Forest domes near Sylva

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

100% (118 reviews)
100% (118 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Sylva

Dog-friendly getaways

5 top forest domes sites near Sylva

100%
(6)

Contrast Cove Glamping Dome

4 sites · Lodging5 acres · Newport, TN
Welcome to our luxurious glamping dome nestled in the serene beauty of the Smoky Mountains, offering a secluded and peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts. Our dome combines the comforts of a cozy stay with the awe-inspiring surroundings of the great outdoors. Located amidst lush greenery and towering trees, our dome provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Imagine waking up to the breathtaking views of the mountains greeting you each morning. For adventure seekers, there are ample opportunities for river rafting and hiking right at your doorstep. Spend your days exploring the numerous trails that wind through the mountains, leading to hidden waterfalls and panoramic vistas. After a day of outdoor exploration, return to your dome for a restful night's sleep under the starry sky. Our glamping dome is equipped with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay, including a plush bed, modern bathroom, and a cozy seating area where you can relax and unwind after a day of adventure. And for those chilly mountain nights, cozy up by the fireplace and enjoy the warmth of a crackling fire. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway or a solo adventure in nature, our glamping dome in the Smoky Mountains offers the perfect blend of luxury and wilderness, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all who visit. Book your stay with us today and immerse yourself in the beauty of the great outdoors.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$195
 / night

Grandpa Squirrel's Domes

1 site · Lodging4 acres · Andrews, NC
"There's no place like Dome." Grandpa Squirrel's Dome's sits on 4.1 acres at the base of Granny Squirrel Mountain in the foothills of the Appalachian's and less than 5 miles from the town of Andrew's North Carolina in Cherokee County. Highway 19 abuts the land providing easy access to destinations of your choice. These destinations may include white water rafting, tubing, hiking, cruising the Tail of the Dragon, antiquing, hitting the casinos, and any other adventure of your choosing. Of course, you may also choose to find a place to just sit down, relax, and enjoy the sounds and energy of the noisy creek that pulses along its western border. Perhaps a simple picnic along the banks, or maybe you'd like to feed the fish that inhabit and grace this land. Short History The Cherokee's called this land "Konehete", aka "The Long Valley Place", and it was thought of as, "Cherokee Paradise". They grew the Three Sisters (Corn, Beans and Squash), hunted the rich lands, fished its creeks and lakes, worshiped and gave thanks to the great Creator and to the spirits of the land, as well as the animals which inhabit it. The military removal of what remained of the Cherokee Nation began in 1836 along what we now refer to as "The Trail of Tears". It started here in Andrews, which at that time was called Valley Town. The first fort built along the Trail of Tears was Ft Delaney, all that remains today is the remnants of a stone wall, it lies nearby. Running along the western border of Grandpa Squirrel's is an always running creek which is fed by a mountain top spring as well as rain runoff from the surrounding mountains. Along the creek there are 3 geodesic domes (soon to be 5) which provide 250 square feet of living space within. The domes are furnished with a queen size bed, a small dining area and a place to store your things. Each dome also has a small gravel patio and seating is provided. Additionally, there are propane BBQ grills located at the outdoor community kitchen area, as well as potable water. This is also where you will find your coffee in the morning. Transparency and Setting Expectations: THE BAD There are no flushing toilets. There is an outhouse on site. To avoid trips to the outhouse late at night, each dome comes with a porta potty. If you choose to use the porta potty in your dome, it is your responsibility to transfer the waste to the outhouse and to properly clean it out. Cleaning supplies are provided. Granpa Squirrels is not secluded deep in the woods and off the beaten path., It abuts the main highway and there is a considerable amount of road noise. The road noise dies down at night but returns early the next day as delivery trucks make their way down the highway. With that said, it's also kind of cool to see packs of cyclists and car enthusiasts blowing past the property ready for another glorious day in the mountains of North Carolina.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$70
 / night

Available this weekend

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

Forest domes 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.

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Camp Your Way™

Find the perfect site to match your camping style. Explore the largest collection of private campsites, RV parks, cabins, and glamping—including 120,000+ sites you won’t find anywhere else. Explore our maps, filter by your camping style, read real camper reviews, and book directly in our app. Hipcamp is the simplest way to find yourself outside under the stars.

Download the Hipcamp App

© 2025 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.