The best ranch 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.

94% (1.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds

The ripple of the water over the rocks makes for great sounds for snoozing...

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.

94% (1.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms

99%

(1277)

41mi from Sparta · 18 sites · Tents, RVs · Yadkinville, NC

Our new BATHHOUSE is now completely functional with toilet, sink and SHOWER Please respect our land by not bringing firewood from off-site and burning it here. We are a working farm that allows camping, not a campground. Our native trees and crops could easily be devastated by outside diseases or pests that are carried in firewood. We offer firewood for sale from our farm (delivered to your site for no additional fee). You do NOT have to purchase it prior to your arrival, just let us know how much you will need so we will have it ready for you. Our STORE offers firewood (delivered to your site!) , meats and eggs from our farm, Tallow & lard (both rendered right here!), drinks, Amish made ice cream and jams/jellies/preserves, hammocks, hammock chairs, smoked dog bones, soaps (made right here), rentals of: cast iron cookware, a tent, Coleman stove, fishing poles, ... and MUCH MORE! Please note that all our sites are reserved with a one vehicle limit. Some sites are large enough to accommodate additional vehicles but each additional vehicle will incur a $10 per night charge. Free parking for additional vehicles is located at the office/store. Check us out for your next camping experience. We promise we will do everything within our power to make it great! Looking for a camping experience with a little luxury to boot? Look no further than our Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms! You can drive right up to most sites, weather permitting. You will have access to a fire ring and picnic table (located at each site), firewood for sale on site (please do not bring firewood from off-site), clean well water (located near the pond), the creek to explore, our stocked pond to fish, and wooded trails to hike. Once roamed by Native Americans and now farmed by the same family for over 6 generations, Harmon Creek Farm is a working farm of over acres. Peace, quiet, tranquility and privacy are overflowing along the creek, and hiking throughout the hills on the backside of the farm (and on the other side of the creek) leads to interesting and abundant flora and fauna. The stocked, spring fed pond is 'brimming" with angler challenges🎣 Our cows, pigs, sheep, donkeys, chickens, ducks, geese are all eager to meet you, as are we! We currently have fresh eggs, pork and beef for sale on site as well. Like us on Facebook (Harmon Creek Farms of NC) for the latest on what's going on here at the farm. :)

2. Blue Ridge Ranch

99%

(214)

30mi from Sparta · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · Ferguson, NC

Blue Ridge Ranch, established in December of 2020, is located on 440 acres nestled between two mountain ridges in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The property features an established pasture, mountain ridges, barns, and a homestead. In addition, the ranch is home to five ponds (some stocked and one trophy), more than a mile of trout streams, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Together, they provide the perfect foundation for the establishment of farming, livestock, camping, and community events. All profits of Blue Ridge Ranch go to Hope for His Children, Inc., a 501(c)(3) that conducts youth camps at the ranch. Tours of the ranch are available for $10/person and includes interaction with some farm animals. We pride ourselves in doing everything possible to help our guests have a great experience. We offer coffee during morning hours in our farm store! We are sorry, but we are not able to allow guests to bring ATV's and motorcycles to operate on the property. There are many acres of hay that we must protect and our agritourism insurer does not allow guests to operate ATV's and motorcycles on property.

3. Hoppers Dairy Road

87%

(30)

2.8mi from Sparta · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Sparta, NC

open field Learn more about this land: Camping space available for tent, camper or RV with a picnic table and small stream.  No power or water at this time but upgrades are planned according to traffic flow.  Blue Ridge Parkway two miles away.  Country Store 1/2 mile away.  New River 6 miles away.  The town of Sparta, North Carolina is 3 miles away. Elevation 3000 feet in the mountains of northwest North Carolina.  Site #1 is beside the small stream that is on the property.  Site # 3 now has a electrical outlet and the fee for Site # 3 is $6.48 per day. ( Please note site # 3 with electrical use is $16.48 per day which is ---$6.48 per day (site rental ) plus $10.00 electrical rental per day ( with adjustments for usage ). Site # 2 Has been discontinued as of this date of 1 November 2025. Each Site will have an electrical outlet in the future and this will be posted when the outlets have been installed. CHANGES TO RENTAL FEES WILL TAKE EFFECT ON 11 NOVEMBER 2025 !!!

