Discover the best safari tent rentals near Shelby, North Carolina

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4 top safari tents sites near Shelby

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TangleWood Creekside Campsites

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents170 acres · Marion, NC

A rocky creek winds through the woods at the base of several hikable peaks hidden just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Wildlife enthusiasts are encouraged to explore, on foot or mountain-bike, anywhere within our 170 acres (or the adjoining 250 acres owned by the US Forestry Service off our Western border) and are likely to catch glimpses of turkey, beaver, deer, fox, eastern box turtle and the many species of songbird and raptor. The location is convenient to tons of local attractions for sightseeing and outdoor activities as well as shopping, dining, even wine tasting. We would be happy to supply a comprehensive list of the various local attractions upon request but the following are a few of our favorite things to do within a short drive: visit Linville Falls, Caverns, Gorge and/or Winery; drive the Blue Ridge parkway; tube/kayak down the Catawba river; hike beautiful Crabtree Falls; cross Grandfather Mountains mile high bridge and explore the nearby towns of Spruce Pines or Little Switzerland. The scenic drives to Asheville, Blowing Rock or Banner Elk make them each wonderful day-trip destinations.

Sovereign Fireside Glampground

10 sites · Lodging6 acres · Forest City, NC

Enjoy our little "garden of Eden"! Relax in a communal wood-fired hot tub or by your private fire-pit in this growing little oasis in the foothills of the NC Blue Ridge Mountains! Great hiking and adventuring nearby @ Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Asheville & the Blue Ridge Parkway! - Sovereign Fireside currently has 7 luxury glamping stays available for guests. For your your cooking needs we have everything you'll need in the outdoor common area kitchen, including a premium gas grill, refrigerator, and kitchen sink. We also have power in the commons area to charge anything you bring (on your nightstand you'll also find a portable power supply lantern that also can charge phones - it should keep you charged through the weekend!). Each site has it's own private fire-pit and hand-crafted picnic table. The bathhouse is about 100 feet from the tent and is outfitted with flush toilets and bathroom sinks. Our communal spa area awaits you at anytime. It includes a cedar barrel wood-fired hot tub, outdoor shower, and cold plunge tub. Be aware that the since the hot-tub is wood-fired, it heats the old fashioned way in about 2-3 hours. The cedar and smoke smell is SO worth the wait! Please note that since the outdoor spa area is a communal area, bathing suits are required. :) Enjoy visiting with our chickens and ducks, who often free-range around the property. While you have plenty of space to yourselves, be aware that this property has MULTIPLE glamping sites. Expect the privacy of a normal campground, where you have your own space but other sites and the "caretaker residence" are within view. We live in the house at the front of the property, the glamping sites are in the 6 acres behind the house. You're more than welcome to bring your bikes, lawn games and other things you'd like to do. Outside of our land the town and surrounding areas provide many activities for you to do. Hidden gem small-town charm in Forest City & Rutherfordton, as well as everything you could possibly need only 8 mins away (Starbucks, Walmart, Aldi, the works)! For some local fun, sip a latte at Small Town Coffee Roasters, treat yourself at Pie Safe Bakery, bike the Thermal Belt Trail, hike the Purple Martin Greenway, play pinball at Carolina Arcade, or enjoy a steak at Copper Penny Grill. Farther out, you can zip-line through the forest at Lake Lure, float/kayak the Rocky Broad river, rock-climb or hike to Chimney Rock, or tour many award-winning vineyards and wineries (some just minutes away). My husband and I (and our 5 children) will be on site living at the main house most of the time as well as working around the land. Our goal with this land is to create a place that embodies the things that we've found to truly make us happy and allow a better lives for ourselves. Like getting back to nature, living off the land, meditation, and inner healing. Eating whole real foods. Exercising and moving our bodies. Nourishing ourselves. And having a space to allow for community and connection. Our vision started a few years ago when my husband Aaron and I both shared an image of a new world we wanted to create - one filled with self-sufficient, sustainable communities where people live more simply and love each other. In 2014 we left our "normal" lives, hand-built a 100% off-grid tiny home together and lived in it for 5 years. We began to eat real food and use real resources - the land, animals, rain water, compost, solar. But as we spent more time diving into ourselves, God, business, coaches, and many other holistic practices, we realized it was time for a big change. We now want to be able to offer experiences sharing everything we've learned about all these things and have people come try new ways of life. When you stay with us the cool part is, you can actually see where your money is going and meet the people creating the space. A large portion of what we make is going right back into this land. This isn't some fancy resort owned by a huge hotel chain. Although we do take serious pride in our work and go above and beyond when building. We've been told that this is one of the most peaceful, rejuvenating, and relaxing experiences guests have ever had. Please remember that the tent sites are off-grid and plan accordingly. Please bring everything you need to have the kind of stay you want (such as extra battery-powered fans, flashlights, etc). Inside your tent you'll find battery & solar-powered string lights, one small battery-powered fan, and a small library of books. Firewood available for $5 a bundle. Please no smoking on the premises. This is strictly prohibited. If you'd like to bring your furry friend, please send us a message request. If you have any questions about coming to stay with us please don't hesitate to reach out and ask! We're a Christian husband and wife team, and we're excited to host you! - Please park near the "guest parking" sign, in front of the house in the grass by the woods on the right. It's a short walk to your tent. Our private residence is on the left side of the 6 acre property, so we're easily available, but you'll be able to enjoy plenty of space. Access the communal spa any time! - Don't be deceived when you pull in - it looks like a normal house with a short driveway. All the magic is happening in the back. ;) Parking is to the right of the driveway on the grass, immediately after you pull in. - I am easily in touch by message. We're usually hanging out around the property building up the campground (unless we tell you otherwise).

