Stargazing

Growing Faith Farms

Enjoy all that nature has to offer at our mountainview glamping retreat. Growing Faith Farms is a small farm and glamping retreat located in the Brushy Mountains of NC. We are about 30 minutes from Boone, 15 minutes from Wilkesboro or Lenoir, and 90 minutes from Charlotte. Owned and operated by Joseph and Christina Angott, Growing Faith Farms was established in 2021 to introduce people from all walks of life to a slower pace. There is so much history and beauty in these mountains just waiting to be explored. Come visit and see where humanity and heritage unite to form a magical connection with the land and nature in a unique experience.

from $30/night

The Barlow RV Elk Park

4 RV Sites

The Barlow RV Elk Park in Elk Park, North Carolina, is a boutique mountain RV park with just four full-hookup sites in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Avery County — an intimate, carefully curated camping experience near Banner Elk in the high-country corridor where Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain, and Grandfather Mountain sustain the most concentrated alpine and ski resort environment in the southern Appalachians, giving guests the specific high-elevation mountain character and the dramatic Blue Ridge scenery that this northwestern North Carolina corner delivers at a density unmatched anywhere else in the eastern United States south of the White Mountains. The four-site scale gives the Barlow its boutique identity and its guests the genuine privacy and quietude that larger campgrounds structurally cannot provide. Four full-hookup RV sites give the campground its defining intimate character — a camping experience defined by the mountain setting and the proximity to the Avery County high-country attractions rather than by on-site amenity density, reflecting the specific appeal of a small, well-positioned boutique property where the surrounding landscape is the primary attraction and the campground infrastructure is the comfortable base from which to access it. The Elk Park location in Avery County's high valley gives guests the 3,000-foot-plus base elevation that distinguishes the Banner Elk corridor's summer climate from the piedmont heat below. Pets are welcome. Beech Mountain, five miles north of Elk Park at 5,506 feet, is the highest elevation incorporated town east of the Rocky Mountains — a ski resort community whose Beech Mountain Resort ski area sustains winter skiing and snowboarding, whose summer mountain biking trails on the ski slopes and the Beech Mountain Parks and Recreation trail network give the resort its four-season outdoor recreation character. The mountain's elevation gives it measurable temperature advantages over the valley communities below, and the Blue Ridge Parkway access via the Linville area and the parkway's high-country corridor near Beech Mountain provides the summit ridge driving and hiking experience that parkway travelers specifically seek in the Avery County section. Grandfather Mountain, 12 miles southeast of Elk Park via U.S. 221, is one of the most ecologically significant mountains in the southern Appalachians — a 5,946-foot summit in the Blue Ridge Mountains privately managed as a nature preserve and state park hybrid, whose Mile-High Swinging Bridge suspension footbridge, museum of natural history, and native wildlife habitats housing black bears, white-tailed deer, bald eagles, and river otters give it the character of a natural attraction of extraordinary quality. The mountain's eight distinct ecological communities from cove hardwood to boreal spruce-fir forest represent the most compressed elevation-driven ecological succession gradient in the eastern United States. The Barlow RV Elk Park serves guests through the Avery County mountain seasons — summer from June through August delivering the high-country cool and outdoor recreation, the fall foliage season from mid-October through early November bringing the most dramatic color display in the high-elevation spruce-fir and hardwood forest, and the winter ski season from December through March serving the Beech Mountain ski market that specifically values the walking-distance or short-drive proximity to the resort lifts. Sugar Mountain Resort, adjacent to Beech Mountain, extends the ski and snowboarding options with its own terrain and lifts. Reserve sites well ahead for the fall foliage peak and ski season weekends, when Avery County's limited boutique campground inventory fills against strong demand from the Charlotte, Raleigh, and Triad markets.

