Discover the best dog-friendly cabin rentals near Waynesville, North Carolina

United States
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North Carolina
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Waynesville

96% (3068 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Waynesville

Star Hosts in Waynesville

Dog-friendly getaways

99%

(222)

Raven Ridge

2 sites · Lodging3 acres · Marshall, NC

James landed on the property in 2009, built a small barn and milked 3 cows for 3 years. Then, started planting trees,gardening the hillsides. He married in 2015 and has three Daughters with Sofi, originally from Sweden. Together they manage a botanically interesting hobby hill farm and are happy to host travelers and seekers in their cabins. Hilltop was a joint project that James built in 2012 with a talented woodworker and friend in 6 months of saturday for less than $5k. We have maintained the original vibe of the place, rustic simplicity and elegance a notch or two above glamping, well-described by the zen koan, "chop wood, carry water" Orchard House was built entirely by James from the block up to the roof, averaging 1 hour/day for 3 years or 1,000 hours. Some of the Hilltop photos are a bit dated, we have a more private outhouse behind the cabin, and have made a few improvements here and there. Reach out anytime for any reason ! We really like hosting and nearly everyone enjoys their stay.

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.

The Cabins at Sandy Mush Bald

6 sites · Lodging, Tents500 acres · Hot Springs, NC

We offer guests an off-grid and authentic Appalachian experience at our hike-in cabins and campsites located on 500 private acres atop the Newfound Mountains in Western North Carolina. Our Trailhead is located 45 minutes west of Asheville, NC and the hike-in trail leading up to our cabins and campsites is 2 miles long with 1,250 feet of elevation gain. The trail utilizes an old forest service road that parallels Bald Branch offering guests verdant landscapes and soothing sounds as they make their way up the mountain to our cabins and campsites which sit in the Saddle between Little and Big Sandy Mush Bald at an elevation of 5,000 feet. We have two antique Appalachian cabins on-site and two top-tier campsites available for guests. Our cabins and campsites are priced per person and can be reserved individually or collectively through our entire property buyout option for large groups, corporate retreats, weddings and events. A hearty and healthy breakfast is served each morning in our Main Lodge and is included with your stay and you'll never pay a cleaning fee on this mountain because we believe in Southern hospitality! Our Main Lodge (Cabin #1) has a sprawling front porch with spectacular views, a nicely appointed off-grid kitchen, full bathroom with hot shower and an upstairs loft that sleeps up to 10 guests. Our on-site host/s stay downstairs in the Main Lodge in their own bedrooms so they can keep the home fires burning, tend the garden, cook breakfast, clean the cabins and ensure that all your needs are taken care of during your stay. Guests in our Upper Cabin (Cabin #2) enjoy a wooded and secluded setting in an authentic Appalachian Cabin that sleeps up to 6. The downstairs area in our Upper Cabin features an open floorpan with a queen size bed, off-grid kitchen, dining area and the loft upstairs sleeps up to 4 people. Cabin #2 also features a full bathroom with and a tree-house like view from the front porch! Our cabin adjacent camp space features two spectacular campsites and is located 100’ from our Main Lodge (Cabin #1). Camp 1 and Camp 2 measure 12 feet by 15 feet and feature a soft grassy surface that is surrounded by natural boulder walls. Both campsites sit beside our neighboring property owned by the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy and feature a long-range mountain view that overlooks our lower meadow. Guests at our campsites are welcomed to breakfast daily and have full access to the restroom facilities in the Main Lodge. The Cabins at Sandy Mush Bald were the dream of our founder, John “Doc” Adler, who wished to create a hike-in facility that provided a sense of hard-earned awe just like he found on the Appalachian Trail and at other infamous hike-in facilities. After acquiring the acreage he and his crew endeavored to bring that dream to life with their bare hands as they constructed an homage to the Appalachian history, culture, and architecture that Doc loved so dearly. Doc’s dream has finally come to fruition and now folks from all over the world are able to come on up to the cabins and experience the best that Appalachia has to offer: warm meals and wood stoves, panoramic views and porch-sits, the sound of rain on a rusted roof, a good book, dark skies, infinite stars, and shared-experiences with newfound friends!

