Camping near Sylva

Stay in the heart of the mountains for forest hikes and riverside camping in Sylva.

96% (11259 reviews)
96% (11259 reviews)

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12 top campgrounds near Sylva

92%
(316)

Indigo Eagle Sanctuary

28 sites · RVs, Tents140 acres · Maggie Valley, NC
Indigo Eagle Sanctuary is an incredible place to experience the abundance of nature in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our Sanctuary features two main areas: Mountain Tops, or Creekside sites. Immerse yourself in beauty and adventure, with waterfalls, a rushing creek, fishing, and camping. Our creek properties include the Creekside Cabin, and Waterfall Haven (multiple camping site options, with their own areas by the creek). Guests have room to explore the mossy wonderland along Hornbuckle Creek, take a dip in a swimming hole, take an adventure and follow a rough trail (at your own risk) to another waterfall, accessed across the creek, or just kick back and relax. (Note to guests: Trail has not been maintained since last year. Go at your own risk.) Our mountaintop options include Eagle’s Nest and Songbird Campsites. These two sites provide breathtaking, long-range mountain views and epic sunsets. They are great for quick get-aways, with ease of access to main roads/highways. Indigo Eagle Sanctuary Sites are located within a few miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Cherokee Reservation (museum, shops, dining) and Maggie Valley, a quaint mountain town with more shops, food, and entertainment. Nearest grocery stores are Ingles in Waynesville, or Food Lion in Cherokee. The popular Asheville is about a 50minute drive from our Sanctuary. Plenty to explore here, while being able to unplug and unwind.
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$45
 / night
97%
(305)

Conleys Creek Campground

7 sites · RVs, Tents9 acres · Whittier, NC
We purchased our nine-acre property a little over three years ago. It was a run down, small, manufactured home park with a farmhouse on it. It has been an ongoing labor of love to transform it into a small, unique RV and tent camping park along beautiful Conleys Creek. We only offer 4 tent spots (first come, first served), as well as 4 RV spots. We rent out our 38' RV separately. We have torn down and repurposed some of the manufactured homes on the property. We continue to create numerous gardens with veggies and herbs. We have also planted numerous fruit and flowering trees, bushes and flowers for bold color throughout the year. Our property is completely pesticide free. We currently have 11 free range chickens, known as The Dixie Chicks! Guests enjoy feeding, petting and collecting their eggs, which are delicious! We offer both RV and tent camping on both sides of Conleys Creek. Each site has a grill and fire pit. Fish or cool off in our creek, which is regularly stocked with trout. As a convenience to our guests, we sell eggs, firewood and ice. Enjoy the game room playing billiards or shooting darts. Enjoy the nice weather and play one of our numerous outdoor yard games. We have a very clean, private guest bath house, excellent WI-FI and a dump station. Hike up our mountain range to locate our second creek. Our guests love how convenient our location is to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We are nestled between Bryson City and Cherokee. Close to other charming towns, such as Dillsboro and Sylva, and many outdoor attractions. Enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, tubing, kayaking and whitewater rapids, all nearby our property. This is our home, business and new lifestyle. Come and enjoy it with us!
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$35
 / night
93%
(169)

Trout Creek Campgrounds

22 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · Tuckasegee, NC
When you think about camping, does your mind automatically think of a tent and a fire? Or is it more of an RV in a campground? Do you have arguments of whether or not your way of “sleeping outside” is actually camping? Well, opinions of all kinds obviously exist, but it’s true: camping exists in many forms. So whether you’re a newbie to camping and you don’t know where to start, or you’re a seasoned pro looking for inspiration, here are some kinds of camping to get you started on your next getaway. To backcountry camp, you generally have to go somewhere inaccessible from roads. It can be a mile away from the trailhead or somewhere in the middle of a mountain range during a weeklong trek. The point is you’re away from civilization. You pack in what you can carry, are never without a Swiss Army Knife, and (hopefully) pack out all of your waste and leave everything looking as good (or better) than when you came. ALL BOOKINGS ARE AUTOMATICALLY OFF-CREEK. UPGRADES ARE AVAILABLE DEPENDANT ON AVAILABILITY. SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE HOWEVER ALL PAYMENTS ARE NONREFUNDABLE.
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$40
 / night
96%
(37)

