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The best camping near South Mountains State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next South Mountains adventure.

100% (3 reviews)
100% (3 reviews)

In fall 2016, 97 park staff worked 3,700+ hours over three weeks fighting the Chestnut Nob fire.  

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Community favorites near South Mountains State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near South Mountains State Park

99%
(1947)

Starlight Hills

16 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres ¡ Bostic, NC
Our Spa is now available for booking! We are a constantly evolving location. Our goal is to provide a genuine secluded camping experience immersed in nature in a mountainous forest with privacy and well spaced out, secluded camp sites. We also have minimal light pollution, so our skies are beautiful for viewing the stars. We offer trails through natural wooded habitat with hidden gems of nature. Wildlife viewing throughout. There are feed locations to increase viewing opportunities. A creek on the property is lovely for walking. Centered between Charlotte and Asheville we are within your reach! We offer primitive tent camping, Glamping Tents and a Cabin. Glamping and cabin have a private Mountain View, fire pit area, Queen bed, Night Stand (built in phone charger), Desk area, interior and exterior lighting, heater and fan (powered by solar system). As a part of Starlight Hills Campground you have access to filtered drinking water, common overlook (w/ BBQ pits & picnic tables), trails, bathroom and showers. Welcome to bring all your furry family members ❤️. Please Note: 2 Wheel Dr. vehicles can access all of our sites. Gravel/ Dirt road up hill.
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$36
 / night
99%
(217)

TangleWood Creekside Campsites

19 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents170 acres ¡ Marion, NC
A rocky creek winds through the woods at the base of several hikable peaks hidden just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Wildlife enthusiasts are encouraged to explore, on foot or mountain-bike, anywhere within our 170 acres (or the adjoining 250 acres owned by the US Forestry Service off our Western border) and are likely to catch glimpses of turkey, beaver, deer, fox, eastern box turtle and the many species of songbird and raptor. The location is convenient to tons of local attractions for sightseeing and outdoor activities as well as shopping, dining, even wine tasting. We would be happy to supply a comprehensive list of the various local attractions upon request but the following are a few of our favorite things to do within a short drive: visit Linville Falls, Caverns, Gorge and/or Winery; drive the Blue Ridge parkway; tube/kayak down the Catawba river; hike beautiful Crabtree Falls; cross Grandfather Mountains mile high bridge and explore the nearby towns of Spruce Pines or Little Switzerland. The scenic drives to Asheville, Blowing Rock or Banner Elk make them each wonderful day-trip destinations.
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$40
 / night
95%
(30)

Riverside Wanderer Hideaway

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents3 acres ¡ Morganton, NC
Relax by the river, hidden amongst trees and fields, where sprawling space meets abundant outdoor adventure. Your riverside, self-serving, primitive stay will leave you feeling refreshed and closer to nature. The cool, shaded space snuggled between a stream and rushing river will be your own private retreat, on several acres, along beautiful Henry Fork River. Seclusion awaits, minutes from historic downtown Morganton restaurants, shops, breweries and more, even nestled along a “winery trail”. If you’re looking to stay put – tubing, body boarding, fishing, paddling, and creative fun await you. Sip your percolated morning coffee by the rushing river, spend afternoons fishing, painting and skipping rocks, into an evening roaming the area and fireside cuddling. If you’re seeking to venture out, head minutes away to hike South Mountain State Park trails and waterfalls, stroll Morganton greenway trails, take the kids (or pets) to all-inclusive Catawba Meadows Park (great disc golfing), cruise the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, explore the (literally!) cool Linville caverns, or splash around Lake James State Park beach area. The riverside area comfortably accommodates eight (with extra tent for additional guests joining your getaway). Games, grilling outdoor fun items are on-site. Bring your family, friends, pets, and your sense of adventure!
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$38
 / night
99%
(87)

