North Carolina's Gerton area sits in a mountainous corridor where elevations range from 2,300 to 4,000 feet, creating distinct microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the seasons. The region experiences cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands, with summer highs rarely exceeding 85°F and nighttime temperatures dropping significantly even in July. Many campgrounds near Gerton offer year-round access, though water systems at higher elevations may be winterized from November through March.
What to do
Hiking at Mount Mitchell: The Mount Mitchell trail offers a challenging 11.2-mile roundtrip hike starting directly from the Mount Mitchell State Park Campground. "The campground was very clean, the people were friendly, and the bathhouses were some of the cleanest I've seen. It was also very close to Mount Mitchell so we could go on long hikes," notes a visitor who rated the experience 5 stars.
Fishing in mountain streams: The South Toe River at North Mills River Campground provides excellent fishing opportunities. "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," shares one camper who regularly fishes the area.
Swimming in natural pools: During warmer months, the swimming hole at Black Mountain Campground offers a natural alternative to commercial pools. "There is a swimming hole on the South Toe River in the campground just beyond the end of the riverside sites. It has a small sandy 'beach' area and a neck deep refreshing hole," according to a regular visitor.
What campers like
Private yurts with mountain views: Yurt camping near Gerton, North Carolina provides comfort with natural surroundings at Four Paws Kingdom Campground & Dog Retreat. "We camped here back in August and had a blast! The restrooms were awesome, but are single person use only. We felt like we were the only ones using them (that's how well maintained they were)," notes a recent visitor.
Watching sunsets from elevated sites: Campers at Campfire Lodgings value the panoramic views. "The best part was coming back and sitting in the lounge chairs overlooking the valley each night for sunset," shares one visitor who stayed for three nights while working in Asheville.
Access to nearby attractions: Proximity to regional sites makes Gerton area camping practical. "Very close to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Pool was clean. Arcade on site. The office has almost anything you could think of so you shouldn't have to leave," reports a camper who stayed at Creekside Mountain Camping with family.
What you should know
Weather patterns can be unpredictable: At higher elevations like Mount Mitchell State Park, conditions change rapidly. "We stayed for $11 (hard to beat)! To pay you fill out a permit envelope, tear off the receipt, include your payment and insert it into a mailbox of sorts. Make sure to bring a writing utensil," advises one visitor about off-season camping.
Limited cell service in many locations: Most campgrounds in deep valleys have poor connectivity. "There is no cell service on T-Mobile or Verizon inside the camp. BUT, let's say you have a Verizon phone, and you really really need to talk to someone - well, walk down the main access road toward the junction with your phone on. Pass up all three of the private residences on the right, and you'll finally come to a stand of three trees growing together - I don't know how, but you get two bars of Verizon in this exact spot."
Bear safety is essential: Wildlife encounters require proper preparation at Lake Powhatan Campground. "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," notes a visitor who stayed during March.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with dedicated play areas: Some campgrounds offer specialized recreational facilities. "The playground and ball field at the campground" provide entertainment for children after hiking, according to a visitor to Black Mountain Campground.
Look for campgrounds with game rooms: Indoor options help during rainy weather. "Camping was fine. The general store has everything from meat to milk. We were literally right on the creek, love the sound of rushing water. The weekend we stated the pool was closed, the kids had a good time in the game room," shares a family who celebrated a birthday at Creekside Mountain Camping.
Consider yurt camping for easier family trips: Yurt rentals near Gerton provide camping comforts without extensive setup. "This place was a 13 hour drive and so worth it. All of the cabins and trailers available to rent are so reasonably priced and have AC and fully fucntioning appliances. Every cabin or RV rental has its own private gated yard with your own firepit," explains a family who chose Four Paws Kingdom for their vacation.
Tips from RVers
Book premium sites early at elevated campgrounds: At Emberglow Outdoor Resort, prime locations fill quickly. "They have your typical RV sites (all full hookups) and tent sites, all of which have green space around them. Our site backed up to a beautiful stream with some trees for hammocks and shade," reports an RVer who stayed in June.
Be prepared for mountain roads: Access to some campgrounds requires navigating steep terrain. "Be sure not to get there early- the one way road going up to the campground is steep and I'm not quite sure what would happen if you met another RV!" warns a camper about the drive to Campfire Lodgings.
Consider site leveling needs: Many mountain campgrounds have uneven terrain. "All camping sites are gravel so make sure you have some leveling blocks. They also have yurts and tree houses that look like a blast as well," advises an RVer who stayed at Emberglow Outdoor Resort during a special event weekend.
