The best cave campgrounds near Sparta, North Carolina

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.

70% (35) • 7 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Sparta

the Sandbox

1. the Sandbox

74%

(48)

42mi from Sparta · 6 sites

A local tradition that is being remodeled due to November 2020 flood. Learn more about this land: Near the emerald hollow gem mine 2 miles by crow 5 miles by car Berry picking (in season) 37 acres on the South Yadkin river picnic table and fire ring provided Rock Hunting in creek and river. Also many indian artifacts have been found. Pool Closed for season explore what nature can do Porta potty on site Build sand castles

Pets

Campfires

Toilets

from

$30

/ night

Cherokee National Forest

2. Cherokee National Forest

96%

(49)

National forest 46mi from Sparta · 625 sites

Follow us to Tennessee and dive into the grandeur of the Cherokee National Forest! It’s filled to the brim with scenic forested trails, rushing rivers, and rainbow trout. During the day you can go rafting, and at night you can bask yourself in moonshine (of various sorts) and brush up on your constellations. If you are in pursuit of some Appalachian Mountain bliss, this is the right place to start. Don’t forget your camera, you're going to want to show these vistas off!

Pisgah National Forest

3. Pisgah National Forest

97%

(156)

National forest 81mi from Sparta · 251 sites

One of Pisgah's gems is Richland Balsam, the highest peak on the Blue Ridge Parkway at 6,410 feet.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Grandfather Mountain State Park

4. Grandfather Mountain State Park

100%

(7)

State park 46mi from Sparta · 1 site

This park has sweeping views, challenging trails, and a mile-high swinging bridge.

Pets

Campfires

Potable water

Hanging Rock State Park

5. Hanging Rock State Park

100%

(19)

State park 49mi from Sparta · 86 sites

See waterfalls, heavily wooded trails, and towering peaks in this state park.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

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.

70% (35) • 7 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Sparta

the Sandbox

1. the Sandbox

74%

(48)

42mi from Sparta · 6 sites

A local tradition that is being remodeled due to November 2020 flood. Learn more about this land: Near the emerald hollow gem mine 2 miles by crow 5 miles by car Berry picking (in season) 37 acres on the South Yadkin river picnic table and fire ring provided Rock Hunting in creek and river. Also many indian artifacts have been found. Pool Closed for season explore what nature can do Porta potty on site Build sand castles

Pets

Campfires

Toilets

from

$30

/ night

Cherokee National Forest

2. Cherokee National Forest

96%

(49)

National forest 46mi from Sparta · 625 sites

Follow us to Tennessee and dive into the grandeur of the Cherokee National Forest! It’s filled to the brim with scenic forested trails, rushing rivers, and rainbow trout. During the day you can go rafting, and at night you can bask yourself in moonshine (of various sorts) and brush up on your constellations. If you are in pursuit of some Appalachian Mountain bliss, this is the right place to start. Don’t forget your camera, you're going to want to show these vistas off!

Pisgah National Forest

3. Pisgah National Forest

97%

(156)

National forest 81mi from Sparta · 251 sites

One of Pisgah's gems is Richland Balsam, the highest peak on the Blue Ridge Parkway at 6,410 feet.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Grandfather Mountain State Park

4. Grandfather Mountain State Park

100%

(7)

State park 46mi from Sparta · 1 site

This park has sweeping views, challenging trails, and a mile-high swinging bridge.

Pets

Campfires

Potable water

Hanging Rock State Park

5. Hanging Rock State Park

100%

(19)

State park 49mi from Sparta · 86 sites

See waterfalls, heavily wooded trails, and towering peaks in this state park.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

J

James

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to the Sandbox

Great little spot rite on a bend in the yadkin. Even being at the front of someones property, it was very private and tranquil.

B

Becky

March 2025

Tent

1 night at the Sandbox

We enjoyed our spot by the river. Other campers not too close, and other than the occasional barking dog, it was quite peaceful. Sandy bottom river, would be great for swimming in warmer weather. Wading was cold at first but warmed up after a few minutes. We did not investigate the bathroom area as we are independent/self contained and it looked like they may have been under construction as the doors were off the hinges. All in all, a great spot for what we needed - a quiet spot to sleep and prepare breakfast. Two nights this trip and will definitely be back if we are in the area again. Emerald Hollow Mine was a short drive away and very fun place to visit.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best cave camping 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.