Tony M.
Scout
ScoutLazy Turtle Campground & Cabins
Lazy turtle RV camping
Very clean and beautiful campground. Brand new toilets and showers. Camping sites are fairly small. I would camp here again.
Best Campgrounds near Etowah, NC
Camping options around Etowah, North Carolina span multiple national forests and private campgrounds throughout the Blue Ridge Mountain region. Davidson River Campground in Pisgah National Forest serves as a popular base camp for outdoor enthusiasts, offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Mount Pisgah Campground, Lake Powhatan, and North Mills River provide additional developed camping areas within 30 minutes of Etowah, with most facilities offering a mix of tent and RV sites with varying levels of amenities.
The camping season in this region generally runs from March through October, with peak demand occurring during summer months and fall color season. Most Forest Service campgrounds close during winter, though some private facilities like Land of Waterfalls RV Park remain open year-round. Many sites require reservations, particularly on weekends and holidays when crowds flock to nearby attractions like Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, and DuPont State Forest. Primitive facilities are common even at established campgrounds, with limited shower access at some locations and basic vault toilets at others. As one camper noted, "Great place to spend a couple of nights. Went over Labor Day weekend with several other groups and still felt like we had full privacy."
Proximity to mountain biking trails, fishing access, and hiking routes consistently receives praise in visitor reviews. The Davidson River area is particularly valued for its location at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest, with many campers appreciating direct trail access from their sites. Several campgrounds feature riverside locations that provide both scenic value and recreational opportunities. Water access is a significant draw, with many visitors highlighting the South Toe River and Davidson River as standout features. A reviewer emphasized that Davidson River Campground offers "amazing hiking, biking and what a gorgeous river!" While mountain biking enthusiasts frequently mention trail access as a primary reason for choosing certain campgrounds, families often gravitate toward sites with river access for swimming and wading during warmer months.
Best Camping Sites Near Etowah, North Carolina (467)
1. Davidson River Campground
82 ReviewsPisgah Forest, NC8 milesWebsite+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
66 ReviewsEnka, NC13 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
42 ReviewsMills River, NC12 milesWebsite+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
28 ReviewsMills River, NC8 milesWebsite+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
56 ReviewsSunset, SC21 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsFletcher, NC10 milesWebsite+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
18 ReviewsCedar Mountain, NC12 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsCedar Mountain, NC12 milesWebsite"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 ReviewsPisgah Forest, NC8 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsSwannanoa, NC24 milesWebsite+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."
Recent Camping Photos near Etowah, NC
965 Photos of 467 Etowah Campgrounds
Janelle P.
Boylston Creek RV Park & Cabins
Katie C.
Bent River Equestrian
David C.
The Bike Farm
Myron C.
Pisgah Forest Mountain Meadows
Maria E.
Davidson River Campground
Valerie A.
North Mills River
ANGELA
Pisgah National Forest Davidson River Campground
Myron C.
Avery Creek Roadside Camping
Betsy W.
Henderson Reservoir Dispersed Site #1
Tucker B.
Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5
Dupont B.
DuPont Bike Retreat
Brenda L.
Red Gates RV Park
Recent Reviews near Etowah, NC
2154 Reviews of 467 Etowah Campgrounds
PhD B.ScoutDoc’s Medow
Free Dispersed Camping - Meadow
Easy walk in from parking lot to meadow with free dispersed camping spots along the Sam Knob Trail
- NNoah W.
TravelerVan Hook Glade
Elevated Retreat
The Van Hook Glade campground was very well maintained and offered an abundance of privacy and seclusion with close access to Highlands, showers, and a large public recreation area. The entire site was well kept and the camp hosts were diligent in their duties, while providing privacy. I stayed for two nights and thoroughly enjoyed my time there. We went the first week of May and were able to enjoy the campground practically alone.
Ruby C.
GuideSunburst Campground
Remote Roadside & River Campground
The river nearby this campsite was absolutely unreal! Definitely made staying here worthwhile. Upon arrival, our site (02) has a tag with my name and our reserved days we are staying, and there was no need for us to check in. We reserved our site via recreation.gov, where it was $33, which is different than previous reviews but still very much worth it nonetheless. The campsites are snuggled in, but only in one line (only neighbors to your sides, not in front and behind you). Many small RVs and some tent campers too. Seemed to be a place well loved by families with its large picnic tables and shaded grassy areas. There were some educational signs around the area, including one about how the area can be prone to flash floods.
