Cabins near Barnardsville, North Carolina typically sit at elevations between 2,000-3,500 feet in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Winter temperatures in the area can drop below freezing from December through February, making seasonal preparation essential for cabin stays. The nearby Pisgah National Forest surrounds many accommodations with dense hardwood forests that display vibrant foliage in October.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: 1.5 miles to Roaring Fork Falls from Bear Den Family Campground. "The campground is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains...so beautiful! One of the hiking trails leads to a waterfall. Close to an apple orchid, which is so cool to visit (they're dog friendly) and not too far of a drive from the Linville Falls," notes Emily B.
Mountain biking: Access direct from campground at Lake Powhatan. "Lots of trails including several that are popular with mountain bikers on the road into camp," reports Neil T. These trails connect to Bent Creek Experimental Forest trail system with over 30 miles of bike paths.
River activities: Swimming and fishing spots throughout the region. At Camp Driftwood, "There's a beach where you can go swimming, and all of the sites are right on the French broad river," according to Allie G. The South Toe River at Black Mountain Campground offers "a nice swimming hole with a small sandy beach area and a neck deep refreshing hole."
What campers like
Private bathroom facilities: Many cabin rental properties offer upgraded bathroom amenities. At Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground, "The bathhouse up top seemed to be brand new. It had two full bathrooms with toilet, sink, and zero entry large shower. There was also a laundry room adjacent," says Cassandra R.
Proximity to Asheville attractions: Cabin locations provide convenient access to urban activities. "The location is excellent - you can get to downtown Asheville in 10 minutes!" notes Jill G. about Campfire Lodgings. Another visitor mentions it's "Accessible to Asheville, Blue Ridge Parkway, and many other mountain towns for exploring."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Natural settings allow for animal sightings. "We saw a black bear and turkeys in the campground too!" shares one visitor to Campfire Lodgings. At Curtis Creek Campground, campers regularly report seeing deer at dawn and dusk near the creek.
What you should know
Off-season weather considerations: Winter cabin stays require preparation. At Asheville East KOA, a reviewer noted, "The heat did struggle to keep it warm but they provided us with extra linens which helped." Electric space heaters are permitted at most cabin facilities.
Varying connectivity levels: Cell service and internet access differs significantly by location. "There is no cell service on T-Mobile or Verizon inside the camp," explains Scott K. about Black Mountain Campground. Other properties offer "Strong wi-fi (free too) connection, for those of us that work from the road."
Road access challenges: Some mountain locations have difficult approaches. A reviewer advises about Bear Den, "If pulling a camper, don't follow the Bearden sign, go to Linville to get on the parkway and go left. This way you will avoid the steep curvy road going up a mountain."
Tips for camping with families
Look for cabin sites with dedicated play areas: Certain locations offer child-friendly facilities. "Lots of activities for the kids. The sites directly along the riverside are all nice," states one visitor. Another notes, "We camped at C13 which was right across from the large playground. My daughter had a blast and we could keep an eye on her while we worked/played at the site."
Consider noise factors when booking: Highway proximity affects some cabin locations. At Asheville West KOA, "Yes, there is noise from Interstate 40 nearby but it didn't bother us and they offer earplugs at the front desk," reports Victoria L.
Pack for temperature fluctuations: Mountain elevations create variable conditions. "We visited in the summer, and it was insanely hot on top of the mountain. Without being able to put up our canopy or screen room, there was no reprieve from the sun," explains a Mama Gertie's guest about their cabin stay experience.
Tips from RVers
Reserve utility hookup sites well in advance: Premium spots with mountain views book quickly. At Hot Springs Campground, a visitor notes, "Only 3 fifty amp full hook up sites. Lots of 30 amp and tent camping. Right on the river." Reservations are essential 3-6 months ahead for peak season.
Plan for variable site sizes: Cabin and RV sites differ considerably between properties. "The sites in a straight line are close, the ones in the curve have more room," advises Shelly S. about campground layouts. Another camper mentions, "Our site was level so easy to pull up and set up smoothly."
Consider dump station locations: Not all properties offer convenient waste disposal. "Strange too was the dump site in the back loop, I didn't see one in the front area," notes a visitor to Asheville West KOA. Curtis Creek Campground has no on-site dump station, requiring a 15-mile drive to the nearest facility.
