The best river, stream, or creek cabins near Sparta

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Situated near Stone Mountain State Park, Grayson Highlands State Park, and the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, Sparta offers easy access to multiple natural wonders. This small town in upper North Carolina provides a diverse range of camping accommodations too—from rustic backcountry campsites with no amenities to glamping yurts with access to hot showers. Dive deeper into the area to find astounding views in the Linville Gorge Wilderness area, or hit up a local bluegrass concert in Doughton Park—where RVers will find full-hookup campsites for optimum comfort.

98% (397)

Top-rated campgrounds near Sparta

1. Secluded Mitchel River Camping

95%
(130)
19mi from Sparta · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This land was once owned by Noah Hays himself. He was the main farmer on this land along with other farming land on this road. Hints the name "Noah Hays Road". We stopped farming this land long ago but some of his relatives are still farming on the land he use to farm on. You will see one of his old plots still being farmed across the street from our property. There is still the old cabin he use to live in along with an old curing barn they use to hang the tobacco in after harvest. Supper cool!Learn more about this land:This is a new listing.Nestled in the foothills of North Carolina is a majestic and peaceful plot of land that sits beside the south fork of the Mitchel River and; on the other side, a steep hillside of security covered in luscious wooded hardwood and pine. Engulfed in the sights and sounds of pure nature; expect wildlife encounters, frolicking through the fields, and a light show from the stars like never before.Come for a night or bring the family for an extended get away.The spaceThe space is equipped for dry camping with a outhouse on site for bathroom procedures.The parking pad can accommodate most A class RV's with a length and width of 38 by 10 foot. The extended patio protrudes another 8 foot in the front and on the back side of the pad is another 5 foot providing plenty of room for roll out space for your bed/kitchen, living space.We have a beautiful fire pit with a grate attached and a patio table that you are welcome to move around to your liking during your stay.The field on the left and right of the parking spot is grassy and fairly flat making a great place for recreational activities and even setting up a few extra tents.The river sits parallel with the site that have a easily walk down to the rivers edge.For any other questions feel free to message me.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night

2. FoxDen by Heartwood Farm and Cabins

98%
(45)
47mi from Sparta · 1 site · Lodging
Get away from it all when you stay among nature in this secluded off-grid tiny cabin in the forest. Complete with outdoor grill, fire pit, picnic table, well maintained outhouse, miles of trails and a large swimming or fishing pond (catch and release). This is a secluded off grid location without power, wifi, or cell service, so be prepared to UNPLUG and unwind. Firewood for your first campfire is provided along with one tank of propane to run the indoor camp stove. Five gallons of drinking water are included with coffee and a French press. There is a cooler provided. Remember to bring ice for your groceries and sleeping bags! Please include an extra rental fee of $20 for pets (up to 3). Multiple firewood bundles can be waiting for you at $8 each (a decent fire's worth per bundle). Extra guests (more than 2) are approved on a case by case basis for $10 each per day.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$64
 / night

3. Marshall Creek Farm

98%
(77)
44mi from Sparta · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Marshall Creek Farm is offering 2 camping spots on our 26 acres property out in the country of Westfield NC Just 15 minutes from Hanging Rock State Park where you can enjoy scenic waterfalls and breath taking views on some of our states most beautiful hiking, biking, and horse riding trails. First site is a cabin for two nestled in the private woods on a ridge on the back of the property. Second site is a tent/rv site that sits on the edge of a 3 acre pasture on the bank of Marshall Creek. Other nearby interests include kayaking, tubing, and fishing the Dan River, Zip-lining, Pilot Mt. State Park, Also the town of Mt. Airy (Mayberry) from the Andy Griffith show. You can also visit the well known Maybry Mill on a nearby section of the Blue Ridge Parkway. And of course you can always have a memorable time simply hanging around camp enjoying a cozy fire or gazing into the brightly lit starry skies that have escaped the city lights. Split firewood available on the honor system for purchase on the site of your choice. $5/bundle cash. Please scroll down and explore each listing for more detail.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$49
 / night

