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- West Jefferson
Camp Karuga
Hosted by Kathy · West Jefferson, North Carolina
5 sites · Tent, Lodging · 24 acres
Creature comforts
Enjoy the comforts of home at some sites—including flush toilets, showers, and a kitchen.
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Tent-only sites
3 sites
Instant book
Tent Site 2 (Single)
95%
(22)Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Showers
Instant book
Tent Site 1 (Double)
100%
(8)Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Showers
Instant book
Tent Site #3 Single Family Tent Sit
50%
(3)Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Showers
Lodging
2 sites
Instant book
The Rudy Cabin
94%
(8)Hike-in access only
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Showers
Instant book
The Gavin Cabin
83%
(3)Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Showers
Reviews
92% Recommend44 ratings · 34 reviews
Mixed feelings
· June 2026
With kids ·
The Gavin Cabin
Cabin was very basic, more than I understood from the description and photos. My kiddos slept on the loft, but even at 10 years old, they didn't want to have an air mattress because it would put them too close to the roof. For sleeping on the main floor, instead of pulling out the twin sofa sleeper, my husband and I slept on two twin blow up mattresses. We couldn't figure out how to make the space for gear + twin mattress + sofa pull out, so we just went with the blow ups.
My takeaway from the listing was that there was a bathroom in the cabin, but we needed to walk to the bathhouse, which was close by. The bathhouse was also the main source for power outlets, with none in the cabin.
It wasn't clear how to get wood, so after the rain finally stopped, we were told we missed the cutoff time to order wood, so no s'mores for our camping.
Overall, it was likely better than camping in the rain, but if weather isn't stormy, would definitely look at other places than here.
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Sydney W.
2 months on Hipcamp
My friends and I enjoyed this campsite so much! Kathy was an excellent host and very responsive if we needed anything. It was a beautiful area and we LOVED the close proximity of the horses! A few of us even took a guided ride. We had a blast and Kathy was kind enough to take photos for us. Our only recommendation is more parking should be available for a 10 person campsite. Overall, we absolutely recommend, especially for families with children. A creek to play in, horses to love on, what more could you ask for?
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Annie S.
2 reviews
We loved the peaceful setting for the sites. Having the creek right next to the site plus all the pines made it a great spot for an easy getaway. We also appreciated the hot shower!
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Toby A.
5 reviews
This was our second time staying on Kathy's land, and unfortunately we won't be back. There were two dogs that remained around our site almost all night, trying to eat our food, grabbing supplies, etc. We woke up to three of our shoes missing, and when we found they had been destroyed by a dog, Kathy ignored our initial messages and offered no personal assistance.
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Elijah L.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent · With kids ·
Tent Site 1 (Double)
This is our third time staying here and it was once again a great time. If you're looking for a place to stay (next to a creek) and feel like you're all alone, this is it. Our kids even sneaked in a pony ride on our way out in the morning!
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Bobby A.
6 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Group trip ·
The Gavin Cabin
We loved the Gavin Cabin as well as the overall camping space! Very peaceful and serene!
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Eric R.
9 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2025
We really enjoyed our stay at Camp Karuga! The property is beautiful, and the cabin and facilities were very clean. The lofted sleeping area was a bit close to the ceiling, making getting in and out a bit challenging, but there was room to spread out once up there, and the sound of the babbling stream outside was very peaceful. There’s also enough room on the main floor that you could sleep there if you prefer. The swing and firepit were great cozy touches that we enjoyed using. Kathy was very responsive to our texts, and CJ and Quint (the dogs) were welcoming and attentive! Overall a great stay!
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Sarah W.
4 reviews
Mixed feelings
· October 2025
Beautiful Setting, Hard to Sleep
It was a cool campground for sure! Unfortunately, a nearby neighbor's dogs barked loudly the entire night, so we didn't get any sleep. Our campsite (3) did not have any flat land to pitch our tent, so we were on somewhat of a hill. But we loved waking up to the horses and the sound of the creek running by. The owners are nice and offer firewood for good prices.
