Camping near Pisgah National Forest

Camping opportunities around Pisgah National Forest span from developed campgrounds to primitive sites in the scenic western North Carolina mountains. Curtis Creek Campground offers tent, RV, and cabin camping with sites situated along a crystal-clear creek, while Black Mountain Campground provides access to hiking trails and the Mount Mitchell area. Several campgrounds in the area feature both standard developed sites and walk-in tent areas, creating options for different camping styles. The region includes established RV parks with hookups at locations like Asheville East KOA and Mountain Stream RV Park, as well as more rustic Forest Service camping areas.

Road access varies significantly throughout the Pisgah region, with some campgrounds requiring travel on gravel roads with narrow bridges. "The road up to the mountain was gravel but our Jeep did just fine and we saw smaller cars at the campground so even though the road might seem sketchy I think most cars can make it," noted one camper about Curtis Creek. Most campgrounds operate seasonally, typically from April through October or November, though a few remain open year-round. Cell service is limited or non-existent at many camping areas, particularly those deeper in the forest. Elevation changes affect both temperatures and road conditions, with higher elevation campgrounds experiencing cooler nights even during summer months. Water sources are plentiful but require proper filtration for drinking at primitive sites.

Riverside camping receives consistently positive reviews, with campers specifically mentioning the soothing sounds of Curtis Creek as a highlight of their experience. Many camping areas provide direct water access for cooling off during hot summer days, though visitors note the mountain streams remain cold even in peak season. Wildlife sightings, particularly bears, are common enough that proper food storage is strictly enforced at all camping areas. The dense forest canopy provides ample shade at most campgrounds, creating comfortable camping conditions. Several reviewers mentioned the quality of nearby hiking trails accessible directly from campgrounds. For those seeking solitude, the dispersed camping areas north of developed campgrounds often provide more privacy than the closely situated sites within established campgrounds, though they come with fewer amenities.

Campground Showdown near Pisgah National Forest, NC

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Round 1 of 5

Best Camping Sites Near Pisgah National Forest (420)

    1. Asheville East KOA

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

    $50 / night

    "Beautiful sites on a lake with mountains in view. Very close to lots of sites like downtown Asheville and short drive to Pisgah National Forest and Cherokee reservation."

    "As typical of a KOA, they shove you in there so you are very close to your neighbors. The stars of the park are the riverfront sites."

    2. Black Mountain Campground - CLOSED INDEFINITELY

    25 Reviews
    Montreat, NC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 675-5616

    $28 - $56 / night

    "**

    Campground:

    Black Mountain Campground in the Pisgah National Forest, is nestled in Burnsville, NC but you must work at it to get there. https://cfaia.org/black-mountain-briar-bottom-campgrounds-in-north-carolina"

    "This is a wonderful spot to be to explore the surrounding areas:

    • The famous Mount Mitchell trail, starts a short walking distance from the campground."

    3. Curtis Creek Campground

    24 Reviews
    Old Fort, NC
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (828) 652-2144

    $10 - $20 / night

    "I would not recommend this for someone unfamiliar with driving a rig but once we got there it was amazing."

    "Was able to get two sites right next to each other outside the main campsite area which was great."

    4. Mount Mitchell State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Pisgah National Forest, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 675-4611

    $27 / night

    "The campground is open from May 1 to Oct 31...but if you walk-in to the sites, as in via the trails, you can rent a site amost all year. Tent sites are small, but nice."

    "There are plenty of tent camping sites along the Mountain to Sea trail and throughout the park. I camped by Commissary Ridge next to a small Creek and an excellent view of sunrise."

    5. Spacious Skies Bear Den

    53 Reviews
    Spruce Pine, NC
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 765-2888

    $24 - $999 / night

    "I loved being able to camp in our little Casita in Pisgah National Forest right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. "

    "Spacious Skies Bear Den in North Carolina offers an ideal blend of relaxation and adventure for families."

    6. Montreat Family Campground

    15 Reviews
    Montreat, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 572-2257

    $25 / night

    "You’ll feel like you have the forest to yourself, with tons of pretty plants all around you. It’s down a short path (a bit tricky to navigate) and tucked away between the creek and small stream."

    "We abandoned plans to stay at place in Old Fort (see listing for Catawba Falls) and ended up here as a last chance before having to hit a hotel to turn back around to CLT.  "

    7. Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground

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

    $75 - $200 / night

    "It was level had tons of shade and even though you are close to your neighbors the sites are situated so that it doesn’t feel like you’re on top of each other."

