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Best Campgrounds near Asheville, NC

2,256 Reviews

Asheville camping in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains includes several good options for visitors. Davidson River has a store with camping supplies in Pisgah National Forest, close to hiking trails and fishing areas. Smokemont Campground in the Great Smoky Mountains has room for both tents and RVs. Table Rock from Mountain Laurel Campground gives you good views of the mountains around it. Greenbrier Campground sits along a river with peaceful camping spots. You'll need permits if you plan to camp in backcountry areas. During dry times, there might be rules about campfires, so check before you go. Spring and fall have the nicest weather for camping here. Summers get hot and humid, and winter brings snow to higher areas. It's smart to book ahead, especially when it's busy. Remember to follow Leave No Trace practices to keep the area natural.

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Best Camping Sites Near Asheville, North Carolina (485)

    1. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina

    62 Reviews
    Enka, NC
    5 miles
    +1 (828) 552-8040

    $37 - $135 / night

    "Small lake on site. Several hiking trails nearby. You can hike a trail into the NC Arboretum. Very near Asheville and Biltmore Estates. Tent sites, RV sites and Glamping sites."

    "The sites are spacious and well spaced, offering more privacy than many locations. The showers and bathrooms were very clean. There are numerous hikes that are on the grounds or just outside."

    2. Asheville East KOA

    52 Reviews
    Swannanoa, NC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 686-3121

    $50 / night

    "We parked our camper right next to the Swannanoa River in the KOA Asheville East and had a stellar Memorial day weekend."

    "Nicely maintained campground, friendly and helpful staff, with lots of activities (fishing, canoeing, paddle boat) as well as many attractions close by in Black Mountain & Asheville."

    3. Davidson River Campground

    83 Reviews
    Pisgah Forest, NC
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 785-5337

    $37 - $84 / night

    "We wanted a last minute, quick drive from Asheville and got lucky with a spot! It was a double which we didn’t need but could see really enjoying with some friends and family."

    "Once again, interested in checking out as many waterfalls and cascades we could locate, the water flow will be so much more dramatic amidst heavy rainfall."

    4. Mount Pisgah Campground

    40 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 648-2644

    $30 / night

    "This campground is conveniently located along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The drive from Asheville is stunning, taking you through several tunnels."

    "We decided to escape the heat and head for one of the “cooler” campgrounds in western North Carolina for a weekend. Mt Pisgah Campground is at an elevation of roughly 5300’."

    5. Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground

    28 Reviews
    Swannanoa, NC
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 686-4258

    $75 - $200 / night

    "Campsite close to Asheville and a good find. The bathrooms, showers and laundry facilities were most impressive. Best I’ve seen in our travels."

    "We stayed in the upper campground which required a drive up a steep road from the lower to upper sites - but it was absolutely worth the trip."

    6. North Mills River

    26 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 552-8040

    $31 - $62 / night

    "Good location. Close to asheville and hiking"

    "I love the location for proximity to both Brevard and Asheville. The sites vary in their ability to accommodate larger rigs, so be mindful of that."

    7. Rutledge Lake RV Resort

    19 Reviews
    Fletcher, NC
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 654-7873

    "Great location. Very easy to get to all things Asheville. 

    Clean, nice pool.

    Quiet Little Park. Emphasis on little."

    "we stayed here 2 nights to experience Asheville.  we toy a vehcilce so driving the 15 minutes into town wasn't a big deal for us.  its affordable and they are helpful getting you into your spots. "

    8. Asheville West KOA

    24 Reviews
    Candler, NC
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 665-7015

    "The playground was a little too small for my kids, but they’ve got a bunch of little trails throughout the site with fairy doors at the base of some trees and a Groot!!!"

    "The only reason for the four star rating is due to the highway noise from I-40, which is located adjacent to the campground."

    9. Wilson's Riverfront RV Park

    16 Reviews
    Asheville, NC
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 254-4676

    "After spending two nights here, I love this place and will definitely stay here again if we come back to Asheville."

    "This is a basic campground on the French broad river in Asheville nc. The tent site is nice."

    10. Campfire Lodgings

    15 Reviews
    Weaverville, NC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 658-8012

    "The staff keep the location very tidy. My campsite was sufficiently distant from the more active RV area to feel removed. Situated in the woods on top of a mountain."

    "We had a premium site overlooking the French Broad River and the surrounding valley. Breathtaking. It is a clean campground with very nice hosts. The shower house was dated but clean."

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Recent Camping Photos near Asheville, NC

1127 Photos of 485 Asheville Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Asheville, NC

2256 Reviews of 485 Asheville Campgrounds

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Wilson's Riverfront RV Park

    September stay

    Grass on lots high, nice concrete spots, full hookup in good shape.

