Asheville's glamping scene ranges from 2,000 to 6,000 feet in elevation across western North Carolina, creating distinct microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the year. Temperature drops approximately 3 degrees for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, making mountain sites significantly cooler than valley locations even during summer. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing at higher elevations.
What to do
Fly fishing access: 5-15 minute drive: Davidson River Campground provides excellent fishing opportunities with several areas to access the river directly from the campground. The river is stocked with rainbow trout, and some campers have spotted trophy catches exceeding 20 inches. According to one camper at North Mills River Campground, "The river is stocked in addition to native, so call in and track the schedule for best results. Catch and release only - no bait."
Waterfall exploration: Multiple options: Several waterfall hikes begin just minutes from local campgrounds. Moore Cove Falls features an easy trail that leads to a perfect waterfall for photos, while Looking Glass Falls is accessible via steps making it suitable for all ability levels. As one visitor to Davidson River Campground explains, "Several beautiful waterfalls can be accessed within a 5-15 min car ride. Just outside the campground are endless trails."
Challenge yourself on Mount Mitchell: The tallest peak east of the Mississippi (6,684 ft) offers challenging hiking for experienced hikers. The Mount Mitchell Trail begins at Black Mountain Campground, with an 11.2-mile roundtrip route. A visitor shares, "You can begin the Mountain to Sea Trail here...the start of the Mt. Mitchell Trail begins in the campground with non-campground hikers having a parking lot just across the bridge."
What campers like
River sounds for peaceful sleep: Many Asheville-area glamping sites feature creekside or riverside locations providing natural white noise for sleeping. A camper at Creekside Mountain Camping notes, "We were literally right on the creek, love the sound of rushing water...Had the white noise from the creek to keep us dead asleep at night."
Clean individual bathrooms: Several glamping spots offer private bathroom facilities rather than communal setups. One visitor to Lake Powhatan appreciated that "bathrooms + showers are single use, not stalls, which I suppose could be inconvenient if there were a lot of people waiting, but it's nice to have the privacy!"
Winter discounts at select sites: Off-season camping offers significant savings. A North Mills River visitor explains, "Just a stone's throw from the bustle of Asheville, yet secluded enough to forget it all, this little gem is conveniently located at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest. Usually starting at $22 per night, after November 1st the prices get cut in half, so I stayed for $11."
What you should know
Bear activity requires precautions: Bears are active in the Asheville area and visit campgrounds. Campers should store food securely, as several campgrounds don't provide bear boxes. According to a Campfire Lodgings visitor, "This campground DOES have bears who visit the campground for food. There are no bear boxes provided...Anything square apparently, so store everything in your car."
Weather changes rapidly: Mountain weather is unpredictable, particularly at higher elevations. Rain showers are common in afternoons, and fog can roll in quickly. One camper at Mount Mitchell State Park Campground recalls, "Drove up and down the mountain in super fog. I could see about 5' in front of the car."
Cell service limitations: Many sites have limited or no connectivity. As a visitor to Black Mountain Campground explains, "Hoping to catch up with the kids or listen in on that conference call while you are at BMC? Forget about it! There is no cell service on T-Mobile or Verizon inside the camp."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming holes for hot days: Several campgrounds feature natural swimming areas. Lake Powhatan has a beach area, while Black Mountain Campground offers a swimming hole on the South Toe River. A visitor notes, "There is a swimming hole on the South Toe River in the campground just beyond the end of the riverside sites. It has a small sandy 'beach' area and a neck deep refreshing hole."
Natural water slides: Slide Rock, located near Davidson River Campground, provides a unique experience for families. According to a visitor, "Slide Rock is a natural water slide that is fun for the whole family. Yes, it's COLD and honestly worth every moment of chilly suffering."
Game rooms for rainy days: Some campgrounds offer indoor recreation options when weather doesn't cooperate. A Creekside Mountain Camping visitor mentions, "The weekend we stayed the pool was closed, the kids had a good time in the game room."
Tips from RVers
Limited generator hours: Many campgrounds restrict generator use, which affects RVers who need power for air conditioning. A camper at Black Mountain Campground advises, "If you are traveling during warmer months or must have AC, this is not the site for you. We felt that the tree coverage really provided us protection from the heat and did very well without AC in early August."
Road conditions to mountain sites: Access roads to some campgrounds can be challenging for larger RVs. The road to Mount Mitchell features steep grades and tight turns. One camper warns about roads near North Mills River, "The gravel road is steep at times and minimally maintained, it is more a forest service road, so washboard and pot holes abound."
RV dump station logistics: Some campgrounds have limited dump station facilities. A visitor to Davidson River Campground noted, "I rated a 4 star because the dump site is very tight, and lacking. That was the only thing on this campground I feel needed some work."
