The best camping near Lake James State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Lake James State Park adventure.

88% (6 reviews)

Swim in crystal-clear waters and soak up mountain views at this NC state park.

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Stay at a public campground in Lake James State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake James State Park

98%

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Starlight Hills

18 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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(74)

Cold Spring Basecamp

6 sites · Lodging, Tents38 acres · Flat Rock, NC

Cold Spring Basecamp is the perfect spot to launch your adventure. Located in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Whether camping, glamping or high in a treehouse (coming soon), Cold Spring Basecamp is the jumping off point for biking, hiking, paddling, zip lining, waterfalls or just enjoy our beautiful 38 acre property with mountain bike trails, hiking trails, beautiful creeks, waterfalls and endless relaxation potential. Three rustic and historic cabins recently rehabbed, but keeping all the old charm. One open wall lets in lots of light and the old wood accents the walls, kitchen, eating area, and bunk beds (with queen on the bottom and twin up top). Cook over the stone fire pit or on cast iron pots and pan on the propane stove. Full equipped kitchen for all your needs, including French press, and tea pot. Relax under the solar lights and charge your devices using our solar powered charging station. Campsites are all nestled in the woods and next to the creek and are all spacious and private. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring with grill for cooking over the fire. Additionally a water filter is provided for purifying drinking water from the creek. Launch your adventure from Cold Spring or stay on the property to enjoy the mountain bike trails, hike to the waterfall and cliffs or relax in the meadow. Minutes to the world class trails of Ride Rock Creek Bike Park and beautiful Lake Summit, just down the road from Ride Kanuga Bike Park and the world famous Green River, with class I-V rapids. We are at the back door of 86 miles of trails and dozens of famous waterfalls in Dupont State Forest. The steep, fast and fun Gorge Zipline is located in the quaint town of Saluda, along with shops and great restaurants. The shops and restaurants of Flat Rock and just up the hill and a bit further is the thriving town on Hendersonville, apple country and many of the areas wineries.

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Asheville Area Luxury Solo RV'ing

1 site · RV1 acre · Fletcher, NC

Asheville Area Luxury Dwellings offers a gated year round solo RV site with full hook ups, firewood, kindling, bike wash or pet wash station, and trash service provided by your host in the nightly rate. ADDITIONALLY, you can enhance your stay by adding any of the FIVE EXTRA AMENITIES before checking out. Extras which are available for a one time fee are onsite which include a partially covered lighted outdoor shelter with a grill, bar sink, bar stools, and infrared heater above the couch to warm up on those chilly nights. This outdoor covered porch can be added to your stay in the extras sections if you so choose. The hot tub and outdoor shower are also available for rent for a one time charge under the extras section. Working remotely? Add wifi in the extras section. Rv'ing with a friend? No problem, you can add one additional RV to your booking. Our site can accommodate two large rigs. If these items are not needed then you can still use the site only at the nightly price. Remember, your nightly rate includes a bike wash or pet wash station to clean up after a day of exploring the Asheville area, firewood, kindling, and trash service are always included in your nightly price. 0ur site is only 10 miles to downtown Asheville and 8 miles to the Biltmore Estate. Come relax by the outdoor fire pit and listen to the sound of the natural spring flowing down the mountain. Come enjoy our RV site in beautiful Asheville Area. We are glad to offer a one of a kind private mountainous solo RV site.

Blue Bear Mountain Camp

46 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents150 acres · Boone, NC

Blue Bear Mountain Camp offers year-round camping experiences for every type of outdoor enthusiast. Car-accessible tent and RV sites in a natural setting. Hike-in sites for those looking for a little more adventure and privacy. Stargazer Domes and Cabin rentals for guests wanting a rustic, mountain getaway while staying in comfort. Located just 8 miles north of Boone, NC on over 150 acres of pristine mountain land, miles of hiking trails, a trout pond, and spacious low-density sites allow the guest to get away from it all in a rustic, remote setting. In the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. At 4,000 feet elevation, come enjoy cool mountain breezes and mild temperatures. Blue Bear Mountain is a scenic location for large events such as weddings, corporate events, and family reunions. Come Get away from it all at Blue Bear Mountain! Blue Bear Mountain offers spacious, Low-Density RV camping, spacious, private, rustic car-accessible tent camping, and spacious, private remote tent camping. Blue Bear Mountain also offers luxury Stargazer Domes and Cabin rentals to provide you with more choices of how to experience your mountain getaway. In a beautiful mountain setting with incredible views, the Stargazer Domes are a great way to enjoy the camping experience without really roughing it. Great for a romantic getaway or bringing the family. Furnished with a queen size bed, complete with high-quality linens, a bistro table, and chairs, you will stay in complete comfort. Conveniently located near the bathhouse with private bathrooms, a Laundry room, and a dishwashing station. You can drive right up to the handcrafted stargazer dome. Relax and take in the views while sitting around your stone fire ring. A park grill, picnic table, and free bundle of firewood are also provided to complete your glamping getaway.

