Best Campgrounds near Cedar Mountain, NC

Cedar Mountain in North Carolina serves as a gateway to multiple camping destinations, including Black Forest Family Camping Resort within the immediate area and several developed campgrounds throughout the surrounding region. The campground landscape encompasses everything from full-hookup RV sites and rental cabins to primitive tent sites. Most developed campgrounds in this area provide access to the outdoor recreation opportunities of nearby Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Forest, and Table Rock State Park. Camping areas typically include basic amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and access to water, with more developed sites offering electric hookups and shower facilities.

Seasonal operations affect campground availability, with many facilities open from March to November and closed during winter months. The region experiences significant temperature variations based on elevation, with cooler conditions prevailing even during summer months. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays from May through October when demand reaches its peak. Camping permits for developed sites can be secured through individual campground reservation systems, while primitive camping requires appropriate backcountry permits depending on the land management agency. Road access varies throughout the region, with some campgrounds requiring navigation of steep, winding mountain roads. A camper noted that "sites are wooded and spaced far enough apart that you barely see or hear neighbors, but the campground is quite a ways from town with no cell reception."

The proximity to waterfalls and hiking trails represents a significant draw for visitors to Cedar Mountain area campgrounds. Many sites provide convenient access to DuPont State Forest's popular waterfall trails, with some campers specifically selecting locations based on trail proximity. Several visitors mentioned the immaculately maintained bathroom facilities at Black Forest Family Camping Resort, noting they exceed typical state campground standards. Family-friendly amenities like swimming pools, recreation areas, and planned activities are common at the private campgrounds. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, tent campers appreciate the gravel pads at many sites, which prevent muddy conditions during rainy periods. Camping near rivers or streams remains particularly popular, with one visitor highlighting a site "right beside a creek that you can hear all night" at nearby Jones Gap State Park.

Best Camping Sites Near Cedar Mountain, North Carolina (437)

    1. Davidson River Campground

    83 Reviews
    Pisgah Forest, NC
    11 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."

    2. Table Rock State Park Campground

    55 Reviews
    Sunset, SC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 878-9813

    "The alternatives #5 and #6 were close to the entrance and therefore exposed to the road, and #49 was next to the restrooms, but similar to #60, so stayed with #60."

    "One drawback is that from the campground there is no easy access to the lake- you can either drive and park (and hope to find parking) or walk on a busy road . "

    3. Black Forest Family Camping Resort

    18 Reviews
    Cedar Mountain, NC
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (828) 884-2267

    "The cabins have electricity, but the water pump is outside and the bathrooms and showers are communal (but clean). There is a full size bed and two bunk beds in each one."

    "Very clean,natural, beautiful trees , and a nice location. It is run by a very nice family. We were close to amazing waterfalls and hikes in DuPont forest."

    4. Jones Gap State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Cedar Mountain, NC
    4 miles
    Website

    "This campground has 19 trail side sites that are all great and not far from the Middle Saluda River which runs through the middle of the park."

    "I used site 7 because an oncoming storm made me bug out of my trailside plans. Gorgeous site, a bit chilly by the river but beautiful and close enough to still use the park bathrooms!"

    5. Mount Pisgah Campground

    41 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    19 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."

    6. Devils Fork State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Tamassee, SC
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 944-2639

    "We had reserved a walk-in tent sight and absoulty loved it."

    "This hidden gem is a few miles off a major highway but well worth the journey. I would consider it among my top ten 'near a lake' spots in the entire US."

    7. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina

    63 Reviews
    Enka, NC
    23 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"

    8. Lazy J Campground

    12 Reviews
    Rosman, NC
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 966-3834

    $20 / night

    "We fished right next to our camp site and then relaxed with a camp fire listening to the sound of the River."

    "We were looking for a place that was wooded and near a river or stream and lucked up at Lazy J. The staff answered our call right away and were both friendly and informative."

    9. North Mills River

    26 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    18 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."

    10. Pisgah National Forest Davidson River Campground

    10 Reviews
    Pisgah Forest, NC
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 577-4558

    $32 - $71 / night

    "**
    The location is incredible!"

    "A little close to neighbors but not too bad. Some sites in Riverbend offer more privacy. Can’t beat location, mountain bike trails easily rideable from campground."