93%

(92)

At the Ridge Camp-Riverside Escapes

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents36 acres · Balsam Grove, NC

Our property was once owned by Transylvania County Sheriff Carter McCall. 36 acres in the middle of Pisgah National Forest. “Simple Mountain Camping” is our motto. Located approximately seven miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, At the Ridge Campground is surrounded by North Carolina’s beautiful Pisgah National Forest and the North Fork River. Here you can experience what you came to the Blue Ridge Mountains for: crisp evenings, sitting around the campfire, excellent views, relaxing in nature, hiking to waterfalls and fishing, Don’t forget our favorite, just watching the water go by! All at an affordable price.

Smoky Mountain Meadows

165 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents57 acres · Bryson City, NC

(Please Note: Hipcamp does not have an easy way to add in Pet and Child fees. You will need to go to EXTRAS and add in number of pets ($5/pet/per night) for cabins and/or number of children ($5/child/night) on all sites SEPERATE from adults when making your reservation. IF YOU DO NOT DO THIS, YOU WILL BE CHARGED $10/NIGHT FOR EACH CHILD INSTEAD OF $5. We will no longer be issuing refunds or store credits for the overcharge.) When you enter Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground, you can leave all the “rush-rush” of your daily life behind. You will find yourself in a beautiful valley with quiet green meadows and a bubbling brook encompassing your surroundings. We are almost half-way between Bryson City and the Nantahala Gorge. We have been host to the Carolina Canoe Club's annual Week of Rivers Event for over 25 years! Thanks everyone! 2023 Season: March 31 – Oct 31 Rules for the Campground 1. 100 % Refund less credit card processing fee if you cancel before 14 days of your arrival date. 50% Refund if you cancel between 14 and 7 days of your arrival date. No Refund if you cancel within 6 days of your arrival date. 2. CHECK OUT: Noon; CHECK IN:Cabins, Campers and Glamping Tents: 2pm All Other Sites: Noon 3. QUIET TIME. Weekdays 10pm – 8am Weekends 11pm – 8am 4. CHECK OUT PROCEDURES. Camp must be broken down by noon on departure day. If you stay past noon you could be charged for an additional day. Extension possible with pre-approval. You must inform the office when you are leaving. 5. All Overnight Guests Must Pay 6. Trash must be taken to the Green Bins located at the lower corner of the upper field 7. No washing vehicles 8. PETS.Must always be kept on a leash. Must be picked up after by the owner. Must never be left unattended (exceptions apply).

12 top dog-friendly cabins sites near Waynesville

99%

(1305)

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.

Smoky Mountain Meadows

165 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents57 acres · Bryson City, NC

(Please Note: Hipcamp does not have an easy way to add in Pet and Child fees. You will need to go to EXTRAS and add in number of pets ($5/pet/per night) for cabins and/or number of children ($5/child/night) on all sites SEPERATE from adults when making your reservation. IF YOU DO NOT DO THIS, YOU WILL BE CHARGED $10/NIGHT FOR EACH CHILD INSTEAD OF $5. We will no longer be issuing refunds or store credits for the overcharge.) When you enter Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground, you can leave all the “rush-rush” of your daily life behind. You will find yourself in a beautiful valley with quiet green meadows and a bubbling brook encompassing your surroundings. We are almost half-way between Bryson City and the Nantahala Gorge. We have been host to the Carolina Canoe Club's annual Week of Rivers Event for over 25 years! Thanks everyone! 2023 Season: March 31 – Oct 31 Rules for the Campground 1. 100 % Refund less credit card processing fee if you cancel before 14 days of your arrival date. 50% Refund if you cancel between 14 and 7 days of your arrival date. No Refund if you cancel within 6 days of your arrival date. 2. CHECK OUT: Noon; CHECK IN:Cabins, Campers and Glamping Tents: 2pm All Other Sites: Noon 3. QUIET TIME. Weekdays 10pm – 8am Weekends 11pm – 8am 4. CHECK OUT PROCEDURES. Camp must be broken down by noon on departure day. If you stay past noon you could be charged for an additional day. Extension possible with pre-approval. You must inform the office when you are leaving. 5. All Overnight Guests Must Pay 6. Trash must be taken to the Green Bins located at the lower corner of the upper field 7. No washing vehicles 8. PETS.Must always be kept on a leash. Must be picked up after by the owner. Must never be left unattended (exceptions apply).