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(5)

Firefly Food Forest

3 sites · Lodging20 acres · Weaverville, NC

Soak under the stars in our spring water hot tub. Swim laps in our spring water pool. Fall asleep to the sound of crickets and wake to the sound of birds. Camp out in one of our tiny glamping cabin, your camper van or tent in a hidden 20-acre food forest 15 minutes from Asheville. Your hosts, Brad and Sara, live in the middle of the forest, which is hidden away from our neighbors at the end of our road, up a long-gated driveway. Each campsite has its own firepit.

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Blowing Rock TreePod & Geodome

2 sites · Lodging17 acres · Lenoir, NC

**Hurricane Helene Update** Unlike many areas in Western North Carolina the Blowing Rock and Boone area faired very well. Fortunately, both of our domes did not sustain any damage and are fully operational and never stop hosting Hipcampers. All of the main and secondary roads are fully operational in our area and the businesses and restaurants are fully operational and open at normal business hours. We’d like to welcome you and your closest to enjoy the views at our dome post Helene! ********** The Blowing Rock TreePod and Geodome is only 2.5 miles from Main Street in Blowing Rock, NC and a just a short drive from Boone. Enjoy 100 mile views from your private TreePod or Geodome (both domes have 100 mile views). Relax on the well-appointed deck, complete with an equipped kitchenette, luxurious bathroom, and unique dome featuring a private hot tub, fire table, grill, hammock and comfortable outdoor furniture. Recharge and reconnect with nature as you explore our 20 acres of trails and private pond. ————————————————————— ————————————————————— Experience unforgettable moments at one of the domes of Blowing Rock, where every detail is designed for lasting memories. Enjoy breathtaking 100-mile vistas from the deck, a plush King Bed, and a well-equipped kitchenette paired with a luxurious glamping bathroom. Sleep beneath the stars in comfort, nestled in a King Bed beneath a transparent roof, while the fully functional bathroom offers hot water and a conventional flushing toilet just steps away. This 350-square-foot retreat is complemented by a nearby 300-square-foot bathhouse exclusively for your use. Perched among the trees and carved into the mountainside, the Tripod boasts a deck featuring a hot tub, fire pit, grill, and hammock, inviting relaxation and connection with nature. Built and designed to soak in long range 100 mile views from every angle, the Geodome offers the unique sense of living on the side of a mountain. Lavash in the large deck, see if you can spot Charlotte from the Hot Tub, or lounge in an Adirondack chair by the firepit on cool evenings. Whether indulging in reading, napping, stargazing, or simply soaking in the tranquility, the outdoor furniture and hot tub for each dome provides the perfect vantage points. Keep an eye out for birds and deer as you explore the surrounding 20 acres, including a private pond with fish included for your enjoyment. All of this just minutes to Main Street in Blowing Rock, NC. One of North Carolina's premier mountain towns. OTHER PROPERTY DETAILS LOCATION: We’re located on a 17 acre tract of land with two domes. Both domes can be booked individually or together (please see my other listings in my profile for availability). My goal is always to maximize privacy and I’ve worked hard to create guest seclusion and minimize visibility from the other dome. With that, the domes are separated by 150 feet but are connected via a staircase that has been built into the mountain. If another couple is staying in the other dome during your stay, it is likely that you may hear them during your stay. Finally, our ideal location and close proximity to Blowing Rock is a direct result of our proximity to NC 321. Guests should be aware that they may hear road noise. STEEP MOUNTAIN DRIVEWAY: Please note that the driveway to the TreePod is a mountain road that is ONLY accessible by AWD or 4x4. If you are not comfortable driving on gravel mountain roads, or do not have a 4x4 or AWD, you’re welcome to park at a dedicated space at the top of the driveway and take a 450’ hike to the dome. WINTER WEATHER: In the event of a winter weather during your stay you will be required to park at the top of the driveway regardless of what type of vehicle you arrive in. This does involve a short 350’ walk from that location to the GeoDome door. In general snow fall is light and usually melts the next day. HEATING/COOLING: The Treepod includes both heating and cooling as well as several space heaters and electric blankets. While we make every attempt to create a comfortable environment the domes are not insulated in the same way your home may be and does not heat and cool like a conventional home or apartment. We’ll provide the heated blankets, please bring plenty of warm clothing in the winter. PARKING: Parking is FREE and on Premises but we are only able to accommodate ONE vehicle during your stay. KITCHEN: During the winter months, the kitchen sink may be closed to prevent freezing pipes. If so, water is accessible in the fully functional and heated bathroom. As always, your welcome to use the grill with the supplied grilling tools for cooking. You’ll also find a French coffee press, water kettle, and coffee/creamer/sugar in the event that the Keurig is not available.

