Western NC: The Land of Waterfalls and Camping Paradise
Western North Carolina offers an outdoor enthusiast’s dream: hundreds of cascading waterfalls paired with spectacular camping opportunities. Transylvania County alone, aptly nicknamed the “Land of Waterfalls,” boasts over 250 waterfalls, making it a must-visit destination for nature photographers and adventure seekers.
For 2025 travelers, several important updates will affect your trip planning. The good news: Catawba Falls trail has reopened with significant improvements including new stairs, boardwalks, and an impressive overlook tower. The challenging news: Hurricane Helene’s aftermath continues to impact several popular Blue Ridge Parkway campgrounds, with closures at key locations through the 2025 season.
Whether you prefer drive-up convenience with full amenities or secluded backcountry sites that require a hike, Western NC delivers options for every camping style. Let’s explore the region’s finest waterfall-adjacent camping destinations.
Pisgah National Forest Treasures
Whitewater Falls & Ammons Branch Campground
Experience the East’s highest waterfall at Whitewater Falls, an astonishing 411-foot cascade that thunders down the mountainside at the North Carolina-South Carolina border. The upper overlook provides easy viewing access via a paved path, while more adventurous hikers can connect to the Foothills Trail for additional perspectives.
For camping, Ammons Branch Campground offers a rustic, free option with just four first-come, first-served sites. Located in Nantahala National Forest, these primitive sites include vault toilets but no hookups. The campground’s small size means it fills quickly during peak season (June-October), so consider visiting during spring or fall for a better chance at securing a spot.
Looking Glass Falls & Davidson River Campground
Looking Glass Falls ranks among North Carolina’s most photogenic and accessible waterfalls. Located directly alongside US-276 near Brevard, this 60-foot roadside cascade features stone steps leading to its misty base—perfect for photographers seeking that iconic long-exposure waterfall shot.
Just minutes away, Davidson River Campground serves as an ideal basecamp for exploring Pisgah’s waterfall treasures. With 133 sites arranged across eight loops, this popular campground offers both electric and non-electric options, flush toilets, and hot showers. Bear-resistant food storage boxes provide peace of mind in black bear country. Important note for 2025-2026 travelers: Davidson River will close from November 2025 through May 2026 for comprehensive bathhouse upgrades, so plan accordingly.
Glen Falls & Mount Pisgah Campground
Glen Falls offers one of the Highlands area’s most impressive cascading water displays, with a series of dramatic drops totaling over 600 feet. Located in the Nantahala National Forest just outside Highlands, visitors follow a moderate 2-mile round-trip trail that provides views of multiple tiers of the falls. Though swimming isn’t encouraged near the main cascades due to dangerous currents, several small pools along the trail provide refreshing wading opportunities during warmer months.
The hike features several well-placed observation platforms that make this an excellent photography destination, with each viewpoint showcasing different perspectives of the falls as they descend through a lush, rocky gorge. The trail is moderately steep in sections but generally well-maintained, making it accessible for most hikers who take their time.
Mount Pisgah Campground serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring Glen Falls and other Blue Ridge Parkway attractions. With 124 sites (53 reservable and 71 first-come, first-served), this National Park Service facility includes flush toilets and hot showers in Loops B and C, plus convenient amenities like a country store and coin laundry. Generator restrictions ensure peaceful evenings, though occasional road work can affect access—check ahead before your trip.
Catawba Falls showcases nature’s artistry with its multi-tiered cascade system—the 205-foot Lower Falls and 80-foot Upper Falls create a spectacular scene. Following extensive improvements, the trail reopened in May 2024 with new infrastructure including an impressive 60-foot overlook tower. The full loop spans approximately 3.5 miles with some construction still ongoing, so follow all posted signage.
Unfortunately, camping options near Catawba Falls are limited for 2025. The area itself is designated day-use only, and the nearby private Catawba Falls Campground remains closed indefinitely following Hurricane Helene flooding. Alternative accommodations include South Mountains State Park’s Jacob Fork Campground (13 miles east) or making the 45-minute drive to Davidson River Campground.
Crabtree Falls rewards visitors with a photogenic 70-foot cascade and convenient observation platform. A moderate loop trail from the Blue Ridge Parkway (milepost 340) leads to this enchanting setting where water gracefully drops over a rock face framed by lush forest.
For 2025, however, travelers should note that Crabtree Falls Campground will remain closed for the entire season due to storm damage. Alternative accommodations can be found in nearby communities like Spruce Pine and Little Switzerland, or at Lake James State Park approximately 30 minutes away.
Linville Falls: Iconic Scenery, Temporary Closure
Linville Falls stands as one of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s signature attractions (milepost 316.3), featuring a dramatic 90-foot multi-tier cascade that plunges into the rugged Linville Gorge. Several hiking trails of varying difficulty provide different vantage points of this majestic waterfall.
Linville Falls Campground traditionally offers 64 sites (39 reservable, 25 first-come, first-served) with flush toilets, but will remain closed throughout 2025 due to Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. For those determined to camp near this iconic waterfall, Linville Falls RV Park & Campground provides a private alternative near Highway 221 at parkway exit 317.4.
State Parks and Forests
Rainbow Falls & Turtleback Falls at Gorges State Park
Gorges State Park protects some of Western NC’s most spectacular waterscapes, including the 80-foot Rainbow Falls and the 60-foot Turtleback Falls, both located along the Horsepasture River. The moderate 3-mile round-trip hike rewards visitors with photogenic water features that are particularly stunning after rainfall.