RV w hookups 35 acres hike & fish

2 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · Cherokee, NC
RV site with water hookup just outside the gate to our property. We have 35+ acres full of hiking trails, stocked pond, party barn with hot water, firepit, lawn games. Site is convienent on an almost flat gravel road and located just off Rt 441 in Whittier, NC. One mile off Cherokee reservation, 2 miles to Harrah's Casino and 5 miles from Oconaluftee Visitor Center, The entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains.
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$32
 / night
91%
(51)

At the Ridge Camp-Riverside Escapes

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents36 acres · Balsam Grove, NC
Our property was once owned by Transylvania County Sheriff Carter McCall. 36 acres in the middle of Pisgah National Forest. “Simple Mountain Camping” is our motto. Located approximately seven miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, At the Ridge Campground is surrounded by North Carolina’s beautiful Pisgah National Forest and the North Fork River. Here you can experience what you came to the Blue Ridge Mountains for: crisp evenings, sitting around the campfire, excellent views, relaxing in nature, hiking to waterfalls and fishing, Don’t forget our favorite, just watching the water go by! All at an affordable price.
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$35
 / night
88%
(60)

Dogwood Daze

10 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Cherokee, NC
Nestled beautifully on an old tobacco farm, you will find peace as you sit under one of the many dogwoods that are on the property. Enjoy looking up and gazing at the open skies or chasing the magical fireflies. Choose your spot on the rolling hills and enjoy a walk by the creek. The property is located 10 minutes to downtown Cherokee, 12 minutes to downtown Bryson City, and 15 minutes to downtown Sylva. Check out event calendars for these areas or find your next hiking or river adventure located here and in the surrounding areas. Come and enjoy your nights at Dogwood Daze.Learn more about this land:Stars, fireflies, nature. Set up where you choose. Rolling hills, creek, walking trail, group fire, and close to great outdoor adventures. Porta-john and well Spigot water is available. .
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$15
 / night
99%
(1179)

Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents95 acres · Waynesville, NC
Voted 2nd in NC!! We are a Mangalitsa farm in The Smoky Mountains of western NC. The entire property is oriented toward private farmland views, a half mile of river and surrounding mountains. It's really quite remarkable to be so accessible yet feel so remote! Come swim, fish, cook and play! Check out www.smokymtnriverranch.com for more information. PLEASE NOTE, our rate is based on the number of vehicles in your group. The first vehicle is included in the nightly rate and admits 4 campers. WE CHARGE FOR ADDITIONAL CARS. The charge will be added to your booking once you select the number of vehicles at checkout. Please note that each additional car admits four campers. For EXAMPLE, 2 cars = 8 campers total. If you only have two cars but more than eight people, YOU MUST select the "Extra Person" Extra for each night they are camping. Please select these extras at checkout. If you have questions about this PLEASE message me prior to booking. Our 95-acre farm was once owned by the Davis family who predominantly raised dairy cattle. We now raise the wooly Mangalitsa pig and sell to the best chefs and restaurants. We sell our pork at the farm too! All of our campsites are next to running water except the two hilltop sites. Two porta-potties are on the farm and private porta-potties are available for rent. Groups of eight or more are required to rent a porta potty should you not bring your own toilet system with you. We do not allow the use of our small wooded areas as toilets. Please review the Extras options as we offer river lifts, firewood and dog stays; thank you! Quiet hours are from 10pm to 9am. Checking in before 5 pm is requested. Later times may be available with prior arrangements. Our farm is very dark and navigating at night is difficult. Please contact Catherine directly so you can be checked in safely and accommodate your schedule. NO CHECK-INS AFTER DARK. We are 1 mile off of I 40, 17 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, 15 min. to Maggie Valley, 10 min to the Elk at Cataloochee, 25 min to Cataloochee ski area, 10 min to Lake Junaluska and 15 min to downtown Waynesville. Asheville is 20 miles to our East.
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$51
 / night
98%
(112)