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Dark Ridge Hide Out (Adults Only)

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Elk Park, NC

"Adults only" doesn't mean anything other than just "no children", so as to preserve the natural peace and quiet, and assurance that there won't be loud and unruly children on the property. Inquiries and booking requests received after 9: pm may not be answered until the next morning. Dark Ridge Hide Out, is a 20 acre parcel in the Blue Ridge Mountain's on the back side of the Beech Mt Ski Resort in a secluded quiet and safe community with less than a dozen homes in a one mile radius. Away from light and sound pollution. Except for an occasional passing vehicle "and often none at all from 10pm to 6am" all you will hear is the sound of the creek which runs through the lower section by the RV sites, cricket's and frogs at the nearby fish pond and only the light from the moon and star's in the clear mountain sky and fire flies. It is my home place with a tobacco barn and a big combination cattle/tobacco barn built almost entirely just by my Mom and Dad in early 1940"s. My parents and grand parents lived off of the land here and raised cash crops like cabbage, corn and tobacco, we also raised sugar cane and made molasses, we had free range chickens, as many as 50 honey bee hives and over 50 head of cattle, two or three hog's and of course a horse. There was four main fields; two for cow pasture, one meadow to grow hay "now Christmas trees" and the main one on my part where all crops were grown is where the camp sites are. I grew up helping with the crops and other farm chores, one was to go to the pasture and bring the milk cows in and do the milking every day before and after school, feed the hogs and chickens, gather the egg's, let the chickens out in the morning and close the chicken house in the evening to protect them from critters like opossums, raccoons and wildcats. This is where I grew up, my dad grew up and, near where my mother and both of my grandparents grew up. My house was built in 1905 the same year my dad was born. The campsites are on my 20 acre section section of the original 82 acres with the house and barns, the remainder went to my brother but now is out of the family. The section of Elk River with the Compression Falls "45 ft high" and Twisting Falls which is part of Pisgah National Forest is less than two miles from here, and an old logging road going around the mountain above the river for about three miles to another Falls "Elk River Falls, 65 ft high" is a great place to hike or mountain bike. You will be free to explore and hike any part of my property except the house and out building's. The pond's are full of Trout and Blue Gill fish that are like pet's they love little pieces of bread. You can feed the fish but no fishing.

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Turkey Creek Oasis

6 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Leicester, NC

STATUS REPORT: totally intact after hurricane. No damage and the land is not flooded. Even RVs can drive to the creek. Attention RV and van-lifers, here's your safe haven! Introducing a brand-new listing, and I'm seeking your assistance in navigating the ins and outs of hosting. Located just 25 minutes from downtown Asheville, this property sits in a rural, fertile valley, offering breathtaking views to the north and south. Encompassing a total of 23 acres, 5 of which are nearly flat and ideal for parking/camping, while the remainder provides excellent hiking opportunities. A charming bubbling creek, a storage barn suitable for construction or running a business, and the promise of future hydro-power with solar and a battery bank by the creek add to the property's appeal. For those parking near the main house, a 120v extension cord is available for power and internet access. Alternatively, if you prefer to park by the creek, please note that there is currently no power, internet, or water available in that area, though plans are underway for hydro-power with solar and a battery bank. IMPORTANT NOTE: heavy rains turn this area into a mess, it can be tricky to get in and out after a big rain. You are welcome to park at the top by the barn and walk down with a tent, but your RV could get stuck, so keep that in mind. Anticipate future offerings with RV power hookups. Presently, the amenities are somewhat rustic, serving as a trial to gauge interest. Composting outhouse is available now!. Rainwater and shallow well water are provided. Looking for a place to park your vehicle while you convert it into your home on wheels? Happy to set that up with power, water, and even a barn in which to work. Feel free to reach out with any questions or suggestions; your input is appreciated!