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Recent Reviews near Cedar Mountain, NC

2045 Reviews of 437 Cedar Mountain Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Fern Cove — Black Rock Mountain State Park

    Beautiful park but steep slope up

    Black Rock is beautiful but hard on some transmissions. There is a long steep slope up the mountain and it is common for transmissions to over heat. So much so that there is an auto shop at the base of the mountain. The road up is narrow and twisty. I have seen some larger rigs up here but most are smaller. If u can make it, it is worth the journey. Lots of hiking trails for different levels. Clean facilities, friendly hosts. WiFi is available at the trading post. Nice place to sit and rock.incredible views. Have visited in April, may, June, and October. Usually stay on site 6. Later spring into summer had more poison ivy on trails.

  • Alexander C.
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Riley Moore Falls Campsite

    Best night sleep

    Such a great place to spend the night. I took my hammock and spent the night listening to the waterfall and nature. Sky was clear and bright with stars. I risked it and chose no fly tonight just to take in the view. Perfect weather. Met alot of interesting and hopefully new friends.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Mount Pisgah Campground

    October camping experience

    Well I checked when peak leaf season was supposed to occur and what to expect from temperatures. I also appreciate information from those that camped here. We were in site B26 interior of the loop. Unfortunately we weren’t able to get outside loop from the showers to the end. Interior from the showers to site 21 were okay. Ours on the other hand was one of the worst we’ve had. You had a steep 7 step down to picknick table and firepit. It was also in a low sumac shrub area that had a distinct smell. Campground was clean and facilities were well maintained. NPS staff were present despite the current shutdown in Washington! Limited cell service at the site. Best just up the parkway to the Mt. Pisgah picnic area parking lot.

    While we did hit peak color, I didn’t think that the cold front would be as intense. Temperature dropped below freezing and during the night it felt like gale force winds buffeting the GO. Definitely will pick a lower elevation for camping if it’s in October!

  • Katie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Upper Cove Creek - UCC2 Dispersed

    Okay spot

    Avery Road was closed so we ended up here. Not a whole lot of sites in the forest here. This site was fine, nothing special, but nothing bad. There’s a shallow creek that runs next to this spot.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Grumpy Bear Campground

    Nice but small

    The attraction here is the river. It is absolutely gorgeous. Riverside are small and close together.

  • s
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Creekwood Farm RV Park

    Great RV Park

    This park is conveniently located between Maggie Valley and Waynesville with access to lots of western NC attractions. The staff is excellent and cares about the campers' experience here.

  • s
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Pride RV Resort

    Excellent RV Park. The staff is great and hospitable.

    The staff here care about the campground and put their best effort towards being hospitable to the guests.

  • Tyler I.
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Orchard Lake Campground

    Always Welcoming

    Owners are great and very helpful, sites are always clean and welcoming!


Guide to Cedar Mountain

Camping spots near Cedar Mountain, North Carolina typically range from 3,000 to 4,500 feet in elevation, creating distinct temperature patterns that can be 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands. The area serves as a gateway to both Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Forest, with most campgrounds offering access within a 20-minute drive. Winter camping options are limited as temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through February.

What to do

Waterfall access: At DuPont State Forest, campers can explore multiple waterfalls within a short drive. "The location was really nice too. We went to DuPont S.P and enjoyed that as well," shares one visitor to Black Forest Family Camping.

Mountain biking trails: Davidson River Campground offers direct access to popular trails. A camper notes, "Located right inside Pisgah National forest this campground is perfectly set for all adventures... if you're thinking of riding the mtb trails you're in luck. They start literally across the davidson river from the campground."

Fly fishing opportunities: North Mills River provides excellent fishing access points within walking distance of campsites. "We've enjoyed this campground mainly for the fly-fishing. The local Trout Unlimited group has also spent many hours upgrading the walkways and fence lines to protect the river," reports one regular visitor.

What campers like

River access: Many campers appreciate sites with water features. At Jones Gap State Park, "The spot is right on the river and a great place to catch some sun on the rocks or rock hop. There are several hike options right from your site including a nice little waterfall."

Cool mountain temperatures: The elevation provides natural cooling during summer. Mount Pisgah Campground offers "Spacious sites arranged for privacy. Over 5000 ft in elevation which means cool nights in Summer. Trees all around for privacy."

