The western North Carolina mountains surrounding Dana provide diverse camping experiences within Pisgah National Forest and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Davidson River Campground, located near Brevard, offers well-maintained sites with electric hookups and access to the Davidson River for swimming and fishing. Mount Pisgah Campground sits at higher elevation (5,300 feet) along the Blue Ridge Parkway, providing cooler summer temperatures and hiking trail access. Campgrounds in this region typically accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some offering cabin rentals. Lake Powhatan, approximately 15 miles from Dana, features spacious sites with shade and proximity to Asheville.
Reservations are essential during peak season (May through October) when popular campgrounds reach capacity, especially on weekends. Many National Forest campgrounds operate seasonally, with most closing between November and March. Roads to higher elevation sites can be narrow with tight curves and low-hanging branches that may challenge larger RVs. As one camper noted, "Campground roads are narrow with tight curves along with roadway asphalt dropped off to steep shoulders; could be challenging to novice rig drivers." Bear activity is common throughout the region, requiring proper food storage. Cell service varies significantly, with many campgrounds having limited or no coverage, particularly those in valleys or remote areas.
Waterfront campsites along rivers and lakes receive consistently high ratings from visitors. The sound of flowing water is frequently mentioned as enhancing the camping experience, with one reviewer describing how "the rhythmic sounds of the river offered sound sleep all night." Hiking trails to waterfalls, including Looking Glass Falls near Davidson River, provide popular day activities. Campers report excellent dark sky viewing at Lake Powhatan and other sites away from urban light pollution. While most campgrounds offer basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, shower availability varies considerably. Several campgrounds provide convenient access to the Blue Ridge Parkway's scenic drives and hiking trails, making them ideal base camps for exploring the region's natural attractions.
$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"
$37 - $84 / night
"We had a quick nights stay in Davidson River Campground after picking up our new SylvanSport GO tent trailer in nearby Brevard, North Carolina."
"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."
$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."
"Easy off the highway but far enough to be quiet. Lots of dining options close by"
"campground was decent Fishing pond has a lot of ducks and seaweed
Laundry room was nice and large - easy and quick to get 3 loads done
Waterfront site was fairly level and loved being able to walk"
$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."
$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."
"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."
$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"
$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."
$75 - $200 / night
"It was level had tons of shade and even though you are close to your neighbors the sites are situated so that it doesn’t feel like you’re on top of each other."
"The only thing we would say is to be very careful if you’re up on one of the premiere Mountain View sites when you’re pulling your trailer down exiting the CG - it can be seriously steep and a tight turn"
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.
ScoutThis place has an amazing view there's one more campsite earlier up on the road it has an even better view but this is still an 8 out of 10, it's perfect for a hammock setup it might be a little bit harder if you're trying to put a tent up in here. Clean site.
ScoutWe stayed for 5 nights and loved it! Someone was watching over us because the fire ban had been lifted the day we go there. Enjoyed the site by the creek and as promised, it was very peaceful and quiet. Showers and restrooms were very clean! Highly recommend this place!
ScoutEasy walk in from parking lot to meadow with free dispersed camping spots along the Sam Knob Trail
ScoutWe stayed on Thursday and Friday night. There is noticeably more traffic on Friday night, but nothing that ran late. We had to pick up trash on our arrival from previous campers so a good reminder to bring gloves a shovel and dig a hole for your poop or pack your poop out! It was a private site with the shade and some sunshine. There are a lot of sites with shade, some small some large. There are some sunny sites. A lot of the sites are very close to the road. Some of them are back further into the woods for more privacy.
We drove a Traverse which doesn’t have super high clearance and it was a steep grade gravel road. There are sites that will require a high clearance vehicle but also plenty of level spots to get in. No disturbances; no animal sightings. No safety concerns. Near trailheads for convenient hiking.
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.
RangerThere are two campsites here seven and eight and there’s one across the road six I believe. They are very nice sites, but not a lot of room for parking. You could set up a number of small tents or a large tent on either site. There is a campfire ring and a creek that runs right alongside.
North Carolina's western mountains surrounding Dana provide camping opportunities at elevations ranging from 2,200 to over 5,300 feet. Weather conditions can change quickly, especially at higher elevations where temperatures typically run 10-15°F cooler than in the valleys. Camping spots near Dana, North Carolina offer access to the Eastern Continental Divide, where waters flow either to the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico.
Fly fishing opportunities: North Mills River Campground provides access to premium trout fishing areas. "This is a great campsite if you like fishing! We stayed here and were close to some amazing spots to fish! The campsite was great, not very crowded. We had a great time!" notes one visitor to North Mills River.
