic areas along with RV hook ups and Tent Camping. A quiet and serene place to enjoy a weekend get away.Learn more about this land:"Camping In The Vines" is 4 miles from the small town of Murphy NC. Tranquil bright star nights, camp fire, wildlife watching and walking trails from the vineyards to the hill tops. Wildflowers surround you while enjoying a glass of wine beside the cold running waters of Martins Creek. Primitive camping, RV power hook up, outside bathroom w/ sinks, indoor shower w/ hot-water, picnic tables, fire wood and garbage cans available. Just a place to sit back and let the world go by for a little while.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$28
/ night
Martin's Nest Nantahala
7. Martin's Nest Nantahala
100%
(68)
30mi from Murphy · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
The creek in front of the property is available for use. Great for soaking when the weather gets hot and it's shallow enough to just bring a folding chair. Fish? Yes, there are some trout in there. Flies work best. Got kids? Build a dam! Go for a creek walk! Great hiking at the end of Wesser Creek Road. There is a trail by the creek and a fire tower with great view about 4.5 miles up that trail. Water source (spring) is available at the top. Follow the blue blaze. The white blazes at the top tell you you're on the Appalachian Trail. Take a side hike to Maine!
Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is just down the road on 19/74. Rafting, zip lines, a ropes course, mountain biking... good food by the river, a bar, public restrooms... the works. They often have music by the river on the weekends.
This land was once a hillside farm, after it was first logged early in the last century. They used to grow corn all over the hillside, then let the cows up there to graze and eat up the stalks. If you look closely, you might find some barbed wire in an old oak here and there.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$44
/ night
Branch side
8. Branch side
100%
(8)
12mi from Murphy · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Enjoy a camping adventure in the beautiful North Georgia mountains! The campsite itself is nestled in a private wooded area alongside a small running creek. Site is setup so you can enjoy all that the mountains have to offer. Water to fill your tanks and power is available. Imagine sitting by the camp fire enjoying a nice cup of coffee in the morning or a late night drink among the stars. Site is an Ideal location near a local winery, and also within 10-15 minutes of beautiful Lake Chatuge and the mountains/trails of North Georgia. Contact the host for additional ideas/options for adventures in the area. Your mountain escape is awaiting you!
Need a RV ask about rental units availability.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from
$35
/ night
100% (571) • 74 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Murphy
Lil Snowbird Farm Primitive Camping
1. Lil Snowbird Farm Primitive Camping
99%
(1001)
12mi from Murphy · 13 sites · Tents, RVs
Private property bordering Nantahala National Forest on Little Snowbird Creek in Robbinsville, NC. 16mi from Lake Santeelah, about 10mi from the Cherohala Skyway.
MUST HAVE 4X4 OR AWD VEHICLE TO ACCESS MOUTAINTOP CAMPSITES. Property damage fee of $100 for 2WD vehicles not adhering to rule.
2WD vehicles must camp creekside, sites 1-6. NO AXES, HATCHETS, MACHETES ALLOWED ON THE PROPERTY. NO NAILS IN THE TREES TO HANG THINGS. It damages the tree and causes them to die.
Keep pets on a leash, especially if they like to roam or have any aggressive behavior.
Spacious camping lots, and great trout fishing along little snowbird creek which is on private property. Fishing privileges are actually written into property owners' deed on the purchase of land.
Views that can bring a tear to a glass eye and relaxing sounds of the creek can be heard from anywhere on the property. Hundreds of Hiking trails in the area, many just a short distance from the property. Please be respectful of others' property and no trespassing signs.
It’s a kinda bumpy mountain road to get there but it’s also like driving through an enchanted forest. The secluded location, peaceful and breathtaking views make this place a must-see adventure.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$35
/ night
Winding Stair Campground
2. Winding Stair Campground
99%
(198)
27mi from Murphy · 17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Winding Stair Campground sits at an elevation of 3,380 feet, next to the headwaters of the Nantahala River and is surrounded by national forest and undeveloped private land trusts. The stunning mountain views in a remote tucked-away setting make our farm a perfect getaway!
Just a 15-minute scenic drive from Franklin in North Carolina, easily accessible off Hwy 64, our campground offers a chance to enjoy nature without being far away from the public amenities of a small but well-equipped town.
A few features about our property:
- Working farm: Campers are welcome to meet our Icelandic sheep and take a self-guided tour of our farm, along designated pathways.
