Camping near Sylva

Nestled in the Plott Balsam Mountains, this small town is a short drive from two national forests, where campers can enjoy tent campsites, RV campsites with nearby restrooms, and cabins inside the park. Nantahala Forest offers over 500,000 acres of scenery to explore, while Pisgah Forest includes campsites with spectacular views over Linville Gorge. For backcountry and frontcountry tent camping in the mountains, visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Trails for hiking and biking as well as rushing rivers and whitewater rafting make Sylva an exciting home base to discover western North Carolina.

97% (15.9K) • 1,844 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Sylva

97% (15.9K) • 1,844 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Sylva

1. Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

99%

(1516)

21mi from Sylva · 17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

2. Indian Creek Rental's Mountain Camp

99%

(305)

23mi from Sylva · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

3. Cherokee Waterfall Campground

97%

(194)

7.9mi from Sylva · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

4. Nantahala National Forest

95%

(73)

438 sites · Franklin, North Carolina

Discover what the Cherokee call the Land of the Noonday Sun.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Pisgah National Forest

97%

(156)

251 sites · Burnsville, North Carolina

One of Pisgah's gems is Richland Balsam, the highest peak on the Blue Ridge Parkway at 6,410 feet.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

6. Sun Retreats Nantahala

6.3mi from Sylva · 29 sites · RVs, Lodging

7. At the Ridge Camp-Riverside Escapes

95%

(184)

21mi from Sylva · 14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

8. Honeysuckle Springs Smoky Mountains

97%

(241)

30mi from Sylva · 14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

9. Camp LeConte

100%

(14)

28mi from Sylva · 36 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

10. Sumter National Forest

88%

(13)

259 sites · Joanna, South Carolina

Explore the vast South Carolina wilderness on foot, by bike, or by boat

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

11. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

98%

(193)

621 sites · Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Forest trails link campsites with waterfalls and reminders of once-bustling Appalachian communities.

12. Lake Barkley

19 sites · Cumberland City, Tennessee

Discover Lake Barkley's scenic beauty and outdoor adventures.

13. Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

96%

(65)

557 sites · Blairsville, Georgia

Visit the Georgian gateway to the Appalachian Trail.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

14. By The Creek Campspot

99%

(158)

13mi from Sylva · 2 sites · RVs

15. Secluded Waterfall Haven

100%

(420)

28mi from Sylva · 1 site · Tent, RV

16. Pisgah Forest Mountain Meadows

99%

(788)

32mi from Sylva · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

17. Winding Stair Campground

99%

(198)

27mi from Sylva · 17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

18. Conleys Creek Campground

96%

(465)

9.2mi from Sylva · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

19. Ellis Cove

96%

(136)

31mi from Sylva · 5 sites · RVs

20. Harmony Glen

98%

(183)

12mi from Sylva · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Top camping destinations around Sylva

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

114 campgrounds

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

105 campgrounds

Nantahala National Forest

113 campgrounds

Pisgah National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Caren

1 week ago

Tent

With pets

1 night at Turkey Creek Oasis~valley views

Had such a good experience!! Reid is an excellent communicator, made sure we had everything we needed and answered all of my questions. The spot is just as described and served its purpose as I was driving through and needed a spot to stop for the night. The space felt secluded but safe. The creek sounds where incredibly peaceful and although there where other people on the property, we did not hear them all night. My dogs loved the opportunity to run around freely and jumping into the creek. 10/10 would recommend.

Joanne

1 week ago

3 nights at Honeysuckle Springs Smoky Mountains

We loved camping there! The view was beautiful and the owner was awesome. He found us some supplies we forgot at home. The pop up camper was a bit small for us, but next time we will rent the cabin or bring our own tent. The lots seemed to be a nice size and the shower house was very clean. Thank you!

