Camping in the foothills of Columbus, North Carolina positions visitors at an average elevation of 1,100 feet, providing an accessible base camp for Blue Ridge exploration. The area sees moderate rainfall throughout the year, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 70-85°F during peak camping season. Fall brings significant temperature variations between day and night, often dropping 30 degrees after sunset.
What to do
Riverfront activities: At Wilson's Riverfront RV Park, the French Broad River provides direct water access. "Great park. Right on the French Broad River. Little tight to get in and out but it's the mountains so everything is tight," notes reviewer Tim W. The campground connects to multiple outdoor adventures, as another visitor explains: "Steps down to the French Broad to launch a kayak or inner tubes and it is right next to the Asheville Outdoor Center."
Mountain biking trails: Several trails within 25 miles of Columbus offer varied difficulty levels. The nearby Rutledge Lake RV Resort serves as a convenient base for mountain biking excursions. "I really like this place if you like mountain biking with DuPont and Pisgah national forest being close by," writes ROBBIE in their review. Many trails in the area remain accessible year-round, though spring mud can make some routes challenging.
Local attractions: Chimney Rock State Park sits just 15 minutes from Hitching Post Campground. As Beverly T. explains, "About Location, its 1.2 miles from Ingels grocery, and its a wonderful store, lots of ready to go food, also Lake Lure at 2 miles with Lake house bar and grill, both inside and outside decks with view of Lake." During summer months, the park can reach capacity by mid-morning, requiring early arrival.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms at several RV campgrounds near Columbus, North Carolina. "Pristine bath house! Pristine campground! We truly enjoyed our time here!" writes Brenda A. about Red Gates RV Park. Another guest at a different campground notes that "The bathhouse was clean and attached to office so uphill from campground."
Dog-friendly amenities: Many properties feature dedicated pet areas with thoughtful touches. At Red Gates RV Park, one reviewer mentions, "They even have an off lead dog area with water available and poop bags," while Maple Ridge offers pet pens at select sites. "Several sites have a dog pen. My dogs really enjoyed the extra off leash time," shares James about his stay at Maple Ridge.
Privacy options: While many sites feature close spacing, several campgrounds offer more secluded options. Wilson's Riverfront RV Park has riverside sites that provide better separation. One camper recommends: "If you're looking for a little more space, best to book on the far side of the park near the dog run. A little more space with a tree or two between if you can get the right spot."
What you should know
Winter access considerations: Not all campgrounds remain open year-round, and those that do often limit certain amenities. At Lakewood RV Resort, winter campers should note specific restrictions. "No fires allowed at the sites but there is a firepit and a bbq at the gazebo," mentions Denise M. in her review. Water connections may also be affected by freezing temperatures.
Site spacing variations: Most RV parks in the Columbus area feature relatively compact arrangements. As one visitor to Asheville's Bear Creek RV Park observes, "This is good campground if you are staying for the night passing through, or if you came to see Asheville and you will not be spending a lot of time at your camper. There is not a lot of space to hangout around your camper outside."
Reservation timing: During peak seasons (especially fall), area campgrounds fill quickly. For newer facilities like Boylston Creek RV Park & Cabins, spots may be limited year-round. "Great spot, just opened," notes Shane P., highlighting the need to book well ahead for new campgrounds with limited inventory and growing popularity.
Tips for camping with families
Off-site activities: Multiple family-friendly attractions surround the Columbus area within 30 minutes. Wilderness Cove Campground offers tubing experiences popular with children. One family shared: "My kid(12) and I had a great experience here: 2 nights in tents and 2 in a River Cottage. The tent camping is not quite 'roughing it': there's pretty reliable WiFi and the bath house is air conditioned and kept very clean."
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature dedicated play areas suitable for different age groups. Maple Ridge RV Park includes both child and adult recreation zones. "Nice children and adult play area, cornhole, horseshoes, swing set, and fire pits," reports Jeff K. These communal spaces provide valuable entertainment options during extended stays.
Swimming options: Pools are available at select campgrounds but often close seasonally. "Pool was clean," writes Cassondra P. about her experience at Rutledge Lake RV Resort, while another reviewer mentioned, "They have a heated pool which we didn't use but it was clean." Pool availability typically runs from late May through early October, weather permitting.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling realities: Site conditions vary significantly between RV campgrounds near Columbus. Kevin T. recommends Maple Ridge RV Park, noting they "Had fire pits and grill at the site. Community fire pits." Conversely, at Wilson's Riverfront RV Park, a different camper cautions that "sites were muddy (due to all the rain) when you come off the interstate."
Connection quality: Internet access differs dramatically throughout the region, even within the same campground. Sarah A. shares her experience at Lakewood RV Resort: "Internet is a little slow, but you can upgrade for a night for $3. I had to call the help number for assistance and by then we were pulling out." Another visitor to a different property notes, "We had no DISH satellite coverage in our site, but other more open sites should."
Navigation challenges: Several RV parks present unique access difficulties. As one reviewer explains about Wilson's Riverfront RV Park, "When you come off the interstate you have to make an extremely hard right to get into park, not possible with a big rig...had to go up to the office/shop and turn around." This issue affects multiple campgrounds in the mountainous terrain surrounding Columbus.