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Jake's Farm

5 sites · Lodging, Tents11 acres · Candler, NC

Jake's Farm is an 11 acre organic farm producing vegetables, small fruits, medicinal herbs and tea ingredients. We began our venture in 1997 and added campsites and treehouses in 2015. The farm is conveniently located 8 miles from West Asheville, 11 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway and 15 miles from Asheville Regional Airport. We have power, water, internet and have put in place a 50% discount until Nov 30 to assist recovery from Helene. ZNP4NS2K is the code for the discount

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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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Neal Creek Camping Sites

3 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Blacksburg, SC

Neal Creek Primitive camping by the creek is located on private property. The two large campsites are approximately 300 feet apart and are located right beside the running creek. Plenty of shaded area's. We have a 6-8 person tent available to rent as well! Learn more about this land: We are only 1/2 a mile from the Interstate 85. So bring your tents, campers or your small RV and come and setup down by the babbling creek. If you don't have or own a tent, we have a large 6-8 person tent available for a small rental fee too. Build a nice fire in the fire pit. The firewood and kindling is provided. The campsites are semi-wooded areas with plenty of shade. They are very large private, peaceful and quiet sites. View the stars at night, play in the creek during the day or if you are into biking or hiking, go to the Overmountain Victory trail located about 15 minutes away and enjoy the 6.7 mile loop around Lake Whelchel right off I-85. Local attractions: Biking, Hiking, Climbing and Horse trails - Kings Mtn National Park, Kings Mtn State Park, Crowder's Mtn State Park, Overmountain Victory Trail Segment - Lake Whelchel. Two Kings Casino is just a 10 minute trip right up Interstate - 85, exit 5 Convenient stores/restaurants within minutes from site.

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Raven Ridge

2 sites · Lodging3 acres · Marshall, NC

James landed on the property in 2009, built a small barn and milked 3 cows for 3 years. Then, started planting trees,gardening the hillsides. He married in 2015 and has three Daughters with Sofi, originally from Sweden. Together they manage a botanically interesting hobby hill farm and are happy to host travelers and seekers in their cabins. Hilltop was a joint project that James built in 2012 with a talented woodworker and friend in 6 months of saturday for less than $5k. We have maintained the original vibe of the place, rustic simplicity and elegance a notch or two above glamping, well-described by the zen koan, "chop wood, carry water" Orchard House was built entirely by James from the block up to the roof, averaging 1 hour/day for 3 years or 1,000 hours. Some of the Hilltop photos are a bit dated, we have a more private outhouse behind the cabin, and have made a few improvements here and there. Reach out anytime for any reason ! We really like hosting and nearly everyone enjoys their stay.

The best camping near Lake James State Park guide

Overview

About

Surrounded by the steep, forested Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake James State Park is a prime destination for outdoor adventurers. As well as swimming, boating, kayaking, and fishing in the 6,812-acre lake for which it’s named, the park also offers a 25-mile trail system, 15 of which are multi-use and welcoming of cyclists of all levels. Trails range from the flat and easy Holly Discovery Trail to the more adventurous section of the Overmountain Victory Trail. The landscape houses an abundance of wildlife, including deer, flying squirrel, red and gray fox, muskrat, and mink.

Notable campgrounds

Best for views: The Catawba River Area has 20 walk-in campsites, many of which offer lake views.
Best for families: The Paddy’s Creek Area has 33 drive-in, family-friendly campsites.
Best for adventurous campers: The remote Long Arm boat-in campground offers a true outdoor adventure accessible only by boat, kayak or canoe.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Booking in advance is recommended and can be easily done online or by phone up to 11 months in advance.
Reservations for the Long Arm boat-in campground must be made in advance.
If you cannot arrive by park closing hours on the scheduled arrival date, you must contact the park by 3pm the next day to reschedule your arrival.

When to go

Lake James State Park is open year-round, but closed on Christmas Day. Summer is the best time to visit to take advantage of the outdoor activities on offer. The beach at Paddy’s Creek is open for swimming from May through September while April through October is the best period for fishing for largemouth bass. If visiting in summer, it’s a good idea to make reservations in advance, especially on weekends.

Know before you go

Paddy’s Creek Area is the only part of the lake you can swim in, and an admission fee is required.
Canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals are available at the Paddy’s Creek Area concession stand from May through September.
Pets are allowed except in park buildings and swim areas, but must be on a leash no longer than six feet and cannot be left unattended. Pets are not allowed on the beach.