Well-maintained facilities: Lake Powhatan earns praise for its amenities: "The campground hosts were very friendly and helpful, and the quick access to both the Blue Ridge Parkway and downtown Asheville are unbeatable. Lots of campsites, but far enough apart to still feel private, bathrooms + showers."

What you should know

Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor connectivity. At Black Forest Family Camping, "It is however quite a ways from town. There is no Cell Reception at the campground but they have WiFi. The WiFi can only be accessed from a few places."

Reservation requirements: Table Rock State Park Campground fills quickly. "Since it is a large Rock cliff, probably not best for kids. But it does have an amazing view," mentions one visitor, while another advises, "You must plan your adventure carefully to avoid crowds."

Weather preparedness: Mountain conditions change rapidly. One camper at Mount Pisgah reports: "While we did hit peak color, I didn't think that the cold front would be as intense. Temperature dropped below freezing and during the night it felt like gale force winds buffeting the GO."

Bear awareness: Food storage protocols are strictly enforced. "Bears occasionally enter campground but I have never had trouble with them. Keep all food secure in bear box provided at each site," notes a long-time Mount Pisgah visitor.

Tips for camping with families

Swimming options: Devils Fork State Park offers lake access for kids. "So much for family's to do here. We stopped by to check it out on our way to another site and wished they had a spot available. We will be booking this for another time. Water is so clear."

Easy hiking trails: For families with young children, Jones Gap provides accessible options. "This campground has 19 trail side sites that are all great and not far from the Middle Saluda River which runs through the middle of the park. Be sure to check out Rainbow Falls a 90ft free falling waterfall."

Beginner camping sites: Some locations are designed for novice family campers. "This is a great campsite for 1st time backpackers. The site is approximately 1 mile from the state park office. The trail is moderately difficult with lots of rocks," shares a Jones Gap visitor.

Organized activities: Structured fun is available seasonally. At Black Forest, "They have a heated swimming pool and they do lots of things for kids like ice cream socials. They have a little shop in case you forget some necessities."

Tips from RVers

Limited hookup availability: Electric and water connections are scarce in some areas. At Lazy J Campground, "We have tent camped and now taken our RV. Tent sites right on the river. You can tube down and get out right at your site... Roads are a little narrow, but passable."

Dump station access: Plan waste disposal carefully. At Davidson River, "I rated a 4 star because the dump site is very tight, and lacking. That was the only thing on this campground I feel needed some work."

Generator regulations: Hours of operation are strictly limited. One visitor notes, "The only downside was that generator hours are very limited. If you are traveling during warmer months or must have AC, this is not the site for you."

Leveling requirements: Many sites require adjustment. "Sites are all gravel. We have hammocked camped here, and this last trip, I camped in my Motorcycle trailer. Great spot to be for riding around the blue ridge mountains. Most sites have electric and water. You will likely need to level anything you bring."

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there photos available of Cedar Mountain Campground facilities?

Yes, photos of campgrounds in the Cedar Mountain area are available on The Dyrt. Black Forest Family Camping Resort near Cedar Mountain has facility photos showing their campground amenities and sites. For another option in the region, Lake Powhatan offers photo galleries showcasing their spacious sites with excellent shade coverage, clean showers, and bathroom facilities. These visual resources help campers preview facilities before booking their stay.

Where is Cedar Mountain Campground located and how do I get there?

Cedar Mountain is located in western North Carolina, nestled in the mountains near Brevard. The area is home to several campgrounds including Davidson River Campground, which is easily accessible via US-64 and US-276 when coming from major routes. Another nearby option is Gorges State Park Campground, accessible from Highway 281 South. Both provide convenient access points to the Cedar Mountain region, with good signage directing visitors to campground entrances. The area is surrounded by the beautiful Pisgah National Forest, making it a perfect gateway for mountain exploration.

How far is Cedar Mountain from Asheville, NC and what's the best route?

Cedar Mountain is approximately 35-40 miles from Asheville, NC, with a typical driving time of about 45-60 minutes depending on traffic and weather conditions. The most direct route is via I-26 South to US-64 West through Hendersonville and then to Brevard before reaching Cedar Mountain. The Great Outdoors RV Resort is well-positioned in this mountain region with good highway access. Alternatively, for a more scenic drive, you can take the Blue Ridge Parkway south and connect to US-276 near Pisgah National Forest Davidson River Campground. This route is longer but offers stunning mountain views.