4. OnTop.camp - NW NC Ashe Co

99%

(819)

16mi from Sparta · 5 sites · Tents · Jefferson, NC

STATUS of OT DOT CAMP 5.29.25 Welcome! Fireflies are now popping and the locust blossoms, wild rose and blackberries have just finished up. Milk weed and butterfly attractants will bloom in the coming month on sunrise mountain and it’s looking good! Our farm is vast and sparse, focusing on sustainability while giving back to the community. We are a safe haven for animals and humans alike. Situated on and between two peaks of Little Phoenix Mountain range in Jefferson Ashe County. Our sites’ altitudes range from 3100 feet to over 3600 feet, which is a lot of slope and hillside to say the least. As a guest you will be offered insane long views and limited exposure to the oldest registered breed of bovine in the world. Our Scottish Highland Cattle are majestic and fit in quite well in the NC mountainside. Located in the Blue Ridge mountains, we have natural water springs popping out, some of which are tapped to drink from. (10.1.23 currently farm springs are not accessible to guests, shatley springs up the road approx 4miles north has a public spring that we highly recommend) If you are looking for a camping spot that is only 5-10 minutes from town (Jefferson NC or the quaint Downtown West Jefferson) but feels like you're in the middle of no where, then we have it! The Blue Ridge Parkway is less than 20 minutes away and the New River equally close. Looking Forward: July update. We are currently working on provided an all downhill mountain bike trail from 3600 to 3150ft. This path will be double wide for the most part and wide open at first to soak in the se view. Will update when completed! *a ride back up for your bike and yourself will be scheduled if requested OnTopOfTheWorld.camp *firewood is available if you pay on site you will have to use Venmo/Paypal *We do not allow any harvesting of campfire wood or burning of our property outside of the designated fire ring. We use any downed wood on our property for our family to keep warm and to cut and split ourselves to sell to our guest. A “full nights worth” of campfire wood is roughly a 3 x 2 stacked pile of wood keeping you warm all night. Please let us know ahead so we can prepare it for you

5. Campsites at Shipley Farms

100%

(7)

40mi from Sparta · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Vilas, NC

Visit this 150+ year old working cattle farm with sites ranging from primitive campsites by the fire, to luxury tents with air conditioning and plumbing. The historic family farm still raises Appalachian Grown pasture raised beef, with a farm store onsite. See the website (shipleyfarmsbeef.com) for the farm store and for booking tours and cattle feeding experiences

6. Overland Camping for 4!

96%

(25)

30mi from Sparta · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Ferguson, NC

The majority of our 440 acres is timber with established trails, but we are also a working farm and we have five ponds and a trout stream throughout the property. We offer tours to guests for $10 per person and we love to introduce you to our farm animals. We provide coffee in our camp store mornings and we offer a community bonfire on Saturday evenings. It's important to us to make sure our guests have the best experience possible!

7. 3 Springs Camping

100%

(2)

40mi from Sparta · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Lenoir, NC

Small Gypsy Vanner, organic farm, bird sanctuary in the foothills of the Appalachians nestled in on Little King Creek with 3 gorgeous springs running fresh water to the creek from our mountain with 3 hollars. Boy it's a mouthful, but there's a great outhouse built for a king, outdoor shower, picnic area and creekside beaches to wash the world away and relax.

8. RugbyCreek Pet Friendly Rentals

100%

(40)

20mi from Sparta · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Mouth Of Wilson, VA

Rugby Creek is a very special Vacation Rental Destination! We are a private family farm and animal rescue offering quiet, peaceful, comfortable pet friendly vacation rentals near Grayson Highlands State Park! We have different options to fit every person's needs and budget from Glamping, RV Hookups, Tiny Homes, Barn Apartments to Cabins! Located in the Appalachian Mountains of SW Virginia. Temperate Climate, Quaint Towns, National Parks & Breathtaking Views. Only a few miles from Grayson Highlands State Park and Mount Rogers National Recreational Area you will discover Rugby Creek, a 63-acre mountain retreat. We have private rentals on our working horse farm and non-profit animal rescue. Whether biking the Virginia Creeper Trail, canoeing/tubing the New River, hiking Grayson Highlands State Park/Appalachian Trail, or choosing a personally guided horseback ride amongst the wild pony herds, at the end of the day let nature call you home as you drift to sleep with the night serenade of crickets and frogs. Enjoy quiet seclusion and escape the reality of the fast-paced life to recharge and reset yourself at Rugby Creek.

