The Blue Ridge Mountains are often overshadowed by their western neighbour the Rockies, but when it comes to great hang-spots, the Blue Ridge Mountains and the surrounding forests are hard to beat.
Here are 5 scenic spots in the Blue Ridge Mountains that’d be a great spot to hang your Tentsile this summer.
1. Fall Creek Falls State Park, TN
Fall Creek has great campsites and lots to see.
Image from The Dyrt camper Jessica L.
Trails meander through the woods for miles with great views and even better waterfalls.
Campground is great. Lots to see; beautiful waterfalls, miles of hiking most views are a short distance from parking. Can't wait to go back for the fall colors. –The Dyrt camper Josh H.
2. Smokemont Campground, NC
Smokemont is a great option if you want to go deep into the mountains.
Image from The Dyrt camper Megan B.
You’re so secluded here that the views from your Tentsile cannot be beaten. And to cap it all off, Mingo Falls is right around the corner, which is not to be missed.
Smokemont is a nice option for camping deep into the Smokies. There's still good proximity to area towns if you need something, and you're right around the corner from Mingo Falls - a must-see spot. The area view just cannot be beat, and the facility is kept up well. –The Dyrt camper Gretchen N.
3. Rocky Gap State Park, MD
This is about as primitive as you can get in Maryland. Tucked away in the mountains between Hagerstown and Cumberland you have access to lakes for swimming and boating, hiking and biking trails that are both hilly and flat, and an aviary to view rescue birds and reptiles. One of the parts about this place is setting up your Tentsile in the woods at one of the beach campsites along the lake.
I stayed at Rocky Gap State Park by myself for two nights in August 2016. At no point did I ever feel unsafe. Tucked away in the mountains between Hagerstown and Cumberland, it provides a lake to swim & boat in, hilly & flat hiking trails, an aviary to view rescued birds & reptiles, and a wide variety of educational interpretive programs. One of my favorite parts about this park is that the day use beach & the beach campers have access to are separate... –The Dyrt camper Melissa C.
4. Unicoi State Park, GA
Unicoi is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise.
Image from The Dyrt camper Amy P.
Fully equipped with hiking and mountain biking trails, fishing, swimming, kayaking, geocaching, and more, you’ll never run out of things to do at this scenic campsite in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Great campsites with lots of hiking and biking in the area. Beautiful views! –The Dyrt camper Jason L.
5. Grayson Highlands State Park, VA
Absolutely gorgeous views around every single corner!
Image from The Dyrt camper Amy P.
The terrain changes throughout the brushy ridgelines and dense forest, makes for a great time hiking and camping. With so many options, you’ll want to stay for a couple of days and maybe even venture out into the backcountry.
What a great site. Terrain changes throughout with dense forest and brushy ridgelines. Makes for a really great hike and camp. Several Backpacking sites just past Mt. Rogers summit trail. Worth a few nights stay. –The Dyrt camper Caitlin L.