John

2 weeks ago

34 ft Class C

With pets

3 nights at By The Creek Campspot

The hosts were wonderful the site was amazing right on the river

Laurie

2 weeks ago

34 ft Class C

With pets

3 nights at By The Creek Campspot

We had a lovely time at the camping site of Danny and Pam’s. We rode on the Polar Express and the location was perfect, only a few minutes away. Our site backed up to a beautiful creek which was very relaxing to sit by. Danny responded right away to any of my questions and was very hospitable.

Leah

2 weeks ago

21 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Ellis Cove

If you're okay with it being a little outside of town, this is a great place. Very quiet, clean and a very pretty open view. A gorgeous creek flowing and a very well built bridge to get into the campground. Lots of deer. All around we were impressed. Would be nice to have wifi but it definitely wasn't a deal breaker for us. Though trash needs to be picked up a little more often. Would definitely recommend to others.

Alicia

2 weeks ago

32 ft toy hauler

3 nights at Cherokee Waterfall Campground

Very cool place we would definitely come again. Driveway down needs to be trimmed a little.

MarkJulie

2 weeks ago

22 ft campervan

2 nights at Ellis Cove

Great location. Easy access. Very clean and well kept sites. Would def stay again!

Christopher

2 weeks ago

34 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

I had an amazing time at this site. So peaceful and beautiful. The customer service was on point. She was very polite and helpful. This is a site I would definitely recommend and come back to. Thank you

Maggie

2 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Indian Creek Rental's Mountain Camp

The site was clean and spacious. With no leaves on the trees in the winter, we had a lovely view of the mountains and the sunset in the evening from the hot tub. The bath house was a short distance away and was heated, which was great after the hot tub. The stars at night were fantastic! The hosts were helpful and responsive. Highly recommend this spot!

Maggie

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Indian Creek Rental's Mountain Camp

We had a lovely time staying at the mountain shine camper!! The camper was sooo cozy and plenty warm with temps in the 30s at night. The heated bathhouse was a very close walk from the camper and had a shower and toilet. We had a wonderful view of the mountains and the sunset with no leaves on the trees. The stars were stunning at night too. The camper had running water, a single stovetop, and a little grill outside, all of which we used for meals. The hosts were friendly and helpful throughout our stay. Plenty of awesome hiking spots nearby. Highly recommended staying here! We will be back!

3 weeks ago

2 nights at At the Ridge Camp-Riverside Escapes

I love the camp site! The host was incredibly accommodating and genuinely kind and pleasant!

Kiersten

3 weeks ago

1 night at The Quack Shack

Everything about this place was perfect! From being greeted with such a warm welcome, to the pottery area, to the beautiful view that I woke up to in the quack shack!!! it was the most beautiful day!

Peter

3 weeks ago

39 ft toy hauler

3 nights at Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

Fantastic site with a fantastic host. The property is exactly as described and pictured. Great location close to town and the interstate but you would never know it! If you are looking for peace and relaxation then look no further. I managed to get my 39’ fifth wheel into the knoll spot. It’s tight but can be done. Do not pass up on camping here!

We added an additional canvas top to keep you completely dry and sheltered. This site is totally private among the rhododendrons and has a creek you can hear while sleeping.

Heidi

3 weeks ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to Peace Of Pisgah

5 stars! Vicki is an amazing host and very attentive. She went out of her way to make sure my pup and I were comfortable and warm during the colder nights. The property is stunning set within the rhododendrons. Such a cool spot, not to miss! We’ll be back this Summer!

Makayla

December 2025

With pets

4 nights at Standing Bear Farm / Hostel

I stayed in the Upper Treehouse with my cat and loved it! I was in the area to hike the Great Smoky Mountains for a few days and felt secure with leaving my cat back in the treehouse. The property was wonderful being deep in the backwoods, quiet, the communal kitchen, laundry, fire pit, and little store with very helpful items . If the weather was warmer I would've laid out in the hammocks! My cat and I were warm, comfortable and felt safe. The owners were very welcoming and accommodating. It was an extra bonus to meet and connect with other hikers/nature loves/adventure seekers. Overall, I had a fantastic experience and would stay again if I ever make it back out to the mountains.