9. JILLBILLY'S

100%

(8)

36mi from Sparta · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Dugspur, VA

***HAPPY HOLIDAYS! WE ARE CLOSED FOR THE SEASON. PLEASE ONLY BOOK DATES BETWEEN APRIL THROUGH OCTOBER. *** Come experience primitive camping on our small, quiet, organic farm in Southwest Virginia, just down the road from the "Most Popular Town" of Floyd, where many activities and events await or simply unwind in nature right here. Enjoy hiking trails, mushroom foraging, rock hunting, nature walks in the orchard, pine grove, pond loop, creek side trail, or adventurous mountain biking, there's something for everyone! Camp Headquarters is a Western Saloon/ cozy ol' mini barn to hang out in and use the amenities (bathroom, frig, water, electric, bar, pizza oven, chairs, games)! Very easy to get to, off main roads near the Blue Ridge Parkway and Route 77, a super "easy to get to location", explore local attractions detailed on our website, BlueRidgeVaAgritourism. Also, dog on a leash friendly and 420 friendly.

10. Camp Karuga

94%

(41)

23mi from Sparta · 7 sites · Tents, Lodging · West Jefferson, NC

Nestled under a pine forest, Camp KaRuGa is a campground with cabins and campsites near the Blue Ridge Parkway and the New River. Beautiful creek side campsites and primitive cabins each with its own picnic table and fire pit with cooking grate. Camp Karuga offers 1 fully equipped bath house with hot/cold water, electricity and charging stations as well as a family/handicapped bath house. Enjoy the following on-site amenities during your stay in the coolest corner of North Carolina. On-site hiking trails, a pavilion with scenic pond for floating, and a community fire pit. We offer a kayak float from our campground on the New River $60 per person. We also, offer on-site guided horse trail rides through our sister business One More? Trail Riding Stable. Call 828-295-2274 for reservations. The tiny cabins can only accommodate 2 adults and 2 children maximum occupancy. If your family is larger than that, please contact us or the booking site to make additional arrangements. Each cabin is generously spaced from the others for a pleasant heir of privacy. Tent sites are also spaced apart with your privacy in mind. Ashe County is offers something for everyone. Beautiful hiking trails are as close or as far as you want to drive to get there. Downtown offers an experience in walking back in time with a small town feel that is unmatched. Delicious eating experiences are available from country cooking to fine dining. Camp Karuga is also perfectly situated for traveling to Boone, Blowing Rock or Banner Elk without the exhaustion of a long drive. There is so many wonderful experiences around Camp Karuga that it will be hard to choose from. At Camp Karuga, you can be as active as you want, or just kick back and enjoy the view while your ears relax to the sound of our beautiful creek. Either way, you will leave a healthier, happier person and we are sure you'll want to come back. When you stay at Camp Karuga, we will make sure of it!

11. Sleep under the stars overlooking the mountains by babbling stream

97%

(16)

15mi from Sparta · 1 site · Tent, RV · Thurmond, NC

Family farm... love our camp site... put your toes in the sand... gaze at the mountains... relax by the babbling stream... watch the horses and cows graze... Learn more about this land: Be lulled to sleep by the peaceful river under the stars of a beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain view. We love the island feeling it has with a little log waterfall and a lot of natural sand between our toes. We can provide new queen air mattress for A frame, up to 4 hammocks, or feel free to bring your own, a tent, a small camper, etc. The road in is relatively flat, but is natural ground. A primitive outhouse is on site as well as a gas grill and firewood. Dogs are welcome if picked up after. We have a quiet generator available for rent.

