Visitors to western North Carolina find numerous campgrounds within 30 minutes of Brevard. This mountainous region rises from 2,100 feet to elevations above 3,000 feet, creating temperature variations that can drop 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands. Camping options range from full-service RV resorts with concrete pads to more rustic settings with gravel sites requiring stabilizing equipment.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 250+ cascades dot the region surrounding Brevard, making it a prime destination for waterfall enthusiasts. Land of Waterfalls RV Park provides convenient access as "Pisgah National Forest is nearby as well as Panthertown for hiking and biking. The area is known for having over 250 waterfalls," notes a visitor to Blue Ridge Falls RV Resort.
French Broad River activities: Rent kayaks or tubes from outfitters adjacent to Wilson's Riverfront RV Park. One camper mentioned "we went tubing straight from our campsite on Saturday!" while another noted the park is "neighbors to French Broad Outfitters—a company that rents kayaks, canoes, and tubes to take down the river."
Mountain biking access: Several technical trail networks surround Brevard. A camper at Rutledge Lake RV Resort shared, "Nice place to stay if you like mountain biking with DuPont and Pisgah National Forest being close by." Most campgrounds provide secure bike storage areas or cleaning stations.
What campers like
Community gatherings: Many campgrounds foster social interaction through organized events. At Blue Ridge Falls RV Resort, "Gatherings by the pavilion every night at 5. Great community feel," reports one camper, while another mentioned "the happy hour bell rings and it's a great chance to meet people and learn tips on the area."
Pet amenities: Most RV parks around Brevard accommodate dogs with designated areas. At Red Gates RV Park, campers appreciate that "They even have an off lead dog area with water available and poop bags. Their was a lake on the property to walk around and adds to the beauty of a walk."
Clean facilities: Bathhouses receive consistent praise at several properties. "Pristine bath house! Pristine campground!" notes one visitor to Red Gates RV Park, while another described the bathrooms at Rutledge Lake as "very nice, second only to Disney."
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Several parks close during winter months. Blue Ridge Falls RV Resort "operates seasonally from May through late October," while others like Land of Waterfalls RV Park remain "open year round" according to visitors who "stayed from November through April."
Site spacing considerations: Layout varies significantly between properties. At Gatlin Ridge RV Park, guests enjoy a "small peaceful RV park. Clean, beautiful landscaping," while other locations may place units closer together. One camper at Asheville's Bear Creek noted "sites were a little close together."
Noise factors: Highway proximity affects some locations. A camper at Wilson's Riverfront mentioned it's "close to the highway and you can hear cars at night," while another noted it's situated "between two highways" creating traffic noise. Mountain properties typically offer quieter settings.
Tips for camping with families
Fishing opportunities: Several parks feature stocked ponds for younger anglers. At Rutledge Lake RV Resort, "the pond and lake on property to fish, and yes it's easy to catch a fish here!" reports one happy visitor.
Pool availability: For summer visits, confirm pool status before booking. One reviewer noted Rutledge Lake's "pool was clean," providing relief during warmer months, while Asheville's Bear Creek pool "was closed for the season" during their fall visit.
Weather preparedness: Mountain locations experience frequent afternoon thunderstorms during summer months. Pack extra tarps and rain gear, as one Wilson's Riverfront camper warned the "campground flooded in the middle of the night. Happy they woke us up to evacuate but lost a few items that were under the trailer."
Tips from RVers
Approach routes: Navigate mountain roads cautiously when driving larger rigs. One camper advised "don't follow the GPS onto Kim Miller Rd. Stay on Rt 64 and turn onto 281 past firehouse. Much easier!" when visiting Blue Ridge Falls RV Resort.
Site leveling: Most properties require stabilizing equipment. A visitor to Gatlin Ridge RV Park found "nice gravel level sites," but conditions vary across the region with many requiring leveling blocks.
Utility considerations: Water hookups may be restricted during colder months. One Asheville-area camper discovered "due to the temps we were not supposed to use the water connections" during their winter visit, so confirm available services when booking off-season stays.