- Security: The campground and farm are fenced in on three sides with the river being the fourth boundary. Personal code to the entrance gate will be given at check in.
- Bath House: The restored bathhouse is split into boys’ and girls’ sides. Each side has 2 private showers, 4 flushing toilets, sinks, hot water, and gas heat.
- Community Pavilion: The Pavilion is a large 40x30 ft. open sided structure overlooking the Nantahala River. It has an ample fireplace, running water sink, counter space, couches, and table with benches.
- Pack Room: Where the adventure begins! A cozy hub where all guests get local information, view maps, and grab some local seasonal groceries. Also available to all campers are washing sinks with hot water, toaster oven and microwave.
- Communication: Or rather, lack thereof! There's no cell service on the property so it's a great time to get away from it all. There is limited Wi-Fi available near the Pack Room and an emergency landline available.
- Charging: Traveling in an electric vehicle? Recharge for free at our dedicated EV 50amp outlet when you stay at any of our sites. First come, first served.
Want to know more about the history of the property? Visit the 'Our Story' section on our website.
Learn more about this land:
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$55
/ night
Rest And Relax Retreat
3. Rest And Relax Retreat
100%
(38)
16mi from Murphy · 16 sites · Tents, RVs
Come enjoy your relaxation space along the banks of Hothouse Creek. Site is on 27 beautiful acres with flowing water, hiking trails, nature, and stargazing. You have access to our indoor common house space with two full bathrooms with showers and air conditioned hang out den with couches.
Every site comes equipped with:
-Hammock along the creek
-Smokeless fire pit
-Six-foot picnic bench
-Pop-up canopy
-Zero gravity chair (additional chairs available for $5 each)
-Charcoal Grill
-Plenty of space to set up your own tent and gear
The property is very quiet and private and a convenient 15 minute drive away from activities/ grocery/ supplies/ restaurant/ shopping in Blue Ridge or McCaysville/Copperhill. Amazing for stargazing- we have open sky and any exterior lights are red to maximize night vision. We have three nice goats that would love to meet and play with you in addition to the fireflies, deer, hummingbirds, cardinals, hawks, rabbits, squirrels, foxes, and bats for viewing. There is a 1/3 mile track in the pasture for walking and a 1/2 mile mountain trail up to the ridge summit. Near world class river rafting, fishing, hiking, and tubing in the Smoky Mountains.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$30
/ night
Mountain Adventure Outfitters
4. Mountain Adventure Outfitters
94%
(43)
40mi from Murphy · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
MAO is any OHV enthusiast’s oasis! We offer multiple creek-side campsites for your enjoyment. Our site boasts a variety of non-typical on-site activities including OHV trail/obstacles, an RC crawler park/trail loop, an RC short course track, and creek side hiking trail. Campsite bookings include MTN ADV Day Pass. Come and experience our growing Off-Road/Outdoor Adventure-based facility. Stay tuned for new accommodations and campsites currently in the works! We do have a free roaming Great Dane named Myla that might visit your campsite throughout your stay, she is very friendly and loves attention!
Find more local activities here:
https://www.mtnjeeps.com/camp
Pets
Campfires
from
$20
/ night
Vee Hollow Campground
5. Vee Hollow Campground
100%
(5)
44mi from Murphy · 73 sites · RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Vee Hollow Campground in Townsend, TN
Located in Townsend, Tennessee, Vee Hollow Campground is nestled in the beautiful Smoky Mountains. Our 3.5 acre campground offers 72 RV camp sites, including full hook ups and amenities such as 14 miles of mountain bike trails, river access, and pool to name a few. We’re convenient to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Highway 129 (The Dragon). We’re also pet friendly! Whether you’re looking for adventure by mountain biking and hiking, or if you just looking to relax by the water, Vee Hollow Campground offers the comfort, beauty, and convenience you’re looking for.