12. IRON Peak Ranch

100%

(91)

28mi from Sparta · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Wytheville, VA

We have traced this farm's history back to the 1750's when a mill was built on Reed Creek. There is a log home that we know that was built in 1840 still on the premises. The white farm house across from the camp sites was built in 1877. The fish hatchery that is still in operation today was built by the Federal Government in 1923. Learn more about this land: Camp site situated along 3 separate creeks connected by one large private 11 acre field. Tate Run/ Reed Creek/ Venrick Run. The farm house is across the road and the whole property comprises of 88 acres of woods and pasature. The farm house was built in 1877 and the Ranch currently operates with 30 head of cattle and a working trout hatchery. We have traced this farm lineage back to the 1750's when a mill was constructed at the meeting of Tate Run and Reed Creek by Swiss Immigrant Henry Grubb. Camping here along Reed Creek is peaceful and quiet. Located just a few short miles from town it is easy to get to ...but a long way from the world at large. In Short, it is lovely and we hope you enjoy it.

13. Sky High Paradise

100%

(5)

34mi from Sparta · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Damascus, VA

Less than one mile from Virginia Creek Trail and Appalachian trail Wooded tent camping sites with long range views Flat Gravel site for RV's, Vans, and car camping Located on a scenic ridge in the peaceful family friendly community of Taylors Valley, VA. You are also located 11 minutes from the heart of Damascus, VA (trail city USA). Area Attractions: -Campsite is less than one mile away from the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Creeper Trail which the area is known for. -Rent bikes in Damascus and take a shuttle to the top of the Virginia Creeper trail and enjoy the 13 mile gradual descent down a converted railroad line through some of the most beautiful scenery Southwest VA has to offer. -40 minutes from Grayson Highland State park (hike among wild ponies) -40 minute drive to the summit of Whitetop Mountain (2nd highest peak in VA) Amazing Views! About the sites: There is a large parking area right off main road for easy access. Those with vans and RVs can set up right on the gravel parking area (also an option to tent camp right beside the parking area and enjoy the open sky and long range views. Campers who are willing to walk up a somewhat steep him can tent camp in the beautiful hilltop tent camping site which is located in a grove of pine trees. This is a new Hip Camp listing and sites are privative for now. Enjoy unplugging as you camp because there is No Cell Phone reception here. There is WIFI at the neighborhood restaurant, Hellbender's Café just 4 minutes away (typically open from 11-5pm) during the warmer months. While there is no electricity (or hookups for RVs), there are very few street lights in the area which makes for amazing stargazing. The only source of water is from a temperate stream that runs along the back side of the property for those campers who are comfortable boiling or treating their water. The property is 5.3 acres total, part of it is open former pasture land and over 1/2 of the property is forest. There is a wooden hill top area that is great for tent campers. The back side of the property is steep in some places, but it can be fun for those who want to hike and explore the mountainside.

14. 🌲 Welcome To Southern Love Farm

100%

(1)

47mi from Sparta · 1 site · Tent, RV · Statesville, NC

Escape to nature at Southern Love Farm, nestled on 5 beautiful acres in Statesville, NC. Our property is a haven for animal lovers and outdoor adventurers alike. As part of Infinite Hearts Dog Sanctuary, we offer a peaceful, dog-friendly retreat where guests can relax, unwind, and reconnect with nature – alongside their furry friends! 🐶 What Makes Us Special: Dog-Friendly Environment – Bring your pup along for the adventure! Expansive Open Spaces – Perfect for tents, RVs, or glamping setups. Sanctuary Vibes – Experience the warmth and love of our rescue sanctuary. Local Charm – Enjoy the beauty of North Carolina’s countryside, just a short drive from Charlotte. 🏕️ Whether you’re looking for a quiet camping spot, a place to bond with your pets, or just a break from city life, Southern Love Farm is the perfect destination. ✨ Book your stay and experience the heart of North Carolina’s great outdoors! https://www.tiktok.com/@red.dirt.mama/video/7512211618038680862 dogfriendlyeverything.com

15. Fish trails

36mi from Sparta · 13 sites · Laurel Bloomery, TN

Have seen property records going back to before 1900s and there’s a very old cabin and root cellar on a section of the property so this was a farm homestead for several families over the generations . We’re thinking they used to grow tobacco here most likely.

