Traveling RVers near Highlands, North Carolina can find several campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. Situated in the Nantahala National Forest at 4,118 feet elevation, Highlands experiences cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands, with summer highs typically in the 70s and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Fall camping requires advance planning due to peak foliage tourism from mid-October through early November.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 15 minutes from downtown. Visitors staying at Cullasaja River Campground can access multiple waterfalls along the Cullasaja River. "This is one of the most prettiest places on the River. Very close to attractions ie on waterfall Byway! And IN the Forest," notes one camper about the location.
Apple picking: seasonal activity. Late August through October offers apple picking opportunities at local orchards. Campers using Willow Valley RV Resort as their base enjoy easy access to nearby orchards. "Easy to get to from Atlanta or South Carolina. Rabun gap is close to a variety of activities including hiking trails, wineries, old country shopping and so much more," shares a visitor.
Zip lining: year-round thrills. The region boasts North Carolina's biggest zip line operation, located near several campgrounds. "NC's biggest zip line is just down the road" from Sky High Ridge RV Campground, according to one reviewer, making it convenient for adventure seekers.
What campers like
Mountain climate: natural air conditioning. The higher elevation provides relief from summer heat, with temperatures typically 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowland areas. At Blue Ridge Falls RV Resort, campers appreciate the comfortable mountain temperatures: "We loved this RV park so much, we kept adding nights. This is our favorite site on our trip across the country so far!"
Community gatherings: scheduled social events. Several campgrounds organize regular social activities. "They had happy hour everyday at five" notes a visitor to Blue Ridge Falls RV Resort, while another mentions, "Every day, at 5pm, the happy hour bell rings and it's a great chance to meet people and learn tips on the area."
River access: cooling off spots. Many campgrounds feature water access for swimming during warmer months. "Right along the Cullasaja river you have easy access to swimming and boating or you can drive a mile or two up the road and get to some amazing swimming holes with cliff jumping and natural water slides," writes a reviewer about local water features.
What you should know
Road conditions: preparation needed. Several campgrounds have challenging access roads requiring careful navigation. At Sky High Ridge RV Campground, "The roads are also very tight so anything bigger than a 30' may be tough (you actually cannot follow Google/Waze maps or you will get stuck, follow the host directions)."
Limited facilities at smaller sites. Some rv sites near Highlands, North Carolina operate with minimal amenities. "This is a RV CAMPGROUND and it will not be for everyone. There is no bath house so only vehicles with a toilet are allowed," warns a camper about Sky High Ridge.
Cash-only policies. Some smaller operations don't accept credit cards. "They do only accept cash or checks," notes a visitor to Pines RV Park and Cabins, so travelers should plan accordingly.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: kid-friendly options. Multiple campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. "There are many activities to keep family members occupied, including a playground, basketball, corn hole, soccer nets, community fire pit (you can rent a private firepit), and in-season, a pool," reports a visitor to Willow Valley RV Resort.
Garden exploration: educational opportunity. Unique amenities can entertain children. At Sky High Ridge RV Campground, "There is a garden on site you can meander around, grab an apple to snack on, and hang out with the butterflies... Plus [the host] was kind enough to show our kids the garden while we got setup."
Swimming areas: natural water features. River access provides natural entertainment for families. "The area is really beautiful year round though best in the summer when you can cool off from the hot days by getting in the water," explains a camper about Cullasaja River Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy. Road noise can impact some campsites. "After being assured our lot along 246 would be quiet, I was quite disappointed and got poor sleep. Lots of road noise. Would not stay near 246 again," advises a camper at River Vista RV Park, suggesting locations away from major roads.
WiFi considerations. Internet access varies widely between parks. "Very frustrated with the almost non-existent Wifi. Couldn't download much of anything or post anything or watch anything. If you advertise Wifi, it should have much better coverage throughout the campground," notes a reviewer, while another campground boasts "Best internet anywhere around."
Parking assistance. Some RV parks offer personalized parking guidance. At Pines RV Park and Cabins, "Lou meets you at the office and guides you to your campsite and politely offers to guide you in. We used his help and he guided us in to an inch of the cement pad for our front porch."