At the Ridge Camp-Riverside Escapes

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents36 acres · Balsam Grove, NC

Our property was once owned by Transylvania County Sheriff Carter McCall. 36 acres in the middle of Pisgah National Forest. “Simple Mountain Camping” is our motto. Located approximately seven miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, At the Ridge Campground is surrounded by North Carolina’s beautiful Pisgah National Forest and the North Fork River. Here you can experience what you came to the Blue Ridge Mountains for: crisp evenings, sitting around the campfire, excellent views, relaxing in nature, hiking to waterfalls and fishing, Don’t forget our favorite, just watching the water go by! All at an affordable price.

Raven Ridge

2 sites · Lodging3 acres · Marshall, NC

James landed on the property in 2009, built a small barn and milked 3 cows for 3 years. Then, started planting trees,gardening the hillsides. He married in 2015 and has three Daughters with Sofi, originally from Sweden. Together they manage a botanically interesting hobby hill farm and are happy to host travelers and seekers in their cabins. Hilltop was a joint project that James built in 2012 with a talented woodworker and friend in 6 months of saturday for less than $5k. We have maintained the original vibe of the place, rustic simplicity and elegance a notch or two above glamping, well-described by the zen koan, "chop wood, carry water" Orchard House was built entirely by James from the block up to the roof, averaging 1 hour/day for 3 years or 1,000 hours. Some of the Hilltop photos are a bit dated, we have a more private outhouse behind the cabin, and have made a few improvements here and there. Reach out anytime for any reason ! We really like hosting and nearly everyone enjoys their stay.

The Cabins at Sandy Mush Bald

6 sites · Lodging, Tents500 acres · Hot Springs, NC

We offer guests an off-grid and authentic Appalachian experience at our hike-in cabins and campsites located on 500 private acres atop the Newfound Mountains in Western North Carolina. Our Trailhead is located 45 minutes west of Asheville, NC and the hike-in trail leading up to our cabins and campsites is 2 miles long with 1,250 feet of elevation gain. The trail utilizes an old forest service road that parallels Bald Branch offering guests verdant landscapes and soothing sounds as they make their way up the mountain to our cabins and campsites which sit in the Saddle between Little and Big Sandy Mush Bald at an elevation of 5,000 feet. We have two antique Appalachian cabins on-site and two top-tier campsites available for guests. Our cabins and campsites are priced per person and can be reserved individually or collectively through our entire property buyout option for large groups, corporate retreats, weddings and events. A hearty and healthy breakfast is served each morning in our Main Lodge and is included with your stay and you'll never pay a cleaning fee on this mountain because we believe in Southern hospitality! Our Main Lodge (Cabin #1) has a sprawling front porch with spectacular views, a nicely appointed off-grid kitchen, full bathroom with hot shower and an upstairs loft that sleeps up to 10 guests. Our on-site host/s stay downstairs in the Main Lodge in their own bedrooms so they can keep the home fires burning, tend the garden, cook breakfast, clean the cabins and ensure that all your needs are taken care of during your stay. Guests in our Upper Cabin (Cabin #2) enjoy a wooded and secluded setting in an authentic Appalachian Cabin that sleeps up to 6. The downstairs area in our Upper Cabin features an open floorpan with a queen size bed, off-grid kitchen, dining area and the loft upstairs sleeps up to 4 people. Cabin #2 also features a full bathroom with and a tree-house like view from the front porch! Our cabin adjacent camp space features two spectacular campsites and is located 100’ from our Main Lodge (Cabin #1). Camp 1 and Camp 2 measure 12 feet by 15 feet and feature a soft grassy surface that is surrounded by natural boulder walls. Both campsites sit beside our neighboring property owned by the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy and feature a long-range mountain view that overlooks our lower meadow. Guests at our campsites are welcomed to breakfast daily and have full access to the restroom facilities in the Main Lodge. The Cabins at Sandy Mush Bald were the dream of our founder, John “Doc” Adler, who wished to create a hike-in facility that provided a sense of hard-earned awe just like he found on the Appalachian Trail and at other infamous hike-in facilities. After acquiring the acreage he and his crew endeavored to bring that dream to life with their bare hands as they constructed an homage to the Appalachian history, culture, and architecture that Doc loved so dearly. Doc’s dream has finally come to fruition and now folks from all over the world are able to come on up to the cabins and experience the best that Appalachia has to offer: warm meals and wood stoves, panoramic views and porch-sits, the sound of rain on a rusted roof, a good book, dark skies, infinite stars, and shared-experiences with newfound friends!