Ray Fisher Campground offers eight primitive tent sites within Gorges State Park, providing a tranquil overnight experience with vault toilets but no showers. Reservations through North Carolina State Parks are essential as these limited sites book quickly. For more adventurous campers, a few first-come primitive sites exist past the park boundary in Pisgah National Forest along the Turtleback Falls trail.
DuPont State Recreational Forest: Falls Galore, No On-Site Camping
DuPont State Recreational Forest packs an impressive collection of waterfalls into a compact area near Brevard. A popular 3.5-mile loop trail connects Hooker Falls (12 feet), Triple Falls (120 feet total), and High Falls (150 feet)—creating an exceptional waterfall experience that’s appeared in movies like “The Hunger Games.”
As a day-use forest, DuPont doesn’t permit overnight stays, but nearby options abound. Consider private facilities like Camp DuPont RV Park or Pisgah National Forest campgrounds (Davidson River or Pisgah Forest Campground) just 15-30 minutes away. For a more adventurous experience, Twin Rivers OHV area offers dispersed sites along dirt roads.
Backcountry and Beyond
Panthertown Valley: The “Yosemite of the East”
Panthertown Valley earns its nickname as the “Yosemite of the East” with 6,300 acres of pristine wilderness featuring granite domes, crystal-clear streams, and numerous waterfalls. Schoolhouse Falls and Greenland Creek Falls rank among the most photogenic, though reaching many requires hiking 3-5 miles through sometimes challenging terrain.
For campers seeking true wilderness immersion, Panthertown offers free backcountry camping without designated sites, permits, fees, or reservations. Practice Leave No Trace principles by camping at least 50 feet from water sources and limiting group size to 12 people per site. No motorized vehicle trails exist here, so bring a detailed map (Friends of Panthertown maps recommended), water filter, and pack out all waste.
Mingo Falls & Big Cove Campground (Cherokee)
On tribal lands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians stands Mingo Falls, an impressive 120-foot cascade considered the tallest in the Southern Appalachians. A short but steep 0.4-mile trail (Pigeon Creek Trail) leads to a viewing platform offering perfect photo opportunities.
Big Cove Campground provides comfortable accommodations with first-come, first-served sites for RVs and tents, including hookups (electricity/water/sewer) and shower facilities. Its location near Cherokee town offers convenient access to amenities including phone service and markets. No reservation system exists, so arrive early during peak season. The campground’s proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Oconaluftee Visitor Center provides additional camping options nearby.
South Mountains State Park: High Shoals Falls
South Mountains State Park in Burke County showcases the beautiful 80-foot tiered High Shoals Falls along Jacob Fork Creek. A moderate 1.5-mile loop trail leads to this cascading showcase, though visitors should note that some falls-area trails and viewpoints may have temporary closures—check park notices before your trip.
Jacob Fork Campground offers tent and RV sites (some with electric hookups), modern shower facilities, and bathhouses. The park also maintains equestrian campgrounds for horse enthusiasts. Online reservations through the North Carolina State Parks system are recommended, especially for the picturesque creekside sites during fall color season.
2025 Travel Tips for Western NC Waterfall Camping
Reservations & Planning
For popular campgrounds, especially during the May-October high season, secure reservations as early as possible through ReserveAmerica (NC State Parks) or Recreation.gov (National Park Service and Forest Service sites). First-come, first-served sites at Forest Service and some National Park campgrounds fill quickly on weekends, particularly during summer and fall color season.
Some campgrounds operate on reduced schedules, with Davidson River’s winter first-come, first-served sites closing earlier than usual. Check official websites for the most current information.
2025 Closures & Conditions
Due to Hurricane Helene’s impact, several major campgrounds will remain closed throughout 2025, including Linville Falls Campground and Crabtree Falls Campground. Many Pisgah National Forest trails may have detours or altered routes, so consult the Forest Service website or visitor centers for updates.
North Carolina State Parks typically post trail and road updates regularly on their official website and social media channels.
Fees & Amenities
Budget approximately $25 per night at National Park Service and North Carolina State Park sites, while Forest Service primitive sites typically cost around $14 per night (self-pay). Many campgrounds now require electronic payment, so bring both cash and cards to ensure payment flexibility. Cell service remains spotty or nonexistent at many locations.
Safety & Gear
Western North Carolina’s mountains demand respect, particularly around waterfalls. Never swim above falls, as currents can quickly sweep even strong swimmers over the edge. Store food properly using bear-resistant containers or vehicles at all campgrounds. For backcountry adventures like Panthertown Valley, carry adequate water or bring filtration systems. Waterproof boots are essential, especially since summer thunderstorms can rapidly raise water levels.
Western North Carolina’s combination of cascading waterfalls and scenic campgrounds creates an unforgettable outdoor experience. From drive-up convenience to remote backcountry solitude, the options cater to every camping preference. Despite some 2025 closures and conditions, the region’s natural beauty remains accessible to well-prepared travelers. Pack your tent, camera, and sense of adventure for a quintessential Appalachian experience where rushing water provides the perfect soundtrack for your camping getaway.
Sources: Information compiled from official park websites and guides (US Forest Service, National Park Service, NC State Parks) and recent trip reports. Photos and detailed trail guides are widely available online through official channels and resources like Friends of Panthertown.
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