    "The only thing we would say is to be very careful if you’re up on one of the premiere Mountain View sites when you’re pulling your trailer down exiting the CG - it can be seriously steep and a tight turn"

    8. Mountain Stream RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Pisgah National Forest, NC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 724-9013

    $48 - $65 / night

    "There is alot to see somewhat close by too. We did Chimney Rock & Linville Falls, both absolutely beautiful!"

    "Located near many great hikes and river access. My Mitchell is about 60 minutes away on a beautiful drive. If you like peaceful and quiet campgrounds this is the place for you!"

    9. Buck Creek

    12 Reviews
    Marion, NC
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 724-4888

    $45 - $69 / night

    "The campsites are a bit close to each other, but they are well maintained."

    "I moved to site 19, which is not on the creek but on the edge of the field. It was very level as well, and all hookups worked fine."

    10. Carolina Hemlocks Rec Area

    13 Reviews
    Little Switzerland, NC
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 675-5509

    $28 - $70 / night

    "We stayed for two nights, a little away from the main camp area but was kinda glad for it. Had a great spot tucked into the woods near the water. Great path to skip rocks and just enjoy."

    "It is tucked in next to the South Toe River with an excellent swimming hole, rapids for tubing, great trout fishing, and a good launching off point for hikes into the Black Mountains and Mt Mitchell."

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Recent Reviews near Pisgah National Forest

1780 Reviews of 420 Pisgah National Forest Campgrounds

  • Windy W.
    Oct. 23, 2026

    Doe River Landing

    Beautiful Place, Ugly host, Oct 2026

    Let me first start by saying that this campground is absolutely beautiful. I have lived in this area my entire life and the Doe is one of my favorites. I am a avid camper and have camped all over this area. I decided to give this place a try, I own a small pop-up camper and knew it was going to get cold 10/20/2026-10/22/2026, so me and my sister rented the RV at Doe River. #1 check in is not until 3pm, I always order a load of wood from a local guy who delivers to camp sites, I do all my cooking in a Dutch oven over the fire or burgers and dogs in the fire, what is a camping trip without a nice warm fire. The owner came over to my campsite and asked if I had ordered this wood and I replied yes, she then asked what I was going to do with it all, I replied I am going to burn it. So, I told Carl (the wood guy) where to stack it, the owner then said that I need to leave it in my truck bc if I didn't use it all I would have to put it back on my truck and take it home with me, I said really? It's just a unspoken rule that if you don't use all your wood that you pay it forward and leave it for the next camper?? She said absolutely not, So we moved the wood from his truck and into mine. She then asked again why I needed so much wood and that most ppl just buy small bundles from her. And just like that I understood! Carl the wood man and his wife also made a comment about how rude she was about the wood. It does not end there, Not only does she have camaras on some of the out blds which I get, but I don't get why they are pointing directly at camp sites, We felt like we were in a fish bowl the entire time. Every single time we went to the bathroom she showed up abt 5 mins later, There is a camara right above the bathroom door, One on the pavilion, and one on each side of the bathhouse, at the entrances and who know where else. So much for privacy in the great outdoors. I didn't even feel comfortable hiking, we felt like we were being watched constantly. She was constantly there, walking her dog which was not friendly and so big she could hardly control him on the leash which was really scary, she also was driving through several times throughout the day. Then came the kicker, about 1 o'clock in the morning we were freezing, I had turned the heat on in the camper before going to bed and heard it come on, Well the propane ran out between 11pm and 1am, I called her at least 10 times we had every blanket and was still freezing, We decided we would go to the bath house bc it had a mini split hanging on the wall, Out of luck there, it was set on air conditioning with no way to change it, so we found a blow dryer trying to get warm, still the entire time trying to call the owners, We finally ended up in our car until the husband arrived. He acted so annoyed at us and said all u have to do is fip the switch on the propane tanks outside! We had never stayed in a travel trailer before and according to them all we had to do was show up and start glamping!! So, I was supposed to know to go outside at 1 am and switch over propane tanks?? No, It should have been FULL when I got there!!! With attitude he said,"Its Basic Camping" No sir it's not, what I do is basic camping, I was told on the phone that I was glamping, She, the owner also said we should have called 911 when we could not get hold of them so that Carter County police officers could come and wake them up!!! Not sure if that is putting our tax dollars to good use?? Like I said it is truly a beautiful place and has great potential, we left that second night at 11pm because again the heat was not working, we have not asked for any refund we just took the loss. it would be to much of a hassle. We just know better next time.   With owners like that they can keep it. Windy Wells/Debra Price

