Ultimate Guide to Glamping in North Carolina: Nature, Luxury, and Adventure
Discover the Beauty of North Carolina.
North Carolina is an ideal destination for travelers looking for both adventure and relaxation, thanks to its wide range of outdoor activities and scenic camping and glamping options. The state boasts a variety of natural attractions, from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic coastline, making it an ideal spot for glampers seeking unforgettable experiences in the great outdoors. This detailed guide will explore the beauty of glamping in North Carolina, highlight key activities, and provide tips for scoring the best glamping accommodations.
The Beauty of Glamping in North Carolina
Glamping in North Carolina combines the thrill of outdoor adventure with the comfort of modern amenities. Whether you prefer the mountains, the coast, or the serene countryside, North Carolina has a range of glamping or lodging options to suit every taste. Here are some key features of glamping in this diverse state:
Varied Landscapes: From the rugged peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains to the tranquil beaches of the Outer Banks, North Carolina offers diverse landscapes for glamping. Each region provides unique experiences and scenic views.
Comfortable Accommodations: Glamping and lodging accommodations in North Carolina include luxury tents, yurts, treehouses, and cabins. These options often come equipped with amenities like comfortable beds, electricity, private bathrooms, and even hot tubs for a truly luxurious and relaxing glamping experience.
Accessibility to Nature: Glamping sites in North Carolina are often located near popular state and national parks, such as Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pisgah National Forest, and Crowders Mountain State Park. These locations offer easy access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife.
Things to Do When Visiting North Carolina
When visiting North Carolina, there are several activities and attractions that should be on every camper's itinerary. Here are some top recommendations:
Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, is a must-visit destination. The park features over 800 miles of hiking trails, including the famous Appalachian Trail. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and exploring historic homesteads.
Visit the Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway, often called "America's Favorite Drive," is renowned for its breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and its popularity among leaf peepers during the fall. This 469-mile road provides numerous overlooks, hiking trails, and opportunities for picnicking. Don't miss the chance to visit Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River.
Discover the Outer Banks
The Outer Banks, a string of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, are known for their pristine beaches and rich history. Visitors can explore the Wright Brothers National Memorial, the site of the first powered flight, and the historic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Water activities like kayaking, surfing, and fishing are also popular.
Experience Asheville's Arts and Culture
Located in the western part of North Carolina, Asheville is set against the dramatic backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The city is celebrated for its dynamic arts community, diverse craft breweries, and well-preserved historic architecture. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Appalachian region, Asheville offers visitors a unique blend of cultural experiences and stunning mountain vistas.
Enjoy Waterfalls and Scenic Trails
North Carolina is home to numerous waterfalls and scenic trails, particularly in the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests. Some popular waterfalls include Looking Glass Falls, Linville Falls, and Whitewater Falls. Many of these natural wonders are easily accessible via well-maintained trails perfect for families and explorers of every skill level.
Top Spots in North Carolina
Blue Bear Mountain Camp | Todd
Blue Bear Mountain Camp, located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers an exceptional lodging experience in North Carolina. Just eight miles from Boone, this expansive 150-acre campground provides a variety of camping options including cabins. The Blue Bear Cabin, a modern yet rustic cabin, accommodates up to four guests, provides a comfortable stay with a queen-sized bed, a fold-out sofa bed, and essential amenities. The campground is also big-rig friendly with laundry available for RVers. Campers can explore miles of hiking trails, fish in the trout pond, or visit the nearby Todd Island Park for additional outdoor adventures. One of the highlights of Blue Bear Mountain Camp is its proximity to Elk Knob State Park, a haven for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. The park offers stunning vistas and numerous trails, perfect for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the area. Within the campground, campers can enjoy a range of amenities, including biking, fishing, laundry facilities, and pet-friendly areas. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous hike or a peaceful night under the stars, Blue Bear Mountain Camp offers a memorable lodging experience while glamping near the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Spacious Skies Hidden Creek | Marion
