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Best Campgrounds near Black Mountain, NC

1,953 Reviews

Campgrounds near Black Mountain, North Carolina range from established RV parks to primitive backcountry sites across Pisgah National Forest. The area features several popular campgrounds including Montreat Family Campground, Mama Gertie's Hideaway, and Asheville East KOA, all within a 30-minute drive of downtown. These facilities offer diverse accommodation options from tent sites and RV hookups to cabin rentals. Pisgah National Forest also provides dispersed camping opportunities for those seeking more remote experiences away from developed areas.

The camping season in this region generally runs from April through October, though some private campgrounds remain open year-round. Many campsites require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holiday periods when facilities quickly reach capacity. As one visitor noted, "The Black Mountain Campground is an extremely popular campground. During season, the summer month weekends and holidays...book your reservations online, because they don't do it by phone." Higher elevation sites experience cooler temperatures, even during summer months, with Mount Mitchell State Park campground often sitting in cloud cover and experiencing strong winds. Cell reception varies significantly across the area, with several campgrounds having limited or no service.

Waterfront camping locations receive consistently positive reviews, particularly sites along the South Toe River at Black Mountain Campground. Campers highlight the peaceful sound of flowing water and swimming opportunities. Private campgrounds near Black Mountain provide convenient access to both outdoor recreation and town amenities. A reviewer commented, "Sites are enormous with lots of privacy, good spacing between. For tents, there are some very nice sites along the creek. Extremely peaceful. Feels remote but is minutes from Black Mountain with shops and dining." Many campgrounds serve as ideal basecamps for hiking popular trails, including the Mount Mitchell Trail which begins directly from Black Mountain Campground and climbs 3,600 feet over 5.5 miles to the summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest peak in the eastern United States.

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Best Camping Sites Near Black Mountain, North Carolina (417)

    1. Asheville East KOA

    52 Reviews
    Swannanoa, NC
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 686-3121

    $50 / night

    "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."

    "It’s close to downtown Asheville and Black Mountain. Great place to bring kids and dogs!"

    2. Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground

    28 Reviews
    Swannanoa, NC
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 686-4258

    $75 - $200 / night

    "Black Mountain is a GREAT town and not too far from the campground but also just far enough."

    "We were in a 28ft class C camper and took trips to Black Mountain and Asheville without trouble. The sites are staggered, so it feels private even though you have neighbors."

    3. Curtis Creek Campground

    24 Reviews
    Old Fort, NC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 652-2144

    $10 / night

    "I would not recommend this for someone unfamiliar with driving a rig but once we got there it was amazing."

    "Was able to get two sites right next to each other outside the main campsite area which was great."

    4. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina

    62 Reviews
    Enka, NC
    19 miles
    +1 (828) 552-8040

    $37 - $135 / night

    "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."

    "PROS 

    Discounted camp fee with senior pass 

    Reserved 169 days prior to arriving 

    Friendly and helpful gate attendant 

    Nearly 100% shade at each site 

    Excellent dark sky viewing 

    Private sites with"

    5. Black Mountain Campground - CLOSED INDEFINITELY

    26 Reviews
    Montreat, NC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 675-5616

    $28 - $56 / night

    "Two adjacent campgrounds Briar Bottom Group Campground and Black Mountain Family Campground provide the perfect summer getaway in the heart of the Black Mountains area."

    "Ranger Review: Primus New Primetech CampFire Utility Sack at Black Mountain Campground, NC.

    Campground:

    Black Mountain Campground in the Pisgah National Forest, is nestled in Burnsville, NC but"

    6. Montreat Family Campground

    15 Reviews
    Montreat, NC
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 572-2257

    $25 / night

    "Feels remote but is minutes from Black Mountain with shops and dining.

    I am in a small RV so did not use the bathhouses but there are 2 and they appear well-maintained from the outside."

    "This is a campground that is part of the retreat and conference facilities adjacent to Montreat College."

    7. Mount Mitchell State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Pisgah National Forest, NC
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 675-4611

    $27 / night

    "Black Mountain Crest-Mount Mitchell trail (Supposed to be one of the hardest trails on the east coast; total trail is an out-and-back, one of the sides you can start on begins with an immediate 3,500 feet"

    "The campground is open from May 1 to Oct 31...but if you walk-in to the sites, as in via the trails, you can rent a site amost all year.

    Tent sites are small, but nice."

    8. Creekside Mountain Camping

    16 Reviews
    Gerton, NC
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 625-4257

    "Nice creek running nearby and a few short walking paths. The drive to spruce pine is scenic and long but head back toward bat cave and there ade neat little adventures to have with the kiddos."

    "This was a great little spot away from the hustle and bustle of the highway. Very close to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Pool was clean. Arcade on site."