Cherokee Waterfall Campground

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Cherokee, NC
Please read the entire description because I have updated the site! I am doing renovations to the campground and there is a big chance that this will no longer be a 1 site campground. I am adding another campsite around 100 yards away from the "Waterfall" site. I will call this site "Creekside". The people that book the "Creekside" site will not be allowed to go to the waterfall or enter the "Waterfall" site and it will be clearly marked where one site ends and the other begins. There is a chance the the renovations to the new "Creekside" site will not be finished this year but if you book the "Waterfall" site just know that there will be a chance that there will be another site on the property. When I finish with the renovations I will contact all the people that booked the "Waterfall" site and ask them if they want to reserve the other site (Creekside) on the days they have booked. If I don't contact you then you will know that the "Creekside" site is not finished. There has been some confusion so I thought I would clear things up. The listing is for 2 guests. Anyone or any pets after the initial 2 guests there is an extra charge for. So if you book the site that's for you and one other person and if you want to bring a pet then you will add them as an extra guest. ​The "Waterfall" site has a full hookup pull-through with a 30 amp electric connection. There is also a full size flushing toilet and hot shower in the bath house. I'm going to say for now that the max size of camper will be 25 foot with a max height of 12 foot because you will be pulling under a power line. ​The "Creekside" site will be full hookup pull-through with 30 amp power. This site is still under construction. More details to come! We're 2.5 miles from the Cherokee Casino and 3.5 miles from down town Cherokee We now offer full hookup camping but tents are also still welcome! There is very limited cell service with no wifi. This campground is not really suitable for children but children are welcome. If you want to camp and bring children message me first before you book the site. Large groups are welcome. I've had a group of 17 and there was room for more! We are located in the Great Smokey Mountains on the Eastern Band Cherokee Reservation in Cherokee North Carolina. This may no longer be a 1 site campground so please read everything on this page because the rules and details have changed. Please do not just show up at the campground without a reservation. Most likely the campground will be reserved and guests will be camping. There is no on-site staff and there's a gate that either the guests or myself will keep locked. You will not be able to just drive up and view the waterfall. ​We are a no frills campground, but I just renovated and I'm pretty proud of that because I did everything myself! I now have a pull-through site with electric, water and sewer hookups. What this campground lacks in amenities it more than makes up for in beauty and privacy. I feel this is one of the most unique campsites in the world! Check in is at 2pm and check out is at 12pm. There is a house and a church on the same road so please drive slowly. ​No shooting firearms, (although you may hear people shooting firearms because you will be camping in the mountains) but your more than welcome to bring your firearms. Its better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. No fireworks. Since this may no longer be a "1 site" campground if you want to bring your dog it will need to be with you and leashed. If you know your dog is a "barker" meaning you know your dog will constantly bark at other campers then do not book the site. If that happens you will be asked to quiet your dog then if it doesn't stop you will be made to leave with no refund. There will now be "quiet hours" since you maybe sharing the property with other campers. It will be after 11pm. ​One campsites guests will not be allowed to enter the other site. The sites will be clearly marked. If this happens you will be made to leave with no refund. The gate will need to be closed at all times ​No making trails or collecting firewood (This is not because I want to sell you firewood, its because I want to have the property remain as pristine as possible) ​Do not cut down trees alive or dead If you move picnic tables please move them back, there's only one of me and I cant move them back alone The water and toilet maybe frozen in freezing weather and the hot water shower will be uninstalled during freezing weather ​Dogs are permitted but contact before you book the site to confirm if your dog will be allowed. I charge for dogs the same as I do for extra guests. ​BY BOOKING THE SITE YOU AGREE TO ALL THESE TERMS ​There is a small Church around 200 yards from the campground. They hold services every Wednesday and Sunday. They generally start around 5pm and it lasts around a hour. If your into that they would love to have you come down. Please don't hesitate to call me or text with any questions you might have ​ ​
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$85
 / night
98%
(85)

