- Nantahala National Forest
The best camping in Nantahala National Forest, NC
95% (73)
Discover what the Cherokee call the Land of the Noonday Sun.
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Tim
1 week ago
34 ft travel trailer
With kids
My family and I stayed at campsite number one. The scenery is beautiful and the whole park is very clean and well laid out. We loved that there was a good amount of space and privacy between the sites. The creek is very soothing and beautiful. It was very convenient having seasoned firewood and fresh farm eggs available to purchase on site. The eggs were delicious and the chickens greet you every time you walk to the bathhouse. Speaking of the bath house it was very clean and the showers were nice and hot with plenty of water pressure. There is an ingles 11 minutes away to stock up on food. There is also a beautiful easy trail 6 minutes away called Tessentee bottomlands preserve. Adam was a very welcoming and attentive host. I would definitely suggest this campground for anyone looking to have a peaceful, private camping experience.
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Abby
1 week ago
27 ft travel trailer
Lovely camping next to the creek. Melissa and Adam were warm and hospitable. We would camp here again. :)
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Liza
2 weeks ago
23 ft travel trailer
With kids
We had a wonderful stay! The sites run along a large creek so the ambiance is perfect. Sites are clean with everything working properly and nicely spaced out. What we loved most is that there are many accessible approaches to the creek bed for our children to play and explore, plus large open fields for them to run some energy out. There is also a nice hike that takes you through the woods on the property. The hosts were out and about working on things, very friendly and accommodating. We will return.
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Christopher
2 weeks ago
35 ft travel trailer
With pets
Site 1 is beautiful. It sits right on the edge of the creek. The sounds of the water flowing over the rocks nearby were so peaceful. The property is quiet and well-maintained. The bathhouse was exceptionally clean, and the showers have fantastic water pressure. Owners are very nice and came out to say hello to us. Ten out of ten, and am already planning a return trip for the springtime.
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Kathryn
3 weeks ago
21 ft travel trailer
Cowee is the best campground we’ve ever been to - and we’ve been to a lot all up and down the east coast. Tanya has clearly designed this campground to every last detail with an aesthetic hand. From the campsites themselves and their views, to the public spaces, conveniences of a laundry room to bathrooms which look like bathrooms out of a camp beautiful magazine. And Tanya is absolutely fabulous - responsive and very caring. We are definitely coming back!
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Krista
3 weeks ago
With pets
We absolutely loved our stay and will definitely be coming back. The heater did great with keeping the space warm for us. It was truly breathtaking and exactly what we needed. We never saw another person and felt completely alone and private. Can't wait to come back!
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Mark
3 weeks ago
23 ft travel trailer
It was a perfect site! Close to the smoky mountains and close to town! We will be back
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Steven
3 weeks ago
31 ft travel trailer
With pets
This place was really nice. Great for kids. They had a blast. The host were amazing. Not one bad thing to say about it. Stayed 11/7/25 - 11/10/2025. Will definitely stay there again.
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Brenda
3 weeks ago
19 ft pop-up camper
The hosts are very helpful and knowledgeable. The thoroughness of plan for the resort and level of detail is truly remarkable!
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Payton
3 weeks ago
With pets
I would give more stars if I could! Wonderful stay. The tiny house was very well kept up, good WiFi, amazing scenery and the gas fire pit was an amazing touch. I'll definitely be coming back!
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Roné
3 weeks ago
4 nights at Private Glamper/HOT TUB/MNTN VIEWS
We had a wonderful time staying at Private Glamping w/ Outdoor Shower at Private Glamper/HOT TUB/MNTN VIEWS. Our hosts were so kind and thoughtful, and the setup was excellent and had everything one needs for a very comfortable and memorable glamping experience. The hot tub was definitely a highlight for us. Despite a sudden cold front coming in, the camper was always at a comfortable temperature and we never felt cold at night, even with outside temperatures dropping below freezing. Thank you again to our generous hosts for a great stay in this little oasis in Bryson City. We look forward to visiting again.
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BRIGITTE
3 weeks ago
15 ft campervan
With pets
What a beautiful campground! All four campsites are by the creek providing mother nature’s perfect lullaby for a peaceful night of sleep. The availability of seasoned firewood on site is so convenient. Bathrooms with three toilets and three showers are great. I can’t wait to return!