Camper favorites near Sparta

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Camp Karuga

94%

(41)

23mi from Sparta · 7 sites · Tents, Lodging · West Jefferson, NC

Nestled under a pine forest, Camp KaRuGa is a campground with cabins and campsites near the Blue Ridge Parkway and the New River. Beautiful creek side campsites and primitive cabins each with its own picnic table and fire pit with cooking grate. Camp Karuga offers 1 fully equipped bath house with hot/cold water, electricity and charging stations as well as a family/handicapped bath house. Enjoy the following on-site amenities during your stay in the coolest corner of North Carolina. On-site hiking trails, a pavilion with scenic pond for floating, and a community fire pit. We offer a kayak float from our campground on the New River $60 per person. We also, offer on-site guided horse trail rides through our sister business One More? Trail Riding Stable. Call 828-295-2274 for reservations. The tiny cabins can only accommodate 2 adults and 2 children maximum occupancy. If your family is larger than that, please contact us or the booking site to make additional arrangements. Each cabin is generously spaced from the others for a pleasant heir of privacy. Tent sites are also spaced apart with your privacy in mind. Ashe County is offers something for everyone. Beautiful hiking trails are as close or as far as you want to drive to get there. Downtown offers an experience in walking back in time with a small town feel that is unmatched. Delicious eating experiences are available from country cooking to fine dining. Camp Karuga is also perfectly situated for traveling to Boone, Blowing Rock or Banner Elk without the exhaustion of a long drive. There is so many wonderful experiences around Camp Karuga that it will be hard to choose from. At Camp Karuga, you can be as active as you want, or just kick back and enjoy the view while your ears relax to the sound of our beautiful creek. Either way, you will leave a healthier, happier person and we are sure you'll want to come back. When you stay at Camp Karuga, we will make sure of it!

Sleep under the stars overlooking the mountains by babbling stream

97%

(16)

15mi from Sparta · 1 site · Tent, RV · Thurmond, NC

Family farm... love our camp site... put your toes in the sand... gaze at the mountains... relax by the babbling stream... watch the horses and cows graze... Learn more about this land: Be lulled to sleep by the peaceful river under the stars of a beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain view. We love the island feeling it has with a little log waterfall and a lot of natural sand between our toes. We can provide new queen air mattress for A frame, up to 4 hammocks, or feel free to bring your own, a tent, a small camper, etc. The road in is relatively flat, but is natural ground. A primitive outhouse is on site as well as a gas grill and firewood. Dogs are welcome if picked up after. We have a quiet generator available for rent.

IRON Peak Ranch

100%

(91)

28mi from Sparta · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Wytheville, VA

We have traced this farm's history back to the 1750's when a mill was built on Reed Creek. There is a log home that we know that was built in 1840 still on the premises. The white farm house across from the camp sites was built in 1877. The fish hatchery that is still in operation today was built by the Federal Government in 1923. Learn more about this land: Camp site situated along 3 separate creeks connected by one large private 11 acre field. Tate Run/ Reed Creek/ Venrick Run. The farm house is across the road and the whole property comprises of 88 acres of woods and pasature. The farm house was built in 1877 and the Ranch currently operates with 30 head of cattle and a working trout hatchery. We have traced this farm lineage back to the 1750's when a mill was constructed at the meeting of Tate Run and Reed Creek by Swiss Immigrant Henry Grubb. Camping here along Reed Creek is peaceful and quiet. Located just a few short miles from town it is easy to get to ...but a long way from the world at large. In Short, it is lovely and we hope you enjoy it.

Sky High Paradise

100%

(5)

34mi from Sparta · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Damascus, VA

Less than one mile from Virginia Creek Trail and Appalachian trail Wooded tent camping sites with long range views Flat Gravel site for RV's, Vans, and car camping Located on a scenic ridge in the peaceful family friendly community of Taylors Valley, VA. You are also located 11 minutes from the heart of Damascus, VA (trail city USA). Area Attractions: -Campsite is less than one mile away from the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Creeper Trail which the area is known for. -Rent bikes in Damascus and take a shuttle to the top of the Virginia Creeper trail and enjoy the 13 mile gradual descent down a converted railroad line through some of the most beautiful scenery Southwest VA has to offer. -40 minutes from Grayson Highland State park (hike among wild ponies) -40 minute drive to the summit of Whitetop Mountain (2nd highest peak in VA) Amazing Views! About the sites: There is a large parking area right off main road for easy access. Those with vans and RVs can set up right on the gravel parking area (also an option to tent camp right beside the parking area and enjoy the open sky and long range views. Campers who are willing to walk up a somewhat steep him can tent camp in the beautiful hilltop tent camping site which is located in a grove of pine trees. This is a new Hip Camp listing and sites are privative for now. Enjoy unplugging as you camp because there is No Cell Phone reception here. There is WIFI at the neighborhood restaurant, Hellbender's Café just 4 minutes away (typically open from 11-5pm) during the warmer months. While there is no electricity (or hookups for RVs), there are very few street lights in the area which makes for amazing stargazing. The only source of water is from a temperate stream that runs along the back side of the property for those campers who are comfortable boiling or treating their water. The property is 5.3 acres total, part of it is open former pasture land and over 1/2 of the property is forest. There is a wooden hill top area that is great for tent campers. The back side of the property is steep in some places, but it can be fun for those who want to hike and explore the mountainside.