7. Blue Ridge Parkway - Campground

100%
(7)
8.7mi from Sparta · 3 sites · Lodging
Fall in love with our secluded Off-Grid Glamping Campground off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Experience the tranquility of nature, the beauty of the mountains, the Fireflies on spring and summer nights, and all the adventure the area has to offer. Eat at one of the local restaurants, visit Thistle Meadow Winery located five minutes away, Drive to one of several Overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Float down the New River, or visit the local towns like West Jefferson. Welcome to the Blue Ridge Parkway Campground, an off-grid Glamping experience nestled in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. This prime location allows guests to explore multiple scenic overlooks within a few miles of the cabin. Built with locally sourced rough-sawn wood, the cabin offers an authentic, rustic experience. The cabins are powered by 2000-watt solar generators, which provides energy for lighting, and charging any devices you may bring. The cabins are also equipped with 10,000 BTU space heaters to keep you warm on chilly nights. Additionally, we provide queen size Tempur-Pedic mattress to ensure your comfort. For your showering needs, there are shower houses that feature a unique rainwater system. Rainwater is collected through a screened gutter system, ensuring that clean water is stored for showers. Please note that this water is suitable for washing but not for drinking. You will find incinerator toilets at the shower houses, which are thoroughly cleaned and restocked before every guest's arrival. We welcome pets, so feel free to bring along your furry friends! The cabin comes fully equipped with the following essentials: 1. Linens and towels 2. Coffee, a coffee pot, and cups 3. Body wash and shampoo 4. Board games 5. Lanterns 6. A two-person table with chairs 7. Two rocking chairs 8. A fire pit 9. A picnic table Please Note: Additionally, the rainwater shower is not available from December 1 to April 1 due to freezing temperatures. During this period, we recommend bringing body wipes and dry shampoo.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$81
 / night

13. Cozy Cabin w/Hot-Tub

100%
(5)
10mi from Sparta · 1 site · Lodging
Looking for a special place to getaway (while also having access to Wi-Fi) and unwind! You have found your own piece of Heaven in North Carolina. Nestled over 1,700ft elevation, amongst hundreds of evergreens Locals around the area call The Mountain spot less than a few hundred yards away "Heaven". This is truly a beautiful place to bring the kids, your fur- babies or honeymoon. There's a full kitchen and more amenities than we can list. Pan for gold, go fishing, hike, check out “heaven” on the hike up The Mountain about 1,000 feet to see golf course, Stone Mountain, Blue Ridge mountains all while setting in a 20-foot observation tower with shelter, fire pit and more. Check out local wineries, BBQ joints, and golf courses! There's so much to do around here, even though you're in the woods away from civilization, you're only a short 30 min drive for groceries. You'll be able to take a dip in the river, fish in the creeks (close to cabin) also right here on the property you can pan for gold, look for fossils, and enjoy this North Carolina retreat. We have many outside areas that guests are welcome to use, such as the much-loved private hot tub and fire pits, tetherball, cornhole, volleyball, badminton, basketball, horseshoes, small gun range MUST BE APPROVED BY OWNERS (targets $2) Lots of walking/hiking trails. From flat to very steep to OMG. Free Wi-Fi and Internet with over 100 MB. Privet Hot Tub Private Fire-pit Beds and Couch are steamed after every guest We do a special (hypoallergenic) cleaning after guests with pets
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$138
 / night

17. Whitetop Camp / Easy Level Access!

100%
(15)
27mi from Sparta · 9 sites · RVs, Lodging
Location, location! Whitetop Camp is located in the heart of Whitetop, literally just minutes from the start of the Creeper Trail (Whitetop Station), Whitetop Mountain, the Appalachian Trail, National Forest, and Grayson Highlands State Park. Our property is quiet and serene. A lovely creek runs through the property. There is a large open field for frisbee and other recreation. CYCLISTS ARE WELCOME! Two gas stations, cafe, post office and library are a walkable distance away for your convenience. Please note for 2025: The Creeper Trail from Whitetop to Damascus is currently CLOSED due to heavy damage from Helene. Hwy. 58 to Damascus is open! You can drive to Damascus and ride the Trail to Abingdon. All other trails and parks in the Whitetop area are OPEN at the time of this writing (May 2025).
Toilets
Potable water
from 
$45
 / night