from $110/night

Smith Mountain Campground

20 RV Sites, 2 Tent Sites

On Liberty Road in Penhook, Virginia—in the rolling Blue Ridge foothills of Franklin County less than five miles from the nearest public boat launch on Smith Mountain Lake—Smith Mountain Campground operates as a family-owned RV facility with full hookup sites, a stocked fishing pond, private hiking trail, and the quiet country character that the lake region's residential neighborhoods have preserved across the decades since Appalachian Power dammed the Roanoke River to create what has become Virginia's second-largest lake and the surrounding community's defining natural asset. The campground's private pond, four-unit bathhouse with individual tiled rooms, and boat parking give guests who came to fish and be near the water the specific combination of amenities that lake-country camping specifically demands. Full hookup sites with 30 and 50-amp electric, water, and sewer connections, picnic tables, and fire rings serve both back-in and pull-through configurations across the property's site inventory, and complimentary high-speed WiFi keeps connected guests online through the site footprint. A four-unit private bathhouse with individually tiled rooms—each containing a shower, sink, toilet, and electrical outlet—provides a level of bathroom privacy that the typical campground shower-house arrangement doesn't supply. A dedicated laundry facility handles the practical needs of extended stays. Dedicated boat parking accommodates the trailered watercraft that lake-bound guests consistently arrive with, and a pavilion available for private reservation serves the group gathering needs of family reunions and organized camping events. A playground and outdoor recreation area serve families with younger campers and children in tow. The private hiking trail and stocked fishing pond are the property's most distinctive natural amenities—giving guests who want to fish without launching a boat an on-property option that the lake's five-mile distance doesn't otherwise provide. Smith Mountain Lake's character—a 20,600-acre reservoir on the Roanoke and Blackwater Rivers at the base of the Blue Ridge, with 500 miles of wooded shoreline and an elevation of 795 feet—provides the fishing and boating programming that organizes the Franklin County camping calendar from spring through fall. Striped bass, largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill populate the lake in numbers and quality that have established Smith Mountain Lake among Virginia's premier fishing destinations, and the shoreline's development as a residential and resort community has produced a marina and restaurant infrastructure that gives boating guests on-water dining access that few Virginia lakes match. Smith Mountain Lake State Park, on the Halesford Arm of the lake's western reach, provides the hiking, swimming beach, boat rental, and educational programming that bring non-boating visitors specifically to the state park when a day on the water doesn't require owning a vessel. The park's mountain bike trails and the lake's kayaking and paddleboarding resources extend the recreational programming beyond powerboating into the quieter water-access categories. Roanoke—Virginia's largest city in the western part of the state, with the Taubman Museum of Art, the Virginia Museum of Transportation, and the Blue Ridge Parkway access via the Roanoke Valley—is accessible for the urban cultural programming that a lakeside camping base supplements naturally. Smith Mountain Campground is open seasonally through the Virginia camping calendar, with the prime season running from April through October when Smith Mountain Lake's fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation are at their most active. Fall foliage on the Blue Ridge foothills surrounding the lake creates one of the most visually rewarding shoulder-season camping opportunities in western Virginia. Reserve your site with boat parking early for the spring bass season and let the Franklin County lake country earn the reputation that Virginia's recreational community has assigned to it for decades.

from $35/night

Nantahala Ridge Campground

3 RV Sites, 5 Cabins

In the deep river canyon where the Nantahala flows cold and clear through a corridor of rhododendron and hemlock in the heart of the Southern Appalachians, Nantahala Ridge Campground occupies a prime position just minutes from both the Nantahala Outdoor Center and the town of Bryson City in Swain County, North Carolina. The campground serves as a gateway to whitewater paddling, mountain biking, trout fishing, and hiking in one of the most scenically concentrated outdoor destinations in the Eastern United States—a corner of the mountains where the Nantahala National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park converge within a short drive of every campsite. Five cabin rentals provide roofed alternatives to RV and tent camping for guests who want the mountain setting without the gear. Full-hookup RV sites with 50-amp, 30-amp, and 20-amp electrical service, water, and sewer connections serve motorized campers, with Wi-Fi keeping guests connected throughout the grounds. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, and laundry facilities support extended stays in the canyon. The five tiny-home-style cabins are equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, private fire pits, and all the essentials for a comfortable mountain retreat—a polished alternative for guests who prefer a roof and a bed over a sleeping bag and a slide-out. The Nantahala River is the campground's defining natural neighbor—a federally designated Wild and Scenic corridor whose eight miles of continuous Class II and III whitewater draw hundreds of thousands of paddlers, tubers, and rafting guests annually. The Nantahala Outdoor Center, less than a mile from camp, provides guided rafting trips, kayaking instruction, and rental equipment for the full spectrum of river experience from complete beginner to competitive paddler. Mountain biking on the Tsali Recreation Area trails—nationally recognized singletrack loops above Fontana Lake—adds a complementary high-speed dimension to the river-focused itinerary. Bryson City, the charming county seat of Swain County five minutes east, has grown into one of Western North Carolina's most beloved mountain towns, anchored by craft breweries, local restaurants, and the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, whose excursion trains wind through the Nantahala Gorge on a route that reveals the canyon from a perspective inaccessible by road. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the United States, begins just north of Bryson City at the Deep Creek trailhead—one of the park's quieter and most scenic entry points. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians' Qualla Boundary and cultural center lie minutes west, providing a living introduction to the history and artistry of the mountain's original inhabitants. Spring and early summer bring peak whitewater conditions as snowmelt and rain fill the Nantahala to its most dynamic levels, while fall delivers the spectacular foliage that turns the gorge walls gold and crimson from mid-October through early November. Summer is the busiest season at the river and in Bryson City's dining district, making early reservations essential for cabin sites and the most desirable full-hookup pads during peak holiday weeks. The campground's proximity to both the river and downtown allows guests to park the vehicle, walk to the put-in and the brewery on the same evening, and wake up to the sound of whitewater the next morning.