Toilets
Campfires
Full hookups
from
$60
/ night
Life On The Vine
6. Life On The Vine
97%
(16)
5mi from Murphy · 19 sites · Tents, RVs
Valley River Vineyards was established in 1997 by the late Bill and Brenda Stalcup Reece. The property has been in Brenda's family for over 50 years. The family owned and operated vineyards produces Old World and Northern Grapes. Wine is produced and bottled in their winery. The 32 acer property has a elongated pond with Martins Creek thru the vineyards. There are picnic areas along with RV hook ups and Tent Camping. A quiet and serene place to enjoy a weekend get away.Learn more about this land:"Camping In The Vines" is 4 miles from the small town of Murphy NC. Tranquil bright star nights, camp fire, wildlife watching and walking trails from the vineyards to the hill tops. Wildflowers surround you while enjoying a glass of wine beside the cold running waters of Martins Creek. Primitive camping, RV power hook up, outside bathroom w/ sinks, indoor shower w/ hot-water, picnic tables, fire wood and garbage cans available. Just a place to sit back and let the world go by for a little while.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$28
/ night
Martin's Nest Nantahala
7. Martin's Nest Nantahala
100%
(68)
30mi from Murphy · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
The creek in front of the property is available for use. Great for soaking when the weather gets hot and it's shallow enough to just bring a folding chair. Fish? Yes, there are some trout in there. Flies work best. Got kids? Build a dam! Go for a creek walk! Great hiking at the end of Wesser Creek Road. There is a trail by the creek and a fire tower with great view about 4.5 miles up that trail. Water source (spring) is available at the top. Follow the blue blaze. The white blazes at the top tell you you're on the Appalachian Trail. Take a side hike to Maine!
Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is just down the road on 19/74. Rafting, zip lines, a ropes course, mountain biking... good food by the river, a bar, public restrooms... the works. They often have music by the river on the weekends.
This land was once a hillside farm, after it was first logged early in the last century. They used to grow corn all over the hillside, then let the cows up there to graze and eat up the stalks. If you look closely, you might find some barbed wire in an old oak here and there.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$44
/ night
Branch side
8. Branch side
100%
(8)
12mi from Murphy · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Enjoy a camping adventure in the beautiful North Georgia mountains! The campsite itself is nestled in a private wooded area alongside a small running creek. Site is setup so you can enjoy all that the mountains have to offer. Water to fill your tanks and power is available. Imagine sitting by the camp fire enjoying a nice cup of coffee in the morning or a late night drink among the stars. Site is an Ideal location near a local winery, and also within 10-15 minutes of beautiful Lake Chatuge and the mountains/trails of North Georgia. Contact the host for additional ideas/options for adventures in the area. Your mountain escape is awaiting you!
Need a RV ask about rental units availability.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from
$35
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
J
JP
16 hours ago
Tent
Ralph was an awesome host. Upon arrival, he walked us through the entire campsite and amenities. He is very personable and will make sure your stay is perfect. Hope to be back soon!
See more
Tim
2 weeks ago
10 ft travel trailer
With kids
We had a great time here at one of the river side camps! Sites are large enough for a big group and Andrew was a fantastic host! Very well kept site. Be sure to check out his mountain top sites also if you are looking for a view. We plan to come back soon and stay at one of those. Very remote (45 min to nearest gas station/stores) so plan accordingly. Direct access to FSR into national forest. Can’t wait to return!
See more
C
Chris
2 weeks ago
14 ft pop-up camper
With pets
This was an incredible experience for my wife and I! The site we landed on had the most amazing views we could have asked for. Secluded, quiet, and serene are the best words I could use to describe this site. It is definitely off the beaten path, so be prepared for the 5 miles of gravel road leading to the campsite.
Our dogs thoroughly enjoyed hiking beside the river and playing on the rocks.
A perfect way to reset and start the new year!
See more
J
Josh
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Loved the mountain top view, my dog didn’t wanna leave. This is a great spot highly recommend, the trail getting to the camping spot was remote and beautiful. You need 4x4 and some comfort with tight corners and sharp drop offs. 10/10 will be back
See more
A
Amanda
3 weeks ago
Tent
Absolutely amazing stay would definitely come back! Ralph was responsive and we had pretty much unlimited wood along with use of the common room all to ourselves. It was an amazing location for tent camping with the creek lulling us to sleep both nights.
See more
Alexandra
3 weeks ago
Tent
We had the best time camping at Big Ian, Andrew is very friendly and knowledgeable about the area. Beautiful and lots of nice hikes in the area. No kidding about 4wd, but we had fun on the winding road.
See more
B
Brooklyn
3 weeks ago
Tent
I couldn’t have asked for a more magical spot to spend Christmas Eve and morning. Waking up with Gaia is unlike anything else!