18. Longbottom Leaves

100%
(2)
8.2mi from Sparta · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging
The property is 4.66 acres at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, only 1 mile from the largest recreation area (Doughton Park) on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Longbottom Leaves is a working permaculture homestead. We have two creeks, a (swimming) pond, an off-grid house, a cob pizza oven, a fruit-and-nut orchard, a huge vegetable garden, and over three acres of forest with walking trails through them. We are only 4 miles from Stone Mountain State Park in North Carolina. Hiking and fishing are fantastic in both Doughton Park and Stone Mountain SP, and Stone Mountain also has rock climbing routes. In addition, we are less than a 30-minute drive from about a dozen or so vineyards. Elkin NC is about 40 minutes east, Wilkesboro NC is about 40 minutes south, and the Blue Ridge Parkway is 20 minutes away. We--Emma and Jonathon--live in an off-grid cabin on the property. We both garden and write (travel- and sustainability-type stuff), and we are happy to share info about the property and stuff to do around the area.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
$25
 / night

19. In The Pines

100%
(2)
30mi from Sparta · 1 site · Lodging
Welcome to our charming cabin retreat nestled amidst towering pines and oaks. Perfect for couples, small families, and furry friends, our dog-friendly cabin offers a peaceful escape with stunning long views of a serene meadow and creek. Inside the Cabin: Our cozy cabin is thoughtfully designed to provide all the comforts of home. It features warm décor, with new furnishings and a well-equipped kitchen for your cooking needs. Main floor sleeping arrangements are a bedroom with new memory foam queen bed, and a queen sleeper sofa in the living room. Up the loft steps, a twin bed is located in the "Eagles landing", with a new memory foam double bed in the bedroom. Please be aware that the stairs are quite steep and were not designed with railing. We recommend exercising caution when using them, especially for guests with mobility concerns, young children, or those who may be less sure-footed. Your safety and comfort are important to us, so please take care when choosing your sleeping arrangements. There is one bathroom with a shower downstairs, located off the kitchen. A small washer dryer is also available. Please note, these can accommodate only small loads of laundry. You'll find bath towels and smaller towels specifically for drying off after a relaxing soak in the hot tub. We've stocked quality shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, as well as some basic toiletries in case a guest forgets to bring an item. In the living room, the 55" TV streams Netflix, Hulu or any app on the Roku TV (you will need your own log in). The internet is provided by Starlink and is high speed! The queen bedroom also has a Roku TV, and a selection of board games, cards, and some children's activities are available below the TV. Outdoor Amenities: Take a relaxing soak in the hot tub while watching the local wildlife in the meadow. Enjoy our spacious fire pit area, complete with Adirondack chairs with a grill grate—perfect for evening s'mores or grilling under the stars. Lounge in the double hammock, or challenge your friends to a friendly game of cornhole. We also provide extra camp chairs that you may take down to the creek. When exploring the field and creek area please look at boundary map in our pictures for property lines to respect our neighbors. Deer, turkey, rabbits and hawks are spotted daily, and our neighbors report occasional bear sightings. Firewood: For your convenience, we provide 6-8 pieces of firewood for your use during your stay. If you require additional firewood, we kindly ask that you bring your own or contact us. We offer the option to use more firewood for a small donation. Just let us know, and we'll be happy to accommodate your needs.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$175
 / night

Situated near Stone Mountain State Park, Grayson Highlands State Park, and the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, Sparta offers easy access to multiple natural wonders. This small town in upper North Carolina provides a diverse range of camping accommodations too—from rustic backcountry campsites with no amenities to glamping yurts with access to hot showers. Dive deeper into the area to find astounding views in the Linville Gorge Wilderness area, or hit up a local bluegrass concert in Doughton Park—where RVers will find full-hookup campsites for optimum comfort.