    9. Catawba Falls Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED 2025

    10 Reviews
    Old Fort, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 668-4831

    "While it is close to a highway it is far enough away not to hear it but convenient to many places to visit including Asheville, The Blue Ridge Parkway and many national Forests and Parks."

    "Old Fort, NC and Falls nearby. Nice bathhouse, pump-out nearby. Diverse tent camping also available. Don’t let full time rv’s scare you. New RV site down from the entrance."

    10. Pisgah National Forest Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    Barnardsville, NC
    11 miles

    "I am from the area, but I love to go up the hill and get away from everything.  If you get there early in the week, you should have the place to yourself."

    "Trails out the wazoo! Our doggies love the trails & there are quite a few family friendly paths."

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Recent Camping Photos near Black Mountain, NC

1015 Photos of 417 Black Mountain Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Black Mountain, NC

1953 Reviews of 417 Black Mountain Campgrounds

  • Mary D.
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Roan Mountain State Park Campground

    New Favorite Campground

    This is my new favorite campground! There are trees everywhere and there really isn't a bad spot! Some sites were right on the creek (sites 40 and 41 were great). The tent camping area is beautiful and one of the best I've seen. We were at site 9, one of the only pull-through sites. We had water and electric and some sites have FHU. There are a lot of beautiful hikes in the area. No cell service, but there is (slow) wifi throughout the campground. There is a Verizon hotspot to make calls, but I couldn't connect with US Cellular. We will definitely be back!

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Gorges State Park Campground

    CAUTION: steep grades and curvy road

    This campground would’ve gotten five stars except for the road getting there was pretty exciting. The last 10 miles out of Brevard were curvy and had some grades. And the last 2 miles into the campground had I would guess a couple of 10% grades both up and down. Other than that, this campground was super nice. Has the nicest showers I have ever seen in a campground. All the sites for RVs are on concrete pads with electric, water, and sewer. This was a great staging point for our trip up to the great Smoky Mountains. The visitor center was very informative.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Old NC 105 Dispersed

    Amazing views and Free camping

    This place is amazing, Free and clean campsites.

  • Robert N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Campfire Lodgings

    Tent camping

    Tent camping sites are walk in, down hill, obviously thar means hauling your stuff out uphill when you leave. RVers have a great view from the ridge top. But a difficult day camping is far better than any day at work.

  • Alden B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Ash Grove Mountain Cabins & Camping

    Very Nice camping near Dupont National Forest

    If you want close access to Dupont and Pisga NF you're within minutes! The owners Mark & Esther are wonderful. We call him SouthSide Mark ( hails from South Africa). Some sites are a little tight, but fine. If you have a big rig call ahead. The cabin was wonderful. The bathhouse is older but very clean. You can tell the owners love their campers and property. The site is tree covered and hilly. We will come again, guaranteed! Watch your step. Wood Spirits are Everywhere!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC

    Good spot!

    Spent two nights here at a site right next to the creek, which was awesome listening to the running water as you fall asleep. Easy to get to, just a forest service road. A 4x4 makes it easy but there were minivans and junkyard beaters driving by. There are multiple sites along the service road and not too close to each other.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    Great spot!

    This is a great spot along a mountain ridge. The dirt road goes for about 13 miles. Would recommend a 4x4, but I’ve seen all kinds of vehicles travel the entire road from minivans to Honda accords. There are plenty of spots to choose from. Some have great views of the valley and table top mountain and others are just nooks in the woods. The sites are pretty spread out but there are a few within shouting distance (which could be annoying if the site next to you decides to bring a battery powered Sawzall to cut firewood at 2am). Some sites are right off of the road which could get annoying from all the traffic of people going to the hiking trails nearby. And there are spots tucked away a bit off of the road where you really don’t notice trucks and cars driving by. Awesome place for a weekend getaway! Definitely going to visit again.

    P.S. only 4 stars because there are only about 3-5 sites with a great view!

  • Robert B.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Black Mountain Campground - CLOSED INDEFINITELY

    FR472 & Black Mountain Campground Closed

    FR 472 is closed at the Golf Course and there are hefty fines if you are caught walking beyond the gate.  Black Mountain Campground was destroyed by flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.  The bridge across the S. Toe River was broken and washed out.  The water system is also destroyed as well as the road network in the campground.  There have been no announcements by the Forest Service about plans to repair the facility and, after a year, my guess is that there never will be.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5

    Great place to stay just be aware of your surroundings

    Was a pretty nice camp site compared to a lot you just have to be aware of the people around you. Across from our campground there was another camper who seemed out of it who came up to us at 11:00pm and asked for tape for his tent. Also garbage bag and garbage on the ground at front of campsite. PEOPLE MAY NOT BE THE BEST AROUND YOU BUT THE SITES ARE GREAT!

