K
Kelly R.
Scout
ScoutDeep Creek Group Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Peaceful
This is a very trustworthy camping area. It rained almost everyday after we got here. We stayed for 7 days and loved every minute of it
Camping near Cedar Mountain, NC
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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 Campgrounds near Cedar Mountain (464)
1. Davidson River Campground
"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."
from $37 - $84 / night
Check Availability2. Table Rock State Park Campground
"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
"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
"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
"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."
from $30 / night
Check Availability6. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina
"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 Availability7. Devils Fork State Park Campground
"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."
8. North Mills River
"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."
from $31 - $62 / night
Check Availability9. Lazy J Campground
"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability10. Pisgah National Forest Davidson River Campground
"**
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."
from $32 - $71 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 49 min from Asheville, NC
- 1 hr 21 min from Greenville, SC
- 1 hr 22 min from Spartanburg, SC
Recent Camping Photos near Cedar Mountain, NC
926 Photos of 464 Cedar Mountain Campgrounds
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DuPont Bike Retreat
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Jones Gap State Park Campground
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Bent River Equestrian
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Table Rock State Park Campground
Myron C.
Pine Point Primitive Campground — Table Rock State Park
Katy S.
Pisgah National Forest Kuykendall Group Campground
Myron C.
Pisgah Forest Mountain Meadows
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Cherryfield Creek Luxury Campsite
Josh L.
Cherryfield Creek Luxury Group Camping
YAK D.
Yak Eco Camp
Recent Reviews near Cedar Mountain, NC
2112 Reviews of 464 Cedar Mountain Campgrounds
- SStephanie K.Scout
Riverside Motel and Campground
The creek is the best
The main road can be quite noisy. Though the local authorities do what they can to keep it down. The creek is by far the best thing about the campground.
EV M.
TravelerLake Hartwell State Park Campground
A repeat favorite and easy camping site for beginners
Stayed here a few times at different sites and always love it! I tent camp, so can't speak to the cabins or RV sites. Never too busy when I've gone in May and August. Tent sites are right on the water, so it's easy to move between swimming and your site. Other campers have been friendly. Water spigots near the campsites that usually run clear, I've drank from them with no issue. If you're keen on an air mattress, you can usually find an empty RV site to plug in your pump and then just carry the inflated mattress to your site. No drive ups, though sites like T10-13 are pretty darn close to the parking. T1-2 are a bit further from their closest parking, but still not bad. 1/2 are a bit set off from the rest with a fairly steep drop off that overlooks the beach, so be careful! Small trail leads you down to the water. 9 and 10-13 are close together, with 9 a bit set apart. Can't speak to the other sites personally. Boats don't come too close to the swimming sections by the campsites which is nice. Good mix of sun and shade. Got absolutely poured on (even inside my tent) one trip and still had a great time, easy place to have fun. Nearest grocery store is pretty far, so make one trip for supplies on the way up and enjoy camping the rest of the time.
C.J. C.
GuideLake Hartwell State Park Campground
Shady sites with lake views
Beautiful park with lake views. Some of the roads through the campground were bumpy. Views were worth it though. Most spots in the area of my site were shady, even if a bit close. It was hot in June, so the shade was welcome. Bathhouse was newer and clean.
Rachael F.Travelerwash Creek Dispersed Campsite #3
Be aware of your neighbors
If 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 🌞)
- AAngelique B.Scout
Elk Valley Farm RV Park
Perfect Home Base for Exploring Western North Carolina
We stayed for a month in Site 27 with our 40’ Brinkley fifth wheel, our tow vehicle, and a follow-behind Toyota Highlander. The site easily accommodated all of it without feeling cramped.
Elk Valley Farm RV Park made the perfect home base for exploring western North Carolina. It’s conveniently located near grocery stores, restaurants, and some wonderful hiking, and it’s an easy drive to Cherokee, Bryson City, Sylva, Franklin, and other nearby towns.
The sites include sturdy picnic tables and nice fire rings with attached cooking shelves.
Some sites also feature paved patios.The campground is new and still expanding, but it’s already a great place to stay. The only amenity we missed was on-site laundry, but Heather and Jeff told us they’re planning to add a laundry room, which will make longer stays even better.
Heather and Jeff are wonderful owners—kind, friendly, flexible, and genuinely committed to making sure their guests have a great experience. You can tell they care about the campground and the people who stay there.
As an added bonus, Angry Elk Brewing right at the entrance to the RV park is absolutely worth a visit. Great beer, delicious food, and so convenient after a day of exploring.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and wouldn’t hesitate to return the next time we’re in the area.
- BBob B.Guide
Table Rock State Park Campground
White Oak Campground
Semi 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.
- CColin G.Scout
Sunburst Campground
Parking Lot
Absolutely zero provide or trees between sites. Might as well be in an RV lot. Reserved a site and immediately left after getting there.
- KKim Q.Scout
Moonshine Creek Campground
Didn’t want to leave
Just what I needed to unwind. Large tent site with a shelter, picnic table and fire ring. Rhododendrons and trees surround the campground. Creek bubbling and birds singing. Quiet campers during our visit. Clean bath house.
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?
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?
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?
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.
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