Best Campgrounds near Enka, NC

Campgrounds near Enka, North Carolina range from developed facilities to more primitive sites, clustered primarily along the Blue Ridge Parkway and within Pisgah National Forest. Lake Powhatan Campground offers tent, RV, cabin and yurt camping within 15 minutes of downtown Asheville, while the Davidson River Campground provides similar accommodations in Pisgah National Forest about 30 miles southwest of Enka. The region includes multiple privately operated campgrounds like Asheville West KOA and Mama Gertie's Hideaway that provide full hookups and amenities for travelers seeking more comforts.

Access to camping areas varies seasonally, with many national forest campgrounds operating from March through October or November. Several visitors mentioned the benefits of camping during off-peak seasons. According to one camper, "It always seems to rain when I camp anyways, so why not go when it's raining to avoid crowds and enjoy solitude." Road conditions in the mountainous terrain can challenge larger vehicles, particularly at North Mills River Campground where big rigs are not accommodated. Elevation in the region ranges from approximately 2,100 feet near Enka to over 5,000 feet at Mount Pisgah Campground, resulting in cooler temperatures even during summer months.

Waterfront sites receive consistently positive reviews across multiple campgrounds in the area. Davidson River Campground features sites where "the river curled around us on three sides" according to one reviewer, who noted the "rhythmic sounds of the river offered sound sleep all night." Campers frequently mention the region's shade coverage as a significant advantage, with Lake Powhatan described as having "nearly 100% shade at each site" and "private sites with large space along with vegetation between sites." Proximity to hiking trails and waterfalls represents another common highlight, with many campgrounds serving as convenient base camps for exploring the abundant natural features throughout Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway system.

Best Camping Sites Near Enka, North Carolina (504)

    1. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina

    63 Reviews
    Enka, NC
    5 miles
    +1 (828) 552-8040

    $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"

    2. Mount Pisgah Campground

    41 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 648-2644

    $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."

    3. Davidson River Campground

    83 Reviews
    Pisgah Forest, NC
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 785-5337

    $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."

    4. Asheville West KOA

    24 Reviews
    Candler, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 665-7015

    "The only reason for the four star rating is due to the highway noise from I-40, which is located adjacent to the campground."

    "It was an ideal location since it was between downtown Asheville and Waynesville which is where we split our time. The staff was friendly."

    5. Asheville East KOA

    52 Reviews
    Swannanoa, NC
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 686-3121

    $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."

    6. North Mills River

    26 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 552-8040

    $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."

    7. Wilson's Riverfront RV Park

    16 Reviews
    Asheville, NC
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 254-4676

    "Close to town to go check things out. Not a far drive to get to many great restaurants, breweries or cideries. Right on the river. Concrete sites, not extremely level, but good enough."

    "The good- The proximity to downtown is the best you can get in a campground. If you choose a Riverfront site, you are literally 5 steps from the back of your RV from the French Broad River."

    8. Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground

    28 Reviews
    Swannanoa, NC
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 686-4258

    $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"

    9. Rutledge Lake RV Resort

    19 Reviews
    Fletcher, NC
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 654-7873

    "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"

    10. Campfire Lodgings

    15 Reviews
    Weaverville, NC
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 658-8012

    "We had a premium site overlooking the French Broad River and the surrounding valley. Breathtaking. It is a clean campground with very nice hosts. The shower house was dated but clean."

    "The staff keep the location very tidy. My campsite was sufficiently distant from the more active RV area to feel removed. Situated in the woods on top of a mountain."

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Recent Reviews near Enka, NC

2350 Reviews of 504 Enka Campgrounds


  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Mount Pisgah Campground

    October camping experience

    Well I checked when peak leaf season was supposed to occur and what to expect from temperatures. I also appreciate information from those that camped here. We were in site B26 interior of the loop. Unfortunately we weren’t able to get outside loop from the showers to the end. Interior from the showers to site 21 were okay. Ours on the other hand was one of the worst we’ve had. You had a steep 7 step down to picknick table and firepit. It was also in a low sumac shrub area that had a distinct smell. Campground was clean and facilities were well maintained. NPS staff were present despite the current shutdown in Washington! Limited cell service at the site. Best just up the parkway to the Mt. Pisgah picnic area parking lot.

    While we did hit peak color, I didn’t think that the cold front would be as intense. Temperature dropped below freezing and during the night it felt like gale force winds buffeting the GO. Definitely will pick a lower elevation for camping if it’s in October!

  • Katie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Upper Cove Creek - UCC2 Dispersed

    Okay spot

    Avery Road was closed so we ended up here. Not a whole lot of sites in the forest here. This site was fine, nothing special, but nothing bad. There’s a shallow creek that runs next to this spot.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Grumpy Bear Campground

    Nice but small

    The attraction here is the river. It is absolutely gorgeous. Riverside are small and close together.

  • s
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Creekwood Farm RV Park

    Great RV Park

    This park is conveniently located between Maggie Valley and Waynesville with access to lots of western NC attractions. The staff is excellent and cares about the campers' experience here.

