Cabins near Enka, North Carolina offer access to the French Broad River watershed at elevations between 2,000-2,500 feet, creating moderate temperatures even in summer. The area's position between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Pisgah National Forest means cabin accommodations experience typical rainfall patterns of 40-50 inches annually, with afternoon thunderstorms common in summer months. Several campgrounds maintain cabin options with varying levels of amenities for visitors seeking alternatives to tent camping.
What to do
Fishing access points: Lake Powhatan provides fishing opportunities in a small lake setting. According to one camper, "Fishing pond has a lot of ducks and seaweed" at Rutledge Lake RV Resort. Another visitor to Lake Powhatan mentioned, "The lake is underwhelming-but still nice."
Mountain biking trails: The Davidson River area offers extensive bike trail networks. A visitor to Davidson River Campground shared: "Located right inside Pisgah National forest this campground is perfectly set for all adventures... the mtb trails start literally across the davidson river from the campground."
River activities: The French Broad River provides multiple access points for water recreation. A camper at Camp Driftwood noted: "There's a beach where you can go swimming, and all of the sites are right on the French broad river. It's a true gem."
Arboretum visits: Several campgrounds provide proximity to botanical gardens. A Lake Powhatan visitor commented: "The campground is 15 minutes from downtown Asheville and 5 minutes from the North Carolina arboretum."
What campers like
Private bathroom facilities: Many campgrounds offer individual bathroom units rather than communal facilities. A visitor to Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground noted: "The bathhouse up top seemed to be brand new. It had two full bathrooms with toilet, sink, and zero entry large shower."
Mountain views: Several campgrounds feature elevated sites with scenic vistas. A camper at Campfire Lodgings remarked: "My favorite place at the campground is an outdoor area overlooking the French Broad River. There are picnic tables, and if you take your comfortable chair, you could sit there for hours looking at the view."
Separation between sites: Campers appreciate space between accommodations. At Davidson River Campground, a visitor shared: "The sites are spacious and well spaced, offering more privacy than many locations."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers receive consistent praise. At Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground, a camper stated: "This campground was one of the cleanest campgrounds we've been to. It had the cleanest laundry room I've even seen at a campground and we are full timers so have been to many places."
What you should know
Highway noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds. A visitor to Asheville West KOA mentioned: "The only reason for the four star rating is due to the highway noise from I-40, which is located adjacent to the campground. Otherwise, the campground is very well-kept with friendly staff."
Wildlife encounters: Bears visit some campgrounds. A camper at Creekside Mountain Camping reported: "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."
Wi-Fi availability: Internet access varies between properties. A visitor to Mama Gertie's noted: "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."
Site spacing: Some campgrounds position sites closely together. A camper at 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... but most sites are very close together, many probably less than 15' apart."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Some campgrounds offer swimming facilities. A visitor to Asheville East KOA shared: "Big, clean campground with great amenities such as a scenic walking path around the lake, pool, playground, clean and efficient bathhouses, hot breakfast options, nice camp store, etc."
Game rooms: Indoor recreation options provide entertainment during inclement weather. A camper at Creekside Mountain Camping noted: "The weekend we stated the pool was closed, the kids had a good time in the game room."
Creek exploration: Children enjoy water play in safe stream environments. A visitor to Creekside Mountain Camping mentioned: "Snag a tent site by the creek and enjoy fishing and hopping in the clear water. My son spent hours hopping along the rocks in the creek."
Cabin options: Family-friendly accommodations provide alternatives to tents. According to a visitor at Asheville East KOA: "The cabin was perfect for a girls' weekend away. I was completely satisfied with my stay."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Pad construction affects setup ease. A camper at Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground commented: "The sites are a little tight on a hillside, but the pad is kept up well with large gravel and is compact and level."
Hookup quality: Utility connections vary between properties. A visitor to Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground noted: "Tent space is nice, flat, grassy, and well cared for... Cabins are clean. Showers are hot and clean."
Road conditions: Campground access roads present challenges for some vehicles. At Mama Gertie's, a camper reported: "The roads are uphill and a little narrow, but nothing too difficult if you go slow. Our site was level so easy to pull up and set up smoothly."
Site selection strategy: Some locations offer premium spots with specific advantages. A visitor to Campfire Lodgings advised: "If you can get a premium site pay the extra. If you can't, there are spaces you can bring your chairs to and see the view anyway."
