Forest camping in North Carolina with snow sports

From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Outer Banks, your adventure is waiting.

94% (2758 reviews)
94% (2758 reviews)

Popular camping styles for North Carolina

Under $50

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top forest campgrounds in North Carolina with snow sports

99%
(1318)

Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents95 acres · Waynesville, NC
Voted 2nd in NC!! We are a Mangalitsa farm in The Smoky Mountains of western NC. The entire property is oriented toward private farmland views, a half mile of river and surrounding mountains. It's really quite remarkable to be so accessible yet feel so remote! Come swim, fish, cook and play! Check out www.smokymtnriverranch.com for more information. PLEASE NOTE, our rate is based on the number of vehicles in your group. The first vehicle is included in the nightly rate and admits 4 campers. WE CHARGE FOR ADDITIONAL CARS. The charge will be added to your booking once you select the number of vehicles at checkout. Please note that each additional car admits four campers. For EXAMPLE, 2 cars = 8 campers total. If you only have two cars but more than eight people, YOU MUST select the "Extra Person" Extra for each night they are camping. Please select these extras at checkout. If you have questions about this PLEASE message me prior to booking. Our 95-acre farm was once owned by the Davis family who predominantly raised dairy cattle. We now raise the wooly Mangalitsa pig and sell to the best chefs and restaurants. We sell our pork at the farm too! All of our campsites are next to running water except the two hilltop sites. Two porta-potties are on the farm and private porta-potties are available for rent. Groups of eight or more are required to rent a porta potty should you not bring your own toilet system with you. We do not allow the use of our small wooded areas as toilets. Please review the Extras options as we offer river lifts, firewood and dog stays; thank you! Quiet hours are from 10pm to 9am. Checking in before 5 pm is requested. Later times may be available with prior arrangements. Our farm is very dark and navigating at night is difficult. Please contact Catherine directly so you can be checked in safely and accommodate your schedule. NO CHECK-INS AFTER DARK. We are 1 mile off of I 40, 17 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, 15 min. to Maggie Valley, 10 min to the Elk at Cataloochee, 25 min to Cataloochee ski area, 10 min to Lake Junaluska and 15 min to downtown Waynesville. Asheville is 20 miles to our East.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$51
 / night
97%
(128)

Cherokee Waterfall Campground

2 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Cherokee, NC
Please read the entire listing because I have updated this page and renovated the property! Pull down a paved road and get out of your car and sit down at a picnic table in front of a private waterfall! This site has a pull through, full hookup spot with 30amp for campers but tents are always welcome or a combination of the two. I've had a 33' camper, popup camper and 6 tents at this campsite all at the same time so there plenty of room for your family and friends! We're 2.5 miles from the Cherokee Casino and 3.5 miles from down town Cherokee If you're tired of crowded campgrounds then you'll love the privacy this campground offers. This is now a two site campground with each site being around 100' away from the other site with trees and vegetation growing in between, you more or less cant see on site from the other from May until November. There is a orange cone that marks the border of the two sites. One set of campers will not be allowed on the other campers campsite, if this happens you will be evicted with no refund. Check in is at 2pm and check out is at 12pm. There is a house and a church on the same road so please drive slowly. No shooting firearms, (although you may hear people shooting firearms because you will be camping in the mountains) but your more than welcome to bring your firearms. Its better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.   No fireworks. No making trails or collecting firewood (This is not because I want to sell you firewood, its because I want to have the property remain as pristine as possible) Do not cut down trees alive or dead  If you move picnic tables please move them back Dogs are permitted but contact before you book the site to confirm if your dog will be a good fit. If you know your dog barks constantly of other people while camping then it will not be a good fit. I charge for dogs the same as I do for extra guests There is a small Church around 200 yards from the campground. They hold services every Wednesday and Sunday. They generally start around 5pm and it lasts around a hour. If your into that they would love to have you come down. The EBCI opened a dispensary around 3 miles from the campground. It will open to all adults over 21 starting September 7th 2024. Message me with any questions you have ​ ​
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$50
 / night
97%
(97)