Guide to Black Mountain

Camping near Black Mountain, North Carolina, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the nearby Art Loeb Trail, which offers breathtaking views. One reviewer mentioned, "Davidson River Campground is perfectly situated for outdoor activities, plenty of hiking... available all within a stone's throw from camp."
  • Fishing: The lakes and rivers in the region are great for fishing. A camper at Greenbrier Campground noted, "The lake was beautiful, staff was friendly, sites were nice and spacious, bathrooms were mostly clean."
  • Swimming: Cool off in the local swimming holes. A visitor at Lake Powhatan shared, "The best thing about Lake Powhatan is the nice hike around the lake and the fun little lake beach."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Bear Den Family Campground said, "Bathrooms are clean and there is a laundry."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of the campgrounds. A camper at Smokemont Campground remarked, "It was rainy so maybe that deterred some campers, but we had a great time."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. A visitor at Greenbrier Campground noted, "The staff were all friendly and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Cosby Campground mentioned, "No cell or TV service here."
  • Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can be busy, especially on weekends. A reviewer at Davidson River Campground noted, "Sites by the river can get a little crowded."
  • No Showers at Some Campgrounds: Be prepared for campgrounds without shower facilities. A visitor at Cosby Campground pointed out, "No showers in bathrooms."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities. A parent at Greenbrier Campground said, "My young family of six were instantly impressed when we pulled in and there were bounce houses, multiple playgrounds."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. A camper at Lake Powhatan mentioned, "The lake was close enough for my 7 & 8 year olds to bike."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A visitor at Bear Den Family Campground noted, "Everything about our stay has been amazing."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Asheville East KOA said, "We could barely open our awnings without touching the RV in the space next to us."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near roads or train tracks. A camper at Asheville East KOA mentioned, "Trains come through near the park at all hours of the day and night."
  • Use Dump Stations: Familiarize yourself with dump station locations. A visitor at Smokemont Campground appreciated, "2 bay dump station which was nice and clean with water for the RV."

Camping near Black Mountain, North Carolina, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available in Black Mountain, NC?

Black Mountain offers several excellent camping options. Montreat Family Campground provides spacious sites with creek-side options, privacy between campsites, and proximity to Black Mountain's shops and dining. Just minutes from town, it offers a peaceful retreat while maintaining convenient access to amenities. Pondside Single features immaculate grounds with wildlife viewing opportunities including ducks, geese, turkeys, and various birds. Other options in the broader Black Mountain area include Curtis Creek Campground, Mount Mitchell State Park Campground, and dispersed camping opportunities in Pisgah National Forest. Each offers a unique experience, from developed sites with amenities to more rustic backcountry camping.

What is the best time of year to go camping in Black Mountain, NC?

Late spring through early fall (May-September) offers the best camping experience in Black Mountain, NC. Summer provides ideal weather for outdoor activities, especially at Carolina Hemlocks Rec Area where you can enjoy swimming holes and tubing in the South Toe River when temperatures are warmest. Fall brings spectacular foliage, particularly in the Briar Bottom Group Campground area of Pisgah National Forest. Be prepared for occasional afternoon thunderstorms in summer and cooler nights in spring and fall. Winter camping is possible but facilities may be limited and higher elevations can experience snow and freezing temperatures.

Are there RV-friendly camping options near Black Mountain?

Asheville East KOA is an excellent RV-friendly option near Black Mountain, offering well-maintained grounds, helpful staff, and activities like fishing, canoeing, and paddle boating. It's conveniently located for access to both Black Mountain and Asheville attractions. Rutledge Lake RV Resort provides another quality option with laundry facilities and staff that escort you to your site. For RVers seeking a more natural setting, Creekside Mountain Camping accommodates big rigs while maintaining a mountain atmosphere. Most RV parks in the area offer full hookups, level sites, and amenities like Wi-Fi, though reservation recommendations vary by season with summer and fall being the busiest periods.

What amenities are available at Montreat campground in Black Mountain?

Montreat Family Campground offers generous, private campsites with excellent spacing between neighbors. The campground features both tent sites along Flat Creek and spaces for small RVs. Amenities include private bathrooms and showers located between sites 20 and 21, though some RV campers note they didn't need to use the bathhouses. The campground is part of Montreat Conference Center facilities adjacent to Montreat College, creating a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere. It's family-friendly and described as very safe by visitors. While some sites can be small and exposed to the road, many visitors highly recommend reading other reviews for specific site recommendations. The location provides quick access to Black Mountain's shops and dining while maintaining a serene, natural environment.

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