Best Campgrounds near Etowah, NC

Camping near Etowah, North Carolina, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. Campers have enjoyed the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer from Davidson River Campground saying, "Davidson River Campground is perfectly situated for outdoor activities, plenty of hiking (Art Loeb Trail), good fishing, mountain biking and climbing available all within a stone's throw from camp."
• Fishing: The local rivers and lakes are great for fishing. A visitor at Lake Powhatan mentioned, "The lake was close enough for my 7 & 8 year olds to bike. And there were so many trails to choose from."
• Swimming: Many campgrounds have access to swimming holes. A camper at Greenbrier Campground noted, "The river ran close enough to our site that we didn't feel like we needed a premium spot. Plenty of spots for swimming or tubing if you drop in upstream."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and campsites. One reviewer at Tallulah Gorge State Park said, "The bathrooms were kept clean and were in better conditions than other state parks we’ve visited."
• Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have friendly and helpful staff. A visitor at Asheville East KOA shared, "The staff are extremely friendly and helpful and they have fun events for kids on the weekends."
• Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having enough space for their tents or RVs. A reviewer at Bear Den Family Campground mentioned, "Everything about our stay has been amazing. The staff are super friendly and helpful."

What you should know:

• Privacy Concerns: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Elkmont Campground noted, "All of the campsites are extremely close together, and there is no brush to divide them."
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Cosby Campground pointed out, "It was a bit of a drive to the park and depending on traffic it could take a while."
• Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially bears. A camper at Black Rock Mountain State Park mentioned, "Bear boxes at each campsite."

Tips for camping with families:

• Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. A parent at Asheville East KOA said, "There is a pool, playground, gaga ball pit, golf car rentals, fishing and splashing in the Swannanoa River."
• Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A reviewer at Bear Den Family Campground noted, "Great campground. Big private sites, lots of activities for teens."
• Plan for Bathroom Breaks: Make sure to check bathroom availability, especially during peak times. A camper at Lake Powhatan mentioned, "The bathrooms were some of the cleanest we've seen."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure the campground can accommodate your RV size. A visitor at Greenbrier Campground shared, "This site was okay for backing in, it was at a 90-degree angle with the path."
• Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have narrow roads and tight sites. A reviewer at Asheville East KOA noted, "We could barely open our awnings without touching the RV in the space next to us."
• Plan for Connectivity: Expect limited cell service in some areas. A camper at Davidson River Campground mentioned, "No cell signal but we were able to set up our star link with a patch of open sun behind the site."

Camping near Etowah, North Carolina, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just be sure to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!