Appalachian Pond Campground

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Waynesville, NC
Get back to nature at this incredible private campground nestled in the Great Smokey Mountains of Western North Carolina! This tranquil campground offers a peaceful place to unwind while listening to the wonderful sights and sounds of nature at its best! There are 11 unique and cozy campsites to choose from as well as a shower and portable potties. This campground has a pond for fishing and swimming, a creek running along the campsites and is surrounded by the most magnificent and beautiful foliage and wildlife! Prepare to have the most peaceful sleep under the glorious celestial stars of Western North Carolina! *We also have a sink for dishes alongside the shower house as well as a drinkable well water spicket in the back of the campground! *We are also located close to stores for your convenience as well as many nearby attractions! * Please contact us regarding pets before booking… *We recommend checking in before 10 pm…. The property gets really dark and hard to navigate at night without being shown where to go! If for any reason you will be getting here later please inform us upon booking so we can plan for your arrival! *During the months from November to April we cannot guarantee our shower will be operational due to freezing temperatures. However, during warm periods during those months we do have our shower available. If you’re looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of life and return to the simplicity of nature this is your spot! We hope to see you soon!!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$27
 / night
99%
(134)

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.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from 
$65
 / night
99%
(216)

Mountaintop Fantasy

4 sites · Lodging8 acres · Cullowhee, NC
Selected by Outside Magazine as their Favorite Hipcamp in North Carolina and a Hipcamp Finalist in N.C. 2020, 2021, and 2022 and runner up best treehouse in 2023, you can choose among three separate and memorable experiences in our 8 acre compound: 1) a woodsy, peaceful glamping experience with million dollar views in an 6 person tent;; 2) a glampingTreehouse with W/C; and 3) the newly built 2BR 1 1/2 BA private annex to our house. Each can be all yours - this is not a commercial campground. Explore the innumerable trails and waterfalls of the Smokies; fish in the Lake or numerous rivers and streams; swim in the Lake and at the sand beach down the road; rent a pontoon boat; travel the Blue Ridge Parkway; enjoy the shopping and restaurants of nearby Cashiers and Highlands. Or just chill out. These are truly unique high altitude sites with amenities you won't find elsewhere. Both are in a gated "subdivision" that has 60 lots but only 8 houses - the rest is woods and the only place in your vicinity is our cabin. With unmatched mountain and western views, if you like the great outdoors on the mountain and in the woods, This is the place for you and your family. If you like a more camping style with tent (provided), covered camp kitchen, table and firepit ( along with the uncovered ones) check out Smoky Mountain High. Don't like tents? No problem. Check out our Treehouse with kitchen, bunks, grill, cooktop, heaters, W/C and more. Prefer indoor rustic luxury? The Glenville Aerie (4100') is a fully furnished, annex we built for our family, guests and friends who value their privacy. Walkie-talkies to facilitate mountain communications. Board games too. Access to our dock, canoes and kayak? Yep. Adult life preservers provided. Secret nature trail to our kids playground and trampoline. Hammock, kid's swing, hanging chair and dining for 6. Visit with Jake the Cat and our chickens. This area is truly one of a kind spiritual respite. These mountains are justly known for hiking, fishing, water sports, chilling out and forgetting about the Virus, politics and the nuisances of the workaday world. Our goal is to provide you and your family with an unforgettable and magical N.C. mountain experience, while reducing your blood pressure.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$102
 / night
99%
(75)