98% (397)

Top-rated campgrounds near Sparta

1. Secluded Mitchel River Camping

95%
(130)
19mi from Sparta · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This land was once owned by Noah Hays himself. He was the main farmer on this land along with other farming land on this road. Hints the name "Noah Hays Road". We stopped farming this land long ago but some of his relatives are still farming on the land he use to farm on. You will see one of his old plots still being farmed across the street from our property. There is still the old cabin he use to live in along with an old curing barn they use to hang the tobacco in after harvest. Supper cool!Learn more about this land:This is a new listing.Nestled in the foothills of North Carolina is a majestic and peaceful plot of land that sits beside the south fork of the Mitchel River and; on the other side, a steep hillside of security covered in luscious wooded hardwood and pine. Engulfed in the sights and sounds of pure nature; expect wildlife encounters, frolicking through the fields, and a light show from the stars like never before.Come for a night or bring the family for an extended get away.The spaceThe space is equipped for dry camping with a outhouse on site for bathroom procedures.The parking pad can accommodate most A class RV's with a length and width of 38 by 10 foot. The extended patio protrudes another 8 foot in the front and on the back side of the pad is another 5 foot providing plenty of room for roll out space for your bed/kitchen, living space.We have a beautiful fire pit with a grate attached and a patio table that you are welcome to move around to your liking during your stay.The field on the left and right of the parking spot is grassy and fairly flat making a great place for recreational activities and even setting up a few extra tents.The river sits parallel with the site that have a easily walk down to the rivers edge.For any other questions feel free to message me.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night

2. FoxDen by Heartwood Farm and Cabins

98%
(45)
47mi from Sparta · 1 site · Lodging
Get away from it all when you stay among nature in this secluded off-grid tiny cabin in the forest. Complete with outdoor grill, fire pit, picnic table, well maintained outhouse, miles of trails and a large swimming or fishing pond (catch and release). This is a secluded off grid location without power, wifi, or cell service, so be prepared to UNPLUG and unwind. Firewood for your first campfire is provided along with one tank of propane to run the indoor camp stove. Five gallons of drinking water are included with coffee and a French press. There is a cooler provided. Remember to bring ice for your groceries and sleeping bags! Please include an extra rental fee of $20 for pets (up to 3). Multiple firewood bundles can be waiting for you at $8 each (a decent fire's worth per bundle). Extra guests (more than 2) are approved on a case by case basis for $10 each per day.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$64
 / night

3. Marshall Creek Farm

98%
(77)
44mi from Sparta · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Marshall Creek Farm is offering 2 camping spots on our 26 acres property out in the country of Westfield NC Just 15 minutes from Hanging Rock State Park where you can enjoy scenic waterfalls and breath taking views on some of our states most beautiful hiking, biking, and horse riding trails. First site is a cabin for two nestled in the private woods on a ridge on the back of the property. Second site is a tent/rv site that sits on the edge of a 3 acre pasture on the bank of Marshall Creek. Other nearby interests include kayaking, tubing, and fishing the Dan River, Zip-lining, Pilot Mt. State Park, Also the town of Mt. Airy (Mayberry) from the Andy Griffith show. You can also visit the well known Maybry Mill on a nearby section of the Blue Ridge Parkway. And of course you can always have a memorable time simply hanging around camp enjoying a cozy fire or gazing into the brightly lit starry skies that have escaped the city lights. Split firewood available on the honor system for purchase on the site of your choice. $5/bundle cash. Please scroll down and explore each listing for more detail.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$49
 / night

7. Blue Ridge Parkway - Campground

100%
(7)
8.7mi from Sparta · 3 sites · Lodging
Fall in love with our secluded Off-Grid Glamping Campground off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Experience the tranquility of nature, the beauty of the mountains, the Fireflies on spring and summer nights, and all the adventure the area has to offer. Eat at one of the local restaurants, visit Thistle Meadow Winery located five minutes away, Drive to one of several Overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Float down the New River, or visit the local towns like West Jefferson. Welcome to the Blue Ridge Parkway Campground, an off-grid Glamping experience nestled in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. This prime location allows guests to explore multiple scenic overlooks within a few miles of the cabin. Built with locally sourced rough-sawn wood, the cabin offers an authentic, rustic experience. The cabins are powered by 2000-watt solar generators, which provides energy for lighting, and charging any devices you may bring. The cabins are also equipped with 10,000 BTU space heaters to keep you warm on chilly nights. Additionally, we provide queen size Tempur-Pedic mattress to ensure your comfort. For your showering needs, there are shower houses that feature a unique rainwater system. Rainwater is collected through a screened gutter system, ensuring that clean water is stored for showers. Please note that this water is suitable for washing but not for drinking. You will find incinerator toilets at the shower houses, which are thoroughly cleaned and restocked before every guest's arrival. We welcome pets, so feel free to bring along your furry friends! The cabin comes fully equipped with the following essentials: 1. Linens and towels 2. Coffee, a coffee pot, and cups 3. Body wash and shampoo 4. Board games 5. Lanterns 6. A two-person table with chairs 7. Two rocking chairs 8. A fire pit 9. A picnic table Please Note: Additionally, the rainwater shower is not available from December 1 to April 1 due to freezing temperatures. During this period, we recommend bringing body wipes and dry shampoo.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$81
 / night

