Cedar Mountain sits at approximately 3,000 feet elevation in western North Carolina, offering year-round camping opportunities with distinct seasonal characteristics. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, while summer highs typically reach the upper 70s. The area's dense forest cover provides natural shade at many campsites during hot months.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Table Rock State Park offers trails leading to several waterfalls within a 20-minute drive of Cedar Mountain. "The Table Rock trail is a must if you are nearby! It is pretty strenuous especially if you have health issues but is well worth the trek to the top," notes one visitor. Hiking poles recommended for steep sections.
Mountain biking: The region offers technical terrain for riders of various skill levels. The Bike Farm features on-site trails with camp-to-trail access. "The trail system is awesome. It's super nice being able to bike straight from your camp and go ride," states a cyclist who visited multiple times.
Trout fishing: North Mills River Campground provides access to stocked trout waters. "We stayed here and were close to some amazing spots to fish! The campsite was great, not very crowded," reports a camper. Fishing licenses required and available online through NC Wildlife Resources Commission.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Pisgah National Forest Davidson River Campground offers spacious campsites with good separation. "I'd give it 4.75 stars if I could. It gets 5 stars for large sites with decent enough privacy, access to hiking and mountain biking, strict rule enforcement," notes one camper who appreciates the quiet atmosphere.
Clean facilities: Lake Powhatan maintains well-kept bathrooms and showers. "The showers and bathrooms were very clean. There are numerous hikes that are on the grounds or just outside. The staff was very helpful and friendly," states a camper who visited for six days in March.
Creek-side camping: Several campgrounds feature sites alongside running water. "We stayed in the Riverbend section. Site was decent size with large tent pad, table and parking for two cars. A little close to neighbors but not too bad. Easy walking access to Davidson River," mentions a camper about their Pisgah National Forest experience.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly throughout the Cedar Mountain area. At Adventure Village, one camper reported: "Adventure Village does have about 5 wifi access points. And we could always get a signal. However, even though I'm at full strength on their 2.4gigahertz wi-fi, it was intermittent at best."
Seasonal accessibility: Some campgrounds close partially during winter months. "We visited this park on Saturday, October 22, and discovered this was the day that reservations were going live to begin reserving the brand-new developed campground for dates starting on October 29," notes a visitor to Gorges State Park.
Road conditions: Access roads to primitive sites often require appropriate vehicles. At Adventure Village, a camper observed: "The Tent road is not well maintained with large ruts from water run off, slick muddy spots and pot holes. If you're going to camp here, you better have a 4WD/AWD vehicle with some clearance."
Tips for camping with families
Shower facilities: Travelers Rest-North Greenville KOA offers family-friendly amenities. "For safety and privacy, it was the type that can be locked so you don't have to worry about strangers being in the bath facility with you," explains one visitor who appreciated this feature.
Mining activities: Kids enjoy hands-on experiences at some campgrounds. "I wish my grandson had been with us. He would have loved the fire truck playground and the Johnson Creek Mining Company water tower and trough," notes a camper at Travelers Rest KOA.
Yurt camping Cedar Mountain, North Carolina: For families seeking a glamping experience between tent and cabin accommodations, yurt options exist near Cedar Mountain. Lake Powhatan offers yurts that provide solid shelter while maintaining a camping feel. One camper mentions, "Even though it's only 10 minutes or so away from the edge of Asheville, it has the feel of being much further away."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup sites: Reserve early for full-service sites. At Gorges State Park, "All sites are level with concrete pads, except for the tent site. Fire pit is on bricks. The park has a great visitors center, lots of trails for hiking and seeing waterfalls, campground is pristine, and non-tent sites have full hookups."
Dump station access: Davidson River Campground offers dump facilities though with limitations. One RVer noted: "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: Before booking, check generator policies for Cedar Mountain area yurt camping and RV sites. Many campgrounds restrict operating hours. A Davidson River camper appreciated "strict rule enforcement (you definitely won't hear generators all night here!)" which enhances the natural camping experience for all visitors.