Bull Mountain Ridge

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Asheville, NC
The site's first appeal is the amazing view of Bull Mountain Ridge. Beautiful all year long, but particularly in late October when the leaves are in their richest colors. The site is roomy for small to mid-sized RVs and offers a private water hook-up, 30 amp, and 20 amp power outlets. It feels private and tucked away, but is very accessible to all of what the Asheville area has to offer. Downtown is a 15 minute drive; ride services and shuttles* are both easy to secure and quite affordable. Additional parking is available for a fee. The backdrop of the site is forested and easy to relax in - the understory is maintained for guest use, providing cooling shade with a stunning view. I usually try to say hello to folks and make sure they get settled in alright, but let me know if you'd prefer just to come in and have privacy. Don't feel the need to come to the house unless you can't get a hold of me via text and you need assistance. I may not be available when you arrive, but I'll try to get back in touch with you as soon as I'm able. *If I am available, I can offer boat, bike, and hike shuttling for a fee. I also have a one-person kayak, and a two-person canoe that are usually available and camping gear. Contact me beforehand if you are interested in renting any of these items. **Please be aware that this section of North Carolina has a particularly large population of American black bears. Any food stuffs, or other "smell-ables" will potentially attract bears. Refer to: https://www.nps.gov/articles/bearsafetyfood.htm ...for proper treatment of potential attractants.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
Trash
Cooking equipment
from 
$34.40
 / night
98%
(64)

Outercamp, Hoot Owl Ridge

5 sites · Lodging60 acres · Spruce Pine, NC
You've been given the key. Come experience 60-acres of private mountain land off the Blue Ridge Parkway with big mountain views, lush Appalachian forest, & our very own waterfall! Inspired by the tale of a young gnome who discovers the power of gratitude in the forest. We bring Hoot Owl Ridge to you with in the same spirit. We are within 15 min of three magnificent waterfalls (Crabtree, Grassy Creek, & Tom's Creek), and only 25 mins from Linville Gorge! Though we are very secluded in the mountains, Walmart is only 5 mins down the road. Spruce Pine is 10-15 mins and has food, grocery, gas, hospital, and a brewery. Marion is a bigger town with mostly anything you could be looking for and is about 20mins away down the mountain. If you want some city buzz, head to vibrant Asheville under an hour away, where you'll find endless art, restaurants, breweries, live music, and more. Live closer to the earth, the mountains, the curious creatures, and return home with some gratitude!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$96.85
 / night
98%
(131)

Plumtree Campground Tents & Cabins

20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents78 acres · Newland, NC
Plumtree Campground and Retreat is an off-the-beaten-path property for hikers, bikers (both pedal and motor), campers, adventurers, parkway goers, mountain lovers, fisherman, and skiers/snowboarders.Learn more about this land:Plumtree Campground and Retreat is an off-the-beaten-path property for hikers, bikers (both pedal and motor), campers, adventurers, parkway goers, mountain lovers, fisherman, and skiers/snowboarders.The property is the former Blind Squirrel Campground which included a zip line recreation area. Relics remain, with zip lines and bridges still running through the tree canopy and an old climbing wall. These aren’t currently in use, and cannot be explored, but they add a wonderland-like quality to the land. Other features also remain that can be used: a sliding rock waterfall which is a short hike within the campground property, moderate trails for hiking, and mountain biking running from the waterfall through the back of the property (these trails are mountainous, so please enter at your own risk), fruit trees, blueberry bushes, small trout pond, a playground, an open meadow for star gazing, and our friendly neighborhood duck, Howard. (He hangs by the pond and accepts treats!) You are welcome to explore all these features, but please be mindful and respectful of residents and guests, do not enter or explore the greenhouses or gardens, and remain aware that this is mountainous terrain with inherent risks.This is a rustic property in the forest, centrally located to all the area has to offer. Privately run, we offer a variety of lodging options:- Seasonal and daily camping with full hook up RV sites- Popup sites, tent sites with water and electric- Group tent site with pavilion- Primitive tent sites- Primitive cabins (no electricity/water)- Lodge with four bedrooms/bath- Cabin with a two-bedroom/bath among the trees- Cabin with a one-bedroom/bath pond side- Studio apartments. Four available. Includes one bedroom/bath Campsites include a fire pit, picnic table, and electric/water/sewer depending on the site. There are 5 tent sites boasting elevated tent platforms nestled against the mountain. Sites are generally mossy, treed (think hammocks!), and have gravel parking. There are 3 his and her bathhouses on the property with the largest within walking distance of the tent loop, with 2 toilets and 3 stall showers each.This corner of the world has so much to offer and we are close, but just far away enough from it all. The scenic drives alone are worth venturing out:- Blue Ridge Parkway- Linville Falls- Linville Caverns- Grandfather Mountain- Beech Mt Ski Slope/Rec area- Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing Park- Sugar Mt Ski Slope/Rec area- Roan Mt State Park- Appalachian Trail- Yellow Mountain Gap Trail Head- North Toe River- Banner Elk- Little Switzerland- Mayland Dark Sky Observatory- Brown Mountain OHV Trail SystemAll these adventures within a 20-40-minute drive. Boone is only 50 minutes away, and Asheville 1 hr. 20 minutes.Off HWY 19-E is Spears Country Store, about 5 minutes from here, where you can get basic supplies, propane, and gas. We can also provide firewood for a fee. Ingles grocery stores in both Newland and Spruce Pine are just 20 minutes away. In Spruce Pine you will also find a Walmart, historic downtown with many shops and restaurants. Be aware cell service can be spotty in the area depending on your carrier. WIFI is offered, but not guaranteed due to the mountainous terrain. One of the joys of being deep in the mountains, true disconnection from the everyday!3 night minimum required for holiday weekends.Plumtree Campground & Retreat913 Big Plumtree Creek RoadNewland, NC 28657
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$25
 / night