13. Cozy Cabin w/Hot-Tub

100%
(5)
10mi from Sparta · 1 site · Lodging
Looking for a special place to getaway (while also having access to Wi-Fi) and unwind! You have found your own piece of Heaven in North Carolina. Nestled over 1,700ft elevation, amongst hundreds of evergreens Locals around the area call The Mountain spot less than a few hundred yards away "Heaven". This is truly a beautiful place to bring the kids, your fur- babies or honeymoon. There's a full kitchen and more amenities than we can list. Pan for gold, go fishing, hike, check out “heaven” on the hike up The Mountain about 1,000 feet to see golf course, Stone Mountain, Blue Ridge mountains all while setting in a 20-foot observation tower with shelter, fire pit and more. Check out local wineries, BBQ joints, and golf courses! There's so much to do around here, even though you're in the woods away from civilization, you're only a short 30 min drive for groceries. You'll be able to take a dip in the river, fish in the creeks (close to cabin) also right here on the property you can pan for gold, look for fossils, and enjoy this North Carolina retreat. We have many outside areas that guests are welcome to use, such as the much-loved private hot tub and fire pits, tetherball, cornhole, volleyball, badminton, basketball, horseshoes, small gun range MUST BE APPROVED BY OWNERS (targets $2) Lots of walking/hiking trails. From flat to very steep to OMG. Free Wi-Fi and Internet with over 100 MB. Privet Hot Tub Private Fire-pit Beds and Couch are steamed after every guest We do a special (hypoallergenic) cleaning after guests with pets
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$138
 / night

17. Whitetop Camp / Easy Level Access!

100%
(15)
27mi from Sparta · 9 sites · RVs, Lodging
Location, location! Whitetop Camp is located in the heart of Whitetop, literally just minutes from the start of the Creeper Trail (Whitetop Station), Whitetop Mountain, the Appalachian Trail, National Forest, and Grayson Highlands State Park. Our property is quiet and serene. A lovely creek runs through the property. There is a large open field for frisbee and other recreation. CYCLISTS ARE WELCOME! Two gas stations, cafe, post office and library are a walkable distance away for your convenience. Please note for 2025: The Creeper Trail from Whitetop to Damascus is currently CLOSED due to heavy damage from Helene. Hwy. 58 to Damascus is open! You can drive to Damascus and ride the Trail to Abingdon. All other trails and parks in the Whitetop area are OPEN at the time of this writing (May 2025).
Toilets
Potable water
from 
$45
 / night

18. Longbottom Leaves

100%
(2)
8.2mi from Sparta · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging
The property is 4.66 acres at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, only 1 mile from the largest recreation area (Doughton Park) on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Longbottom Leaves is a working permaculture homestead. We have two creeks, a (swimming) pond, an off-grid house, a cob pizza oven, a fruit-and-nut orchard, a huge vegetable garden, and over three acres of forest with walking trails through them. We are only 4 miles from Stone Mountain State Park in North Carolina. Hiking and fishing are fantastic in both Doughton Park and Stone Mountain SP, and Stone Mountain also has rock climbing routes. In addition, we are less than a 30-minute drive from about a dozen or so vineyards. Elkin NC is about 40 minutes east, Wilkesboro NC is about 40 minutes south, and the Blue Ridge Parkway is 20 minutes away. We--Emma and Jonathon--live in an off-grid cabin on the property. We both garden and write (travel- and sustainability-type stuff), and we are happy to share info about the property and stuff to do around the area.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
$25
 / night