🌲 Welcome To Southern Love Farm

100%

(1)

47mi from Sparta · 1 site · Tent, RV · Statesville, NC

Escape to nature at Southern Love Farm, nestled on 5 beautiful acres in Statesville, NC. Our property is a haven for animal lovers and outdoor adventurers alike. As part of Infinite Hearts Dog Sanctuary, we offer a peaceful, dog-friendly retreat where guests can relax, unwind, and reconnect with nature – alongside their furry friends! 🐶 What Makes Us Special: Dog-Friendly Environment – Bring your pup along for the adventure! Expansive Open Spaces – Perfect for tents, RVs, or glamping setups. Sanctuary Vibes – Experience the warmth and love of our rescue sanctuary. Local Charm – Enjoy the beauty of North Carolina’s countryside, just a short drive from Charlotte. 🏕️ Whether you’re looking for a quiet camping spot, a place to bond with your pets, or just a break from city life, Southern Love Farm is the perfect destination. ✨ Book your stay and experience the heart of North Carolina’s great outdoors! https://www.tiktok.com/@red.dirt.mama/video/7512211618038680862 dogfriendlyeverything.com

Fish trails

36mi from Sparta · 13 sites · Laurel Bloomery, TN

Have seen property records going back to before 1900s and there’s a very old cabin and root cellar on a section of the property so this was a farm homestead for several families over the generations . We’re thinking they used to grow tobacco here most likely.

Stories from the community

T

3 weeks ago

20 ft pop-up camper

1 night at The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms

Very accommodating hosts, guided us to our site 5, right on the banks of a small creek.We camped with a 20 ft trailer,only neighbors were friendly farm critters.We would definitely return, when in the area .

B

Billy

3 weeks ago

29 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Overland Camping for 4!

Had a great time at Blue Ridge Ranch will definitely be back again, Staff was great, site was well maintained

T

Travis

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms

Was upgraded to a nicer site on arrival. Nearby stream was nice. New bathhouse is nice as well.

Stephanie

November 2025

Tent

1 night at OnTop.camp - NW NC Ashe Co

Very pretty and quiet spot! Instructions were very clear and jon was very responsive made everything quick and easy. I will definitely be coming back for another stay here.

Bruna

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to OnTop.camp - NW NC Ashe Co

Great place for camping, peaceful and with a great view of the mountains.

C

Carleugh

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Sleep under the stars overlooking the mountains by babbling stream

Awesome spot!! Ample room for the dog to run around. The proximity of the river access was such a cool surprise! The weather was rather warm for November, so we could utilize the river. Super private. The wildlife/cattle are cool. Incredible stars at night. We had a bit of rain and a sort of crazy windstorm one night, but felt super secure in the structure. This is an ideal beginners “primitive” camping spot.

B

Benjamin

November 2025

17 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Campsites at Shipley Farms

Amazing campsite! Very private with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. We camped during early winter, so you could just make out a couple houses and a secondary road in the distance. Hosts are extremely accommodating and very friendly. Farm store is a must visit. Watauga County Rec Center is about 15 minutes away and offers a daily “shower pass” for $5.

J

John

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to OnTop.camp - NW NC Ashe Co

Beautiful views, quiet, and a really relaxing place to stay. I enjoyed the privacy and the open space, and the sunrise and sunset were both worth the trip. Had a great time overall and would definitely stay again.

