RE: any campgrounds to pitch a tent around snowshoe?
There is a campground right beside Silver Creek Lodge. It is more intended for RV's and pop up campers. I don't remember seeing to much grass there so you better take something soft to sleep on. Kind of chilly in the mornings up there , but really nice in the evenings. You could probally call Snowshoe and see what it would cost you for a night. Believe me that nothing is free down there. Have a good time.