95%

(496)

The River Life

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents9 acres · Cosby, TN

Our location is phenomenal we are an hour from Knoxville and Asheville and just about 1/4 mile off I-40. Right at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains and 35 minutes from Gatlinburg about 40 minutes to Pigeon Forge (Dollywood), also about 45 minutes to Sevierville and one of my favorite Tanger Outlets!! The beautiful Smoky Mountains the National Park is filled with hiking trails and horse stables and trails. Some of the best white water rafting is less then 5 miles up the road along with zip lining and a lil taste of moonshine here and there. This property is primitive with no electric and has a camping style bathhouse. IT’s recommended for outdoor lovers and people that are not to needy. Site 7, 1 and 9 are the only direct riverfront.

Trails & Tails Waterfalls Retreat

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents13 acres · Pisgah Forest, NC

Beautifully landscaped grounds of this once tobacco farm then 30 year nursery, offer a peaceful setting to follow your days on the trails. Enjoy the indoor/outdoor plant filled greenhouse set up with lights and tables, dip your toes in the creek and watch your dog(s) get their zoomies out in the large dog run or just sit back and relax. Perfectly situated just 3 miles to the entrance of Pisgah Forest, 25 minutes to DuPont, five minutes to downtown Brevard, fifteen from Ashville airport and 30 minutes to downtown Asheville . ** Overall length of more than 50' will not be able to make the turns on the property. ie. if your tow behind is 30' and truck is 22' you will will not be able to make the turns

99%

(215)

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.

98%

(166)

Mountain View Acres

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Flat Rock, NC

Make some memories at this unique and family-friendly place. Completely remodeled January of 2022. Our cabin sits on 20 acres with beautiful mountain views. Away from the hustle and bustle, but only 30 minutes to Asheville, and close to shopping, restaurants, hiking, rafting, waterfalls, and much, much more! Enjoy getting away as a couple, or with the kids. Just steps away from our game room with pool, ping pong, foos ball, air hockey, darts, and exercise room. Come pet the animals! This 1 room cabin includes 1 King bed, pullout queen sofa, large comfy chair, dining table for 4, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, grill, picnic table, fire pit, cooking essentials, towels, and linens. This cabin is next to a bathhouse. There is a mens and womens restroom. Both restrooms are equipped with 6 showers, 4 stalls, and 8 sinks. You will have complete access to restrooms and showers. You will also have access to the gameroom and exercise room. Across from the cabin is a large pasture and our animals.

98%

(33)

Roamstead

77 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Cosby, TN

Roamstead was born on a family RV trip across the country. Our founders noticed their glamorous plans often ended in glorified parking lots or dirty campgrounds without amenities or thought regarding design. Alongside that, many campgrounds seemed unapproachable to those who hadn’t been before. A vision was born to reinvent 'roughing it' in a way that could welcome all adventurers to experience the magic of the great outdoors. We believe the beauty of nature should be experienced by everyone. It's good for your health, and the more we connect with and learn about the outdoors, the more we'll feel compelled to protect it. Whether you've been camping all your life or this would be your first trip, we're here for you. We aim to build a bridge (you know, a metaphorical one) to the great outdoors, where all adventures can truly feel welcome. Roamstead is committed to making our outdoor spaces accessible to everyone. At our Smoky Mountains location, we're partnering with Friends of the Smokies to do just that. Friends assists the National Park Service in its mission to preserve and protect the Great Smoky Mountains National Park by raising funds and public awareness, and providing volunteers for needed projects. They restore trails, build handicap accessible access points, and provide urban youth educational opportunities in the park, to name just a few of their many projects. A dollar of each stay at Roamstead Smoky Mountains is donated back to Friends of the Smokies to help continue their mission.