Smoky Mountain Meadows

165 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents57 acres · Bryson City, NC
(Please Note: Hipcamp does not have an easy way to add in Pet and Child fees. You will need to go to EXTRAS and add in number of pets ($5/pet/per night) for cabins and/or number of children ($5/child/night) on all sites SEPERATE from adults when making your reservation. IF YOU DO NOT DO THIS, YOU WILL BE CHARGED $10/NIGHT FOR EACH CHILD INSTEAD OF $5. We will no longer be issuing refunds or store credits for the overcharge.) When you enter Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground, you can leave all the “rush-rush” of your daily life behind. You will find yourself in a beautiful valley with quiet green meadows and a bubbling brook encompassing your surroundings. We are almost half-way between Bryson City and the Nantahala Gorge. We have been host to the Carolina Canoe Club's annual Week of Rivers Event for over 25 years! Thanks everyone! 2023 Season: March 31 – Oct 31 Rules for the Campground 1. 100 % Refund less credit card processing fee if you cancel before 14 days of your arrival date. 50% Refund if you cancel between 14 and 7 days of your arrival date. No Refund if you cancel within 6 days of your arrival date. 2. CHECK OUT: Noon; CHECK IN:Cabins, Campers and Glamping Tents: 2pm All Other Sites: Noon 3. QUIET TIME. Weekdays 10pm – 8am Weekends 11pm – 8am 4. CHECK OUT PROCEDURES. Camp must be broken down by noon on departure day. If you stay past noon you could be charged for an additional day. Extension possible with pre-approval. You must inform the office when you are leaving. 5. All Overnight Guests Must Pay 6. Trash must be taken to the Green Bins located at the lower corner of the upper field 7. No washing vehicles 8. PETS.Must always be kept on a leash. Must be picked up after by the owner. Must never be left unattended (exceptions apply).
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$10
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99%
(133)

Harmony Glen

2 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Tuckasegee, NC
My property has supported families for several generations. From a small farm with typical livestock and vegetable gardens to a tree seedling nursery to cattle grazing in the fields, it has served its owners well. During the 1940's and early '50's, the Argura Post Office was located on the porch of my house. I have the original cancellation stamp. My husband is deceased, and I am hosting campers to meet people who love to camp as much as we did. My photo is with my dog Mollie. I hike with a group weekly and can make hiking suggestions as well as fishing suggestions. Harmony Glen is a wonderful place!
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$28
 / night
96%
(192)

Gateway to the Smokies

2 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Whittier, NC
Private campground featuring two very large campsites on our 2 acre property. The private drive and bridge that crosses over our creek has a security cable that can be locked. We are located right off of Hwy 441. 4 miles to Cherokee, 7 miles to National Park and 8 miles to Bryson City.
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$45
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98%
(92)