See more
M
Malcolm
3 weeks ago
30 ft campervan
With pets
I loved the grassy field surrounded by trees beside a creek but only stayed to rest one night. More time there would be nice.
See more
E
Eric
December 2025
Tent
Another incredible stay at Rest and Relax Retreat ! I try to get up here and tent camp at least every 2 to 3 weeks. Ralph does have a couple of cabins that you can rent also but…I prefer tent camping, especially in the winter right next to the creek. As usual, it exceeded my expectations just with the beauty of the place and all the nice accommodations that Ralph provides…such as, a canopy for each tent site, a smokeless fire pit for each site, and a hammock and picnic table also for each site, oh, and did I mention the common house… where there is a seating area with plenty of outlets to recharge your phone or power station if need be, while you enjoy a cup of coffee from the provided Keurig, coffee, sugar and cream, included and or, take a hot shower at one of two bathrooms inside the common house. He also provides firewood at no charge. Most of the time I have so much wood left over that I can’t even burn it all in the weekend stay ! But if I do run low, it is no problem. I can text Ralph or usually before he turns in for the evening… he will do his walk around to each site. Making sure that everyone has anything and everything that they need, before he himself turns in for the night. The land is beautiful, so are his dogs and his goats. You won’t go wrong if you choose this place… relax by the creek 10 feet away, with a campfire going just in front of you, to soothe your anxieties away. Thank you so much again Ralph for everything!
See more
j
jeff
December 2025
13 ft travel trailer
Group trip
Everything. This is our 4th time at Snowbird and we love it. Plans to return soon
See more
S
Savannah
December 2025
Tent
With pets
Andrew was an amazing host he checked in on us and also brought our wood up since he happened to be there during our stay. The camps are well spaced and the toilets were very clean as well as the shelter over them. The ground was well maintained and not over grown. It’s a beautiful drive going up to the campground and into the small town. We will definitely stay again.
See more
L
Larry
December 2025
Tent
If you looking for a nice little getaway and enjoy camping by creeks listening to the running water all night nice and secluded quiet would definitely recommend again for tent campin
See moreR
Robin
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Lil Snowbird is the best! This was our 4th or 5th visit and we will be back. The host goes above and beyond in many ways.
See moreD
Daniel
November 2025
Tent
With pets
This site was perfect! Ralph had everything set up for us in advance a canopy, chairs, hammock, fire pit, and all the wood we could need. Loved the trickle sound of the stream at night. Was surprised the price included all the extras. The common area was brand new and clean. We would definitely camp here again or in one of the cabins.
See moreC
Craig
November 2025
Tent
With kids
The site was great! The owner took care of us more than we ever expected! We cant wait to come back in the spring! Great way to disconnect from the city too!
See more
J
Juan
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Loved tent camping on Big Ian! The views were incredible. We also walked down to enjoy the river. Andy was a great host. Very welcoming and always made sure we had everything we needed. Highly reccommed!
See more
P
Philip
November 2025
Tent
We had an amazing stay on Andrew’s land. Andrew was super helpful and helped get set up and checked in on occasion to make sure everything was going smoothly as well as give recommendations for the surrounding area. The site itself was absolutely beautiful and peaceful. 10/10 would recommend
See more
E
Erica
November 2025
Tent
Our camping trip here was amazing from start to finish. The scenery was stunning — wide-open views, gorgeous stars at night, and the kind of peaceful atmosphere you can’t find just anywhere.
Andrew made the experience even better. He was kind, welcoming, and made sure we had everything we needed for our stay.
Overall, it was the perfect mix of nature, relaxation, and great hospitality. I’d highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a memorable getaway!
We will be back soon!
See more
Z
Zac
November 2025
19 ft campervan
With pets
We had an excellent time camping at Lil Snowbird Farm. The campsites were exceptionally clean and well kept. We stayed in site #6 along the river and it was just beautiful and felt very private! We enjoyed cooking over the campfire and eating at the picnic table. The host was amazing and ensured we had everything we needed. The camp toilets had their own small tent for privacy and even had small solar lights to help you find them in the dark. 10/10 would recommend camping here!
See more
K
Kaitlyn
November 2025
19 ft campervan
With pets
We loved our stay at campsite #6! Such a lovely spot, felt kind of tucked away. The campsite was very well done, nice fireplace and grate stove. We appreciated having the toilet and tent! We are very likely to be back!
See more
The best private sites RV parks 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.