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Upper Laurel Fork
Public Campground

Upper Laurel Fork

Elk Park, North Carolina
4.7 (452 reviews)

Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.

About Upper Laurel Fork

Campground in North Carolina.

Upper Laurel Fork offers a peaceful escape into the heart of North Carolina's natural beauty, where mountain streams and towering trees create an authentic outdoor experience. Located in a region known for its pristine wilderness and scenic mountain vistas, this public campground provides an ideal setting for families, couples, and solo adventurers seeking a genuine connection with nature without excessive commercialization.

The campground sits along the gentle waters of Laurel Fork, where the soothing sounds of flowing water become the soundtrack to your camping days. The surrounding landscape features dense forest coverage that provides natural shade and a cool microclimate, making it comfortable even during warmer months. Early mornings here are particularly special, with mist rising off the water and wildlife becoming active as the day begins. The established trees and natural setting create an immersive experience that feels worlds away from daily routines, yet the campground maintains practical accessibility for RVers.

This area of North Carolina is exceptional for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking trails branch out from the region, offering everything from leisurely walks along creek beds to more challenging mountain terrain. The Laurel Fork area is known among fly fishers for its healthy trout populations and clear, cool waters that are perfect for those wanting to try their hand at stream fishing. Photographers will find endless inspiration in the natural landscape, particularly during fall when the mountain foliage transforms into brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold.

Beyond the immediate campground, the broader region provides access to the Blue Ridge Mountains' attractions and charm. Small towns nearby offer local dining, antique shops, and a genuine taste of Appalachian culture and hospitality. The area appeals strongly to those seeking respite in nature, whether you're interested in fishing, hiking, photography, or simply unwinding beside a mountain stream. Upper Laurel Fork's consistent four-point-seven-star rating from hundreds of visitors reflects its reputation as a well-maintained, welcoming destination that delivers on its promise of authentic mountain camping.
4.7

Rating

452

Reviews

Park Details

Tips & Tricks

Book Early

Elk Park is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.

Check-in Time

Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.

Local Weather

North Carolina weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Elk Park.

Explore the Area

Don't miss local attractions near Elk Park. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.

Upper Laurel Fork Reviews

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Jackson Goad

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Jackson Goad

A wonderful place to stay. I first stayed at one of the primitive tent sites and was very impressed. This time around we opted for the deluxe tent site with electricity and water. All sites are well kept and have good privacy. The bathhouse is top notch. Each one is a full bathroom with it's own verysink, toilet and shower.Not only are the facilities clean they are also heated and have plenty of h... A wonderful place to stay. I first stayed at one of the primitive tent sites and was very impressed. This time around we opted for the deluxe tent site with electricity and water. All sites are well kept and have good privacy. The bathhouse is top notch. Each one is a full bathroom with it's own verysink, toilet and shower.Not only are the facilities clean they are also heated and have plenty of hot water. The grounds are very pretty as well and there is a playground, volleyball, basket ball and gem mining among other things. Lastly the camp store is well equiped and the service is excellent.👌 I have came here multiple times over the years and will continue to be loyal camper when I am in this area.

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Nena Sparks Griffith

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Nena Sparks Griffith

Stop looking you just found the perfect campground⬇️ I grew up in a campground and I can say this is one of my favorite campgrounds. The sites are very private and you feel like you’re sleeping in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains, because you are. You are literally right off the Blue Ridge parkway. In one of Gods oldest creations in nature. The owners and employees are all top notch making... Stop looking you just found the perfect campground⬇️ I grew up in a campground and I can say this is one of my favorite campgrounds. The sites are very private and you feel like you’re sleeping in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains, because you are. You are literally right off the Blue Ridge parkway. In one of Gods oldest creations in nature. The owners and employees are all top notch making you feel right at home. The bathhouse is amazing you’ll see. But truly other campgrounds should be learning from them on how to duplicate at every campground. Truly in a great location in the middle of it ALL!! You have Linville Caverns and Linville Falls both just a few minutes away and are is very inexpensive and tons of fun. At night you got the Famous Brown Mountain Lights right up the road (you’ll have to find a local to tell you the TRUE way to get there- so make sure and tip your locals…. your host at the campground and the tour guides at the cavers with all that money you’ve saved from the day of fun in Linville. Next Banner Elk if you want a great meal - Every single restaurant is Amazing and with the town population barely over 1,000 you will be feeling like your part of the town by night fall. But please don’t forget your fishing poles and fly rods cause the river misses you and the area has some of the prettiest trout ever. I can’t wait to go back. Shocker moment -this campground is so peaceful I once slept in till 12 pm, and I was in a tent!

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Beth Brown

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Beth Brown

We were camping with our niece and her family in our travel trailers and we had an enjoyable stay at this quaint, family run campground. It’s quiet and rustic, the bathrooms are clean and nice and the campground is in a great location. We will definitely be coming back.

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01kk WAF00

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by 01kk WAF00

A very enjoyable 2 nights (2025.11.05 & 2025.11.06) car-camped - "Primitive Tent' site #44 in Linville Falls Campground RV Park & Cabins during my visiting Grandfather Mountain NC. The grounds, amd facilities including the bath houses - each individual unit with bath and toilet were clean and nice; its hot water still running despite the cold and almost freezing weather Well-maintained 👍 Thank... A very enjoyable 2 nights (2025.11.05 & 2025.11.06) car-camped - "Primitive Tent' site #44 in Linville Falls Campground RV Park & Cabins during my visiting Grandfather Mountain NC. The grounds, amd facilities including the bath houses - each individual unit with bath and toilet were clean and nice; its hot water still running despite the cold and almost freezing weather Well-maintained 👍 Thank you Mrala for your kind hospitality and look forward to be back the next time i am in/around Linville NC 🙃

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Heather Clark

Mar 18, 2026

4.0

Google Review by Heather Clark

Very laid back campground. Everyone is super friendly and looks out for one another. The owners are very friendly and helpful. They had everything printed out and current knowledge of all the trails that were open/closed. Made our trip a lot easier with them being better prepared than us. The only thing I hope they work on in the future would be better marking of the campsites. When you look at t... Very laid back campground. Everyone is super friendly and looks out for one another. The owners are very friendly and helpful. They had everything printed out and current knowledge of all the trails that were open/closed. Made our trip a lot easier with them being better prepared than us. The only thing I hope they work on in the future would be better marking of the campsites. When you look at their map it seems simple but when driving around trying to find your site and the parking spot. It gets a little confusing. But overall a great base camp to relax and explore the area. Will be back in the future.

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Heather Clark

Mar 18, 2026

4.0

Google Review by Heather Clark

Very laid back campground. Everyone is super friendly and looks out for one another. The owners are very friendly and helpful. They had everything printed out and current knowledge of all the trails that were open/closed. Made our trip a lot easier with them being better prepared than us. The only thing I hope they work on in the future would be better marking of the campsites. When you look at t... Very laid back campground. Everyone is super friendly and looks out for one another. The owners are very friendly and helpful. They had everything printed out and current knowledge of all the trails that were open/closed. Made our trip a lot easier with them being better prepared than us. The only thing I hope they work on in the future would be better marking of the campsites. When you look at their map it seems simple but when driving around trying to find your site and the parking spot. It gets a little confusing. But overall a great base camp to relax and explore the area. Will be back in the future.

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