Holley's Wood Solo Site

1 site · Tent2 acres · Whittier, NC
Welcome to Holley's Wood Solo Site Experience. As your hosts, we are focused on providing a great experience with simple tent camping. The Holley's Wood Site is blessed to be located in the "Heart of the Smokys", and we invite you to join us to create Memories that will last a life-time. This is an ADULT only (13+) TENT Camping Site, and we offer a 3 sided Shelter that can be a sleeping quarters. Located five minutes from the highway, it feels like you are far removed from civilization. You can relax in the privacy of the woods or spend your day exploring a myriad of activities offered in the Smoky Mountains. Come and enjoy the forested privacy that this singular campsite offers. NO towables allowed, the mountain driveway will not support them. Learn more about this land: PRIVACY! HOT SHOWER! INDOOR FLUSH TOILET! FREE FIREWOOD! ADULT ONLY (13+) Come and enjoy the forested privacy that this singular campsite offers.  Located five minutes from the highway, it feels like you are far removed from civilization. We offer a cold water spigot, outdoor hot water sink, electricity, water flushing toilet and hot shower in the private Bath House. A fire ring, plenty of firewood,  patio table and chairs are on-site for your comfort.  As your hosts, we are focused on providing a great experience with simple tent camping. The Holley's Wood Site is blessed to be located in the "Heart of the Smokys".  Relax in the privacy of the woods or spend your day exploring a myriad of activities offered in the Smoky Mountains. We are less than 20 minutes drive-time from:     SHOP in Bryson City and/or Dillsboro...walk the shops and enjoy the unique brews and foods offered' RAFT/Kayak the Nantahala Gorge HIKE the numerous trails in the Great Smokys National Park BIKE at Nationally recognized Tsali Rec Area or Fire Mountain Trails in Cherokee FISH our Pristine Mountain Rivers and Lakes GOLF high quality courses within 5 miles of the site -- Sequoia National and Smky Mtn Country Club FIND out about Pioneer and Native American history at Oconluftee Village, the Cherokee Museum and the GSMNP Visitors Center OR share in the fun at Harrah's Casino. RIDE the Great Smoky Mountain Railway OR Motorcycle/Sports Car thrill ride the "Tail of the Dragon".  Hop on the Historic Blue Ridge Parkway and experience nature in all its splendor. It can be overwhelming to decide what to do -- we will be glad to give you "insider info" to refine your plans once you arrive.  Bring your sense of adventure and tell your friends you vacationed at Holley's Wood, where lifelong memories were made!
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$45
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Camping near Sylva guide

Overview

Nestled in the Plott Balsam Mountains, this small town is a short drive from two national forests, where campers can enjoy tent campsites, RV campsites with nearby restrooms, and cabins inside the park. Nantahala Forest offers over 500,000 acres of scenery to explore, while Pisgah Forest includes campsites with spectacular views over Linville Gorge. For backcountry and frontcountry tent camping in the mountains, visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Trails for hiking and biking as well as rushing rivers and whitewater rafting make Sylva an exciting home base to discover western North Carolina.

Where to go

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Just an hour northwest of Sylva, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers stunning mountain views, hiking trails, and a variety of tent camping options. Backpackers can explore backcountry sites that require hiking to the campground, while frontcountry camping offers easy car access and a developed campsite with restrooms, a firepit, and a picnic table. Reserve a site early to score a group campsite for eight or more people in the front country, or book a horse camp, where Hipcampers can enjoy vehicle access, horse hitch racks, and basic camping facilities.

Nantahala National Forest

The largest national forest in North Carolina, Nantahala covers mountain and valley landscapes with hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails as well as whitewater rafting and camping. Explore a variety of developed and primitive tent campgrounds with lakeside, streamside, and forest views, plus options for group and dispersed camping. Four RV campgrounds offer space for RVs and campervans in the Nantahala Ranger District, with access to nearby showers and flush toilets. The park also offers a primitive cabin and a fully-equipped lodge with 16 beds and a kitchen. It’s advised to book early as group sites tend to be popular in the summer months.

Pisgah National Forest

An hour’s drive northeast of Sylva is Pisgah National Forest, home to the Cradle of Forestry historic site as well as waterfalls, whitewater rivers, and expansive mountain and forest hiking trails. Tent campers can find a variety of sites with drinking water, showers, and flush restrooms, while RV campers can enjoy the park’s amenities and a dump station at North Mills River. Stop by Wiseman’s View for a stunning look over Linville Gorge. Hipcampers can also book mountainside campsites, riverview sites, and forest campgrounds, but remember to check the availability, as some sites are only open seasonally.

When to go

The popular camping season in Sylva runs from April to October, with the period after Labor Day a favorite for those seeking cooler nights and less humidity. July is the hottest month in the region, with average highs near 85. The state allows camping all year, although it’s important to call ahead because not all sites are available year-round. Experience is recommended for winter camping in the high country, where the slopes are often snowy. For Hipcampers seeking a more relaxed winter experience, many lower-elevation areas around Sylva offer car camping, tent camping, and RV campsites.

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