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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.
"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!"
from $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $75 - $200 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $37 - $135 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $28 - $56 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $27 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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."
GuideTypical National Park Campground.Sites are small but spread apart.Not many that we could fit 28 foot Airstream .Clean restrooms and free showers. The rangers are very friendly. Very professional and helpful. The restaurant is great but you need to make a reservation.
GuideA very nice and clean campsite. The toilets are clean, and they have a dish washing station. No showers or hot water. If using the toilet after dark, take a flash light, there's no electricity here.
The best part is because of the high elevation, it's about 20 degrees cooler up here than the surrounding areas. Also, it's very quiet too.
However, because of the small winding roads, you won't get a RV or Travel Trailer up here over 20 ft in length. Mainly tent and teardrop campers. Only one 18ft long travel trailer here during my visit.
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.
ScoutWe arrived and easily got to our spot. There’s a river just behind our spot and only a handful of RVs and cabins. Our GPS wanted us to pass the turn to the campground, we had to make a U turn to get in…. Of course, on the second approach we saw the entrance signs (my bad). It looks like it is best to approach from the west (Hampton?), it was a sharp turn entering from the east (Roan Mountain). We settled in and got to relaxing quickly.
GuideDoe River Landing is a small, delightful RV and cabin camping park that sits on the banks of the Doe River in the Roan Mountain valley of TN. We enjoyed our stay enough that we extended a few extra days. Five shaded, landscaped RV sites offering water/electric are located about 20 yards from the river’s edge. An additional site offers a fully-outfitted rental RV. Sites are pea gravel and mostly level. Luxury rental cabins(5) are available along with a truly awesome rental pavilion outfitted for larger group gatherings. The friendly hosts live in a home nearby and were around daily during our stay.
For a small family campground the amenities are super nice. The top-notch children’s playground and toy shed obviously delighted guest’s children. Wi-Fi signal is strong enough for streaming. Nice, clean bathhouse. Public grills are available. Hiking trails meander along the river and up through their woods.
There are few places we enjoy more than the Roan Mountain area for camping. The location is fantastic and even peak summer temperatures are usually comfortable. Roan Mountain State Park is minutes away for hiking and a slew of activities, while the top of Roan Mountain houses the famous wild Rhododendron Gardens. The AT and multiple hiking trails run along the top of the mountain.
There were only a few considerations with this venue.
The sites are mostly level although we needed two OxBlocks in each of the sites we stayed in. One needed leveling front-to-back, the other side-to-side. When Hurricane Helene scoured the area it likely left some dips in the parking pads.
The bathhouse contains one toilet and shower, both housed in the same room which can tie them up for long periods.
3) There may be some day and night traffic noise as large trucks involved in repairs from Hurricane Helene are still active.
The approach is rather challenging. New lighted signage helps identify where their single-lane entrance road takes a HARD fork off US-19E. Be sure to check the Directions tab on their website. If you are arriving from the north (through Elizabethton) you will be able to pull directly onto Bob Ray Rd.(entrance to the right of the little Bible church). Approaching from the south on US-19E is more difficult. Bob Ray Rd basically runs parallel to US-19E which requires essentially a U-turn across 2-3 lanes to accomplish. The host suggests turning through the closed fruit stand parking lot(on the left within sight of the entrance) but we weren’t sure about it given on-coming traffic. We elected to drive~ 2 miles further down 19E and U-turn across the left shoulder.
Bob Ray Rd is a single-lane road. Based on timing for check-in/check-out you are unlikely to meet another RV coming at you(thankfully!)
Multiple choices for food in the area. The Whiteway Grill– less than 5 minutes away- offers fabulous breakfasts. Smoky Mountain Bakers is beyond awesome! Wood-fired pizza for dinner and breakfast plates from simple sandwiches to breakfast burritos, pancakes and French toast. We find excuses to eat here during the week. Every meal we’ve had at Puerto Escondido Mexican restaurant was huge(as in leftovers) and tasty.
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 🌞)
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.
TravelerI camped on Forest Road 982. There were quite a few people camping along this road, but I found a really good spot by the large creek. The campsites are pretty far from each other so the privacy is good. I stayed one night. Will definitely go back.
