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Camping in the Asheville area spans from private RV parks near the city center to cabin-focused retreats and forested sites in surrounding national forests. Lake Powhatan Campground within Pisgah National Forest provides tent, RV, cabin, and yurt accommodations approximately 15 minutes southwest of downtown, while developed campgrounds like Davidson River Campground offer similar options further south in the Pisgah Forest area. Several private campgrounds including Asheville East KOA, Mama Gertie's Hideaway, and Wilson's Riverfront RV Park supplement the camping landscape with additional cabin rentals and full-hookup RV sites.
Many campgrounds in the Asheville region operate seasonally, with mountain facilities like Mount Pisgah Campground typically open May through October due to winter weather conditions at higher elevations. "Interstate traffic was loud, WiFi wasn't strong enough to connect to, no amenities other than the bath houses," noted one reviewer about Wilson's Riverfront RV Park, highlighting common trade-offs between convenience and camping experience. Travelers should verify campground seasons before planning trips, as North Mills River Campground closes from late December through March, while other areas remain open year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak summer and fall foliage seasons when Asheville's popularity as a destination often leads to fully booked campgrounds.
The French Broad River shapes much of the camping experience near Asheville, with several riverside campgrounds offering direct water access. Wilson's Riverfront RV Park provides sites directly on the water, though reviews indicate highway noise is a significant drawback. According to one camper: "This is a basic campground on the French broad river in Asheville NC. The tent site is nice. The noise off the highway is pretty annoying but if you need a cheap simple spot to pitch a tent go for it." Sites in the national forest campgrounds tend to offer more natural settings and privacy compared to urban options. Most developed campgrounds in the region provide drinking water, fire rings, and picnic tables, with varying levels of electric hookups and shower facilities. The proximity to downtown Asheville remains a significant advantage for campers wanting to explore the city's renowned dining, arts, and brewery scenes.
"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."
from $37 - $135 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
"We had a quick nights stay in Davidson River Campground after picking up our new SylvanSport GO tent trailer in nearby Brevard, North Carolina."
from $37 - $84 / night
Check Availability"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’."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $31 - $62 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $75 - $200 / night
Check Availability"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. "
"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."
"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."
"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."
ScoutWe’ve been coming at this campground for 13 years and it is always an enjoyable experience. The past owners, Barry and Chong, have turned over the day to day management to their son and daughter-in-law. They are so pleasant and accommodating. It is a small campground but drive thru spaces are big enough for big rigs. They keep the campground in immaculate condition…. Would give it 6 stars out of 5!
ScoutWith only 18 waterfront sites this campground facilitates comradery like no place we have ever experienced. Taco Tuesdays, Margarita Fridays, Soup Sundays, potlucks, on-site bluegrass concerts, sharing stories with new friends with our chairs and feet in the cool river water, watching the lunar eclipse in our best dress pajamas are all events we enjoyed in our two and a half months here. The campground is clean and well maintained at all times. The owners and hosts are outstanding individuals who truly make every effort to make everyone comfortable at their home away from home. Strangers really have become friends, just as advertised.
GuideReally nice place to stay if you are visiting Asheville. Convenient to a variety of activities from biking, hiking & local attractions. The owners are very friendly, accommodating and have provided a beautiful, relaxing space. The parking space is covered, level and easy to back into. They have an expansive beautiful backyard, due partially to hurricane Helene, with seating areas for guests. They due have chickens & rooster, but they stay in their coop & run on the opposite side of the yard. There was no odor and the rooster only crowed during the day, which did not bother us. Looking forward to a return visit. The owners are currently working on an RV park in Brevard, which we hope to visit in the near future.
GuideNPS provides beautiful quiet campgrounds in the natural environment without all the modern amenities. If that why you camp this is for you. Perfect for vanlifers and others enjoying the outdoors
ScoutVery nice and welcoming owner and staff. We felt like we arrived with friends when we got stranded with our RV with engine problems. We ended up staying for almost two months. A nice well maintained campground that features a dog run in the front and a little river that is accessible for the guest in the back. There is a store in the front that carries some camping basics one might need in a pinch. They also have a take one, leave one library a well maintained landry and off course bathroom/shower facilities for tent camper. Great location near fantastic hiking trails in short driving distance. You can hike a different trail within an hours drive for weks and weeks. The owner Dillan operates the campground in third generation and he is really nice. It may not be the flashiest place but definately our favorite mountain retreat. One bonus for us: T mobile has super fast 5 G coverage for our hotspot here at the winngray campground. Its like our internet at home.
ScoutWe have been coming to this RV park for 5 years, and just keep coming back. It's a beautiful campground with all sites on the river. Jodi & Tim (Owners) are wonderful, and make campers feel like part of their family. The comradery is like having a lot of friends in one beautiful environment. Taco Tuesday, potluck dinners, BBQ's and Margarita Fridays round up the different events provided at the big barn. And, it's only a hop, skip and jump to restaurants, site seeing, downtown Franklin and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
Traveler⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What a beautiful hidden gem! This boutique campground right on the river is unlike your typical campground. It has that perfect combination of the peaceful, outdoorsy camping experience with all the amenities and little touches that make your stay feel special. We have been coming here for 6 years now.