Star Hosts in North Carolina

Available this weekend

Value Prop
Value Prop

Forest camping in North Carolina with snow sports guide

Overview

Crank up the fiddle-and-banjo tunes while driving through the High Country, where campsites and high-altitude views along the Blue Ridge Parkway are marked by mists and mountains. The parkway rolls up to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, not far from the gorgeous homelands of the Cherokee tribe. Just east in Asheville, the Ale Trail rivals the Biltmore as the top draw, though live music and a fantastic culinary scene are close behind. Drive east to the windswept barrier islands of the Outer Banks for coastal camping, wildlife watching, and outdoor adventures that tear across sea and sky. Charlotte, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh anchor the booming Central Piedmont.

Where to go

High Country & the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway passes overlooks, waterfalls, and campgrounds in the rugged High Country of western North Carolina as it swoops south from Virginia. Mount Mitchell State Park, Linville Gorge, and Grandfather Mountain are Instagram-pretty while hiking and mountain biking trails beg to be explored.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park & Cherokee

Stories about Cherokee leaders and 19th-century mountain families add historic context to the mountain-and-forest views in the deep-green Smokies. Feeling social? Hit the welcoming Nantahala Outdoor Center for all-sorts of wild adventures, from rafting to ziplining. The Appalachian Trail runs along the North Carolina and Tennessee border in the national park then veers south through Nantahala National Forest.

Asheville & the Foothills

An easy detour from the Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville is a mountain town that’s going places. The craft beer situation is out of control—more than 30 breweries!—while innovative chefs keep the foodie scene abuzz. Chimney Rock State Park, Lake Lure, and gorgeous waterfalls are outdoor highlights in the foothills. Mountain bikers, get your fix in Pisgah National Forest

North Carolina Coast

Wind, water, and sunny skies set a mood for fun along the North Carolina Coast. For the best all-around beach scene head to the Outer Banks, a 100-mile stretch of rugged barrier islands marked by dunes, fishing piers, and wild horses. Try hang-gliding at Jockey’s Ridge, windsurfing off Hatteras Island, and parasailing and paddling in Corolla and Duck. For close-to-the-beach tent camping, drive south to Cape Hatteras National Seashore or ferry over to Ocracoke Island.

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

© 2024 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.