Backpack Camping On Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain State Park
4198 NC 105 N, Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-963-9522
To be clear, Grandfather Mountain doesnt offer an actual campground. But there are 13 primitive campsites located along the extensive and challenging trail system within this rugged NC state park.
While this choice might not be for everyone, its a great place for backcountry campers who dont mind roughing it a bit. Some sites dont even allow campfires because of the areas severe winds.
Grandfather Mountain is the highest peak in the eastern escarpment of the Blue Ridge Mountains, measuring nearly 6,000 feet tall. There are 12 miles of trails in the park, with strenuous hikes being the status quo.
There are also some great restaurants nearby, and many things to do in Banner Elk NC right outside the park.
Note that these campsites are seriously primitive, with no running water or bathroom facilities. There are springheads within the park for fresh drinking water, and all food items need to be hung away from tent sites due to black bears.
Still, the campsites are in amazing places where not many people will ever spend a night. Note that permits/reservations are required. Jonathon Engels photos by Emma Gallagher unless otherwise noted featured image by Maria Smith
What People Are Saying About Boone Koa
The staff has been fantastic and helped me in every way possible. The Boone KOA community is so niceWe had a nice shaded sightThe bathrooms are clean and updated. The kids have enjoyed the mini-golf and swimming pool as well as the playground. All in all, had been a wonderful trip!!!! Will definitely stay again!!! Apri, Google Reviews
Location
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This year-round Boone campground is the perfect place to stop on your North Carolina travel adventure. This location offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. A heated laundry room and bathhouse make it the perfect place to stay when skiing at Appalachian Ski, Seven Devils, Sugar Ski or Beech Mountain Ski resorts.
What People Are Saying About Raccoon Holler Campground
Feels like family. Everyone here is pleasant. Quiet and private sites. Love it and will be back! Ed, Google Reviews
Location
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Located about 45 miles from Boone, RVers can stay in the Doughton Park Campground located within the 7,000-acre Doughton National Park. This campground is located near great scenic views along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
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Down By The River Campground
Five miles southwest of Grandfather Mountain, Down by the River Campground lies along the banks of the Linville River near the tiny town of Pineola. Its 124 full-hookup campsites can accommodate either RVs or tents. Also available are primitive tent camping areas for groups of 50 to 75. Open from early May until late October, the campground has a number of amenities, including an activity center with pool and ping-pong tables, picnic pavilion, guest laundry, showers, restrooms and a full schedule of activities for campers.
Grandfather Mountain State Park
Grandfather Mountain has been an icon in North Carolinas landscape for generations, offering stunning scenery and unmatched ecological diversity. This state park opens the mountains 2,456-acre backcountry to spectacular hiking and backpacking. The park is known for some of the Souths most severe weather and challenging terrain, with trails that have hikers scrambling along cliffs and up ladders. Access to 12 miles of trails and backpack camping sites is generally from the Profile Trailhead on NC 105 or trailheads along the adjacent Blue Ridge Parkway. However, trails can also be reached from the park of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation and there is a fee for this access.
Trail parking information
If you are accessing the state park trails through the private Grandfather Mountain Attraction and parking at the Black Rock or Top Shop parking lots, please note that overnight parking is not permitted within the attraction. If you have a vehicle in their parking lot, you must return from your hike by their closing time. Hikers should contact the attraction for their hours of operation: 828-733-4337.
IMPORTANT: There is no shuttle service to or from any of the trailheads. If you hike to the swinging bridge or any other trailhead, you must be able to hike back.
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Why Youll Love Flintlock Campground
You will love the quiet setting of this campground its located along a mountain stream under beautiful, mature shade trees. The rocking chairs on the porch of the community room are a favorite meeting spot for shooting the breeze with other campers. The remoteness of this campground allows campers to enjoy a peaceful camping experience at this RV campground in Boone, North Caroli.
Why Youll Love Julian Price Campground
You will find a variety of things to do at this National Park. Fish in Lake Price or canoe around it and enjoy the awesome scenery. Three Appalachian hiking paths run through this park. Fire pits and grills are available for cooking. Bears, grouse, turkeys, owls and hawks are often seen at this campground.
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Nps Campgrounds On The Parkway In North Carolina
Good to Know
Parkway Campgrounds are normally open from May October. Fees are charged on a per night basis, which includes two adults over age 18. Children accompanied by an adult camp free.
Reservations may be made for some sites in advance. As a general rule, demand is higher on weekends and holidays. Some first-come first-serve sites are offered at ALL Parkway campgrounds.
What People Are Saying About Grandfather Campground
Our family always visits in the fall for the Wolly Worm Festival and we absolutely love this campground! We come back every year and stay in tents next to the creek and surrounded by the beautiful fall colors! Definitely recommend staying at Grandfather Mountain Campground! Recon, Google Reviews
Location
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Located on the shores of Lake Price, Julian Price Campground is a fantastic campground near Boone, North Carolina, where you can play in the water. You can canoe and boat on the lake while children enjoy wading in the mountain streams. Amazing scenery awaits you when you choose to camp at this facility.