Emberglow Outdoor Resort

61 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents72 acres · Mill Spring, NC

Come enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends in the rolling hills of Western North Carolina at Emberglow Outdoor Resort. We’ve assembled one-of-a-kind lodging options on 72 acres in a beautiful private valley, complete with spring-fed creeks and a night sky of a billion stars. We’re conveniently situated between Asheville, Charlotte, Greenville, and Columbia. Get a closer look at the beautiful Emberglow Outdoor Resort property in our photo galleries and book now to experience it for yourself. An elevated camping experience nestled in the Blue Ridge Foothills of Western NC. A CONVENIENT ESCAPE Located near Lake Lure, a less than 2-hour drive from Charlotte, Greenville, Columbia, and Asheville, we offer our guests a convenient escape from the commotion of the weekly grind. UNIQUE LODGING OPTIONS Pick your unique lodging experience or bring your own. Yurts, AirStreams, Treehouses, and more are available for rent or park your RV or pitch a tent in one of our beautiful campsites. OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS There are endless outdoor activities and attractions in nearby Lake Lure, or you can take advantage of our resort-quality amenities without ever leaving the property. At Emberglow, you can play outside on your own terms, limit your travel time, and disconnect from the daily hamster wheel. Our mission is to deliver to our guests an exceptional place to enjoy the great outdoors with a variety of comfortable lodging options and unique amenities. Book your stay today! EXPLORE OUR Unique Lodging Choose from more than 20 memorable lodging options or set up your own in one of our fully-equipped RV or tent sites, all with access to our resort-quality amenities. • Vintage Campers • Treehouses • Tiny Homes • Yurts • Glamping Pods • Safari Tent • Primitive Tree Houses • RV Rental Trailers • RV Sites • Primitive Tent Sites ON-SITE AMENITIES A resort-quality pool awaits you to kick your feet up. Take on the family in sand volleyball or hit the hiking trails. Emberglow’s premium on-site amenities are just the start of your vacation possibilities. • Resort Quality Pool • Hiking/Biking Trails • Dog Park • Pedal Kart Rentals • Free Wifi • The Jump Pad • Sand Volleyball • Bicycle Rentals (Adult + Youth Sizes) • Sport Fields • Community Fire Pit • GaGa Ball Pit • Playground

100%

(3)

