Oh camping, sweet camping. Waking up to the sun filtering through your tent and the smells of those late evening embers is truly unique. A big part of why our team focuses so much on the Appalachian area is because we love the outdoors and camping offers a way to be outdoors as much as possible. And there are few places better to be exploring nature than in Appalachia. Here, the region enjoys the full four-season spectrum, offering beautiful experiences no matter when you head out. Whether you’re looking to hike about some rain-flush spring waterfalls, creek swimming in the summer, wonder at colorful autumn leaf displays, or snuggle up on a snowy morning, Boone, NC is a a great place to camp any day of the year.
Plus, you’ve got options here. Just consider the following look at some of our favorite campgrounds in and near Boone, NC:
1. Grandfather Campground
125 Profile View Rd, Banner Elk, NC 28604
(800) 788-2582
Visit Website
Photo Credit by @grandfathercampground on Instagram
Grandfather Campground is located southwest of Downtown Boone, along US Highway 105 and on the banks of the Watauga River. This expansive campground is open for every season and features both full hook-up sites for RVs as well as spacious tent sites outfitted with their own amenities. We especially recommend choosing one of the waterfront sites so as to fall asleep to the soft sounds of a bubbling creek and river that border Grandfather Campground. You can also opt to rent one of their camping cabins to enjoy a campground atmosphere but with a more comfortable bed and linens. Amenities at Grandfather Cabin include a yard game area outfitted with games like corn hole and horseshoes, a kid’s playground, a clubhouse, a dog park, a general store, and more.
2. Julian Price Campground
Blue Rdg Pkwy, Blowing Rock, NC 28605
(828) 963-5911
Visit Website
Photo Credit by @steven.zimbrich on Instagram
Julian Price Campground is located south of Downtown Boone and conveniently right off of the popular Blue Ridge Parkway. This is, however, a fairly primitive campground as while there is a dump station and there are faucets for fresh, potable water, the campsites themselves do not have water hookups for RVs and there are no electric hookups. Yet, if you are able to forgo those amenities, Julian Price Campground has some pretty significant benefits.
We love that this is an older, established government campground that is very well taken care of. This means hot showers in the updated bathing house, but just as importantly, beautiful tree-shaded and more private campsites that overlook Price Lake. Here, deer often wander the campsite, fishing is excellent, and you don’t have to drive to enjoy a good hiking trail.
3. Flintlock Campground
171 Flintlock Campground Dr, Boone, NC 28607
(828) 963-5325
Visit Website
Photo Credit by @darrelbrenda on Instagram
Flintlock Campground is a campground that is incredibly close to Downtown Boone, being just a four-mile drive from the city’s downtown. This is a seasonal, modern campground, so while you won’t be able to book during the winter, you can expect a more luxurious camping stay every warm-weather month they are open for guests. Here, each campsite features water and electricity (including those solely for tents, small pop-up campers, and fancy vans and campervans), and RV campsites feature 30 or 50-amp electric (your choice) hook-ups as well as water, sewer, and satellite TV connections. They even have some beautiful pet-friendly cabins you can rent!
Location is certainly the biggest draw at Flintrock Campground as not only are they situated so close to the city, but attractions like the Foggy Mountain Gem Mine are just blocks away. The sites themselves can feel a bit close together, but guests here do enjoy a very community-like atmosphere with weekly music events and a community patio where people often gather. Other amenities here include hot showers, a children’s playground, and a general camp store.
4. Boone KOA Holiday
123 Harmony Mountain Ln, Boone, NC 28607
(828) 264-7250
Visit Website
Photo Credit by @boonekoa on Instagram
Some people don’t like any ugly surprises when they go camping, which is why outstanding national brands like KOA have grown in popularity. KOA is an acronym that stands for Kampgrounds of America and those campsites with the acronym in the name are franchisees of this larger brand. To be a franchise, the campground must meet certain standards. To be a KOA Holiday, the campground must have upgraded amenities that include full-service RV sites, deluxe cabins with bathrooms, and nearby attractions. The Boone KOA Holiday has all this and then some.
You will find Boone KOA Holiday nestled in a picturesque mountain valley north of Boone on Ray Brown Road. This is a gorgeously maintained campground in Boone with extended pull-through RV sites set beneath tall trees. They are considered very family-friendly with a pool, playground, and even farm animal mini-zoo.
5. Crabtree Falls Campground
Blue Rdg Pkwy, Micaville, NC 28755
(828) 675-5444
Visit Website
Photo Credit by @thumpertheairstream on Instagram
Sometimes, finding a campsite can be rough as many people want to experience the beauty of this part of Appalachia during those warm weather months, especially during the end of summer, and the beginning of fall when the leaves are just beginning to change. If you find that many of the above campsites are all booked up for your weekend, then we recommend heading to Crabtree Falls Campground as this government campsite keeps 54 sites available only on a first-come, first-serve basis. This means that so long as you get there in good time on a Friday or Saturday, you’re apt to find a spot to pop your tent or pull your RV in. There are also another 27 sites that they keep open for reservation as well.
In addition to being readily available to the late booker, Crabtree Falls Campground has plenty else to draw you here. The campsite sits at the trailhead of a three-mile loop trail that leads to a 70-foot waterfall, and each site has its own fire ring and picnic table.
Learn More About Boone, NC Adventures
As you can see, there are a ton of fantastic camping opportunities both within Boone, NC greater area or just a short drive away. Staying at such a campground offers a perfect outdoor backdrop to your vacation, but you shouldn’t just sit in front of your fire! Visit our other pages to learn more about what this beautiful area has to offer.