M

Madelyn

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to OnTop.camp - NW NC Ashe Co

The view was absolutely amazing, and I highly recommend site 5!!!! We had a great time. We pre ordered fire wood at the end of our purchase to add on to our stay, Jon ended up bringing it a day later than expected. It was figured out and was all good, but other than that our trip was great.

R

Remington

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to OnTop.camp - NW NC Ashe Co

Awesome camp! Thanks for hosting us Jon! The drive up to the top was fun and not too taxing. Views were great. Really enjoyed having firewood all night.

Arnie

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms

We had a wonderful time camping at The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farm! We were originally booked at Creek Front 4, but Cheryl kindly offered us the chance to move to Creek Front 5, which turned out to be perfect. She was very responsive and answered all our questions quickly, making sure we had a great experience from start to finish. The property is beautiful, peaceful, and well-maintained — the perfect spot for a relaxing getaway. We’re already planning our next visit and inviting a few friends to join us. Highly recommend this lovely place!

R

Rachel

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms

Great location with excellent amenities. Cheryl is responsive and makes sure you have what you need.

M

Makenna

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Campsites at Shipley Farms

Quiet place to camp close to downtown boone! Fire pit was great to use, and stars were great :)

I

Ian

October 2025

Tent

1 night at The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms

Dope people. Quiet but nice and pleasant. No qualms with me staying multiple nights back to back and reserving every night individually. Good tips about farming when I asked and they sold me some nice homemade apple jam from a local neighbor. They have a whole fridge full of homemade meat from their farm! All in all nice. Also the farm is beautiful and the camp spot was truly very nice. Multiple places to put a tent. Super boxed in by trees which helped with cold weather. Camp fire pit. Chairs and a table. Big bad ass pond right there with a love seat. All in all a good stay. Thanks guys!

Megan

October 2025

22 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to RugbyCreek Pet Friendly Rentals

A beautiful property to explore and very welcoming hosts. So close to Grayson Highlands. We enjoyed visiting with all the animals in between our hiking adventures. Would definitely stay there again and recommend to anyone.

S

Steve

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to OnTop.camp - NW NC Ashe Co

Amazing camp site. Very private, excellent views from the top of a mountain. Perfect place to see the leaves changing in late October. Stunning view. Jon was incredible. He assisted with several request (smooth check in, great directions). Highly recommend.

Matthew

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to OnTop.camp - NW NC Ashe Co

This location made for an awesome 1st family camping trip with my wife and our little girl. It felt remote but easily accessible by AWD. Multiple gorgeous sites. This is car camping that feels like a back packing trip.

Spencer

October 2025

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Sky High Paradise

This is a great spot if you are in the area for the Creeper Trail or outdoor activities. Easy to get to, host instructions are very clear, and relatively flat. The parking and camping area is on a small ridge above a home below with no direct line of sight. The fire pit, chairs, and picnic table are a real plus. The main road is visible but very few cars and generally it is quiet with lots of open sky views. Feels remote and private, but not far from town.

B

Bailey

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms

Great hosts, super spaced out campsites, and lots to do for little kids!

Tim

October 2025

21 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Blue Ridge Ranch

This was our 7th stay and we had an absolutely wonderful experience staying at Blue Ridge Ranch with our B-Class RV! From the moment we arrived, the staff was friendly, welcoming, and incredibly helpful, making check-in seamless. The site itself was spacious, clean, and beautifully maintained, with plenty of room to maneuver our RV comfortably. The surroundings are stunning—lush greenery, rolling hills, and serene views that make you feel instantly relaxed and away from the hustle of everyday life. Hookups and amenities were excellent, everything worked perfectly, and it was obvious the park takes pride in its facilities. We especially appreciated the peaceful atmosphere, which made our overnight stay feel like a true mini-getaway. Safety and cleanliness were clearly top priorities, and it felt like the perfect mix of convenience and nature. We left feeling refreshed and impressed, and we will absolutely return. Blue Ridge Ranch is a gem for any RV traveler seeking comfort, beauty, and attentive hosts—highly recommended!

Other options near Sparta

Fish trails

36mi from Sparta · 13 sites · Laurel Bloomery, TN

Have seen property records going back to before 1900s and there’s a very old cabin and root cellar on a section of the property so this was a farm homestead for several families over the generations . We’re thinking they used to grow tobacco here most likely.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best ranch 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.