Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the country. Each year, over 11 million people visit the park, many of them vying for a camping spot in one of the park’s nine developed campgrounds. Because of the sheer number of visitors, the campgrounds within Great Smoky Mountains National Park usually book up quickly.
But don’t worry if you can’t secure a camping spot within the park. There are many amazing North Carolina state parks within a two-hour distance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park that offer easy access to the Smokies and provide unique and exciting outdoor adventures of their own. From the primitive backpacking campsites of Crowders Mountain State Park to the paddle-in campgrounds at Lake James State Park, camping outside of the national park allows campers to see more of the beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife that the state has to offer.
Here are five great North Carolina state park campground alternatives.
1. South Mountains State Park
Connelly Springs, North Carolina
Distance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park: 1 hour 45 minutes
Located in one of North Carolina’s most rugged areas, campers and hikers often overlook South Mountains State Park, and that’s a shame. South Mountains State Park has over 40 miles of hiking trails, including one that leads visitors past an impressive 80-foot waterfall. The drive from South Mountains State Park to Smoky Mountains National Park takes you through some of North Carolina’s most beloved mountain towns like Black Mountain and Asheville, and past some of the state’s best mountain scenery. If you want to spend your time exploring many different areas of Western North Carolina, South Mountains State Park is the perfect place to visit.
Where to Camp: The South Mountains State Park campground has 18 beautiful and shaded campsites—two of which have electric hookups for RVs. There is a bathhouse with showers on site. The year-round campground is located within a quick drive to some of the park’s best hiking trails and a beautiful stream runs right behind it—allowing you to cool off at your campsite. Book now.
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2. Crowders Mountain State Park
Gastonia, North Carolina
Distance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park: 2 hours 15 minutes
Climbers love Crowders Mountain State Park because the rugged terrain creates great opportunities for climbing and bouldering. The park is also wonderful for hikers, as two park peaks offer challenging treks with rewarding views. Eleven total park trails take visitors through pastoral settings or up challenging grades offering unique views of North Carolina’s piedmont. The park’s 9-acre lake is great for fishing or canoeing, and canoe rentals are available on site.
Where to Camp: If you’re hoping to ditch the crowds and experience true backcountry camping, head to the Crowders Mountain State Park campground. The park’s primitive backcountry campsites can be reached via a 1-mile hike. There are no bathhouses or electricity at the campground, but what it lacks in amenities it makes up for in peace and solitude. Book now.
3. Gorges State Park
Sapphire, North Carolina
Distance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park: 1 hour 15 minutes
Waterfall enthusiasts will love Gorges State Park, a place of tumbling water and stark river gorges set amongst rugged mountain terrain. Just like Smoky Mountains National Park, Gorges is home to many diverse and rare species. Hit the trails and keep an eye open for one of the 125 rare animal species and 12 endangered or threatened plant species, many of which are only found in the world’s tropic regions. The backcountry recreation also makes this park special. Hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, horseback riding and fishing opportunities abound in Gorges State Park, and because it’s located just over a one-hour drive from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s a great place to set up camp while exploring all that the area has to offer.
Where to Camp: Gorges State Park offers primitive backcountry camping in a pristine natural environment. Eight primitive campsites are available at the Raymond Fisher Campground. The campground has pit toilets and is available by reservation only. Additionally, there are 6 primitive campsites available on a first come, first served basis along the Foothills Trail. Book now.
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4. Mount Mitchell State Park
Burnsville, North Carolina
Distance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park: 1 hour 20 minutes
The Smokies are known for ridge upon ridge of smoky blue mountains, but if you want to experience the highest point east of the Mississippi, Mount Mitchell State Park is the place to go. Standing at 6,684 feet, Mount Mitchell was the inspiration for one of North Carolina’s first state parks. The park’s extensive trail network allows hikers to become up close and personal with the east’s highest peak. If you prefer to relax while taking in the stunning views from the top of Mount Mitchell, a full service restaurant serves hungry visitors from May until October.
Where to Camp: Mount Mitchell’s nine-site tent campground is open from May 1 until October 31. Each primitive campsite offers high-altitude views of the surrounding mountains and has a grill and picnic table. Restrooms are available during the warm season but there are no showers on site. Book now.
5. Lake James State Park
Nebo, North Carolina
Distance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park: 1 hour 25 minutes
There’s no doubt that Great Smoky Mountains National Park has an abundance of beautiful river water, but if you’re the type that loves to lounge in an inner tube or swim in warm waters, try pitching your tent at Lake James State Park. The 6,812-acre lake is a great place to swim, boat or fish. Canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals are available in summer months, and the 25 miles of hiking trails (15 of which are open to mountain bikers) will allow you to work up a sweat before you cool off in the lake.
Where to Camp: Lake James has three campgrounds to choose from. The Catawba River Area has 20 walk-in campsites, each located a few hundred feet from the parking area. The campsites are primitive, but there is a shower house with hot water near the parking area. The Paddy’s Creek Area has identical amenities to the Catawba River Area but the campsites are drive-in sites. The park also has 30 paddle-in campsites accessible only by boat. The primitive campsites are available by reservation only. Campers must bring their own water. Book now.
Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Plan your camping trip!