Tellurian Family Campground

7 sites ¡ RVs, Tents93 acres ¡ Casar, NC
For more information, visit our website at www.telluriancampground.com Tellurian Family Campground offers conveniently located spacious travel trailer, camper, RV and tent camp sites with incredible views and access to a pristine mountain river. The property consists of 93 acres and 2780 feet (1⁄2 mile) of river frontage on the First Broad River. The First Broad River offers canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and fishing. Smallmouth and freshwater sunfishing is incredible on this stretch of the river and there are also opportunities for mountain river catfish. Tellurian’s scenic location offers stunning vista views of the surrounding countryside, sprawling views of the South Mountain and Cherry Mountain ranges, as well as long range views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The sunsets are amazing and the star lit skies are uninhibited by city lights. One of the few lights that can be seen at night lights up a steeple silhouetted against the mountain ridges. It’s truly a peaceful site. Tellurian is centrally located between Charlotte NC, Asheville NC, and Spartanburg SC in the small town of Casar, NC. We are located in a rural setting in the foothills on the edge of the South Mountains Range, a branch of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Thank you for checking out our place! We are Jud and Amanda Wortman. We have three children – Emma Grace and Baxter (twins) and Elena Jo. As a family, we enjoy canoeing, kayaking and camping. We live 9 miles from Tellurian on a family farm. We have always enjoyed quiet secluded campsites, river floats and sitting by the river. After years of looking all over the mountains for a river property we could call our own, our favorite spot on the river came up for sale. It just so happened it was nearly halfway between where we both grew up. After many sleepless nights worrying if we could succeed or not (it was much larger than properties we had been looking for), we bought it! Our favorite spot on the river was virtually inaccessible by any way other than floating. But after hundreds of hours of hard work, we think we have developed a place where others too can enjoy the things we do about the property. We dream big and Tellurian remains a work in progress, but we feel we have created a place where folks can enjoy the peacefulness of nature, the river and incredible views. Naming our campground proved to be one of the most challenging tasks throughout the process of developing it. After many ideas and brainstorming sessions as a family, we decided to go with Tellurian. We know it’s a bit different; that’s what we like about it. We think our place stands out and, after visiting Tellurian, we think you’ll agree it does too. Tellurian Family Campground tel·lu·ri·an [təˈlo͝orēən] ADJECTIVE: of or inhabiting the earth. NOUN: an inhabitant of the earth.
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$55
 / night
97%
(283)

Linville Adventure Pasture (LAP)

9 sites ¡ RVs, Tents20 acres ¡ Nebo, NC
Family Owned location with great views . Located adjacent to the Linville River and across the street from Lake James . This location gives the camper a center location for many activities. The State Fonta Flora trail system sits within feet of this property and offers the mountain biker miles of beautiful trails . Within a short distance is the trail head to Shortoff mountain and Linville George with exceptional views and hiking. Boat landing is a close for those who want to recreate on the lake and kayak. Close by is the renowned Fonta Flora brewery and Mica Town Breweries located only a few miles away.This is a secluded space that is private and on the Linville River before it enters Lake James. Lake James State Park offers a full menu of activities. Along with boating, swimming and fishing in the beautiful, clear waters of the 6,812-acre lake, there are 25 miles of trails, 15 of which are open to mountain biking. Trails vary from the short, educational Holly Discovery Trail with child-friendly activities, to the more adventurous, historic section of the Overmountain Victory Trail. Welcome!
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$45
 / night
100%
(3)