from $49/night

Yeary Valley Farms

4 RV Sites, 4 Tiny Houses

Yeary Valley Farms in Speedwell, Tennessee, offers four full-hookup RV sites and four tiny houses on a working farm in the Appalachian highlands, with 50-amp service and rigs accepted to 45 feet on a big-rig-friendly layout. Themed cabin rentals, farm animals, and a pond make this a farm stay rather than a conventional campground. Four back-in sites carry water, sewer, and electric on 50-amp, sized to 45 feet, with fire pits. Four tiny houses and individually themed cabins serve guests without a rig — the themed units are much of the appeal here. At four RV sites, availability is genuinely limited, so book well ahead. Pets are welcome. The farm setting carries the experience, with farm animals on the property and a pond for fishing. Hiking, boating, and stargazing run from the area, and the dark rural sky at this elevation is worth an evening on its own. The position is unusually good for outdoor recreation. Norris Lake — Tennessee's finest fishing lake — has a public boat launch two miles away, and the Royal Blue Wildlife Management Area's extensive ATV and UTV trail network is 12 miles out. Off-roading is nearby, which draws a steady share of guests. The farm sits right off Highway 63 in Speedwell, with Flat Hollow Marina, Blue Springs Hollow Boat Dock, Powell Valley Resort, a Sunoco fuel station, and a Dollar General all within short distance. Summer lake season and fall riding weather drive demand. With four RV sites and four tiny houses, reserve as far ahead as you can.

from $40/night

Outside Inn Campground

Immerse yourself in farm life while you camp at Outside Inn Campground, a one-of-a-kind getaway in Santee, South Carolina, near beautiful Lake Marion. Nestled on 55 acres of peaceful countryside, our family-friendly campground offers 25 full hook-up RV sites, glamping accommodations, complimentary Wi-Fi, and nearly 2 miles of scenic walking trails. What makes Outside Inn special is our interactive farm experience, where guests can meet and enjoy friendly animals, including our beloved Highland cow, goats, sheep, pigs, rabbits, and chickens. Whether you're looking to slow down, reconnect with nature, or create unforgettable family memories, there's something for everyone to enjoy. From relaxing around the campsite to exploring the farm and surrounding attractions, Outside Inn is the perfect place to unplug, unwind, and experience the charm of country living. Join us year-round and discover why so many guests return to make lasting memories at Outside Inn Campground.