  • K
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Black Forest Family Camping Resort

    Great campground!

    As a solo traveler that doesn’t like excessive noise or want to be near kids, I just wanted peace and quiet to relax and listen to the sounds of nature. The owner, Jeanie(hopefully I’m spelling that right) understood completely and was sure to put me in a site where she knew the surrounding sites would be empty for the entirety of my stay and she was sure not to book anyone near me. Yes, the sites are fairly close together, but I stayed during the week and was able to enjoy most of the place to myself ….or at least the area of the campground that I was in. When I extended my stay an extra night, she was sure to warn me that there was a family with kids coming that night and that they’d be in my vicinity. I couldn’t have asked for a better campground host! She had all the info on waterfalls in the area which minimized my planning time/time staring at my phone. And the fact that the place is all pea gravel really makes a difference! It rained the first couple days I was there and my tent wasn’t a muddy mess which is always a plus!

    The bathrooms and showers were clean and the camp store had just about everything you could possibly need in a pinch. Firewood and ice were priced fairly, making it very convenient if you forgot to grab either one while you were out for the day. Will definitely be back! Actually, I can’t wait to go back!

  • K
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Starlight Hills Campground

    Mudpit

    If it’s going to rain while you’re here, I suggest finding another campground. I don’t mind dealing dirt while I camp but at this point, it’s a mud pit and all of my gear is covered in mud. My gear cleanup is going to take 10x longer than it usually does! And be sure to treat your tent with permethrin or be prepared to have daddy long legs take over. I’ve been camping all my life and I’ve dealt with a few of them in between the roof of my tent and the rain fly….no big deal. But on my first night, there was at least 50 in there! I couldn’t leave my tent without having them crawl all over me and trying to get into the tent. It was like fighting a losing battle because there were so many and they just swarm you. Couldn’t even sit my feet still by the fire without having them crawl over my feet or up my chair. I know we’re just in the woods but it’s definitely not worth the money per night. All of the other campgrounds that I’ve payed this much for are on pea gravel with nice drainage or on grass….with nice amenities…or at least actual bathrooms, not porta potties. The camp host never came by my site like the messages that I received stated. Granted, he said to call if I needed anything and that they’re on property, but I never met anyone and when I would call, I got “hello” that’s it. Not “hello, this is ___” or “starlight hills campground, how can I help you”. Very impersonal. Will not be back.

  • Isabelle C.
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Indian Creek Campground

    Excellent Campground

    Indian Creek Campground in Cherokee, NC is a hidden gem. Nice hosts, clean facilities in the woods. We have a 25 ft pull behind camper and sites are big enough for slide-outs. Picknick table and campfire ring was on site. We had a 30 amp full hook-up site. Campground has tent sites, RV sites, cabins, clean bathhouse and is dog friendly.

  • Casey W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Keowee-Toxaway State Park

    Great spot!

    The only reason I dinged it from five stars is because of the road noise. Other than that this place is beautiful! Great hike to a beautiful lake! Simple amenities. Great drive up tent spots surrounded by trees. Nobody else was here during the week so I had the place to myself! The rangers were incredibly helpful and friendly! I will be back!

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Gorges State Park Campground

    CAUTION: steep grades and curvy road

    This campground would’ve gotten five stars except for the road getting there was pretty exciting. The last 10 miles out of Brevard were curvy and had some grades. And the last 2 miles into the campground had I would guess a couple of 10% grades both up and down. Other than that, this campground was super nice. Has the nicest showers I have ever seen in a campground. All the sites for RVs are on concrete pads with electric, water, and sewer. This was a great staging point for our trip up to the great Smoky Mountains. The visitor center was very informative.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Old NC 105 Dispersed

    Amazing views and Free camping

    This place is amazing, Free and clean campsites.

  • Robert N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Campfire Lodgings

    Tent camping

    Tent camping sites are walk in, down hill, obviously thar means hauling your stuff out uphill when you leave. RVers have a great view from the ridge top. But a difficult day camping is far better than any day at work.

  • Alden B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Ash Grove Mountain Cabins & Camping

    Very Nice camping near Dupont National Forest

    If you want close access to Dupont and Pisga NF you're within minutes! The owners Mark & Esther are wonderful. We call him SouthSide Mark ( hails from South Africa). Some sites are a little tight, but fine. If you have a big rig call ahead. The cabin was wonderful. The bathhouse is older but very clean. You can tell the owners love their campers and property. The site is tree covered and hilly. We will come again, guaranteed! Watch your step. Wood Spirits are Everywhere!