Camping sites near Black Mountain, North Carolina provide access to some of the region's most diverse mountain ecosystems at elevations ranging from 2,000 to over 6,500 feet. The area experiences significant temperature variations between valleys and peaks, with mountaintop locations often 10-15 degrees cooler than downtown Black Mountain. Winter camping remains possible at lower elevations while higher sites like Mount Mitchell regularly receive snow between November and March.
Hiking to waterfalls: 30-minute drive from most Black Mountain campgrounds leads to Roaring Fork Falls. "The trail is also a forestry service road of some sort, but the trail to the falls is marked by a blue diamond blaze. Its a bit of a root infested scamper, but worth it," notes a Black Mountain Campground visitor.
Mountain biking trails: Multiple difficulty levels available near Lake Powhatan. "Lots of trails including several that are popular with mountain bikers on the road into camp," according to a Lake Powhatan Campground reviewer. The trails connect to extensive networks throughout Pisgah National Forest.
Water activities: Swimming and fishing opportunities abound at campground creeks and lakes. "The creek is right beside the campsites, and easily accessed by steps," explains a visitor to Curtis Creek Campground. "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."
Creek-side sites: Sound of flowing water consistently ranks as a top feature. At Montreat Family Campground, "The 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."
Clean facilities: Quality bathhouses matter to campers. "The bathhouses are some of the cleanest I've seen. It was also very close to Mount Mitchell so we could go on long hikes," reports a reviewer at Montreat Family Campground.
Private wooded sites: Natural spacing enhances the experience. Lake Powhatan visitors appreciate that "the sites are spacious and well spaced, offering more privacy than many locations." Another camper noted, "A great campground for a trip to Asheville! Spent some time in the lake, on hiking trails, and in town."
Weather variability: Prepare for all conditions especially at higher elevations. "The night we spent there was cold, windy and miserable. We were in the cloud, with strong winds and rain through the night, with no trees to protect from the wind," reports a Mount Mitchell State Park camper who advises being prepared for rapid weather changes.
Reservation requirements: Book early for weekend camping. Curtis Creek Campground has limited sites and fills quickly. "We have been trying to find campgrounds close to home to make a quick weekend and Curtis Creek didn't disappoint! Fairly quick drive, groceries in Old Fort, gravel road and you are there. Not very big but that was great for us."
Road conditions: Access varies significantly across campgrounds. "The road is a little rough to get there, but even a car should have no problems - just might need to dodge a few potholes," explains a Curtis Creek visitor. Several campgrounds require navigating steep gravel forest roads.
Kid-friendly water features: Look for safe swimming areas where children can play. "My son spent hours hopping along the rocks in the creek," shares a camper at Creekside Mountain Camping. Another family noted, "There is a playground and ball field at the campground."
Plan for connectivity gaps: Limited cell service affects most campground areas. "There is no cell service (T-Mobile or Verizon) inside the camp," notes a Black Mountain Campground reviewer, who adds this helpful tip: "Walk down the main access road toward the junction with your phone on... you'll finally come to a stand of three trees growing together... I don't know how, but you get two bars of Verizon in this exact spot."
Weather preparation: Pack layers even in summer due to temperature variations. A Mama Gertie's Hideaway visitor warns, "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."
Site selection: Research specific spots before booking. "The sites are a little tight on a hillside, but the pad is kept up well with large gravel and is compact and level," notes an RVer staying at Mama Gertie's Hideaway. Another visitor advises, "The road to get there is steep but obviously doable even with our 38' gas MH."
Size restrictions: Large rigs have limited options in this mountainous area. "You need to unhook if towing a vehicle. Well worth a visit!!!" explains a Mama Gertie's Hideaway reviewer. "I am in a small RV... The site is gravel and very level. It's a huge site, but because the entry is a narrow, twisty mountain road, I wouldn't recommend a larger rig. 20 ft and less should be good."
Hookup variability: Research utilities before arrival. "Full hook ups available, some with cable," reports a visitor to Asheville East KOA, which offers more extensive services than many forest campgrounds. "Strong wi-fi (free too) connection, for those of us that work from the road."
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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