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.
$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."
"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 . "
"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."
"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!"
$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."
$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"
"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."
$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."
$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."
$100 / night
"I stayed at Trailside Camp Site #2, which is one of their remote, primitive sites at the North Lake and all I can say is wow."
"Nice wooded coverage, walking and hiking trails, plus a few lakes to fish. Bath houses are probably the cleanest I’ve seen in all the campgrounds I’ve been too."
ScoutWe stayed for 1 night in campsite #1. The campground is small, quiet, and had a nice bathroom/shower set-up. I would recommend bringing your own firewood. They have wood to purchase but a few pieces in every bundle were punky and didn’t burn well.
ScoutHad the best time at this campground! got a spot by the creek and was able to just relax! our water ended up not working out in the rv but we were right across from the bathhouses and they were clean and the water was HOT! Definitely will be back!
ScoutLoved this campsite. The hosts were so nice and accommodating and the site was so relaxing. From the sound/view of the creek. To having the free range chickens come say hello. This place was a great escape with trails in the Smokey mountains only minutes away. Highly recommend!
ScoutVery clean and beautiful campground. Brand new toilets and showers. Camping sites are fairly small. I would camp here again.
ScoutEasy walk in from parking lot to meadow with free dispersed camping spots along the Sam Knob Trail
TravelerThe Van Hook Glade campground was very well maintained and offered an abundance of privacy and seclusion with close access to Highlands, showers, and a large public recreation area. The entire site was well kept and the camp hosts were diligent in their duties, while providing privacy. I stayed for two nights and thoroughly enjoyed my time there. We went the first week of May and were able to enjoy the campground practically alone.
GuideThe river nearby this campsite was absolutely unreal! Definitely made staying here worthwhile. Upon arrival, our site (02) has a tag with my name and our reserved days we are staying, and there was no need for us to check in. We reserved our site via recreation.gov, where it was $33, which is different than previous reviews but still very much worth it nonetheless. The campsites are snuggled in, but only in one line (only neighbors to your sides, not in front and behind you). Many small RVs and some tent campers too. Seemed to be a place well loved by families with its large picnic tables and shaded grassy areas. There were some educational signs around the area, including one about how the area can be prone to flash floods.
The river by the campground can be heard, but not seen from camp, but is a short walk down to the swimming area. The river was stunning and many folks were there enjoying it for the day & weekend. You can hear the river all night, with only accompanying vehicle noise from the main road next to the campground.
We were surprised to find the restroom facilities were not operational, and fallen into kinda rough shape but there was a portalet (portable toilet) available for the public visiting the swimming area and the campers staying overnight. Not the end of the world but something to keep in mind. Also, we had no signal in this area (which was a plus for us haha!), but there seemed to be a satellite nearby if needed. Overall, this little remote roadside & riverside site was well worth the adventure.
GuideFrom the lake, to the kind folks who ran the campground, Lake Powhatan was a delight. Closer to the city than we usually go for (~20 min from Asheville, NC), but still felt like true wilderness. All the campsites come equipped with a bear box for campers to use free of cost and the sites ask that you back in vehicles & rigs. We are in a small truck cap camper, so we had lots of room at this site. You can still see your neighbors, but are not on top of one another which is nice. There are also clean & convenient showers and restrooms at the sites (with hot water! Made us feel fancy! Haha). Speaking of convenient, they also have ice and firewood for sale on site when you arrive in case you forgot or needed something. Ice was $5 a small bag and firewood was $10 a bundle.
There is also nice hiking trails on site that we enjoyed, including a small dam and a small manmade waterfall on the other side. Trails wrap around to the lake’s little beach for visitors to swim (there isn’t always a lifeguard on duty, and wasn’t anyone swimming this trip due to it still being a little cool out). Listened to many birds throughout the trip and there wasn’t many bugs out this time of year. Great place for families to bring their kiddos, or for anyone looking to get away for a little bit. Definitely recommend checking it out.
ScoutGreat location. Right across the street from Pisgah Coffee Roasters, 10 minutes to downtown shops and restaurants, and minutes from the entrance to Pisgah National Forest and hiking trails. Sites are big enough for our 40 ft rig and suburban. Lots of space alongside the creek to spread out. Beautiful park. Will be back.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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."
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.
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