from $45/night

Blue Ridge RV Resort

76 RV Sites

Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills of Fannin County, Georgia, at a Wright Mill Road address in Morganton that puts guests four miles from Lake Blue Ridge and within easy reach of the Toccoa River's recreation corridor, Blue Ridge RV Resort has assembled one of the most fully appointed private campgrounds in the North Georgia Highlands—81 full-hookup sites including 24 positions on Hemptown Creek, a stocked trout stream that runs directly through the property. The resort's private bathrooms at each site, heated pool, EV charging stations, playground, dog park, and outdoor movie programming create a resort-level environment in a mountain campground that takes Hemptown Creek's trout frontage and the surrounding Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest recreation as seriously as it takes the amenity checklist. Eighty-one full-hookup sites—including back-in, pull-through, creekfront, and buddy configurations—provide 30 and 50-amp electric, water, and sewer service alongside private bathroom facilities that distinguish the resort from campgrounds where shared bathhouses are the standard. The 24 creekfront sites on Hemptown Creek provide direct access to the stocked trout stream from the campsite itself, and fishing, kayaking, and the outdoor movie screenings that the resort schedules throughout the season give guests recreational options from active outdoor pursuit to relaxed evening entertainment. A camp store, laundry, playground, heated pool, and dog park complete the resort infrastructure for guests who want nothing beyond the property's own amenity suite during a full week's stay. Hemptown Creek, the stocked trout stream running through the resort's creekfront sites, provides immediate catch-and-release and keep-fish trout fishing in water that maintains the cold clarity of a North Georgia mountain stream throughout the season. Lake Blue Ridge, four miles from the resort, spans 3,290 acres of TVA reservoir water in the Toccoa River watershed and provides the boating, swimming, and fishing access that makes the Lake Blue Ridge recreational area the primary outdoor destination for Fannin County's summer tourism community. The lake's fishing produces rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, and walleye in the cold, clear water sustained by the elevation and watershed of the surrounding mountains. The Toccoa River, ideal for tubing and limited white-water paddling, lies within easy reach of the resort and provides the river recreation that complements the lake and creek fishing. Blue Ridge, the Fannin County seat, anchors a vibrant mountain town with the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway—an excursion train running from the Blue Ridge Depot through the Toccoa River gorge to McCaysville on the Tennessee border, one of the most scenic short rail excursions in the Appalachian South. The Appalachian Trail crosses Fannin County's Blue Ridge crest within driving range of the resort, and the Bear Creek Trail system in the adjacent national forest provides hiking access to the high-elevation terrain above the resort's wooded valley setting. The North Georgia Highlands' four-season climate delivers the spring wildflower season on the Appalachian Trail, the summer mountain weather 15 to 20 degrees cooler than Atlanta's heat, and the fall foliage in October that draws the heaviest campground traffic of the year to the Blue Ridge corridor. The Blue Ridge Apple Festival in October and the holiday programming that Blue Ridge's mountain town sustains through November and December extend the camping season into the shoulder periods, and the resort's heated pool keeps guests comfortable through the cooler fall days. Reserve creekfront sites and fall foliage weekends well ahead—the combination of the trout stream, mountain atmosphere, and proximity to Blue Ridge's vibrant downtown creates demand that fills the resort's 81 sites months in advance.

Cumberland Falls RV Resort

25 RV Sites

Cumberland Falls RV Resort in Parkers Lake, Kentucky, offers 25 full-hookup RV sites with 30 and 50-amp service and rigs accepted to 45 feet on a big-rig-friendly layout, at the gateway to one of the Appalachians' most extraordinary natural wonders. Premium WiFi, golf cart rentals, a lake, and a fishing pier serve guests exploring the Daniel Boone National Forest. Twenty-five sites carry water, sewer, and electric on 30 and 50-amp in back-in and pull-through configurations, sized to 45 feet, with fire pits and picnic tables. A general store, restrooms, showers, firewood, and both standard and premium WiFi handle the practical side. Pets are welcome. A lake and fishing pier sit on the property, with a river and creek running nearby. Sports courts, pickleball, horseshoes, corn hole, walking trails, a pavilion, and a dog park fill the grounds, with golf cart rentals to cross the property and planned activities through the season. Hiking, whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, stargazing, and birding all run from the area, with boating and a casino nearby. Cumberland Falls is the reason to come. The 125-foot-wide curtain of the Cumberland River plunges 68 feet through a sandstone gorge and produces a moonbow visible by full moon light — a phenomenon found in only a handful of locations worldwide. The state resort park, the Daniel Boone National Forest, and the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area all converge here, with SomerSplash Waterpark and Wildcat Off-Road Park nearby. Full moon weekends draw moonbow viewers specifically. Reserve well ahead for those dates and for October foliage.

from $69/night