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Why Youll Love Vanderpool Campground
This is one of the RV parks near Boone that is open all year. It is easy to get around the area from this campground, which is located just 9 miles north of Boone. Complimentary outdoor games are available at the office.
Location
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If you have just purchased a new RV from one of the top dealers in North Carolina and you would like to try low-density camping, then Blue Bear Mountain Campground is the perfect spot for you. This campground has plenty of space between pads. There is always something going on at these Boone camping sites, like special music festivals.
Best Campgrounds In The North Carolina Mountains Guide
1373 Thunderbird Mountain Road, Robbinsville, NC 28771
828-479-6431
Perched on cliffs above Lake Santeetlah in the 1.3 million-acre Nantahala National Forest, the Cheoah Point Campground feels immensely remote.
But its a great spot for exploring the forest, getting out on the lake, and taking scenic drives.
This is a special NC mountains campground because its right next door to the Cheoah Point Beach, which offers a designated swimming area and a nice picnic shelter.
Just beyond that is a boat ramp for access to the lake. Less than 10 miles away, skirting around the northern lakeshore, is the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, one of the last remaining stands of old-growth forest on the East Coast.
The campground has 23 campsites, all but six of which are first-come, first-served. There are several RV sites with electrical hook-ups. Flush toilets, hot showers, and drinking water are also available.
Milepost 339.5 Blue Ridge Parkway, Little Switzerland NC 28749
828-675-5444
The main draw here is one of the best Blue Ridge Parkway waterfalls in North Carolina, Crabtree Falls, a 70-foot waterfall that hikers and photographers cant seem to get enough of.
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What People Are Saying About Honey Bear Campground
Its always been a family favorite. Its quiet at night, kids running around playing and having fun during the day Great coffee house, wonderful and caring staff. Theres a duck pond and a peacefully flowing stream. We always camp on the 3rd weekend of September when they host the Bourbon, Bacon, and Brew festival. Friday nights, the kids get to have a dance party, and Saturday nights are family movie nights. All in all, its just a wonderful family campground! Steven, Google Reviews
Location
- 229 Honey Bear Campground Road, ,
- Boone, NC 28607
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Nestled against a mountain stream, this Boone campground is a great place to reconnect with ture while being close to all that the region offers. If you are renting an RV in Boone, this is an easy campground to park in. Volleyball, basketball, horseshoes and a playground are all available on-site.
For Your Comfort Convenience & Enjoyment
- 30 and 50 amp hook-ups
- Accommodations for large groups
- 8 miles from Boone, N.C.
- Clean, private, modern rest rooms
- Handicap accessible
- Camping supplies, charcoal, ice, firewood and more
- Transportation and gear delivery to remote camping sites for an additional fee
- Easy site access
- Free dump station
If you are driving a RV/Camper do not choose shortest or scenic routes. You may be sent on narrow and curved roads not suitable for RVs From Hwy 421 in Boone, NC, Take Hwy 194 North 7.-1/2 miles toward Todd, NC. Turn left on Longhope Rd. Go 3/4 miles to the top of the hill. Turn left on Blue Bear Mountain Rd.
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What People Are Saying About Blue Bear Mountain Campground
Spent our anniversary here and it was great. Got in late and the staff was amazing and helped us find the perfect spot. We had an amazing private spot with the best view Ive ever had at a campground. It was very cold the weekend we were there, and the host made sure that we had plenty of firewood. You definitely get what you pay for here. Cant wait to come back in the summer with our kids. James, Google Reviews
Location
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If you are looking for a scenic camping getaway, look no further than this Boone, North Carolina, RV park. Over 100 acres of it is kept completely natural. This year-round camping facility is conveniently located near the regions top ski resorts, and active on-site management ensures that everything is kept in top shape.
What People Are Saying About Julian Price Campground
First off our experience at this campground was nothing short of GREAT! New showers were very clean, and very accessible! Camp sites were good. Camp pads were very level. Camp was quiet in the evenings. Ranger was very helpful! Close enough to Blowing Rock for essentials. We will be going back soon! Jason, Google Review
Location
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This family-friendly campground located about 25 miles north of Boone offers many activities for everyone in the family, including a large playground, bingo, and holiday-focused programming. Feel free to participate in the ice cream socials, street breakfasts and other events featuring food. This facility is kept immaculate and has complimentary Wi-Fi throughout.
