Best Campgrounds near Mars Hill, NC

Camping near Mars Hill, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Campers at Cosby Campground rave about the access to popular hikes like Hen Wallow Falls, with one reviewer noting, "The campground offers a serene and less crowded camping experience."
• Fishing: Many campgrounds are near rivers and lakes, perfect for fishing. A visitor at Davidson River Campground mentioned, "There is a nice swimming hole at camp and the bathhouses are well kept," highlighting the area's natural beauty.
• Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. Campers at Smokemont Campground enjoy spotting elk and turkeys, with one camper saying, "I love all the elk and other wildlife."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Greenbrier Campground noted, "The bathrooms were amazing," which is a common sentiment among those who prioritize cleanliness.
• Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A reviewer at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground mentioned, "The staff was awesome and it's a great facility," emphasizing the welcoming atmosphere.
• Scenic Views: The natural beauty of the area is a big draw. Campers at Elkmont Campground describe it as "gorgeous," making it a favorite for those who love picturesque landscapes.

What you should know:

• Privacy Concerns: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Elkmont Campground shared, "All of the campsites are extremely close together," so if privacy is important, consider this when booking.
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds offer full amenities. For example, Cosby Campground has no drinking water or electric hookups, which might be a dealbreaker for some.
• Wildlife Precautions: Bears are common in the area. A camper at Greenbrier Campground mentioned, "Due to the amount of black bears in the area, they’re very vigilant about keeping trash in trash cans."

Tips for camping with families:

• Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly activities. Campers at Asheville East KOA enjoyed the pool and playground, with one parent saying, "There is a pool, playground, gaga ball pit, and fishing."
• Space for Tents: Choose campgrounds with spacious sites. A family at Bear Den Family Campground appreciated the "big private sites," which allowed for a comfortable stay.
• Plan for Meals: Bring your own food and cooking supplies, as some campgrounds may not have stores nearby. A camper at Lake Powhatan mentioned, "There is no camp store for extra supplies."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify the size of RV sites. A reviewer at Asheville East KOA noted, "Section A was extremely tight for navigating, parking, and camping."
• Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A visitor at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground mentioned, "This campground is very close to a main road with lots of traffic and street noise."
• Plan for Limited Connectivity: Many campgrounds have spotty cell service. A camper at Lake Powhatan noted, "We had very little cell service (Verizon)," so download maps and information before you arrive.

Camping near Mars Hill, North Carolina, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just enjoying the great outdoors, there's something for every camper to enjoy.