Bonnie

December 2025

15 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at At the Ridge Camp-Riverside Escapes

Had a great time at the campground in my trailer. Peaceful location on the river. Hosts are very helpful and friendly.

Kent

December 2025

23 ft campervan

With pets

2 nights at Pisgah Forest Mountain Meadows

Great location for checking out Brevard and area. Nice little creek and fairly spacious sites.

Megan

December 2025

21 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

Beautiful and serene space. Located 5 mins from the highway but tucked away in a perfect spot for optimal privacy, great views & a ton of space. My fiancé proposed to me right at the top of our campsite with the beautiful mountain views and river flowing in the back ground. This beautiful spot will always be a special place for us! Very kind and accommodating hosts as well. Farm animals to walk around and see. Definitely will be back!

Amanda

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Standing Bear Farm / Hostel

Great stay! The bunk room was comfortable, they had linens available and a wooden stove to keep the room warm. I was only able to stay one night and wasn’t able to completely explore everything around but I am definitely going to be coming back!

Irene

November 2025

28 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Cherokee Waterfall Campground

This campsite offers ample room for any size family or camping group. The grounds are safe, clean and comfortable, with electric hookups, hot showers, and a toilet—all while being surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of untouched wilderness. Being here brought back childhood memories of exploring and charting unknown territory. The peaceful waterfall sings a gentle lullaby each night, carrying you into the deepest sleep. There is truly no campsite that compares. My only complaint? I lost track of time. I enjoyed myself so much and felt so disconnected from the outside world that days effortlessly blended into nights before it was suddenly time to leave. This was my parents’ first-ever camping trip, and the host did not disappoint! He was readily available to help them hook up their new RV and made sure they felt at home. By the end of the stay, they felt like pros thanks to his guidance. You can’t go wrong with this site—book now and make those special memories. We are so glad we did!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Sylva guide

Where to go

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Just an hour northwest of Sylva, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers stunning mountain views, hiking trails, and a variety of tent camping options. Backpackers can explore backcountry sites that require hiking to the campground, while frontcountry camping offers easy car access and a developed campsite with restrooms, a firepit, and a picnic table. Reserve a site early to score a group campsite for eight or more people in the front country, or book a horse camp, where Hipcampers can enjoy vehicle access, horse hitch racks, and basic camping facilities.

Nantahala National Forest

The largest national forest in North Carolina, Nantahala covers mountain and valley landscapes with hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails as well as whitewater rafting and camping. Explore a variety of developed and primitive tent campgrounds with lakeside, streamside, and forest views, plus options for group and dispersed camping. Four RV campgrounds offer space for RVs and campervans in the Nantahala Ranger District, with access to nearby showers and flush toilets. The park also offers a primitive cabin and a fully-equipped lodge with 16 beds and a kitchen. It’s advised to book early as group sites tend to be popular in the summer months.

Pisgah National Forest

An hour’s drive northeast of Sylva is Pisgah National Forest, home to the Cradle of Forestry historic site as well as waterfalls, whitewater rivers, and expansive mountain and forest hiking trails. Tent campers can find a variety of sites with drinking water, showers, and flush restrooms, while RV campers can enjoy the park’s amenities and a dump station at North Mills River. Stop by Wiseman’s View for a stunning look over Linville Gorge. Hipcampers can also book mountainside campsites, riverview sites, and forest campgrounds, but remember to check the availability, as some sites are only open seasonally.

When to go

The popular camping season in Sylva runs from April to October, with the period after Labor Day a favorite for those seeking cooler nights and less humidity. July is the hottest month in the region, with average highs near 85. The state allows camping all year, although it’s important to call ahead because not all sites are available year-round. Experience is recommended for winter camping in the high country, where the slopes are often snowy. For Hipcampers seeking a more relaxed winter experience, many lower-elevation areas around Sylva offer car camping, tent camping, and RV campsites.