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Why Youll Love Honey Bear Campground
At this Boone, North Caroli, campground, you can participate in organized old-fashioned games, get involved in contests or watch an outdoor movie. Cast a line in the fishing pond before heading to the coffee shop to tell a story about the big one that got away. Children adore playing on the double swing and around the campground to their hearts content
Welcome To Grandfather Campground
Welcome to another season of camping at Grandfather Campground! We are open here all year, so come and visit during the summer and the ski season. We have 30 and 50 amp full hookup sites, tent sites, and several types of cabin rentals. We are located close to Grandfather Mountain, Blowing Rock, Boone, and Banner Elk. For a complete calendar of events, check out our Tourist Development website at www.highcountryhost.com
We are open 7 days a week in the office. Summer Hours are Monday – Thursday 9:00am – 7:00pm, Friday – Saturday 9:00am – 10:00pm, Sunday 9:00am – 3:00pm. Winter Hours are Monday – Thursday 9:00am – 5:00pm, Friday 9:00am – 8:00pm, Saturday 9:00am – 5:00pm, Sunday 9:00am – 2:00pm. We will be having shortened office hours for Thanksgiving and Christmas, so if you are coming during those times, make sure you call to see what the hours will be. Our office hours are also subject to change depending on weather and unforeseen circumstances. Winter is coming, so be sure to book your ski vacation in advance! We have cabins and RV sites open now, as well as the tent sites for any of you brave winter campers, so be sure to call us at 1-800-788-2582 ASAP for reservations!
We’ll see you soon, and we hope you enjoy your stay in our beautiful mountains!
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Linville Falls Trailer Lodge & Campground
Roughly 14 miles south-southwest of Grandfather Mountain, Linville Falls Trailer Lodge & Campground accommodates both RVs and tents. Other nearby attractions include Gem Mountain, Linville Falls and Linville Gorge. The campground has 35 RV campsites with full hookups and a heavily wooded area for primitive tent camping. Also available are cabin and trailer rentals. Each RV campsite features a picnic table, fire ring and barbecue grill. Other amenities include a camp store, coin-operated laundry facilities, restrooms, hot showers and playgrounds.
References
Honey Bear Campground And Nature Center
Image from The Dyrt camper Laura B.
Very close to Grandfather Mountain and the Blue Ridge Parkway, youll find this beautiful campsite offering RV, tent, and cabin camping opportunities. Its not too far from the town of Boone in case you need anything while youre away, but the area is quiet and surrounded by forest.
Honey Bear Campground offers clean bathrooms and sites, a laundry room, and ice and wood delivery services. The atmosphere is friendly, and the campground is mainly frequented by families.
With this being our second year to stop here, we have fallen in love with the area.Steve V.
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The 10 Best Campgrounds In The North Carolina Mountains
One of our favorite ways to take a deep dive into the beauty of nature is to enjoy the myriad campgrounds in the North Carolina mountains.
Sure, hiking trails are great for getting outside to appreciate the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge region. But camping overnight allows us to explore a given area in much greater depth than day trips.
For my wife and me, camping is typically a primitive thing. We use an old-school tent set up, completely unplugged from the distractions of civilization.
Were suckers for camping food, licking our chops over chili dinners and oatmeal breakfasts cooked over an open fire or camp stove.
We love to sit beside a campfire as dusk slides into darkness. We even enjoy watching other campers going about their idiosyncratic merriments.
Camping in the North Carolina mountains has become one of our favorite pastimes, especially since we live in the area .
There is so much beauty to see waterfalls, scenic summit views, hiking trails, mountain lakes, wildlife and wildflowers that it just never gets stale.
In our opinion, this list includes some of the best campgrounds in North Carolina, assembled to help you find the perfect place for some quality NC mountains camping!
Why Youll Love Blue Bear Mountain Campground
Youll love the concerts at Blue Bear Mountain Campground that are held on most weekends. Bring along your fishing gear for some awesome trout fishing in the mountain stream that runs through the property. You will love the natural spring water. This campground is a great place to look at beautiful fall foliage, and it stays open all year.
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First Come First Serve
Specific spots are not reserved. You are guaranteed a spot but you can not choose your spot.
Camping registration opens Friday, July 1st at noon.
***Parking at or around the registration tent, or on Highway 221, the night before registration opens IS NOT PERMITTED. Violators will be removed from the property.***
Why Youll Love Grandfather Campground
This campground is conveniently located close to Boone, North Carolina, along with being close to Blowing Rock, Banner Elk and Beech Mountain, making it the perfect place for your Western North Carolina camping trip. This is one of the best long-term RV parks in Boone, North Carolina, as the managers offer six-month rates. Park your RV or travel trailer here and take advantage of the dumping station, readily available firewood and other amenities.
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Campgrounds Near Grandfather Mountain Nc
Grandfather Mountain sits at the heart of a sprawling nature park.
High in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northwestern North Carolina sits Grandfather Mountain, which rises to an elevation of 5,946 feet. The nonprofit Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation maintains the mountain and surrounding property as a nature preserve and scenic natural attraction. Visitors pay to enter the park and enjoy its many features, including a mile-high swinging bridge and nature museum. Campers can choose among four campgrounds within a 14-mile radius of Grandfather Mountain.
Why Youll Love Doughton Park Campground
Some of the best views in this Blue Ridge Mountains are found at this campground. While there are no RV hookups there, you will have full access to the park during your stay, allowing you to see wildlife and other things that most visitors miss. You can participate in ranger-led interpretative programs and enjoy nature hikes.
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