Best Campgrounds near Candler, NC

Camping near Candler, North Carolina sits within the scenic Blue Ridge Mountain region, providing access to both developed campgrounds and natural settings. The area includes a mix of private RV parks, National Forest campgrounds, and mountain retreats. Asheville West KOA in Candler operates year-round with full hookup sites for RVs, tent camping areas, and cabin rentals. Nearby Lake Powhatan in Pisgah National Forest offers spacious, shaded sites approximately 15 minutes from downtown Asheville. Mount Pisgah Campground along the Blue Ridge Parkway provides a higher elevation camping experience at 5,300 feet, with cooler summer temperatures and access to hiking trails. According to campers, "The sites are spacious and well spaced, offering more privacy than many locations," making these areas popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with peak availability from March through October. Mount Pisgah Campground typically opens from May through late October, while Lake Powhatan has a longer season extending from March to December. Winter camping options are limited primarily to year-round private facilities like Asheville West KOA. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with limited connectivity at higher elevations and in more remote locations. Bear activity is common throughout the region, requiring proper food storage. Many campgrounds recommend reservations, especially during fall foliage season when visitation peaks. Access roads to some campgrounds involve narrow, winding routes that may challenge larger RVs.

The camping experience varies considerably between locations. Lower elevation sites near Candler provide easier access to Asheville's amenities while higher elevation campgrounds offer cooler temperatures and mountain views. RV campers will find the most amenities at private parks like Asheville West KOA, which offers full hookups, a camp store, and shower facilities. National Forest campgrounds typically provide more basic facilities but offer greater natural immersion. Many campgrounds feature creekside or riverside sites that are particularly popular. Visitors should be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms during summer months and rapidly changing weather conditions, particularly at higher elevations where temperatures can be 10-15 degrees cooler than in Candler.

Best Camping Sites Near Candler, North Carolina (504)

    1. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina

    62 Reviews
    Enka, NC
    5 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"

    2. Davidson River Campground

    83 Reviews
    Pisgah Forest, NC
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 785-5337

    $37 - $84 / night

    "Once again, interested in checking out as many waterfalls and cascades we could locate, the water flow will be so much more dramatic amidst heavy rainfall."

    "We had a quick nights stay in Davidson River Campground after picking up our new SylvanSport GO tent trailer in nearby Brevard, North Carolina."

    3. Mount Pisgah Campground

    40 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 648-2644

    $30 / night

    "We decided to escape the heat and head for one of the “cooler” campgrounds in western North Carolina for a weekend. Mt Pisgah Campground is at an elevation of roughly 5300’."

    "Pisgah National Forest on the outskirts of Asheville, NC is a must stop for all ages."

    4. Asheville West KOA

    24 Reviews
    Candler, NC
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 665-7015

    "The only reason for the four star rating is due to the highway noise from I-40, which is located adjacent to the campground."

    "It was an ideal location since it was between downtown Asheville and Waynesville which is where we split our time. The staff was friendly."

    5. North Mills River

    26 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 552-8040

    $31 - $62 / night

    "Small campground, but there are free off road sites not too far down the road. Cell service disappears but I love that kind of disconnect."

    "State stocked river is close by for trout fishing, and the bathrooms are always clean being for what they are."

    6. Asheville East KOA

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

    $50 / night

    "As typical of a KOA, they shove you in there so you are very close to your neighbors. The stars of the park are the riverfront sites."

    "My only gripe (and I know it’s not a huge deal) is the trailer park situated right by the fence that separates from the KOA."

    7. Wilson's Riverfront RV Park

    16 Reviews
    Asheville, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 254-4676

    "Close to town to go check things out. Not a far drive to get to many great restaurants, breweries or cideries. Right on the river. Concrete sites, not extremely level, but good enough."

    "The good- The proximity to downtown is the best you can get in a campground. If you choose a Riverfront site, you are literally 5 steps from the back of your RV from the French Broad River."

    8. Rutledge Lake RV Resort

    19 Reviews
    Fletcher, NC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 654-7873

    "Easy off the highway but far enough to be quiet. Lots of dining options close by"

    "campground was decent Fishing pond has a lot of ducks and seaweed

    Laundry room was nice and large - easy and quick to get 3 loads done

    Waterfront site was fairly level and loved being able to walk"

    9. Campfire Lodgings

    15 Reviews
    Weaverville, NC
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 658-8012

    "We had a premium site overlooking the French Broad River and the surrounding valley. Breathtaking. It is a clean campground with very nice hosts. The shower house was dated but clean."

    "The staff keep the location very tidy. My campsite was sufficiently distant from the more active RV area to feel removed. Situated in the woods on top of a mountain."

    10. Asheville's Bear Creek RV Park & Campground

    11 Reviews
    Enka, NC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 253-0798

    "We stayed at Bear Creek RV for a month and enjoyed being close to all things to see, eat, and do in Asheville.  SITES: Sites are close together."

    "Nice location close to west Asheville, pet friendly!"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 504 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Candler, NC

2270 Reviews of 504 Candler Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Wilson's Riverfront RV Park

    September stay

    Grass on lots high, nice concrete spots, full hookup in good shape.

