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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 rented Andy’s RV and had a great time! Unfortunately the weather didn’t cooperate until the end of our trip, but the camper was superb. Fully stocked with everything we needed - even the makings for s’mores. If you’re looking for a campground with lots of amenities, this is not for you. If you want a great, peaceful place to stay on the river, it’s perfect. Nearby attractions in Franklin and Cherokee. 5+ stars!!
ScoutWe absolutely loved our experience at Black Forest. The owners genuinely care about your stay. They were only about half full when we went so they suggested a couple different sites for us to be spaced out from other people for privacy. When we arrived at our site we called the desk and asked if we could actually move to the one right next to it and they said sure no problem. Even if you were right next to others there are trees for at least a visual barrier at most sites. And you are fully in the woods so it isn’t that RV park feel. The bathhouses are clean and well maintained. The store at the check-in has everything you may have forgotten and the prices are actually reasonable. This place is very close to the restaurants on cedar mountain, less than 10 minute drive to everything. This was our first trip with our new 29ft camper trailer and I was nervous about backing into the site, but the way they have them set up you have plenty of room so it’s easy. The internet was a little spotty so we weren’t able to work remotely as planned but for us it wasn’t a big deal and we had enough cell service to send texts here and there. I read that the pool is heated but it was pretty cold!! But the weather was very hot when we were here so we didn’t mind that at all, we loved the pool.
ScoutThis is a very trustworthy camping area. It rained almost everyday after we got here. We stayed for 7 days and loved every minute of it
ScoutThe main road can be quite noisy. Though the local authorities do what they can to keep it down. The creek is by far the best thing about the campground.
TravelerIf I was reviewing for just the location and how beautiful it was I’d give a 4 stars for a dispersed campsite however your neighbors do impact your experience.
The site itself I really loved. I was about 200 -300 feet from where you park your car right off the road (the roads by the way are definitely passable by most vehicles but keep in mind I was there in May). While there was alot of traffic going by (cars and bicyclists) the way it was set up it gave more privacy than most especially if you put your tent in the right place.
It was nice to have some distance between the car and the campsite with the large black bear population. Highly recommend keeping all food far from your site and washing any dishes as far from where you sleep as much as you can. Also keep all soaps, perfumes, or toiletries out if your tent. That also attracts.
Wash creek was close by. So accessing water for filtering for use was very easy. I used a 0.01 Micron, 6-Stage, portable BKLES (BKLES Camping Water Filter –... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGLHX2JK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) for the two weeks and had no health issues or otherwise. The water tasted great.
There was a hiking trail that was between the site and the path to the creek. I never saw anyone while I was there (2 weeks) but it’s something to consider if your a solo camper as other campers could easily travel it to access your site without you being aware. I had Portable Outdoor Perimeter Alarm... (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FXGJRD2K?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) to keep me safe and alert at night which I can’t recommend enough. It ended up saving my life. Towards the end of my stay for the first time all four alarm sensors put in several different places yards apart were going off. It continued off and on for over an hour. I did not risk opening my tent to see what it was.
I decided to go to an air bnb the next night. when I returned my tent was riped in several places and my dewalt tool box I was using for storage had what looked like puncture marks and was opened (full disclosure - I forgot I had some dried chick peas in it). Pretty safe to assume I was visited by a bear. I went back to the air bnb waiting for things to dry up before packing.
Upon returning items were stolen. A few things were taken with a note from a nearby camper with his cell (no name ?) letting me know he was keeping them safe for me. When I was at the site inspecting things he showed up. Was nice enough and did return some of my items but my portable firepit and large propane tank were gone.
Granted I had left the site unattended for a few days after the seeing my tent ripped up and was waiting for things to dry (as it had been raining for several days) before packing. Having said this the stolen items could have been because the more permanent folks living in the area thought I had just abandoned my things. I’ll leave it up to you to decide.
So while the spot itself was profoundly beautiful the neighbors add an element that should be considered in your decision to come.
On a positive note, I did see blue ghost fireflies several nights during my stay. I Eastern Tiger Swallowtails two days in a row my site had maybe 50-100 right next to my tent. Then the Spicebush Swallowtail, and Azures decided to join. One day a cardinal sat right on the rock in the middle of the campsite 10 feet from me. If you love rocks like I do be prepared for some really truly beautiful gems (pun intended) if you go wading in the creek. I forgot to mention I accidentally caught a fish when trying to fill my bucket up in the evening (how did it taste? Well, unfortunately I don’t have the skills to prep fish like that so I quickly released it but tells you a bit about the water nearby 🌞)
ScoutWe stayed for a month in Site 27 with our 40’ Brinkley fifth wheel, our tow vehicle, and a follow-behind Toyota Highlander. The site easily accommodated all of it without feeling cramped.
Elk Valley Farm RV Park made the perfect home base for exploring western North Carolina. It’s conveniently located near grocery stores, restaurants, and some wonderful hiking, and it’s an easy drive to Cherokee, Bryson City, Sylva, Franklin, and other nearby towns.
The sites include sturdy picnic tables and nice fire rings with attached cooking shelves.
Some sites also feature paved patios.
The campground is new and still expanding, but it’s already a great place to stay. The only amenity we missed was on-site laundry, but Heather and Jeff told us they’re planning to add a laundry room, which will make longer stays even better.
Heather and Jeff are wonderful owners—kind, friendly, flexible, and genuinely committed to making sure their guests have a great experience. You can tell they care about the campground and the people who stay there.
As an added bonus, Angry Elk Brewing right at the entrance to the RV park is absolutely worth a visit. Great beer, delicious food, and so convenient after a day of exploring.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and wouldn’t hesitate to return the next time we’re in the area.
GuideSemi private campground, super clean bathrooms, cell signal is spotty and there are no trails or water nearby. So, some pluses and some minuses. Also, although our campsite was level (unlike some), it was quite muddy and the utility hookups and fire ring were on opposite sides of where they should be.
TravelerOverall, a decent dispersed camping spot. I saw and heard no one my entire time at this spot. It’s right on the river which is great. The drive in is mostly paved, but a little narrow. Please pack your trash out though. It seems like no matter the state I camp in, people leave their trash. This site was particularly bad. It’s good to go now, but bring a bag and leave it nicer than you found it.
ScoutAbsolutely zero provide or trees between sites. Might as well be in an RV lot. Reserved a site and immediately left after getting there.
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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