Mountain biking adventures: Several trail systems offer varying difficulty levels within minutes of campsites. "Located right inside Pisgah National forest this campground is perfectly set for all adventures. If you're looking to see the sights of the forest and take a drive the scenic parkway then youve come to the right campground. On the other hand if you're thinking of riding the mtb trails you're in luck. They start literally across the davidson river from the campground," explains a camper at Davidson River Campground.
Lakeside recreation: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas with unique amenities. At Orchard Lake Campground, "We went kayaking and swimming daily. There is a slide in the middle of the pond that my son loved. When it rained the game room had a movie on and lots to do inside."
Riverside sites: Campsites along waterways remain consistently popular, especially during summer months. A visitor to Hickory Nut Falls Family Campground shares: "Stayed here for a couple days to visit some friends who moved to Asheville. BE ALERT TO TURN WIDE WHEN TURNING INTO THIS CAMPGROUND. VERY NARROW BRIDGE FROM THE MAIN ROAD. Following day we brought down a speaker and just hungout and stayed cool in the shallower rapids."
Camping at elevation: Higher elevation camping offers relief from summer heat and humidity. "Spacious sites arranged for privacy. Over 5000 ft in elevation which means cool nights in Summer. Shower in one bathroom. Trees all around for privacy. Drinking water located not far from any site," writes a visitor to Mount Pisgah Campground who has camped there for over 30 years.
Proximity to towns: Many campers appreciate being close to amenities while still enjoying natural settings. "Great location to all the hikes we planned on doing. Campsites are nice and spread out, however. Definitely recommend going during a busier season with a group of people," mentions a camper at Mount Pisgah Campground.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds in the area fill quickly during peak season. "This area has become over run with tourists and the 'free' campsites have mostly been comandeered by squatters who rotate from site to site every 14 days. The campground has a great river to swim in and is close to Brevard and Asheville but reservations are recommended. This place is packed most all of the summer now so you don't want to show up without a spot," warns a camper at Davidson River Campground.
Limited services in some areas: Many campsites offer basic facilities but may lack amenities urban campers expect. "Campsites vary from primitive to group sites with restrooms and pavilions. No showers or services in Pisgah National Forest," explains a camper at Davidson River Campground.
Wildlife considerations: Proper food storage remains essential throughout the region. A visitor to Creekside Mountain Camping reports: "Small Black Bear wandered up and stole some burgers we left in the cooler and came back later to say hey and check up on us so be aware and keep your food under lock and key."
Water features for children: Streams and small lakes provide natural entertainment for younger campers. At Lake Powhatan, "Even though it's only 10 minutes or so away from the edge of Asheville, it has the feel of being much further away. Several areas were closed due to the time of the year, but still explorable by foot or bike. Some reviews mentioned the lake being underwhelming. It is small, but looked pretty to me."
Indoor alternatives: Look for campgrounds with covered activity areas for rainy days. One visitor to Orchard Lake Campground shared: "This campground is wonderful! We found it out of an emergency stop and stayed for 5 nights. It is beautiful and has so much for the kids to do. To just let the kids be kids and have fun!"
Campground activities: Some private campgrounds organize regular events for children. "They have a bible lesson and activity for the children including hay ride on Saturday morning. They do a church service on sundays. They have plenty of activities for kids to do. A swimming lake with slide. Boats, zip line, fishing, a game room, move room," notes a camper at Orchard Lake Campground.
Site accessibility challenges: Several campgrounds have narrow access roads that require careful navigation. A visitor to Rutledge Lake RV Resort observed: "Some of the internal resort roads are in need of resurfacing, as there are quite a few potholes. There are a few sites along the creek on the back left that are a little wooded and have some separation, we were in site 86 which was one of them, but most sites are very close together."
Connectivity concerns: Cell service and WiFi availability vary significantly throughout the region. "Campground wifi was excellent and quick. We work remote and usually have to hotspot our phone for video calls, but didn't have to here because it worked so well. AT&T was 1 to 2 bars at our site, but it worked just fine for calls and never had an issue, including video calls and streaming," reports a visitor to Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground.
Leveling and setup: Many mountain campsites require additional preparation. "The site was level so easy to pull up and set up smoothly. They have a fitness center, shower rooms, picnic tables and fire pit at every site," notes an RVer who visited Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Dana, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, Dana, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 384 campgrounds and RV parks near Dana, NC and 33 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Dana, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dana, NC is Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina with a 4.7-star rating from 66 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dana, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 33 free dispersed camping spots near Dana, NC.
What parks are near Dana, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near Dana, NC that allow camping, notably National Forests in North Carolina and Pisgah National Forest.
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