Take a Hike on a Wild side! Camping

4 sites · Lodging180 acres · Lenoir, NC

This property is 180 acres of woods and mountains with streams and ponds. Beautiful settings. If you like hiking in the mountains this will definitely hit the spot. YO can fish in the ponds it has blue gills and catfish. I also added grass carp there as part of weed management. This used to be an abandoned farm which I want to bring back to life. The site offers three luxury large Safari Style Tents and 4 Pioneer wagons. All tents are far away from each other to provide privacy and freedom of going Wild (still remaining civilized in your manners and careful attitude to Nature around you). Tent 1 is in the Forrest itself and it is pretty cook and serene. Tent 2 is on the top of a rocky hill overlooking the forest. Tent 3 is the most remote and closest to the ponds. It has most of the open space around it, and can be a great place for parties. We are working on making the sites and the area more comfortable, but I do not want to make it a manicured park. I want it to remain wild and still offer comfortable stay. The farm is work in progress. Eventually it will be an Ostrich farm. and have other animals too. The closest town - Lenoir is about 12 miles away . Closest Grocery store (Dollar General) - about 3 miles away. Closest Gas station - 2 miles away. Professional Tennis court, Basketball court and large kids playground are in a public park within - 5 minute drive. Lenoir has restaurants, shopping, etc. Hickory is a larger town about 25 minutes drive. Hickory Lake is a large reservoir with marina where you can rent a boat and it also offers a good game fishing. Asheville is 1:25 hrs to the West, Charlotte is 1:25 hr to the East. There are couple of Ski resorts 45 minutes to an hr away.

Dog-friendly getaways

100%

(3)

Take a Hike on a Wild side! Camping

4 sites · Lodging180 acres · Lenoir, NC

This property is 180 acres of woods and mountains with streams and ponds. Beautiful settings. If you like hiking in the mountains this will definitely hit the spot. YO can fish in the ponds it has blue gills and catfish. I also added grass carp there as part of weed management. This used to be an abandoned farm which I want to bring back to life. The site offers three luxury large Safari Style Tents and 4 Pioneer wagons. All tents are far away from each other to provide privacy and freedom of going Wild (still remaining civilized in your manners and careful attitude to Nature around you). Tent 1 is in the Forrest itself and it is pretty cook and serene. Tent 2 is on the top of a rocky hill overlooking the forest. Tent 3 is the most remote and closest to the ponds. It has most of the open space around it, and can be a great place for parties. We are working on making the sites and the area more comfortable, but I do not want to make it a manicured park. I want it to remain wild and still offer comfortable stay. The farm is work in progress. Eventually it will be an Ostrich farm. and have other animals too. The closest town - Lenoir is about 12 miles away . Closest Grocery store (Dollar General) - about 3 miles away. Closest Gas station - 2 miles away. Professional Tennis court, Basketball court and large kids playground are in a public park within - 5 minute drive. Lenoir has restaurants, shopping, etc. Hickory is a larger town about 25 minutes drive. Hickory Lake is a large reservoir with marina where you can rent a boat and it also offers a good game fishing. Asheville is 1:25 hrs to the West, Charlotte is 1:25 hr to the East. There are couple of Ski resorts 45 minutes to an hr away.

TangleWood Creekside Campsites

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents170 acres · Marion, NC

A rocky creek winds through the woods at the base of several hikable peaks hidden just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Wildlife enthusiasts are encouraged to explore, on foot or mountain-bike, anywhere within our 170 acres (or the adjoining 250 acres owned by the US Forestry Service off our Western border) and are likely to catch glimpses of turkey, beaver, deer, fox, eastern box turtle and the many species of songbird and raptor. The location is convenient to tons of local attractions for sightseeing and outdoor activities as well as shopping, dining, even wine tasting. We would be happy to supply a comprehensive list of the various local attractions upon request but the following are a few of our favorite things to do within a short drive: visit Linville Falls, Caverns, Gorge and/or Winery; drive the Blue Ridge parkway; tube/kayak down the Catawba river; hike beautiful Crabtree Falls; cross Grandfather Mountains mile high bridge and explore the nearby towns of Spruce Pines or Little Switzerland. The scenic drives to Asheville, Blowing Rock or Banner Elk make them each wonderful day-trip destinations.

Emberglow Outdoor Resort

61 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents72 acres · Mill Spring, NC