Sovereign Fireside Glampground

10 sites ¡ Lodging6 acres ¡ Forest City, NC
Enjoy our little "garden of Eden"! Relax in a communal wood-fired hot tub or by your private fire-pit in this growing little oasis in the foothills of the NC Blue Ridge Mountains! Great hiking and adventuring nearby @ Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Asheville & the Blue Ridge Parkway! - Sovereign Fireside currently has 7 luxury glamping stays available for guests. For your your cooking needs we have everything you'll need in the outdoor common area kitchen, including a premium gas grill, refrigerator, and kitchen sink. We also have power in the commons area to charge anything you bring (on your nightstand you'll also find a portable power supply lantern that also can charge phones - it should keep you charged through the weekend!). Each site has it's own private fire-pit and hand-crafted picnic table. The bathhouse is about 100 feet from the tent and is outfitted with flush toilets and bathroom sinks. Our communal spa area awaits you at anytime. It includes a cedar barrel wood-fired hot tub, outdoor shower, and cold plunge tub. Be aware that the since the hot-tub is wood-fired, it heats the old fashioned way in about 2-3 hours. The cedar and smoke smell is SO worth the wait! Please note that since the outdoor spa area is a communal area, bathing suits are required. :) Enjoy visiting with our chickens and ducks, who often free-range around the property. While you have plenty of space to yourselves, be aware that this property has MULTIPLE glamping sites. Expect the privacy of a normal campground, where you have your own space but other sites and the "caretaker residence" are within view. We live in the house at the front of the property, the glamping sites are in the 6 acres behind the house. You're more than welcome to bring your bikes, lawn games and other things you'd like to do. Outside of our land the town and surrounding areas provide many activities for you to do. Hidden gem small-town charm in Forest City & Rutherfordton, as well as everything you could possibly need only 8 mins away (Starbucks, Walmart, Aldi, the works)! For some local fun, sip a latte at Small Town Coffee Roasters, treat yourself at Pie Safe Bakery, bike the Thermal Belt Trail, hike the Purple Martin Greenway, play pinball at Carolina Arcade, or enjoy a steak at Copper Penny Grill. Farther out, you can zip-line through the forest at Lake Lure, float/kayak the Rocky Broad river, rock-climb or hike to Chimney Rock, or tour many award-winning vineyards and wineries (some just minutes away). My husband and I (and our 5 children) will be on site living at the main house most of the time as well as working around the land. Our goal with this land is to create a place that embodies the things that we've found to truly make us happy and allow a better lives for ourselves. Like getting back to nature, living off the land, meditation, and inner healing. Eating whole real foods. Exercising and moving our bodies. Nourishing ourselves. And having a space to allow for community and connection. Our vision started a few years ago when my husband Aaron and I both shared an image of a new world we wanted to create - one filled with self-sufficient, sustainable communities where people live more simply and love each other. In 2014 we left our "normal" lives, hand-built a 100% off-grid tiny home together and lived in it for 5 years. We began to eat real food and use real resources - the land, animals, rain water, compost, solar. But as we spent more time diving into ourselves, God, business, coaches, and many other holistic practices, we realized it was time for a big change. We now want to be able to offer experiences sharing everything we've learned about all these things and have people come try new ways of life. When you stay with us the cool part is, you can actually see where your money is going and meet the people creating the space. A large portion of what we make is going right back into this land. This isn't some fancy resort owned by a huge hotel chain. Although we do take serious pride in our work and go above and beyond when building. We've been told that this is one of the most peaceful, rejuvenating, and relaxing experiences guests have ever had. Please remember that the tent sites are off-grid and plan accordingly. Please bring everything you need to have the kind of stay you want (such as extra battery-powered fans, flashlights, etc). Inside your tent you'll find battery & solar-powered string lights, one small battery-powered fan, and a small library of books. Firewood available for $5 a bundle. Please no smoking on the premises. This is strictly prohibited. If you'd like to bring your furry friend, please send us a message request. If you have any questions about coming to stay with us please don't hesitate to reach out and ask! We're a Christian husband and wife team, and we're excited to host you! - Please park near the "guest parking" sign, in front of the house in the grass by the woods on the right. It's a short walk to your tent. Our private residence is on the left side of the 6 acre property, so we're easily available, but you'll be able to enjoy plenty of space. Access the communal spa any time! - Don't be deceived when you pull in - it looks like a normal house with a short driveway. All the magic is happening in the back. ;) Parking is to the right of the driveway on the grass, immediately after you pull in. - I am easily in touch by message. We're usually hanging out around the property building up the campground (unless we tell you otherwise).
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$60
 / night
95%
(43)

Adin`s river cabin

1 site ¡ Lodging10 acres ¡ Casar, NC
My property consists of a ridge running east to west with the access road running along the south border.  the land slopes up to the ridge for about 300 feet, and then down to the river for about 800 feet.  The south side of the ridge has a small pond close to the road.  The rest is pasture, and an orchard and small vineyard.  The north side of the ridge is old growth timber, and shady and cool.  The two cabins are along the river.  One is perched on a ridge over looking the river and the other is right on the river.  The swimming hole is 30 feet from the lower cabin.  There is room for a couple campsites along the river also.  The south side of the ridge was a cotton farm decades ago, but was covered in timber when I bought it 12 years ago.  The north side has been in timber for the known history of the property.
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$60
 / night
96%
(41)

Remote Mountain Camping Platform

1 site ¡ RV, Tent14 acres ¡ Morganton, NC
Learn more about this land:Welcome to The High Land: A private, drive-up, mountainside platform for tent(s)! About the propertyYou will have our entire 14 acre property to yourself which features some amazing mountain views and is adjacent to state lands for exploration. To access the site you will drive approx. 15 minutes up a gravel road. Overall we are located about ~30 minutes from I-40 and about 25 min to Marion & Morganton, NC.  For recreation you can access South Mountains Gamelands which is adjacent to the property. You can also drive to South Mountains State Park which is only 15 minutes away. Lake James State Park is 35 minutes away and offers great recreation potent entail as well as Linville Gorge which is 45-60 minutes away.About the listingWe offer two connected 8x16' tiers with center posts for hanging a tarp or setting up tents. You can see in our photos how a tent would fit on the platforms, there is plenty of space and truly amazing views right from your tent door. The site features a fire pit and an outhouse. Some amenities offered at the site:-Fire pit with grill attachment available -Pit toilet outhouse-No water provided, please bring your own for drinking and cooking-No cooking or kitchen supplies providedAdditional things to noteNOTE: Low clearance vehicles are not recommended, but 4 wheel drive is not necessary. The road up the mountain is terraced in places.We do not offer wifi and cell reception is limited, depending on your carrier, so make sure to plan ahead. We do not offer potable water or kitchen supplies at this time.Pets are allowed
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$65
 / night
100%
(126)