  • s
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground

    Worst experience ever

    Absolutely the worst advertised campground I’ve ever been to in my life. They stated it was“riverside” ummmm nooooo!!! It’s basically a big open field with absolutely no privacy or shade. Picture Woodstock. The“barely there stream of water” was covered by trees at the campsite and there was basically just a huge mound of dirt where they told us to set up. We asked for a different spot and they said they were full. We paid SIXTY SIX dollars for this tent camping experience on the river!! We asked for a refund and they refused(otherwise, I wouldn’t have left a review at all. They should have made it right.) We luckily found a beautiful spot at Deep Creek Campground otherwise we would have had to drive two hours home!!! Do.not.be.scammed.

  • K
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Black Forest Family Camping Resort

    Great campground!

    As a solo traveler that doesn’t like excessive noise or want to be near kids, I just wanted peace and quiet to relax and listen to the sounds of nature. The owner, Jeanie(hopefully I’m spelling that right) understood completely and was sure to put me in a site where she knew the surrounding sites would be empty for the entirety of my stay and she was sure not to book anyone near me. Yes, the sites are fairly close together, but I stayed during the week and was able to enjoy most of the place to myself ….or at least the area of the campground that I was in. When I extended my stay an extra night, she was sure to warn me that there was a family with kids coming that night and that they’d be in my vicinity. I couldn’t have asked for a better campground host! She had all the info on waterfalls in the area which minimized my planning time/time staring at my phone. And the fact that the place is all pea gravel really makes a difference! It rained the first couple days I was there and my tent wasn’t a muddy mess which is always a plus!

    The bathrooms and showers were clean and the camp store had just about everything you could possibly need in a pinch. Firewood and ice were priced fairly, making it very convenient if you forgot to grab either one while you were out for the day. Will definitely be back! Actually, I can’t wait to go back!

  • Isabelle C.
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Indian Creek Campground

    Excellent Campground

    Indian Creek Campground in Cherokee, NC is a hidden gem. Nice hosts, clean facilities in the woods. We have a 25 ft pull behind camper and sites are big enough for slide-outs. Picknick table and campfire ring was on site. We had a 30 amp full hook-up site. Campground has tent sites, RV sites, cabins, clean bathhouse and is dog friendly.

  • Casey W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Keowee-Toxaway State Park

    Great spot!

    The only reason I dinged it from five stars is because of the road noise. Other than that this place is beautiful! Great hike to a beautiful lake! Simple amenities. Great drive up tent spots surrounded by trees. Nobody else was here during the week so I had the place to myself! The rangers were incredibly helpful and friendly! I will be back!

  • Zoey W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Mountain Rest Mountain Top

    Great campsite, you guys are pansies though

    great spot, can see the stars super clearly and its pretty much just open woodland once youre there.

    you dont need 4 wheel drive or a truck like some of these people are saying, i did it fine in my honda civic, just dont have anything with worse clearance than that, and be ready to get some branch scratches which is kinda expected for wood roads

  • 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.

  • 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!


Guide to Candler

Camping near Candler, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: The area is surrounded by trails, including the Art Loeb Trail, which is popular for its stunning views. One camper mentioned, "Davidson River Campground is perfectly situated for outdoor activities, plenty of hiking... all within a stone's throw from camp."
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offer great fishing spots. A reviewer noted, "There was a stream that runs through the back of the site that our kids loved."
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip at local swimming holes. A review from Davidson River Campground highlighted, "There is a nice swimming hole at camp."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A visitor at Cataloochee Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park warned, "There isn’t cell service, so be sure to plan your next move before you head in for the evening."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during weekends. A camper at Hot Springs Campground noted, "It was comfortable during the weekdays, but started to get crowded during the weekend."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife sightings. A camper at Cosby Campground shared, "An assertive mother bear and her three cubs showed up at dinner time."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. A reviewer at Asheville East KOA mentioned, "There is a pool, playground, gaga ball pit, and fishing."
  • Space for Play: Choose campgrounds with spacious sites. A family at Lake Powhatan appreciated, "There was enough level space for a 6 person tent, 4 person tent, and large shelter."
  • Safety Precautions: Always supervise kids near water. A camper at Smokemont Campground noted, "The sound of the flowing River is wonderful."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Asheville East KOA mentioned, "Section A was extremely tight for navigating, parking, and camping."
  • Look for Amenities: Choose campgrounds with necessary hookups. A reviewer at Mount Pisgah Campground said, "No hookup, but bathhouse and hot shower."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near roads or train tracks. A visitor at Asheville East KOA noted, "Trains come through near the park at all hours of the day and night."

Camping near Candler, North Carolina, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Candler, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Candler, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 504 campgrounds and RV parks near Candler, NC and 36 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Candler, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Candler, NC is Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina with a 4.6-star rating from 62 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Candler, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 36 free dispersed camping spots near Candler, NC.

What parks are near Candler, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 parks near Candler, NC that allow camping, notably National Forests in North Carolina and Pisgah National Forest.