98%

(197)

Creek side

4 sites · Lodging, Tents18 acres · Hot Springs, NC

Picturesque meadow on what once was a tobacco farm. All campsites are waterfront along the year round babbling creek. Stocked with trout three times a year. Property located very close to Max Patch for hiking or just to watch the amazing sunset. Each site comes with a fireplace, picnic table and charcoal bbq. Porto potty and outdoor shower on property.

94%

(117)

Andy's Trout Farm and Cabins

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents200 acres · Otto, NC

Andy's Trout Farm opened to the public in 1965. It was founded and developed by Andy and Hazel Cope, with some help from their family. In the late 1950's, while Andy was operating a service station in Dillard, GA, many travelers inquired about places to fish and camp. The Copes used some mountain land, which they owned in the Betty's Creek Community, to develop Betty's Creek Recreation Area! Later, they changed the name to Andy's Trout Farm and built rental cabins along the stream. They had found the ideal spot to raise rainbow trout . The cold mountain stream flowing from the mountains of North Carolina into Betty's Creek provided the water needed. It took the family several months to get a hatchery in operation for hatching, and ponds built for growing the trout. They began running the fish farm and selling trout that were caught from the catch-out ponds. They dressed the catch and even had a restaurant across the road from the fishing office! In 1968 Andy and Hazel Cope were granted the "Farm Family of the Year Awards"- in both North Carolina and Georgia!

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Dog-friendly cabins near Waynesville guide

Overview

Completely surrounded by national parks and forests, this small North Carolina town offers beauty for campers at every turn. Nestled between the Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway, there’s no shortage of hiking, biking, and mountain climbing. Venture from mountain peaks to gorgeous gorges, and travel only moments further to be taken over by trees in the Cherokee National Forest, Nantahala National Forest, or Pisgah National Forest. With unique farm stays, glamping, sanctuaries, cabin rentals, and more, camping near Waynesville is prime.

Where to go

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Mountains, lush forests, and waterfalls welcome visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Explore North Carolina’s Deep Creek streams and waterfalls, journey to the past in Cataloochee Valley’s 19th- and 20th-century buildings, or wander the wonders of the Mountain Farm Museum and Mingus Mill. About 30 minutes from Waynesville, choose between backcountry, frontcountry, group campgrounds, and horse sites in the park for an up close and unforgettable experience.

Blue Ridge Parkway

East of Waynesville sits the bountiful Blue Ridge Parkway. Featuring some of the oldest mountains in the world, it’s also home to Mount Mitchell, the highest mountain peak in the eastern US. Find a resting place at one of eight campgrounds along the parkway or settle into unique spots nearby like the Indigo Eagle Sanctuary, equipped with campsites, glampsites, and cabin rentals. Journey down this scenic stretch to explore endless hiking, biking, and wildlife.

Cherokee National Forest

Saunter into the south side of the Cherokee National Forest just north of the Great Smoky Mountains and 45 minutes from Waynesville. Offering developed campgrounds, hiking trails, whitewater rivers, and picnic areas, this tree-filled oasis provides opportunities for thrill-seekers and those looking to relax. With scenic drives and nature viewing, the effortlessly tall-trunked, green space is an easy decision when camping near Waynesville.

Nantahala National Forest

Heading into the southwest valleys of North Carolina, Nantahala National Forest is the biggest of four national forests in the state. An easy 10-minute drive from Waynesville, campers can book on-site campgrounds with sites ranging from primitive to RV spots with full hookups, lodges, and horse camps. Hit the Nantahala Outdoor Center to rent a raft, paddleboard, or kayak, and trek through treetop adventures or zip down zip lines. Be sure to pack swimsuits and journey out to the swimming hole at Silver Run Falls or one of many other worthy forest waterfalls.

When to go

Despite spring, summer, and fall being the more popular months to camp near Waynesville, there are options for winter warriors, too. Unforgettable fall foliage is followed by winters with snow and icy adventures. Spring offers two rounds of gorgeous flower blooms while summer temperatures over 80°F provide optimal water activities. There’s not a single season where campers won’t find themselves wondering how soon they can return to Waynesville.