Spacious Skies Hidden Creek offers close to 20 cabins, RV sites, and tent sites ensuring a comfortable stay for everyone. Campers can enjoy an array of on-site activities, including an outdoor pool, arcade, fishing, gem mining, and more, making it a fun-filled destination for families and groups. The convenience of on-site facilities such as a general store, laundry, and dog park further enhances the camping experience, providing everything campers need for a relaxing stay. Situated near the Blue Ridge Mountains, Spacious Skies Hidden Creek offers easy access to some of North Carolina’s most stunning natural attractions. Nearby Lake James provides opportunities for boating and fishing, while Linville Caverns and Linville Falls offer unique underground adventures and breathtaking waterfall views. Ideal for families or groups, the Premier 2 Bedroom Cabin comfortably accommodates up to 9 guests. This cabin combines rustic charm with modern comfort, featuring a warm, inviting interior with natural wood finishes and cozy furnishings. The well-equipped kitchen and spacious living and dining area are designed for both functionality and relaxation. The master bedroom, with its queen-sized bed, offers a serene retreat, while the second bedroom is designed for flexibility with a full/twin bunk and an additional set of twin bunks. Large windows and a private deck allow glampers to enjoy the surrounding natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Perfect for smaller groups or families, the Deluxe 1 Bedroom Cabin with Loft provides a quaint and stylish retreat. The cabin’s design highlights its vaulted cathedral ceiling and warm, wooden interior. The master bedroom features a queen-sized bed, while the main room, with a futon and TV, offers a comfortable and open living space. The loft area, designed as a cozy "clubhouse" for children, adds a playful touch. Glampers can enjoy picturesque views from the private deck, making this cabin a charming escape in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Diorite Mountain | Mill Spring
Diorite Mountain in North Carolina offers a top-notch glamping experience, blending the charm of camping with the comfort of modern amenities. With cabins and tent sites, this campground is just half a mile from the Tryon International Equestrian Center. The upper and lower cabins offer a blend of comfort and distinctive design. Constructed from wood with an A-frame style, these cabins feature arched structures that give them a unique and inviting appearance. Each cabin is equipped with high-quality king-sized double inner coil air beds and climate control systems to ensure a restful night’s sleep. The lower cabins are designed with private bathrooms and kitchenettes, which are connected to enclosed, sheltered decks. This layout not only provides convenience but also enhances the overall glamping experience.
Adding to their charm is the aerial walkway that connects the cabins to nature, providing a pleasant path to enjoy. The upper deck of the cabins is nestled close to the trees, offering a serene spot to relax and soak in the natural surroundings. Each cabin features a fire pit near the grand porch, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. The grand porch itself is a fantastic spot to enjoy the fresh mountain air and scenic views, making it a popular location for outdoor weddings.
About an hour away, campers can explore DuPont State Recreational Forest, featuring over 80 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, catering to all skill levels. The forest is renowned for its stunning waterfalls, including Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and High Falls. Visitors can enjoy scenic views, swimming, and a variety of outdoor activities in this beautiful natural setting.
Spacious Skies Bear Den | Spruce Pine
Spacious Skies Bear Den is an ideal destination for those seeking diverse accommodation options in North Carolina such as RV sites, cabins, and tent sites. Located within the Pisgah National Forest, this campground offers a range of cabins that cater to different group sizes and preferences, ensuring a memorable stay for everyone. The Big Bear Cabin, which sleeps six guests, is perfect for those seeking a luxurious retreat. This cabin features sky-high windows and vaulted ceilings, allowing glampers to take in the stunning mountain views. The spacious deck, equipped with a hot tub and dining table, provides an ideal spot for relaxation and outdoor dining. Inside, the cabin boasts two bedrooms, a loft, and two full bathrooms, ensuring ample space for families or groups. Modern amenities, including a fully equipped kitchen, WiFi, DirectTV, and a washer/dryer, make for a convenient stay.