  • s
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Pride RV Resort

    Excellent RV Park. The staff is great and hospitable.

    The staff here care about the campground and put their best effort towards being hospitable to the guests.

  • Tyler I.
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Orchard Lake Campground

    Always Welcoming

    Owners are great and very helpful, sites are always clean and welcoming!

  • Megan W.
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5

    Great place

    We enjoyed the night/day with our kids! Sites are kind of small but absolutely beautiful surroundings. Zero signal, but can drive to the top of the road and you should get a bar to make a call.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Wilson's Riverfront RV Park

    September stay

    Grass on lots high, nice concrete spots, full hookup in good shape.


Guide to Enka

Camping sites near Enka, North Carolina range from traditional campgrounds to distinctive mountaintop experiences with elevations spanning 2,100 to 5,000 feet. Winter temperatures at higher elevation campgrounds like Mount Pisgah can drop below freezing even in early fall, requiring proper cold-weather gear. Most camping facilities near Enka operate seasonally with reduced services from November through February.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: 5 minutes from campsites at North Mills River provide convenient access for anglers. The campground serves as a starting point for fly fishing excursions. As one visitor noted, "This is a great campsite if you like fishing! We stayed here and were close to some amazing spots to fish!"

Mountain biking: Extensive trail networks surround Davidson River Campground where trails "start literally across the davidson river from the campground." According to one camper, "If you're looking to see the sights of the forest and take a drive the scenic parkway then you've come to the right campground. On the other hand if you're thinking of riding the mtb trails you're in luck."

Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings offer the best chances to spot local fauna. At Campfire Lodgings, campers report seeing "a black bear and turkeys in the campground." The mountaintop location provides vantage points for wildlife spotting across the valley and along the French Broad River.

What campers like

Heated bathrooms: Winter camping comfort is enhanced at facilities with heated restrooms. One camper at Mount Pisgah Campground mentioned, "Shower in one bathroom. Trees all around for privacy. Drinking water located not far from any site." Another noted, "Bathrooms were very clean, second only to Disney."

Private sites: Natural separation between camping spots at Lake Powhatan creates a more secluded experience. A reviewer described it as having "spacious sites and well spaced, offering more privacy than many locations. The showers and bathrooms were very clean."

Mountain views: Elevated campsites provide panoramic vistas of surrounding landscapes. A visitor to Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground described sites with "big patios that hang over the mountain top and have incredible views. It is one of our favorite places in the country." The premium sites feature purposefully designed viewing platforms.

What you should know

Seasonal closures: Limited winter availability affects camping options from November through March. North Mills River operates at reduced capacity: "Just a stone's throw from the bustle of Asheville, yet secluded enough to forget it all, this little gem is conveniently located at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest... after November 1st the prices get cut in half."

Highway noise: Proximity to major roads impacts some campgrounds near major transportation routes. One camper at Wilson's Riverfront RV Park observed, "Interstate traffic was loud, WiFi wasn't strong enough to connect to, no amenities other than the bath houses & walking trail that apparently ran along most of the length of the road."

Advance reservations: Required during peak seasons from April through October. For Davidson River Campground, one visitor warned: "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... This place is packed most all of the summer now so you don't want to show up without a spot."

Tips for camping with families

Pool access: Summer cooling options matter for families with children. The Asheville East KOA offers "a large lake and river running through the center" plus a swimming pool. As one visitor mentioned, it's "Beautiful, Clean, Great Amenities. We have stayed here 3-4 times, mostly in the A loop and we love it every time."

Playground availability: Entertainment for children varies significantly between campgrounds. One reviewer noted that Asheville East KOA offers "lots of activities for the kids" and "a lot of activities for everyone to enjoy."

Site selection: Location within campgrounds affects family experience. At Rutledge Lake RV Resort, a visitor recommended: "We had spot #10 water front. It had plenty of space for the 5 of us and 2 dogs. Nice gravel level sites." Another camper praised the "entrance is key card only, the park staff are welcoming & helpful. They have a heated pool & lake activities."

Tips from RVers

Road conditions: Steep access routes challenge larger vehicles. Campfire Lodgings visitors caution about the approach: "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!"

Site leveling: Variable terrain requires preparation. At Rutledge Lake RV Resort, a camper noted, "Some of the internal resort roads are in need of resurfacing, as there are quite a few potholes... The resort is kept very clean and well maintained. The staff is very responsive and helpful."

Hookup limitations: Service variations exist between campgrounds. At North Mills River, hookups are limited as it's "more suited for the fly fishermen and mountain bikers. Facilities were kept in excellent condition." Big rigs face particular challenges with site access at several area campgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Enka, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Enka, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 504 campgrounds and RV parks near Enka, NC and 39 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Enka, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Enka, NC is Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina with a 4.7-star rating from 63 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Enka, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 39 free dispersed camping spots near Enka, NC.

What parks are near Enka, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 parks near Enka, NC that allow camping, notably National Forests in North Carolina and Pisgah National Forest.