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Mckenzie
November 2025
17 ft pop-up camper
With pets
Danny was super nice. He helped us settle and gave recommendations for the local area that we were able to use. The location is close to the downtown area of the small town and not too far from things to do. The site itself was very clean and level and well taken care of and right on the water. It's a little difficult to get down to the stream but it's beautiful nonetheless. A great place to stay awhile.
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Ken
October 2025
22 ft Class C
Lovely spot, not an easy drive at night
Everything you need
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Raymond
October 2025
16 ft car
Incredible place! Tja is as welcoming as it gets. Everything you need here in a great area with all the outdoor activities at your fingertips!
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Kathleen
October 2025
Tent
Spent the weekend relaxing with my sister here! The host was incredibly helpful and kind! Amazing pricing on wood and kindling! Next time will definitely try adding a meal or two to the stay!
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Jason
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
We absolutely loved our stay at the Silverbell Wood Forest Tent Site! Nicole was a fantastic host who clearly put a lot of care into creating this special camping experience.
The privacy of having the entire site to ourselves made this feel more like glamping than traditional camping. The composting toilet was clean and well-maintained. I highly recommend this spot to anyone looking for a private, well-equipped, eco-conscious camping experience in the Smokies area.
A few tips for future campers: The 4WD requirement is real - don't try it without AWD/4WD. Bring extra toilet paper and fill water containers at the spigot when you arrive.
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Leslie
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Private Glamper/HOT TUB/MNTN VIEWS
Picture this: Wake up in your cozy camper (very clean and comfortable bed) and hop in the hot tub (extra towels included), take a hot outdoor shower surrounded by fall leaves and head down into Bryson City for some coffee and breakfast. After that, spend the day hiking in the Smokeys, come back into town to explore some shops and breweries, then head back to your cozy trailer for a fire and to soak some more in the hot tub.
That was our exact experience- even though it was about 50 degrees and raining by the evening, that actually made everything even more fun, hot tub included.
This site is so unique, convenient, and well designed. You can tell the host takes pride in making it a perfect stay for everyone, with attention to detail (like putting out a Halloween themed basket with Kurig pods). She even refunded money for firewood we didn’t use.
One note: the hot tub was set at 95 when we arrived, and after a few hours was only 97 even though we set it to 104. It took overnight to get up to temperature, but after that it stayed hot and we got plenty of use out of it.
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Tom
October 2025
28 ft travel trailer
Group trip
Great camp location and amenities. Nice surprise without WiFi when we didn’t have cell service so we could check in with the family after our Sky to Summit 50k. Thank you!
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red
October 2025
15 ft campervan
Perfect days with the pack at the idyllic setting of Coweeta Creek Campground. The personal touches made us feel welcomed; planted flowers exploding with color, a clutch of chickens, and rustic outbuildings added to the personality of this need to return to spot. Days spent looking at deer and sitting next to a babbling brook reading and doing yoga, interspersed with walking dogs on Turkey trail and around the property, is fondly etched into my memories. Well cared for campground in a beautiful setting, Coweeta Creek is top drawer.
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Stay at a public campground in Nantahala National Forest
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The best camping in Nantahala National Forest, NC guide
Overview
About
Welcome to a mountainous region in southwestern North Carolina. Travel the Blue Ridge Parkway west of Asheville for easy access to this half-million-acre forest. Thick trees cover the mountains here to create a carpet of green over the entire landscape.
Hop on a scenic byway to descend into Nantahala River Gorge. The sun only reaches the valley floor when it's high overhead around noon. Picturesque waterfalls and rapids run throughout the river. Get close to the water to feel the mist on your face.
Hike to Standing Indian Mountain, one of the highest points in the park. This peak lies along the Appalachian Trail. The view here shows you the Nantahala River Gorge below.
Don't miss the majesty Cullasaja Falls at any time of year. This is where the Cullasaja River follows a long cascade for nearly a quarter of a mile. The pool at the bottom is great for swimming.
Reserve one of the many RV or rustic campsites. Cabins provide glamping options.
95%
73 ratings · 24 reviews
Mixed feelings
· July 2025
Though the Pine ridge road area is beautiful, it’s crowded. Skip this and go to the sites around Joyce Kimmel Rd for a more beautiful & secluded experience.
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Hailey B.