For larger groups, the Mountain Creek Cabin accommodates up to eight guests and offers a serene setting with a private deck overlooking a tranquil mountain creek. The cabin features a spacious great room, three bedrooms, and two and a half bathrooms. Glampers can enjoy the warmth of the gas fireplace and the convenience of air conditioning. The full kitchen allows for easy meal preparation, and all linens are included for added comfort. Nearby community amenities, such as a fire pit and charcoal grill, enhance the outdoor experience. Pet owners will appreciate the Bear Creek Cabin, which is pet-friendly and sleeps four guests. This cabin offers a cozy atmosphere with a gas fireplace, air conditioning, and WiFi. The back porch with rocking chairs and a hot tub provides a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the mountain creek views. The Bear Hug Cabin, also pet-friendly and designed for two guests, features a high-ceiling room with exposed beams, a queen bed, and a private bathroom. The full kitchen, gas fireplace, and AC ensure a comfortable stay, while the nearby community fire pit and charcoal grill add to the camping experience.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Spacious Skies Bear Den boasts 13 miles of hiking trails that wind through the forest and lead to stunning waterfalls. The nearby attractions, such as Linville Falls Winery, Linville Gorge, Gem Mountain, Loafers Glory Rafting & Tubing, and the Orchard at Altapass, offer additional activities for visitors. Nestled within the Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina, Linville Gorge Wilderness offers adventurers a rugged escape into one of the Southeast's most stunning landscapes. Known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," it boasts dramatic cliffs, challenging trails, and the picturesque Linville River cutting through its depths, making it a paradise for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking breathtaking vistas and wilderness solitude. On-site, campers can enjoy fishing, gold panning, gem mining, and planned activities, ensuring there's always something to do.
Emberglow Outdoor Resort | Mill Spring
Emberglow Outdoor Resort in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Foothills is the perfect glamping destination for those seeking a blend of adventure and comfort. With a diverse range of accommodations, including RV sites, cabins, tent sites, yurts, Airstreams, treehouses, tiny houses, and a unique glamping site, Emberglow caters to every glamping preference. The resort's luxury log cabins are fully equipped with modern amenities, providing a cozy retreat. For a more unconventional stay, the Conestoga Glamping Wagons offer king-size beds and a charming rustic feel. The vintage campers and tiny homes provide a nostalgic yet modern experience, while the treehouses and safari tents immerse glampers in nature without sacrificing comfort.
Emberglow offers an array of amenities that enhance the glamping experience. Campers can enjoy a resort-style pool, premium bathhouse, hiking trails, and a community fire pit. Activities like biking, bird watching, corn hole, Gaga Ball, and live entertainment provide endless fun. The resort's on-site food truck, Emberglow Eats, delivers meals directly to campsites, adding to the convenience. With nearby state parks and options for wine and beer tasting, there is something for everyone. Each unique accommodation, from the family-friendly treehouses to the luxurious safari tents and yurts, ensures a memorable and comfortable stay, making Emberglow Outdoor Resort a top choice for glamping in North Carolina.
Ash Grove Mountain Cabins and Camping | Brevard
Located in the serene landscapes of Brevard and Transylvania County, Ash Grove Mountain Cabins and Camping beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike to experience the ultimate glamping getaway in North Carolina. Offering a blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, this picturesque campground features a variety of accommodations, including cabins, and treehouses amidst lush surroundings. Each cabin, adorned with themes like woodland creatures and rustic mountain arts, provides a perfect retreat after a day exploring nearby attractions.
For those seeking outdoor thrills, Ash Grove is ideally situated near over 250 stunning waterfalls, the famed Blue Ridge Parkway, and the challenging trails of Pisgah and Dupont State Forests. Travelers can hike, bike, or simply unwind by the community fire pit under the starlit sky. The campground's amenities cater to both relaxation and recreation, with facilities such as walking trails, a playground, and pet-friendly spaces ensuring a comfortable stay for families and adventurers alike. Whether fishing along the Davidson River or immersing in Brevard's cultural festivals and music scene, Ash Grove Mountain Cabins and Camping offers a gateway to North Carolina's natural wonders and vibrant culture, promising an unforgettable glamping experience.
Glamping in North Carolina offers a perfect blend of adventure and comfort, allowing travelers to experience the state's natural beauty without sacrificing modern amenities. With diverse landscapes, numerous activities, and a variety of lodging options, North Carolina is an ideal destination for glamping enthusiasts. Whether you’re venturing into the mountains, relaxing along the coast, or discovering vibrant cities, our user-friendly interactive booking platform simplifies your search for top-tier glamping sites. You can tailor your experience by utilizing various filters, such as location, amenities, and accommodation types. Customize your search to find glamping options that meet your unique preferences, whether you’re seeking luxury tent rentals with private hot tubs, eco-friendly cabins near scenic hiking trails, or chic yurts in bustling urban areas, our platform ensures you can effortlessly browse and book the ideal glamping site that perfectly aligns with your travel goals and interests for a truly unique glamping getaway.