Come enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends in the rolling hills of Western North Carolina at Emberglow Outdoor Resort. We’ve assembled one-of-a-kind lodging options on 72 acres in a beautiful private valley, complete with spring-fed creeks and a night sky of a billion stars. We’re conveniently situated between Asheville, Charlotte, Greenville, and Columbia. Get a closer look at the beautiful Emberglow Outdoor Resort property in our photo galleries and book now to experience it for yourself. An elevated camping experience nestled in the Blue Ridge Foothills of Western NC. A CONVENIENT ESCAPE Located near Lake Lure, a less than 2-hour drive from Charlotte, Greenville, Columbia, and Asheville, we offer our guests a convenient escape from the commotion of the weekly grind. UNIQUE LODGING OPTIONS Pick your unique lodging experience or bring your own. Yurts, AirStreams, Treehouses, and more are available for rent or park your RV or pitch a tent in one of our beautiful campsites. OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS There are endless outdoor activities and attractions in nearby Lake Lure, or you can take advantage of our resort-quality amenities without ever leaving the property. At Emberglow, you can play outside on your own terms, limit your travel time, and disconnect from the daily hamster wheel. Our mission is to deliver to our guests an exceptional place to enjoy the great outdoors with a variety of comfortable lodging options and unique amenities. Book your stay today! EXPLORE OUR Unique Lodging Choose from more than 20 memorable lodging options or set up your own in one of our fully-equipped RV or tent sites, all with access to our resort-quality amenities. • Vintage Campers • Treehouses • Tiny Homes • Yurts • Glamping Pods • Safari Tent • Primitive Tree Houses • RV Rental Trailers • RV Sites • Primitive Tent Sites ON-SITE AMENITIES A resort-quality pool awaits you to kick your feet up. Take on the family in sand volleyball or hit the hiking trails. Emberglow’s premium on-site amenities are just the start of your vacation possibilities. • Resort Quality Pool • Hiking/Biking Trails • Dog Park • Pedal Kart Rentals • Free Wifi • The Jump Pad • Sand Volleyball • Bicycle Rentals (Adult + Youth Sizes) • Sport Fields • Community Fire Pit • GaGa Ball Pit • Playground

Sovereign Fireside Glampground

10 sites · Lodging6 acres · Forest City, NC

Enjoy our little "garden of Eden"! Relax in a communal wood-fired hot tub or by your private fire-pit in this growing little oasis in the foothills of the NC Blue Ridge Mountains! Great hiking and adventuring nearby @ Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Asheville & the Blue Ridge Parkway! - Sovereign Fireside currently has 7 luxury glamping stays available for guests. For your your cooking needs we have everything you'll need in the outdoor common area kitchen, including a premium gas grill, refrigerator, and kitchen sink. We also have power in the commons area to charge anything you bring (on your nightstand you'll also find a portable power supply lantern that also can charge phones - it should keep you charged through the weekend!). Each site has it's own private fire-pit and hand-crafted picnic table. The bathhouse is about 100 feet from the tent and is outfitted with flush toilets and bathroom sinks. Our communal spa area awaits you at anytime. It includes a cedar barrel wood-fired hot tub, outdoor shower, and cold plunge tub. Be aware that the since the hot-tub is wood-fired, it heats the old fashioned way in about 2-3 hours. The cedar and smoke smell is SO worth the wait! Please note that since the outdoor spa area is a communal area, bathing suits are required. :) Enjoy visiting with our chickens and ducks, who often free-range around the property. While you have plenty of space to yourselves, be aware that this property has MULTIPLE glamping sites. Expect the privacy of a normal campground, where you have your own space but other sites and the "caretaker residence" are within view. We live in the house at the front of the property, the glamping sites are in the 6 acres behind the house. You're more than welcome to bring your bikes, lawn games and other things you'd like to do. Outside of our land the town and surrounding areas provide many activities for you to do. Hidden gem small-town charm in Forest City & Rutherfordton, as well as everything you could possibly need only 8 mins away (Starbucks, Walmart, Aldi, the works)! For some local fun, sip a latte at Small Town Coffee Roasters, treat yourself at Pie Safe Bakery, bike the Thermal Belt Trail, hike the Purple Martin Greenway, play pinball at Carolina Arcade, or enjoy a steak at Copper Penny Grill. Farther out, you can zip-line through the forest at Lake Lure, float/kayak the Rocky Broad river, rock-climb or hike to Chimney Rock, or tour many award-winning vineyards and wineries (some just minutes away). My husband and I (and our 5 children) will be on site living at the main house most of the time as well as working around the land. Our goal with this land is to create a place that embodies the things that we've found to truly make us happy and allow a better lives for ourselves. Like getting back to nature, living off the land, meditation, and inner healing. Eating whole real foods. Exercising and moving our bodies. Nourishing ourselves. And having a space to allow for community and connection. Our vision started a few years ago when my husband Aaron and I both shared an image of a new world we wanted to create - one filled with self-sufficient, sustainable communities where people live more simply and love each other. In 2014 we left our "normal" lives, hand-built a 100% off-grid tiny home together and lived in it for 5 years. We began to eat real food and use real resources - the land, animals, rain water, compost, solar. But as we spent more time diving into ourselves, God, business, coaches, and many other holistic practices, we realized it was time for a big change. We now want to be able to offer experiences sharing everything we've learned about all these things and have people come try new ways of life. When you stay with us the cool part is, you can actually see where your money is going and meet the people creating the space. A large portion of what we make is going right back into this land. This isn't some fancy resort owned by a huge hotel chain. Although we do take serious pride in our work and go above and beyond when building. We've been told that this is one of the most peaceful, rejuvenating, and relaxing experiences guests have ever had. Please remember that the tent sites are off-grid and plan accordingly. Please bring everything you need to have the kind of stay you want (such as extra battery-powered fans, flashlights, etc). Inside your tent you'll find battery & solar-powered string lights, one small battery-powered fan, and a small library of books. Firewood available for $5 a bundle. Please no smoking on the premises. This is strictly prohibited. If you'd like to bring your furry friend, please send us a message request. If you have any questions about coming to stay with us please don't hesitate to reach out and ask! We're a Christian husband and wife team, and we're excited to host you! - Please park near the "guest parking" sign, in front of the house in the grass by the woods on the right. It's a short walk to your tent. Our private residence is on the left side of the 6 acre property, so we're easily available, but you'll be able to enjoy plenty of space. Access the communal spa any time! - Don't be deceived when you pull in - it looks like a normal house with a short driveway. All the magic is happening in the back. ;) Parking is to the right of the driveway on the grass, immediately after you pull in. - I am easily in touch by message. We're usually hanging out around the property building up the campground (unless we tell you otherwise).