6 months on Hipcamp
As of May 29th 2025, this campground is closed still
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Matthew A.
7 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2019
Sites are well spread out and private. Some road noise but cannot see the vehicles. Lake views are gorgeous. I just wish fellow campers would clean up after themselves. Too much human waste not buried and busted garbage bags left on sites. Must clean up before using. Still a beautiful area. Peaceful.
Jacqueline T.
9 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2019
Sites are well spaced. Most are walk-in. Access to the lake is down deep bank. GORGEOUS REMOTE PERFECT
Jacqueline T.
9 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2019
Check frequently to make sure campground isn't closed due to bear activity.
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Brandi B.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2018
Make sure to bring a kayak or canoe! It’s a beautiful lake for a morning paddle!
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Nathan S.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2018
bring your own toilet paper and lots of light for the night
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Vivian P.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2018
Absolutely beautiful area
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Kate M.
7 years on Hipcamp
July 2018
We have been RV camping for sometime...small trailer mind you but fits everywhere.
Really beautiful lake and clean. Please note you must reserve in advance! If you love mountains, clean lakes in a beautiful area this is for you. Also, I want to note ticks are really bad in mountains spring, summer and early fall so take precaution. Have fun and we are going back in September for more fun. Happy camping..
Matku V.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2018
This is my all time favorite campground. My family has been visiting this campground since my grandfather was a Forest Ranger in the area in the 1960's. The icy headwaters of the Nantahala River run through the campground, this is a popular summer tubing spot for campers.
Jacob R.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2018
This is a quiet, lesser known camping area hidden back in the woods. There is a nice little stream with large trout and a bear sanctuary so hopefully an opportunity to safely see some bears.
Jacob R.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2017
Great spots right on the lake.
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Charles R.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2017
There is good trout fishing. Plenty of fresh water and firewood along the trail. Great waterfalls and very scenic.
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Daniel B.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2017
There are two rustic cabins/shelters you can rent that give you the most secluded spot in the campground where you can pull up your kayak or canoe for the night. You need to reserve months in advance, but its worth it. The only good tent sites are on a first-come-first-served basis, so risky to assume you can get one. The reserved tent sites are all right next to the road and not secluded at all.
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Cindy T.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2017
No reservations
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Alan B.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2017
Very crowded on a summer weekend
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Alan B.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2017
dispersed , widely spaced along creek
Rich P.
2 reviews
Recommends
· July 2017
Loved this great campground. Right on the lake. Our campsite was wooded on both sides
Kristin V.
3 reviews
May 2017
I have camped there for several years in June. The campground is well maintained, but bring your own toilet paper and shower tent.. The three hydrants provide good water. Only once was a neighboring group too rowdy after midnight, and I had to go and have a talk with them. Fontana Lake is beyond beautiful in that area, with wilderness on both sides. It is directly across the lake for Hazel Creek, the nicest flat water paddle I have ever done.
Doug C.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2017
The actual rock is hard to find!
Beth T.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2017
Go early to get a spacious site. If you don't care about space, you will probably always find a site in the off season. It does get busier in the warmer weather but the sites are well spaced. There's a nearby hike to a waterfall that is mediocre. I would suggest going somewhere else to hike but the camping is great and free!
Alyssa M.
9 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2017
Absolutely beautiful! Panthertown Valley is great because once you backpack in, you won't see many others! Make sure to bring a bear bag and hang your food away from your campsite!!! The bears are around here :). Also, be cautious crossing the river if you have any open cuts/scrapes or disinfect immediately.
Alyssa M.
9 years on Hipcamp
January 2017
Panthertown Valley is one of my favorite places in Western North Carolina to backpack and fish! Miles of backcountry trails are open year round to the public at no cost. The views atop the exposed rock faces are very picturesque are worthy of bringing a camera along. If you decide to camp here be sure to bring a bear bag and hang your food! This is a bear sanctuary so there are quite a few in the area.
When you get off the beaten path and follow any of the small streams running through the wilderness area you are likely to find the native Southern Appalachia Brook Trout in these high elevation streams. If you decide to wet a line please keep in mind that the streams in Panthertown Valley are designated as catch and release only!
Jack T.
8 years on Hipcamp
September 2015
Great spot. Wooded sites for tents. Good hiking is accessible from the campground.
Edie S.
10 years on Hipcamp