Hot Springs, North Carolina
Looking for the best camping in Hot Springs? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Hot Springs. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Camping Spots in and near Hot Springs
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Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Hike to Clingman’s Dome via Newfound Gap
4.516.6 mi / 1600 ft gainThis route to Clingmans Dome is available throughout the year. But during the winter months from December 1 through March 31, the 7-mile Clingman’s Dome Road that branches off Highway 441 at Newfound Gap, stays closed. This means the usual drive to the parking area located just a half mile below ...Read more -
Micaville, North Carolina
Crabtree Falls
4.92.83 mi / 525 ft gainStarting from the old store parking area at MP 339.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, follow the trail through a meadow past the campground amphitheater. After crossing the paved road to the campground, the trail will come to a T-intersection. Take the trail to the right for the shortest way to the fal...Read more -
Canton, North Carolina
Sam Knob and Flat Laurel Creek Loop
4.93.84 mi / 807 ft gainThis is one of my favorite quick "getaway" loops in the Pisgah Ranger District. Turn onto Black Balsam Knob Road (Mile Marker 420 on the Blue Ridge Parkway) go until you reach a dead end and park at the parking lot. You'll see the Sam Knob trail to the right of the public bathrooms. From there, i...Read more -
35.629385,-83.450994
Camp out at Mt. LeConte Lodge via Alum Cave
5.09.96 miAt the summit of Mt. LeConte in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the lodge sits at a elevation of 6400 feet. It is the only "accommodations" inside the park boundaries. It is the highest lodge in the eastern United States. Accessible only by hiking one of the five trails to the summit,...Read more -
Canton, North Carolina
Skinny Dip Falls
4.81.03 mi / 148 ft gainPark at the Looking Glass Rock Overlook. After enjoying the view of Looking Glass Rock, gear up and head to the right side of the parking area (right side if your back is to the overlook). On the opposite side of the road you'll see a mile marker and a little trail to the left of the marker. Foll...Read more -
Canton, North Carolina
Graveyard Fields-Black Balsam Knob Circuit
4.49.83 mi / 1522 ft gainWhen the weather is in your favor, these treeless mountain tops will have your jaw on the floor with layers upon layers of Blue Ridge Mountains. This hike can be done in one day, but with panoramic views at multiple points, you'll want to take your time along this link of trails. This ~10-mile l...Read more -
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Appalachian Trail: Charlie's Bunion and Kephart Loop
5.016.84 mi / 4429 ft gainAppalachian Trail: Charlie's Bunion and Kephart Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Cherokee, North Carolina.Read more -
Brevard, North Carolina
Looking Glass Rock
4.65.43 mi / 1572 ft gainThis is a really nice, moderately difficult hike along a cascading creek, up switchbacks, and through wildflower fields. A couple miles in, you'll reach a helipad that is used for rescuing injured rock climbers - Looking Glass Rock is a popular destination for world class climbing. There is a sma...Read more -
Brevard, North Carolina
Art Loeb Trail
4.830.07 mi / 7467 ft gainStart at The Davidson River Campground just outside of Brevard, NC (276 Pisgah Ranger District). Have a shuttle car or a friend waiting at the Daniel Boone Boy Scout camp for the finish line. Hop on the 30.1 mile long Art Loeb Trail at the trailhead in the Davidson River Campground. Pull into th...Read more -
Brevard, North Carolina
Camp at Davidson River Campground in the Pisgah National Forest
4.5Pisgah National Forest, in my opinion, is one of the best national forests in the United States. Being just a short drive from Great Smokey Mountain National Park it has all the feel of being in the smokies with more to explore. Pisgah has anything you could want to see or do from tens of water...Read more -
Bakersville, North Carolina
Appalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to Yellow Mountain Barn
12.28 mi / 2720 ft gainAppalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to Yellow Mountain Barn is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Bakersville, North Carolina.Read more -
Bakersville, North Carolina
Grassy Ridge Bald in the Roan Highlands
5.04.84 mi / 932 ft gainOnce you've parked at Carver's Gap (5500'), the trailhead is pretty easy to find. Simply cross the highway and jump onto the Appalachian Trail, right on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. Head north on the AT as you head through the Roan Mountain Balds. In the very beginning of the hike,...Read more -
Bakersville, North Carolina
Round Bald via Carver's Gap
4.31.72 mi / 338 ft gainThis super easy hike to the campsites near Round Bald is the perfect intro to backpacking for kids or newbies, but serves just as well for the more experienced backpackers who can't squeeze a longer trip in over the weekend. This short (.5 mile) hike in leads to a grassy opening with amazing vie...Read more -
Bakersville, North Carolina
Backpack to Overmountain Shelter in the Roan Highlands
5.05.5 mi / 900 ft gainStarting from the Carver Gap Parking area (do not leave belongings visible in your vehicle) head North on the Appalachian Trail (cross the road and head up the hill past the kiosk). Stay on the Appalachian Trail for 5.5 miles climbing across open balds and treking through forests and wildflower p...Read more -
Roan Mountain, Tennessee
Roan Highlands: Carvers Gap to US 19E via Appalachian Trail
5.015.47 mi / 2598 ft gainThe Roan highlands, possibly one of the best sections of the Appalachian Trail, is a section of grassy balds that range from 5000-6000 feet following the A.T. Start at Carvers Gap ( Highway 261 NC / Highway 143 TN) on the TN/NC border. You can either leave a car at Highway 19E or arrange for a s...Read more -
35.556724,-83.495827
Forney Creek Loop
4.519.04 mi / 3500 ft gainThis is an overnight loop hike that is built around one night in the back country. It can be done as an ambitious day hike. Be advised that permits are required by the NPS for all overnight stays in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The hike begins at the Clingman's Dome parking lot at the For...Read more