  • a
    Oct. 23, 2026

    Lake Powhatan Glamping — National Forests In North Carolina

    This place is a nice campground, quiet and the guests (during our stay) respect others by keeping the noise down. The spaces are set up to maximize privacy between sites. There is no cell phone service (to do this report we are in a picnic area by a small lake and I can get cell as well as internet on my travelfi device) sos is the only access. I normally listen to audio books but not while here. On my computer I could see three others with low signals; they might have had a better device/provider. The spots tend to the small back in typically found in campsites built before RVs got really big, type. There is another camping area I haven’t been to yet and I did see a large over lander (looks indestructible and tall/long) towable head that way and the campground attendant didn’t predict any problems so perhaps there are larger spots elsewhere. This place has single person showers and nice flush toilets. The whole place is set in woodland so it isn’t like a commercial RV place that was more concerned with volume over aesthetics. This is a lovely spot with ample amenities (my space had no hookups) for our type of camping (toilets, trash, quiet neighbors, semi private spaces) just zero phone or internet.

  • M
    Oct. 22, 2026

    Winngray Family Campground

    Great family run campground

    This campground has a great location in maggie valley, close to Waynesville with plenty to do in close proximity. While it is a traditional campground, they have very competitive rates for weekly and monthly stays. For us its the perfect getaway destination for the summers and fall. The staff is super welcomming and friendly. You find a cute creek on the backside of of the campground with trout as some fisherman told me. The staff takes pride in all the flowers, landscaping and seasonal decorations. Also nice to know is you are not being looked down to with an older camper. As long as your rig is decent and functional you are admitted.

  • Bonnie H.
    Oct. 21, 2026

    Doe River Landing

    Kylie T & Andrew W. Review not accurate

    My husband and I arrived at Doe River Landing for 3 nights and enjoyed everything the resort offered. While there we read the 2 reviews posted by Kylie T, and by Andrew W, who gave the resort a 1 star rating. Not knowing the facts that caused the rating by them, and occurred prior to us, we approach the owner and asked.

    The owner showed us videos from their security cameras. These adults has stated in Kylie T review and confirm by Andrew W review that they were a group of 20 adults and "every single one of us is over 21 and family". So why are these adults playing "hide and seek" under the pavilion as they stated? Andrew W stated, "It was not blocked off", yet they had to crawl on the ground and around bushes to get under the pavilion. When the owner yelled at them approximately 10 adults that were under the pavilion crawled out which was captured on the security cameras. Andrew W stated in his review the owner called them hooligans, which is rowdy, destructive persons and from the security cameras, that description is correct. There was no mention of damages in their reviews such as the Adirondack chair they broke or possible damage to the water pipes and electric wires under the pavilion, which the owner was currently checking.

    Once we read these two reviews by Kylie T and Andrew W and saw the owners security videos, we felt future customers deserved to know another opinion based on our findings.

    These entitled adults justified their review of a 1 star by stating they paid money to use the campground.

    I would ask these adults "why do you think it is OK to treat someone else's property in this destructive way?"

  • SThe Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 21, 2026

    Spacious Skies Bear Den

    Seems to be a well established campground in an off the beaten path location. Roads alternately paved and gravel. The campsite is gravel in a wooded setting. Fair amount of space between sites. The bathhouse is clean but dated.

  • Kyle T.
    Oct. 20, 2026

    Doe River Landing

    Unprofessional hosts that ruins a place with good potential

    We brought our whole family out and rented almost every cabin on the property, plus the event center, for the weekend— we gave this place a lot of business. And honestly, the stay itself was great— nice place, no complaints about the cabins. The owner is the problem. He came flying in in his blue F-150 doing 20–30 mph where the posted speed limit is 5, and started screaming at us over something that could've been handled with a simple conversation. His exact words:"Where are your parents? This is a family establishment. I will not have hooligans running around here." Every single one of us is over 21 and family. All we were doing was playing hide and seek— which isn't against any of the property's rules— and there were no other guests to disturb, since we had the entire area rented. He still threatened to call the police, even though it wasn't even quiet hours. Before anyone could get a word in, he peeled out so fast the gravel sprayed up at us and our cars. Then on his way out he drove the wrong way down the property's one-way road, so apparently the rules only apply to guests. It's sad, because the property itself is great, and we were never anything but nice to the owners the whole weekend. To be treated in such an unprofessional manner— screamed at, threatened, and never given so much as an apology afterward— put a real dent in the weekend. We won't be back