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Grayson T.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent · Group trip ·
Creekside Tent Site 2 (Single Fam)
Our stay on Kathy’s land was perfect! Site #2 is especially secluded, surrounded by a beautiful creek and lovely farmland. We look forward to camping here again!
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Elijah L.
2 reviews
I was not able to stay at Camp Karuga because of unforeseen family issues. However, the host was very communicative and understanding. I look forward to getting back up there and enjoying her hospitality!
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Rich B.
11 months on Hipcamp
Kathy was extremely courteous. Bathrooms were very clean, especially considering this is an outdoors/camping venue. The hot water heater wasn't working in the shower house, but Kathy offered to let me shower in her guest room. Wish I had more time to stay, I would like to hike the trail, and possibly try the horseback ride.
Hope to come back in couple months for a long weekend.
J
James F.
1 year on Hipcamp
Our campsite was astoundingly beautiful! Glittering mica everywhere and super easy access to the creek. Kathy was so welcoming and helpful — very easy to communicate with. The dogs and horses on the premises were all also incredibly sweet. Do yourself a favor and stay here!
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Ali H.
2 reviews
A responsive hostess and quaint natural beauty made this camping trip a much needed breath of fresh air. A great place to unplug, enjoy family or friends around a campfire or be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the babbling brook and crickets. The canine “welcome staff” and potential for add-on horse-back riding/kayaking were also a plus.
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Sandi T.
1 year on Hipcamp
We had a blast!! We were warmly welcomed by the sweetest pup named CJ, which made us soooo happy right from the start!! There were wagons to help us with unloading and getting our stuff to the camp site. Our camp site was AMAZING!! A waterfall in the creek right by us and made for an amazing nights sleep! The bathrooms and showers were perfect. The horses on-site were super sweet and let us say hello. The kiddos ventured thru the woods and had the best time!! We will definitely go back! Kathy was super responsive and an amazing host!! Definitely recommend!!
Juls C.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
You'll regret NOT booking here!!
Tent · With kids ·
Creekside Tent Site 2 (Single Fam)
We had such a wonderful time! Easy to find, perfect spot right beside the creek. Plenty of room. And privacy with easy access to the super clean bath house. Extremely responsive hosts! Despite the rain off and on, this was one of our best experiences yet. Loved the fire pit too!
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Erika S.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
Tent · With kids ·
Tent Site 1 (Double)
We really enjoyed staying at this hidden gem. We love the fact that our campsite was next to a creek and loved staying in the trees. The on-site bathrooms and showers are first class compared to anything else that you’ll find at a campground!
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Bobby A.
6 reviews
Recommends
· October 2024
Her communication is wonderful and the camp is always great.
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Sarah J.
3 reviews
Recommends
· October 2024
The camp was beautiful and the facilities were kept pristine.
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Betsy R.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2024
Tent · Group trip ·
Creekside Tent Site 2 (Single Fam)
The sites and bathrooms were all very clean. The owner was also very willing to help talk with me and work with me on everything me and my group needed. Overall all 8 of us agreed it was a really cool little private campground. They had a dog named buster that was very friendly and we enjoyed him visiting us several times.
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Tanner R.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2024
Our stay at Camp Karuga was just the respite we needed after day-hiking the Mountains to Sea trail. This site had everything we needed: a campfire ring with adjustable grilling grate, a picnic table, a creek a few feet away, privacy, clean bathrooms, plenty of trees for hammocks, and even a sweet puppy named Buster to say hello. The host was gracious and we will most definitely be back the next time we’re hiking the area.
K
Kammeron P.
2 years on Hipcamp
Not recommend
· June 2024
Upon our arrival, we were unsure where to go because we hadn't seen Kathy's messages on Hipcamp. We drove up a hill and encountered a threatening sign that stated something like, "There will be no warning shots, no trespassing."
We quickly backed down and found the proper place to park, which was across from the barn.
