Are you in need of a campground near Columbus, NC? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Columbus. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
$40 - $350 / night
"The tent sites are clustered together next to a stream in the woods, providing tons of shade on hot days. "
"The close proximity to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is an added bonus. The owners and staff were very friendly and helpful, but unobtrusive. I highly recommend Emberglow Campground."
$38 - $48 / night
"A swimming lake with slide. Boats, zip line, fishing, a game room, move room. Only bad thing is the bad house are probably the worst I have ever used."
"Over all, if you want the peace and quiet in the North Carolina foot hills with your furry friend and have a good time. This is the place to be."
"The gravel at our site was painful for our dog’s feet and they had a hard time walking on it. The dog parks made up for this! There are multiple large dog parks located at the campground."
$26 - $62 / night
"I loved camping at the edge of the river but know that it is loud and is a constant sound! The sites are right along the river and are a bit tight."
"Nice place to visit and close to Chimney Rock"
$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."
$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."
"Nice creek running nearby and a few short walking paths. The drive to spruce pine is scenic and long but head back toward bat cave and there ade neat little adventures to have with the kiddos."
"This was a great little spot away from the hustle and bustle of the highway. Very close to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Pool was clean. Arcade on site."
$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"
"pretty close to your neighbors. we did end up getting evacuated cause of rain which was a bummer."
"The sites are near the River so you get to enjoy the running water sound as you sleep or relax. Can let your kids ride their bikes around with out worry and they are never out of site."
ScoutTried to book but very select campground. Only people 45 and older and no kids. Dogs can only be under 30 lbs. looks nice otherwise
LegendThe higher number loop across the street is better for a more quiet experience. Still a very short walk over to the river or the showers. Showers are free for campers and average cleanliness for a campground.
The check-in office is in a weird, poorly signed place that we actually found accidentally when walking to the swimming hole in the river. It’s behind the bathroom and shower building.
Found a water snake with fishing hook stuck in its abdomen and pulling out the muscle as it was stuck in sticks and a toy boat in the river. Tried to free it but it got away with the hook still in it. Be responsible, fishermen.
On our second night, the host was blaring music in their camper that we could hear several sites away. I found that to be extremely strange.
The area seems to be very slowly recovering from the hurricane. It’s a bit sobering. I feel for these people.
We couldn’t hike the trail we were hoping for due to hurricane damage, so we drove to Grandfather Mountain SP and did a really fun hike there (to Calloway Peak). We stopped at Cellucci’s Italian Restaurant in Pineola and the food and service were amazing.
ScoutMy wife and I stayed a couple weeks ago and had a blast. We arrived and immediately met Pebbles (My wife's favorite of the Highland cows). She was the sweetest cow and allowed us to pet, take pictures with her and of course feed her. We also spent some time with the other cows and loved the experience as we interacted with them and all of the other animals, including the new sheep that recently arrived. The camp site was way more then expected. Large tents on a platform, with everything you need to camp and enjoy the campgrounds and pastures. Full bathroom onsite, great ponds to enjoy.
TravelerThis is a beautiful park, with lots to do, and in close proximity to the endless supply of activities that can be found in the Greenville area.
The campground was quiet and well shaded. Some of the sites needed a little rehab and weren’t very flat. The bathrooms were definitely older, but very clean.
All in all, we enjoyed our stay and will probably stay here again!
TravelerDecent spot if you're passing through but staying long isn't bad but not the best. Depending upon what time of year there is a lot of rain, lots of bears (I had my tent ripped open by a bear at least once/ possibly twice or vandals) and there is absolutely no service. Wash creek is accessible at most campsites but not all. Lots of morning mountain bikers and late night drivers so privacy is limited. Dispersed camping is more limited on the Brevard side of the Pisgah forest but I recommend checking that out first if it's not a hassle, if you can't find a spot it's a cool area to see regardless, wash creek is more like a park
ScoutFamily had a great trip! Great park, pet friendly and great views! 30 minutes from the Biltmore.
TravelerI’m sure this spot is beautiful, however the road was closed due to flood damage when we tried to visit on 6/2/25
GuideClose to the road, the sites are set back into the woods but are very exposed to anyone driving g by. All sites are laid out differently with some pull through and others back in. A mix of tent and trailers were present. Lots of nearby trash. The o es I walked were just wooded trash, nothing special, but nearby there were lots of people parked at the heads of several trails. Good bathrooms. Nice quiet campground. Has a beach on a swampy lake.
Scoutbig plus on the clean facilities(a must after a long hike😅) and the South Toe River sounds like a perfect spot to relax. I don’t mind the lack of cell service— sometimes it’s nice to truly unplug. Definitely adding this to my shortlist!
https://3pattishowy.net/
Camping near Columbus, NC, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs.
Camping near Columbus, NC, offers a variety of experiences, from serene nature to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone in this beautiful region.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Columbus, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 300 campgrounds and RV parks near Columbus, NC and 26 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Columbus, NC is Emberglow Outdoor Resort with a 4.8-star rating from 13 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 26 free dispersed camping spots near Columbus, NC.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 parks near Columbus, NC that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
Keep Exploring