  • A
    Oct. 20, 2026

    Doe River Landing

    Beautiful place ruined by unprofessional ownership

    Our group of about 20 rented nearly every cabin at Doe River Landing for my friend's wedding weekend, with the reception held on site. The cabins were nice and well-equipped, and the only other guests were in a cabin half a mile away through the woods. Unfortunately, the hosts ruined the stay. One night, some of us were playing hide and seek in an area that wasn't blocked off or against any rule. The host's husband came speeding in at roughly 30 mph(the posted limit is 5), jumped out of his truck screaming that he"will not have child hooligans running around the campground," told us to"go back to the motel we crawled out of," and demanded to see our parents— despite all of us being adults in our twenties. He then peeled out so aggressively he sprayed gravel at us and our cars. It wasn't even quiet hours, and we weren't disturbing anyone. Afterward, the host called us again, passive-aggressive, and questioned our ages— even though you have to be 21 just to rent a cabin there. The property is lovely, but the hosts' behavior put a real damper on what should have been a joyful wedding celebration. It's a shame they treat people paying good money this way. We won't be back.

  • K W.The Dyrt Pro User
    Oct. 16, 2026

    Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off

    Pull off along well used access road

    Great spot to pull in last minute. There are multiple spots along this stretch of road. Would not recommend if you want to post up somewhere private, decent amount of traffic pulling through for a mountain road.

Guide to Pisgah National Forest

Pisgah National Forest camping elevates into higher elevations that create cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands, with sites ranging from 2,000 to over 5,000 feet. The forest spans more than 500,000 acres across western North Carolina with camping areas distributed throughout the Grandfather, Appalachian, and Pisgah Ranger Districts. Fall temperatures often drop below 45°F at night even when daytime reaches 70°F.

What to do

Hiking to waterfalls: 45 minutes to Crabtree Falls from the Blue Ridge Parkway campground at milepost 339.5. "There's a great 2.5 mile hike to Crabtree falls within the campground," notes Brittany M. about Crabtree Falls Campground. The trail makes a loop with varying terrain.

Fish for trout: Many campsites offer direct creek access for fishing. "Beautiful level sites backed right up to Buck Creek where we enjoyed catching trout straight from our campsite," explains Megan M. about her experience at Mountain Stream RV Park. Remember the streams are catch-and-release in many areas.

Stargazing: Higher elevation sites provide exceptional night sky viewing due to limited light pollution. "Our first night on this trip, the sky was clear and we could see the milky way!" reports Erin D. about the views from Mount Mitchell State Park Campground.

Swimming in mountain streams: Several campgrounds feature natural swimming areas. The Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area offers "nice tubing put in and a great swimming spot directly in the campground," according to Michael H., though water stays cold throughout the summer.

What campers like

Riverfront sites: Campsites alongside creeks are consistently rated highest. "The sound of the stream was so peaceful and relaxing. My husband did yoga every morning while I hung in my hammock and watched," shares Barbara S. about her stay at Mountain Stream RV Park.

Cooler summer temperatures: Higher elevation camping provides relief from summer heat. "We left home and the temperate was well into the high 90's, however the temperate on top of the mountain never came above 62!" explains Erin D. about camping at Mount Mitchell.

Clean facilities: Campgrounds with well-maintained bathhouses receive top ratings. "The bathhouse is clean and adequate, but nothing fancy," notes Lee D. about Crabtree Falls Campground, while Anjanel P. reports that at Montreat Family Campground, "the bathrooms were clean and the showers were hot."

Privacy between sites: Campers value separation between sites. "Sites are enormous with lots of privacy, good spacing between. For tents, there are some very nice sites along the creek. Extremely peaceful," writes Desiree B. about her experience at Montreat Family Campground.

What you should know

Road conditions vary significantly: Some forest roads require high-clearance vehicles. "The road is a little rough to get there, but even a car should have no problems - just might need to dodge a few potholes," explains Nancy C. about Curtis Creek Campground. Plan appropriate vehicle access.

Weather changes rapidly: Mountain microclimates create unpredictable conditions. "Wind gusts easily get into the double digits, and if you aren't prepared for that, it can be alarming, especially while tent camping," warns Erin D. about Mount Mitchell State Park Campground.

Limited cell service: Most forest campgrounds have minimal connectivity. "There is no cell service on T-Mobile or Verizon inside the camp," explains Scott K. about Black Mountain Campground, while others note spotty service throughout the forest.