The site felt private, and the sound of the river was peaceful. While setting up our tent, someone who appeared to be staff or a relative drove by on a golf cart. We waved, but they did not acknowledge us.
The bathrooms were clean, and the shower was nice, although one of the two showers was "out of order" according to a sign. There were no dishwashing facilities.
During our stay, there was a thunderstorm and flash flood warnings. We were aware of the strict cancellation/refund policy, but no one checked up on us. Also, we noticed that the horses were left out during the storm.
Overall, the natural landscape was beautiful.
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Sonny & Jess H.
2 reviews
My family tent camped on site 2 of Kathy’s land and it was WONDERFUL! Lovely, tidy campsites tucked away in a beautiful wooded area. Creek ran right next to the site.
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Katie W.
2 years on Hipcamp
The setting is almost magical as it sits in a small Forest of evergreens with a babbling stream running nearby. The cabin is cute, quaint and exceptionally clean. I Loved the bathroom!! Totally more than expected. Kathy is very helpful and responsive to messages. We will highly recommend Camp Karuga to our friends and we'll be back next year.
Stephanie S.
2 reviews
Recommends
· May 2024
Tent ·
Tent Site 1 (Double)
The camp is beautifully located in a quiet valley off HWY 221. There's a stream that provides a peaceful background sound, and the site allows for undisturbed sleeping and lovely, peaceful time just sitting or listening to the sounds of birds. It's convenient to have bathrooms and a shower. One suggestion to the owner: keep better track of your two lovely dogs. They always seemed to show up when there was food on the picnic table, which made eating a bit of a challenge.
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Thomas P.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2024
Tent · Group trip ·
Tent Site 1 (Double)
Awesome campsite with lots of amenities for a comfortable stay. Kathy was a friendly and responsive host. Would visit again!
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Nathan S.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2023
Kathy's campsite was very peaceful and private. She kept her space very clean and the bath house was a nice luxury to have (with a heater in one bathroom). We loved having the horses on site and I felt safe tent camping not far from them and the hosts private home. Kathy was very welcoming and friendly. We definitely recommend this spot!
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Rebecca L.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2023
We had a great time camping at this site. It had a nice creek by the campsite, which was nice white noise.
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Cora R.
2 years on Hipcamp
This site is the most secluded option and had the best view, and sound, of the rushing creek. I found it a convenient location for traveling to Grayson Highlands, Boone, and downtown West Jefferson. Bath houses were very clean, just bring your own drinking water.
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Emily C.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2023
Tent ·
Tent Site 1 (Double)
Very nice campsite. Site 1 is large, fairly level and right along side the creek. Car is not at the campsite but only a short walk away with a wagon provided.
The trail is pretty clear and easy to maneuver.
At the site, there’s a nice fire pit and lots of small wood to be gathered. The bathrooms are very nice. Two bathrooms and separate showers as well as one combo are near the parking area. They are very well maintained and clean.
Kathy was extremely communicative and friendly.
Camp Karuga is close to the Blue Ridge and a 20 minute drive to Mount Jefferson State Natural Area.
Look forward to a return visit with time to explore the trails on site
Gayle S.
4 reviews
This was the perfect getaway! It’s close enough to West Jefferson to get there quickly but yet the campground has a private remote feel. The running creek and canopy of pine trees are beautiful. Each site has a nice picnic table (no splinters!!) and an awesome fire pit with a grate that rotates to the side away from the fire when you need to move it. Kathy and her son checked on me and were available if I needed anything. She even gave me a heads up before I came off the low temperature forecasted for my first night. The horses on the property are friendly and nice to watch in the field. The bath facilities with shower are well cared for. No lack of hot water and excellent water pressure. Kathy has one shower/toilet unit that is handicapped friendly with grab bars. I appreciate Kathy sharing her little slice of paradise with me !
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Melissa B.
4 years on Hipcamp
Location
West Jefferson, Ashe, North Carolina, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Kathy G.
Joined in January 2020Things to do nearby
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