I’d like to thank the following people for their help in completing this book: Margaret Albrecht, Angie Bell, Laura Burgess, John Cox, Bryan Delay, Deal Holcomb, Steve Grayson, Tom Lauria, Bill Mai, Nancy McBee, Molly Merkle, Francisco Meyer, Michael Molloy, Tom Rogers, Karen Tate, and Deborah Turpin.

Along the way I met a lot of helpful public servants. I would like to acknowledge the contributions of personnel from the following public lands and agencies: Chattahoochee National Forest, Cherokee National Forest, Georgia State Parks, Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina State Parks, Pisgah National Forest, Sumter National Forest, South Carolina State Parks, and Tennessee State Parks.

Thanks also to all the tent campers who shared their thoughts and a cup of coffee.

—Johnny Molloy

PREFACE

Before there were cars, TVs, computers, and smartphones, life moved at a much more manageable, intimate pace. But in the age of text messages and social media, folks just can’t seem to find the time to be together—and when they do, the results can be disappointing. Traditional vacations to worn-out tourist traps minimize the companionship we seek in such outings.

A tent-camping excursion is the answer to this quest for companionship. There’s no dragging from attraction to attraction or fighting over where to eat. A tent-camping trip can be a time of bonding on the trail and around the fire, where experiences and sights are shared. It’s a chance to experience the unique loveliness of the out-of-doors and enjoy a little fun along the way.

As we make our way through this digital age, camping allows time for introspection not found in our rush-rush world. To commune with nature is a rewarding experience for young and old alike. It is healthful for the mind and body to return to the land from which we came. Tent camping is a true vacation for all—if you choose the right campground.

That’s where this book can help. Once you’ve made the commitment to go tent camping, finding the right campground can make or break your adventure. Campgrounds range in character from roadside, RV-infested “cities” to secluded hideaways nestled deep in the bosom of the mountains.

Over more than two decades, I’ve coursed through the Southern Appalachians and Smokies searching for the best campgrounds in the mountains of Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. The best of the best are those nearest to a wilderness experience and not overrun by RVs. Now it’s up to you to glean your favorites from this book, get back to nature, and make some memories of your own.

—J. M.

BEST CAMPGROUNDS

BEST FOR SCENERY

3 Cosby Campground (Tennessee)

10 Little Oak Campground (Tennessee)

19 Balsam Mountain Campground (North Carolina)

29 Mount Mitchell State Park Campground (North Carolina)

39 Cherry Hill Campground (South Carolina)

BEST FOR HIKING

6 Frozen Head State Park (Tennessee)

19 Balsam Mountain Campground (North Carolina)

24 Doughton Park Campground (North Carolina)