The location along the Callasaja River is absolutely gorgeous, and there is so much to enjoy without ever having to leave the campground. Everything is thoughtfully designed, clean, comfortable, and well-maintained.
You can tell the owners have put a lot of thought into creating an experience rather than just a place to park your RV. Whether you want to relax by the river or the big brown barn where we have weekly gatherings (Taco Tuesday and Margarita Friday and pot lucks), enjoy the amenities along with a trading post on site, or simply slow down and enjoy the surroundings, this place has it all.
Give it a try and I promise you will be coming back!!
TravelerNice campground but getting in is treacherous. Don’t come up NC 226 it unfriendly for RVS . About 1 mile to the campground the road is horrible and will beat you and your rig half to death. The swimming lake is more like a mud hole then a lake and the game room machines wont take your money and the pool table is missing the cue ball and chalk. Overall I will not be coming back.
ScoutThis was a really lovely campground. We were greeted by Jojo and escorted to our spot by Daegan who helped us get our camper situated. The campground was clean and tidy, and had firewood and ice available for purchase. The happy hour at 5 is a great way to meet your fellow campers. Nearby there are restaurants and a few shops. The location is very close to several waterfall hikes.
Asheville's mountain camping spots typically range from 1,500-4,500 feet in elevation, offering dramatically different temperature ranges depending on location. The region's camping season varies significantly with elevation—higher mountain campgrounds like Mount Pisgah operate May through October while lower elevation sites offer year-round access. Winter camping requires preparation as temperatures regularly drop below freezing at higher elevations, even when downtown Asheville remains relatively mild.
Mountain biking near campgrounds: Davidson River Campground provides direct access to popular Pisgah National Forest trails. "They start literally across the davidson river from the campground. Bike shops, coffe and supermarkets all within," notes Travis S. who rates Davidson River Campground highly for its strategic location.
Fishing at riverside sites: North Mills River Campground offers excellent trout fishing opportunities. "We've enjoyed this campground mainly for the fly-fishing. The local Trout Unlmiited group has also spent many hours upgrading the walkways and fence lines to protect the river," says Shannon K., highlighting the North Mills River conservation efforts.
Hiking from mountain elevations: Mount Pisgah Campground sits at over 5,000 feet with trail access. "A short hike up from the campground are amazing views of the Blue Ridge along with Mt. Pisgah Inn. A section of the MST is also a short hike away," writes Tia about her stay at Mount Pisgah, making it ideal for hikers seeking cooler temperatures.
Proximity to downtown: Lake Powhatan offers convenience to city attractions while maintaining a natural setting. "Great campground hosts, park is super clean and quiet. Has a great beach and lots of hiking and mountain bike trails. Its part of the National Forest system so its super cheap. Downtown Asheville is only 15 mins away," explains Phil L. about Lake Powhatan.
Privacy between sites: Several campgrounds offer more secluded options despite being developed 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," writes Heather C. about her six-day March stay.
Mountain views from elevated sites: Campfire Lodgings features premium sites with valley panoramas. "We had a premium site overlooking the French Broad River and the surrounding valley. Breathtaking. It is a clean campground with very nice hosts," shares Jeff G. about Campfire Lodgings, noting the proximity to Asheville attractions.
Highway noise considerations: Several campgrounds near major roads experience traffic sound. "This is a basic campground on the French broad river in Asheville NC. The tent site is nice. The noise off the highway is pretty annoying but if you need a cheap simple spot to pitch a tent go for it," one camper reports about Wilson's Riverfront RV Park.
Winter facility limitations: Many campgrounds reduce services during colder months. "It was foggy and cold when we arrived mid September. When the fog cleared there were amazing views across the street from the campground," notes Caleb C. about Mount Pisgah Campground, where temperatures drop significantly earlier in the season than lower elevations.
Bear safety protocols: Wildlife encounters require proper food storage. "Keep all food secure in bear box provided at each site. Rangers patrol often so have always felt secure," advises Ulrich M. who has camped at Mount Pisgah for over 30 years, noting that bears occasionally enter the campground.
Lakeside activities: Some campgrounds offer water recreation options for children. "Very large sites and the staff are very helpful. A lot of activities for everyone to enjoy. The lake sites are beautiful," writes Teresa S. about Asheville East KOA, which provides lake and stream access.
Playground accessibility: Family-friendly campgrounds include dedicated play areas. "Playground doesn't have a infant swing but is in great working condition. Lots for the kids to do including a small arcade," notes Ashley S., who appreciates the activities available at Asheville East KOA.
Walking trails for all ages: Look for campgrounds with gentle paths suitable for children. "We enjoyed the trail through the woods that circles the whole campground. Our dog enjoyed the dog park," shares Anne H. about Asheville West KOA, mentioning the variety of recreational options.
Mountaintop RV access: Mama Gertie's Hideaway requires careful navigation but rewards with views. "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, noting the campground's excellent WiFi.
Riverfront parking challenges: Some waterfront sites have limited turning radius. "When you come off the interstate you have to make a extremely hard right to get into park, not possible with a big rig...had to go up to the office/shop and turn around," warns Vickie S. about Wilson's Riverfront RV Park.
Winter water systems: Cold weather camping requires preparation. "We found out after we arrived that due to the temps we were not supposed to use the water connections," notes Kayla about Rutledge Lake RV Resort, emphasizing the importance of checking seasonal restrictions.
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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