Safari tents near Shelby guide

Overview

Shelby, North Carolina is east of the Blue Ridge Mountains and provides a mix of camping options from rugged backcountry areas to pet-friendly cabin rentals and RV parks outfitted with full hookups. Walk oak-tree-lined streets in town before paying a visit to Shelby’s City Park, which offers 155 acres of green space, including an original wooden carousel from 1919 and the Rotary Special mini train. Campers can then trek to Stone Mountain State Park for hiking, day-trip to Lake Norman State Park to float the day away in a kayak, or hop the border to South Carolina to view Whitewater Falls.

Where to go

Lake Norman State Park

Find electricity-equipped cabins, RV parks with full-hookups, and tent campsites with firepits and hot showers at Lake Norman State Park. The 1.5-hour drive east brings campers to fun boating and fishing opportunities along a 375-foot long sandy beach. Rent a jet ski to cruise around, a speedboat to waterski, or a pontoon boat to leisurely experience the outdoor splendors of Lake Norman. Many companies also offer guided fishing tours as well as wakeboard, kayak, and canoe rentals. For campers looking for land activities, wander along Lake Norman Lakeshore Trail or hit the 30 miles of single-track mountain biking trails.

Whitewater Falls

Cascading 411 feet down, Whitewater Falls is dubbed the highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. It’s open year-round from dawn until dusk and is roughly a 2-hour drive east from Shelby. While there isn’t any camping right at the falls, there are picnic tables and restrooms, making it a scenic stop for snacks or lunch. Then stay and savor the stunning views of the falls from two overlook areas—one of which is wheelchair-accessible. Peak hours are in the middle of the day, making morning or evening quieter times to visit.

Stone Mountain State Park

A 2-hour drive north from Shelby, Stone Mountain State Park delivers unparalleled hiking, horseback riding, fishing, rock climbing, and a variety of camping options year-round. Find tent campsites with fire rings, or hike Widow’s Creek Trail to four primitive backcountry campsites. For more amenities, try an RV park nearby that features electrical and water hookups as well as communal dump stations. Then check out the restored Hutchinson Homestead farm and the 600-foot granite dome that looms in the background.

When to go

North Carolina experiences four distinct seasons. June, July, and August are peak summer months, with temperatures reaching a high of 89°F, accompanied by plenty of rain. January and February are the coldest months, with temperatures dropping slightly below freezing. The busiest times to visit Shelby are in spring and autumn, when warm weather with less humidity makes outdoor activities like hiking and biking most comfortable.