19. In The Pines

100%
(2)
30mi from Sparta · 1 site · Lodging
Welcome to our charming cabin retreat nestled amidst towering pines and oaks. Perfect for couples, small families, and furry friends, our dog-friendly cabin offers a peaceful escape with stunning long views of a serene meadow and creek. Inside the Cabin: Our cozy cabin is thoughtfully designed to provide all the comforts of home. It features warm décor, with new furnishings and a well-equipped kitchen for your cooking needs. Main floor sleeping arrangements are a bedroom with new memory foam queen bed, and a queen sleeper sofa in the living room. Up the loft steps, a twin bed is located in the "Eagles landing", with a new memory foam double bed in the bedroom. Please be aware that the stairs are quite steep and were not designed with railing. We recommend exercising caution when using them, especially for guests with mobility concerns, young children, or those who may be less sure-footed. Your safety and comfort are important to us, so please take care when choosing your sleeping arrangements. There is one bathroom with a shower downstairs, located off the kitchen. A small washer dryer is also available. Please note, these can accommodate only small loads of laundry. You'll find bath towels and smaller towels specifically for drying off after a relaxing soak in the hot tub. We've stocked quality shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, as well as some basic toiletries in case a guest forgets to bring an item. In the living room, the 55" TV streams Netflix, Hulu or any app on the Roku TV (you will need your own log in). The internet is provided by Starlink and is high speed! The queen bedroom also has a Roku TV, and a selection of board games, cards, and some children's activities are available below the TV. Outdoor Amenities: Take a relaxing soak in the hot tub while watching the local wildlife in the meadow. Enjoy our spacious fire pit area, complete with Adirondack chairs with a grill grate—perfect for evening s'mores or grilling under the stars. Lounge in the double hammock, or challenge your friends to a friendly game of cornhole. We also provide extra camp chairs that you may take down to the creek. When exploring the field and creek area please look at boundary map in our pictures for property lines to respect our neighbors. Deer, turkey, rabbits and hawks are spotted daily, and our neighbors report occasional bear sightings. Firewood: For your convenience, we provide 6-8 pieces of firewood for your use during your stay. If you require additional firewood, we kindly ask that you bring your own or contact us. We offer the option to use more firewood for a small donation. Just let us know, and we'll be happy to accommodate your needs.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$175
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best river, stream, or creek cabins near Sparta guide

Where to go

Stone Mountain State Park

Visit the 19th-century Hutchinson Homestead, hike 16 miles of trails, or rock climb the renowned 600-foot wide granite dome that gives Stone Mountain State Park its name. The park is roughly  30-minutes south of Sparta and features primitive hike-in campsites (accessed from Widow’s Creek Trail) as well as drive-in options. Every car-access campsite offers tent pads, picnic tables, and fire rings with grill tops. Some also have hookups for electricity and water. A communal dump station is free of charge for all campers.

Grayson Highlands State Park

Anglers will love the 10 miles of streams filled with rainbow trout in Grayson Highlands State Park, situated 30 minutes from Sparta. Book the bunkhouse for larger camping groups or one of four yurts with screen-covered windows and dome skylights. There are also plenty of traditional campsites with electricity and water hookups. Then spend the day mountain biking or searching for wild ponies—the trail to Wilburn Ridge is a top-pick for sightings. Hiking and cross country skiing are available in winter, offering beautiful views of the snow-covered landscape.

Linville Gorge Wilderness Area

Part of Pisgah National Forest, the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area has steep, rocky terrain that delivers incredible backcountry camping and gorgeous views. Often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” the landscape was formed by the Linville River, which carved out the gorge over thousands of years. Primitive campsites found here are pack-in and pack-out, with no amenities but tons of access to hiking trails and vistas. Wiseman’s View and the top of Table Rock Mountain are some of the best spots to take it all in.

When to go

Most campers flock to North Carolina in June, July, and August. For a quieter camping experience, visit right before summer begins in April and May, or as it ends in September and October. Temperatures stay relatively mild throughout the year, but Sparta does get snow in wintertime, with the highest amount of snowfall in February. If hiking is on the agenda, spring is the perfect time to catch blooming flowers, while fall showcases changing leaves.