Tent pad sizes vary: Some campgrounds have restrictions on where tents can be placed. "Tent pads are small... and you must keep tents on the pad so if you have a large family sized tent the pad may not accommodate," cautions Melissa W. about Crabtree Falls Campground.

Tips for camping with families

Choose campgrounds with playgrounds: Some Pisgah area campgrounds offer activities for children. "Very large sites and the staff are very helpful. A lot of activities for everyone to enjoy," reports Teresa S. about Asheville East KOA, which offers amenities like "bike, kayak, canoe rentals for use on property."

Select sites away from roads: For safety with small children, interior sites are better. "We stayed in site #8 and were overjoyed with our choice. The campsite was nestled within the forest and was right next to the cool water of Flat Creek," explains Chad K. about his family's stay at Montreat Family Campground.

Pack for temperature changes: Mountain elevations mean significant day/night temperature swings. "If you are looking for camping around Mount Mitchell, check out Black Mountain Family Campground at the base of the mountain," suggests Katy S., noting that temperatures are more moderate at lower elevations.

Visit during weekdays: Family campgrounds fill quickly on weekends. "It's tough to get a spot as first come first serve on the weekends, so be aware," notes Alexis about Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area.

Tips from RVers

Measure sites before booking: Many forest campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. "We have a 25' C and have stayed here 3-4 times, mostly in the A loop and we love it every time," reports Amy M. about her experience at Asheville East KOA, noting that electric hookups are important for extended stays.

Check road access carefully: Many campgrounds have challenging approaches. "The roads are uphill and a little narrow, but nothing too difficult if you go slow. Our site was level so easy to pull up and set up smoothly," explains Julia M. about Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground.

Book upper elevation sites early: The most desirable RV sites with views book months ahead. "There are mountaintop sides with big patios that hang over the mountain top and have incredible views," notes Samantha B. about Mama Gertie's, though these premium sites often lack shade.

Bring leveling blocks: Mountain campsites are rarely perfectly level. "The sites are a little tight on a hillside, but the pad is kept up well with large gravel and is compact and level," reports Joan about her experience at Mama Gertie's.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds in Pisgah National Forest?

Davidson River Campground is consistently rated as one of the best in Pisgah, offering electric hookups, warm showers, and picnic tables. Located at the forest entrance near Brevard, it provides easy access to numerous waterfalls and hiking trails. Another excellent option is North Mills River, which features beautiful riverside sites with accommodating hosts who deliver ice and firewood upon request. North Mills River's location makes it ideal for accessing hiking, swimming, and tubing opportunities, though it can get crowded due to its popularity and central location within the forest. Both campgrounds offer a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites, so advance planning is recommended, especially during peak seasons.

Is dispersed tent camping allowed in Pisgah National Forest?

Yes, dispersed tent camping is allowed in Pisgah National Forest outside of developed recreation areas. Round Mountain offers very primitive camping options for those seeking a more rugged experience while exploring the forest. When dispersed camping, you must set up at least 1,000 feet away from developed areas and 100 feet from any water source. There are no facilities in dispersed areas, so pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles. Always check current regulations at ranger stations before setting up camp, as some areas may have seasonal restrictions or fire bans. Dispersed camping is limited to 14 consecutive days in one location within a 30-day period.

What water activities are available when camping in Pisgah National Forest?

Pisgah National Forest offers numerous water activities for campers. The North Mills River area is excellent for swimming, fishing, and tubing, with the beautiful river running adjacent to camping areas. Wilson's Riverfront RV Park provides access to the French Broad River where you can enjoy tubing (with discounted rentals for campers). Throughout the forest, you'll find countless waterfalls for swimming in natural pools, trout streams for fishing (NC fishing license required), and calm sections of river perfect for kayaking and canoeing. Water activities are most accessible from spring through early fall, with summer offering the warmest water temperatures. Always check water conditions before entering, as heavy rainfall can create dangerous currents.

Are there any private campgrounds with additional amenities near Pisgah National Forest?

Cherryfield Creek Luxury Campsite sits right on the border of Pisgah National Forest, offering clean bathrooms, fire pits at each site, and accommodation for large groups, all while being just 10 minutes from local restaurants. For RV campers, Land of Waterfalls RV Park provides a well-maintained, peaceful setting just 15 minutes from Brevard and Pisgah National Forest with friendly hosts. Other options include Rutledge Lake RV Resort with fishing opportunities and Asheville East KOA, which features lakeside sites with mountain views, a convenient location for exploring both downtown Asheville and the forest. These private campgrounds offer amenities like full hookups, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and sometimes swimming pools.