Arden lies in western North Carolina's mountainous terrain, approximately 10 miles south of Asheville at an elevation of 2,200 feet. The region experiences moderate temperatures with average summer highs around 85°F and winter lows in the 30s. Camping options range from state park facilities to private campgrounds with varied terrain that can affect site accessibility and cell service quality.
What to do
Tubing on French Broad River: Wilson's Riverfront RV Park offers direct river access for water activities. "We loved being near the water-- we went tubing straight from out campsite on Saturday!" noted one visitor. The campground neighbors French Broad Outfitters for kayak, canoe, and tube rentals.
Hiking nearby trails: The Green River area provides excellent hiking opportunities close to Wilderness Cove Campground. "The drive down the mountain is a little nerve-wracking for a city boy," reported one camper, but the payoff includes access to numerous trails. Most campgrounds are within 20-30 minutes of popular hiking destinations.
Fishing opportunities: Rutledge Lake RV Resort features a stocked fishing pond. "Nice gravel level sites. Nice sites with and great stream and pond on property to fish, and yes it's easy to catch a fish here!" according to one reviewer. Catch-and-release fishing is available at several campgrounds in the area.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Boylston Creek RV Park & Cabins receives consistently positive reviews for cleanliness despite being relatively new. "Great spot, friendly people. New," noted a camper about this 24-site facility.
Mountain proximity: Land of Waterfalls RV Park offers convenient access to outdoor recreation areas. "This campground is in an awesome location: 25 minutes to downtown Hendersonville, 12 minutes to downtown Brevard, and 10-15 minutes from all the trails at DuPont and Pisgah!" shared one reviewer. The campground serves as an ideal base for exploring the region's natural attractions.
Pet-friendly amenities: Red Gates RV Park accommodates pets with specialized facilities. "They even have an off lead dog area with water available and poop bags. There was a lake on the property to walk around and adds to the beauty of a walk," mentioned one camper. Most campgrounds in the area welcome pets with varying restrictions.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Several campgrounds near Arden operate on limited schedules. Red Gates RV Park runs seasonally from April through November, with reviews noting: "Pristine bath house! Pristine campground! We truly enjoyed our time here!"
Site spacing considerations: Proximity between sites varies significantly across campgrounds. At Hitching Post Campground, "We were on site A, its definitely big rig friendly. We travel in 30 TT and we had tons of room," while other facilities place sites much closer together.
Connectivity challenges: Wi-Fi quality fluctuates throughout the region. One Land of Waterfalls RV Park visitor mentioned, "There is a little community shack with a Keurig, maps of the area, comfy chairs, and some small desk for a change of work scenery." Many campers rely on personal hotspots for consistent internet access.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Consider campgrounds with on-site recreation options. At Asheville's Bear Creek RV Park & Campground, one visitor noted, "We only stayed here one night because we wanted to be close to downtown Asheville for a date night out. The Uber ride was around $12 so it was perfect."
Space requirements: Family groups should research site dimensions carefully. "We had a great stay! We had spot #10 water front. It had plenty of space for the 5 of us and 2 dogs," reported a Rutledge Lake RV Resort camper. Contact campgrounds directly for specific site measurements.