Bolin Knob Meadows

1 site ¡ RV, Tent70 acres ¡ Morganton, NC
Come experience private mountain meadows, on 70 acres, at the crest of the South Mountains. Camp at one of three sites, or hop around during your stay on the meadows below Bolin Knob. This entire listing is one booking, you’ll have the mountain to yourself. Views to the west of Mount Mitchell and the Blue Ridge Mountians; views to the north of Table Rock and Grandfather Mountain and to the east direct views of Silver Creek Knob. Stargaze the Milky Way at night with very little light pollution, relax by the fire, or explore the property and Bolin Knob. Hike adjacent to the property on 1,000s of acres of public land on South Mtn Game Lands. Nearby recreation: South Mtn State Park and Lake James State Park; fish/float the Catawba River in Morganton or Marion; bike the Fonta Flora trail at Lake James.
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$35
 / night

Private Camping Just Off I-40

2 sites ¡ Tents8 acres ¡ Morganton, NC
We are conveniently located 10 minutes off I-40 in Morganton, NC. Our eight acres offer two primitive tent camping sites and one car camping site. We have a lush pine, cedar and sycamore forest, where several 200-year-old beech trees (the oldest in the area) stand. Our land has a running creek and natural springs. We offer hiking, mountain biking, a multi-use deck and one communal fire pit. There is one portable restroom on the property. Guests are required to bring their own water. There is no potable water on the property. Spot Table Rock and Short-off Mountain on the horizon when driving up to the property during the day! We are 10 minutes from Downtown Morganton, 10 minutes from the Catawba River, 45 minutes from Table Rock State Park, 35 minutes from Wilson's Creek, 20 minutes from Lake James, 45 minutes from Asheville, and 30 minutes from the mouth of the Linville Gorge at Lake James. This is a fantastic location between many popular WNC destinations and activities. Tuck away in our woods and explore it all. :)
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$30
 / night
100%
(3)

Glamping With Amenities

1 site ¡ RV2 acres ¡ Bostic, NC
Enjoy private acre and a half with year-round flowing stream nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Let your children splash in the stream while enjoying the 2 person infrared sauna under the gazebo. Walk or bike to Golden Valley’s Yogi Bear Jellystone campground, ride the mountain coaster, hike to the look out tower or enjoy the pool/water park. With day passes for $37 you can enjoy all the perks of family entertainment while ending your days in your private retreat.
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$35
 / night
97%
(74)

Rose Creek Retreat

1 site ¡ RV2 acres ¡ Morganton, NC
In 2018 we purchased this property to enjoy a little freedom, privacy and relaxation. We have slowly been updating the property over the years and in the end of 2019 we decided to create the site and share it with everyone. After beginning to camp ourselves, a year later. we realized that so many campgrounds resembled the HOA like atmosphere our guests want to escape. We then decided to start our own and we hope you enjoy it!
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$46
 / night

The best camping near South Mountains State Park guide

Overview

About

Looking for a rugged and challenging multi-use trail system in the NC mountains? South Mountains aims to please with over 40 miles of trails for hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers.

The same trails also lead to backcountry campsites. You'll find 24 such backpack camping sites in seven different areas of the park. Eureka!

The most popular trail in the park rewards you with views of the iconic 80-foot waterfall. Pick up the High Shoals Falls Loop Trail
in the Jacob Fork parking area. Your glorious waterfall is 1 mile in, but the entire strenuous hike totals 2.7 miles.

Mountain bikers enjoy a 17-mile loop, while 33 miles of bridle trails make equestrians happy. So does the equestrian camping area with 15 sites. You'll find drive-to campsites conveniently located next to the trout-filled Jacob Fork River.

Going for a true backcountry experience? Plan to hike distances ranging from 1.2-5.4 miles from the Jacob Fork parking area to your site.

When to go

The ideal time to visit South Mountains State Park is during spring and fall when the weather is mild and the foliage is vibrant. Summer brings lush greenery but also higher temperatures and busier trails. Winters can be cold, with some areas prone to ice and snow, making certain activities less accessible.

Know before you go

  • Check the weather forecast and prepare for changing conditions when planning your visit.
  • Some trails may be closed due to weather or maintenance; always verify open trails before arrival.
  • Ensure you have proper gear for hiking, as terrain can be challenging.
  • Park hours are from 8:30am to 5pm; plan your activities within this timeframe.
  • Cell service can be spotty, so download maps and park information ahead of time.

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