Guide to Asheville

Camping near Asheville, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the campgrounds. For instance, at Davidson River Campground, you can hike the North Slope trail, which is about four miles long. One camper mentioned, "We hiked the North Slope nearly 4 miles and wore out the dogs perfectly!"
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Smokemont Campground, are near rivers where you can fish. A visitor shared, "There was a lot of people fishing the nearby Bradley Fork and lots of reports of trout caught."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Campgrounds like Cosby Campground are great for spotting wildlife. One camper noted, "I love all the elk and other wildlife."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Greenbrier Campground, one reviewer said, "The bathrooms were amazing and very clean."
  • Scenic Views: Many campgrounds offer stunning views. A visitor at Elkmont Campground remarked, "The campground is beautiful, and the park rangers were awesome."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA have activities for kids. One family said, "We loved the lazy river in the pool and the friendly staff."

What you should know:

  • Privacy Concerns: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Smokemont Campground mentioned, "The sites were cramped with little privacy."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have showers or electric hookups. For example, Cosby Campground has no drinking water or electric hookups, which some campers found challenging.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially bears. One camper at Greenbrier Campground noted, "Due to the amount of black bears in the area, they’re very vigilant about keeping trash in trash cans."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. At Asheville East KOA, a parent said, "There is a pool, playground, gaga ball pit, and themed activities on weekends."
  • Space for Tents: Choose campgrounds with spacious sites. A family at Bear Den Family Campground mentioned, "The sites are wooded and with some level of privacy."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring your own food and cooking supplies, as some campgrounds may not have stores nearby. One camper at Lake Powhatan noted, "There is no camp store for extra supplies."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure the campground can accommodate your RV size. A visitor at Asheville East KOA said, "Section A was extremely tight for navigating, especially with our 43' big rig."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near roads or train tracks. A camper at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA mentioned, "The water went out several times over the 5 days we spent here."
  • Use Online Resources: Download offline maps before you go, as cell service can be spotty in the mountains. A visitor at Davidson River Campground advised, "I would recommend downloading offline maps, as there is little cell service between the campground and downtown."

Camping near Asheville, North Carolina, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, with plenty of options for families, RVers, and nature lovers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Asheville, NC?

Asheville offers exceptional camping options for all preferences. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina stands out with its well-organized sites, small lake, and hiking trails that connect to the NC Arboretum, all just minutes from downtown. For a more secluded experience, Davidson River Campground provides peaceful waterside camping with quick access to scenic drives and hiking trails. Other top options include Montreat Family Campground for forest immersion, Paradise Ridge Permaculture for a unique stay with friendly animals just 20 minutes from the city, and Indian Creek Campground for relaxing creekside camping with exceptional amenities and privacy.

What types of camping are available around Asheville?

Asheville's diverse camping landscape accommodates every camping style. For RV enthusiasts, Asheville West KOA offers leveled sites with full hookups, though it's more compact than typical KOAs. Tent campers will enjoy Montreat Family Campground, where secluded sites surrounded by lush forest create the feeling of having the woods to yourself. The region also features glamping options at Lake Powhatan, primitive horse camping at Pisgah National Forest Wash Creek, and unique stays at Paradise Ridge Permaculture. Many campgrounds offer a mix of accommodations, from basic tent sites to cabins and RV hookups, ensuring options for solo travelers, families, and groups of all sizes.

Are there any high elevation camping options near Asheville?

Mount Pisgah Campground offers premium high-elevation camping along the Blue Ridge Parkway, situated at approximately 5,000 feet. The cooler temperatures and stunning mountain views make it a popular destination during summer months. Pisgah National Forest Wash Creek Horse Camp also provides elevated camping experiences deeper in the forest, requiring a scenic drive through wooded terrain to reach the secluded sites. For those seeking high-altitude camping with amenities, Campfire Lodgings features terraced sites with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Most high elevation campgrounds in the area are seasonal, typically operating from spring through fall, with limited or no winter availability due to weather conditions.

What amenities can I expect at Asheville area campgrounds?

Amenities at Asheville area campgrounds range from basic to comprehensive. Indian Creek Campground stands out with exceptionally clean bathhouses and a well-stocked camp store for forgotten necessities. Paradise Ridge Permaculture offers unique amenities including outdoor showers and communal fire pits in a permaculture setting. Most public campgrounds like Lake Powhatan and Davidson River provide clean restrooms, potable water, and picnic tables. Private campgrounds typically offer more extensive facilities, with KOAs and RV resorts featuring full hookups, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and sometimes pools or recreational areas. Proximity to nature is a common amenity, with many sites featuring creekside locations, hiking trail access, and scenic views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.

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