Camp Just Steps Away From The Iconic Appalachian Trail In A Beautiful National Forest

Roughly 3 million people hike parts of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) every year, but only 3,000 attempt to hike the whole thing — which spans over 2,000 miles and 14 states — in one-year. While some portions of the trail are well traveled, some are extremely remote and only see the occasional thru-hiker. 

Luckily, you don't have to spend months on this iconic trail to witness some of its serene beauty. The Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina, about an hour from Asheville, offers abundant camping a literal stone's throw away from the trail and the Nantahala River. Camping gives guests a sense of what it might be like to spend a lengthy amount of time on the trail, all with the comfort of knowing their vehicle is just a few steps away and can take them to civilization whenever they'd like. It also makes a comfortable stop for weary A.T. thru-hikers looking for a little rest and relaxation before taking on the next portion of the challenging hike.

The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), which runs the 500-acre campground in Bryson City, North Carolina, offers a variety of camping options for those who are looking to rough it, as well as those who prefer to snooze in the back of their rigs. Platform tents with waterproof pods, van spots with picnic tables and fire pits, and car camping spots are all available to visitors coming from far and wide. Car camping rates start as low as $10 per night, while the van sites and platform tents start at $20. Dogs are welcome but must be on-leash at all times.

Campers staying in this national forest have access to restrooms, hot showers, and an on-site restaurant — luxuries that many thru-hikers spend almost every day dreaming about! And for those looking to get out and enjoy just a day or two of hiking, the Appalachian Trail is easy to access right next to the campground. Anyone staying at the grounds can hop onto the trail and hike to their heart's content before returning to the comfortable campground to sleep at night.

The beautiful Nantahala National Forest is the perfect setting for outdoor recreation. Encompassing over 530,000 acres of forested area, there is plenty of space to "get lost" in the wilderness. North Carolina's largest national forest provides over 500 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy strolls that lead to challenging trails going straight up the sides of mountains. The Nantahala offers opportunities for swimming, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and more. Rock climbers and boulderers will find hundreds of route in the national park's famously-beautiful destination of Whiteside Mountain. 

NOC also offers whitewater rafting, tubing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and ducky rafting in the nearby Nantahala River for those seeking a thrill. Whether you're looking for a relaxing afternoon on the water or an adventure-filled ziplining experience, there's something for everyone. For an outdoor escape In North Carolina where you can immerse yourself in nature, this campground in the Nantahala National Forest has it all.