Best Campgrounds near Etowah, NC

Searching for the best camping near Etowah, NC? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Etowah campgrounds just for you. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Etowah. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Camping Sites Near Etowah, North Carolina (445)

    1. Davidson River Campground

    83 Reviews
    Pisgah Forest, NC
    8 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."

    2. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina

    62 Reviews
    Enka, NC
    13 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"

    3. Mount Pisgah Campground

    40 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."

    4. North Mills River

    26 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    8 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."

    5. Table Rock State Park Campground

    55 Reviews
    Sunset, SC
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 878-9813

    "The alternatives #5 and #6 were close to the entrance and therefore exposed to the road, and #49 was next to the restrooms, but similar to #60, so stayed with #60."

    "One drawback is that from the campground there is no easy access to the lake- you can either drive and park (and hope to find parking) or walk on a busy road . "

    6. Rutledge Lake RV Resort

    19 Reviews
    Fletcher, NC
    10 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"

    7. Black Forest Family Camping Resort

    17 Reviews
    Cedar Mountain, NC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 884-2267

    "The cabins have electricity, but the water pump is outside and the bathrooms and showers are communal (but clean). There is a full size bed and two bunk beds in each one."

    "Very clean,natural, beautiful trees , and a nice location. It is run by a very nice family. We were close to amazing waterfalls and hikes in DuPont forest."

    8. Jones Gap State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Cedar Mountain, SC
    12 miles
    Website

    "This campground has 19 trail side sites that are all great and not far from the Middle Saluda River which runs through the middle of the park."

    "I used site 7 because an oncoming storm made me bug out of my trailside plans. Gorgeous site, a bit chilly by the river but beautiful and close enough to still use the park bathrooms!"

    9. Pisgah National Forest Davidson River Campground

    10 Reviews
    Pisgah Forest, NC
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 577-4558

    $32 - $71 / night

    "**

    The location is incredible!"

    "A little close to neighbors but not too bad. Some sites in Riverbend offer more privacy. Can’t beat location, mountain bike trails easily rideable from campground."

    10. Asheville East KOA

    52 Reviews
    Swannanoa, NC
    24 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."

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Recent Reviews near Etowah, NC

2097 Reviews of 445 Etowah Campgrounds


  • Robert N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Campfire Lodgings

    Tent camping

    Tent camping sites are walk in, down hill, obviously thar means hauling your stuff out uphill when you leave. RVers have a great view from the ridge top. But a difficult day camping is far better than any day at work.

  • Alden B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Ash Grove Mountain Cabins & Camping

    Very Nice camping near Dupont National Forest

    If you want close access to Dupont and Pisga NF you're within minutes! The owners Mark & Esther are wonderful. We call him SouthSide Mark ( hails from South Africa). Some sites are a little tight, but fine. If you have a big rig call ahead. The cabin was wonderful. The bathhouse is older but very clean. You can tell the owners love their campers and property. The site is tree covered and hilly. We will come again, guaranteed! Watch your step. Wood Spirits are Everywhere!

  • Robert B.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Black Mountain Campground - CLOSED INDEFINITELY

    FR472 & Black Mountain Campground Closed

    FR 472 is closed at the Golf Course and there are hefty fines if you are caught walking beyond the gate.  Black Mountain Campground was destroyed by flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.  The bridge across the S. Toe River was broken and washed out.  The water system is also destroyed as well as the road network in the campground.  There have been no announcements by the Forest Service about plans to repair the facility and, after a year, my guess is that there never will be.

  • madison F.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Golden Grove Farm and Brew

    HIPPIES AND HOORAHS

    arrived around 2 - had live music at 7 so went to get drinks & dinner. had the MOST incredible time. EVERY single person - staff & locals - were the friendliest, most welcoming and inviting people we have ever met. it was such a fun night. food & drinks are also amazing. if you’re looking for a fun night out but also need a place to stay - COME HERE!!! will definitely be coming back if we’re in SC

    such a refreshing and invigorating atmosphere

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5

    Great place to stay just be aware of your surroundings

    Was a pretty nice camp site compared to a lot you just have to be aware of the people around you. Across from our campground there was another camper who seemed out of it who came up to us at 11:00pm and asked for tape for his tent. Also garbage bag and garbage on the ground at front of campsite. PEOPLE MAY NOT BE THE BEST AROUND YOU BUT THE SITES ARE GREAT!

  • Cassondra P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Rutledge Lake RV Resort

    Mixed Feelings

    This 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 down stairs to lake area

    Pool was clean

    Bathrooms had a gross smell to them

    During our walk there was definitely a strong chemical smell around park - it was strange

    There is a lot of airplane noise as it is close to airport

    Overall it was clean and friendly staff

  • Mandi R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Fort Wilderness RV Park

    Just passing theough

    The staff was friendly enough. The credit card machine wasn’t working, luckily I had cash. It’s more like a mobile home park not a campground. It was very quiet though.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Cosby Ranch

    Cosby Campground

    They don’t keep the property up very well. Monthly rate reflects that. 500 plus you pay electricity for your sight. They have laundry onsite, but they are not very good machines. 8.00 to dry and still had were clothes.

  • J
    Jul. 24, 2025

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Golden Valley

    Disgusting with horrible customer service. Scam!

    Checked in around 6:00. The guy checking us in told us that the golf carts haven’t been working on hills(the whole place is hills) and to let it cool down for 10 minutes at a time if it overheats. We go to the cabin, which is littered outside with used baby wipes, get settled in, and by 8:10 realize the kitchen is infested with ants. Dozens of ants covering the appliances, counters, and kitchen sink. We asked for help and were told that maintenance would come to our cabin. They never showed up. We called the emergency line and it didn’t work, just put us in an endless loop and then hung up on us. Over and over again. We stayed that night because what other choice did we have? No one was available to help us with literally anything. Following morning, we pack up our stuff and tell the staff we’re leaving and all of our issues and ask for a refund on the room we spent 15 reluctant, ant-filled hours in. They escalate to a manager, and then tell us that another manager will call us“shortly”. The call never came. You don’t get what you pay for here. What’s advertised is a complete lie. You pay for a full kitchen? Too bad—you can’t cook or even store food here because there’s ants everywhere. Paid several hundred dollars for a golf cart to get around? It only works when it wants to. Call the emergency line for assistance? Yeah right! We spent$2k and they’re trying to dodge us for a refund. Disgusting place, disgusting behavior.


Guide to Etowah

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Etowah, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Etowah, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 445 campgrounds and RV parks near Etowah, NC and 35 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Etowah, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Etowah, NC is Davidson River Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 83 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 35 free dispersed camping spots near Etowah, NC.

What parks are near Etowah, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 parks near Etowah, NC that allow camping, notably National Forests in North Carolina and Pisgah National Forest.