The river by the campground can be heard, but not seen from camp, but is a short walk down to the swimming area. The river was stunning and many folks were there enjoying it for the day & weekend. You can hear the river all night, with only accompanying vehicle noise from the main road next to the campground.
We were surprised to find the restroom facilities were not operational, and fallen into kinda rough shape but there was a portalet (portable toilet) available for the public visiting the swimming area and the campers staying overnight. Not the end of the world but something to keep in mind. Also, we had no signal in this area (which was a plus for us haha!), but there seemed to be a satellite nearby if needed. Overall, this little remote roadside & riverside site was well worth the adventure.
- Ruby C.Guide
Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina
Cozy, Calm, & Clean - loved Lake Powhatan!
From the lake, to the kind folks who ran the campground, Lake Powhatan was a delight. Closer to the city than we usually go for (~20 min from Asheville, NC), but still felt like true wilderness. All the campsites come equipped with a bear box for campers to use free of cost and the sites ask that you back in vehicles & rigs. We are in a small truck cap camper, so we had lots of room at this site. You can still see your neighbors, but are not on top of one another which is nice. There are also clean & convenient showers and restrooms at the sites (with hot water! Made us feel fancy! Haha). Speaking of convenient, they also have ice and firewood for sale on site when you arrive in case you forgot or needed something. Ice was $5 a small bag and firewood was $10 a bundle.
There is also nice hiking trails on site that we enjoyed, including a small dam and a small manmade waterfall on the other side. Trails wrap around to the lake’s little beach for visitors to swim (there isn’t always a lifeguard on duty, and wasn’t anyone swimming this trip due to it still being a little cool out). Listened to many birds throughout the trip and there wasn’t many bugs out this time of year. Great place for families to bring their kiddos, or for anyone looking to get away for a little bit. Definitely recommend checking it out.
- JJana P.Scout
Ecusta RV park
New, small and quiet. Great location. Close to downtown Brevard and Pisgah
Great location. Right across the street from Pisgah Coffee Roasters, 10 minutes to downtown shops and restaurants, and minutes from the entrance to Pisgah National Forest and hiking trails. Sites are big enough for our 40 ft rig and suburban. Lots of space alongside the creek to spread out. Beautiful park. Will be back.
Patricia I.
Rangerwash Creek dispersed campsite seven and eight
Dispersed camping Site seven and eight
There are two campsites here seven and eight and there’s one across the road six I believe. They are very nice sites, but not a lot of room for parking. You could set up a number of small tents or a large tent on either site. There is a campfire ring and a creek that runs right alongside.
Cathy H.GuideCherokee-Great Smokies KOA
Liked it
At this koa there's alot of stuff to do on the property. One cool this is the axe throwing thing and the big jumping pillow and the pool and hot tub. I tent camped at the sand pad with water and electricity. It was right in front of the lake. There where frequently duck in it . This koa was also very close to tiwn/in town.
- HHubert L.Scout
Wilson's Riverfront RV Park
Location, Location
The campground sits between two interstate highways and is very noisy at times. Every thing works and we like it. We would return 👍🏼
Guide to Etowah
Camping options within 30 miles of Etowah, North Carolina span multiple national forests at elevations ranging from 2,100 to 5,000 feet. Most forest service campgrounds in this region reduce their capacity during winter months, with only select loops remaining open from December through February. Water pipes at higher elevations are typically shut off to prevent freezing during this period.
What to do
Mountain biking from campsite: Davidson River Campground offers direct trail access without driving. As camper Travis S. notes, "Located right inside Pisgah National Forest this campground is perfectly set for all adventures... If you're thinking of riding the mtb trails you're in luck. They start literally across the davidson river from the campground."
Trout fishing: North Mills River maintains stocked areas throughout fishing season. "The river is stocked and also has native rainbow trout exceeding 20 inches. Some fly-fishermen showcased their trophy catches while we stayed here," explains camper Randal C., who recommends tracking the stocking schedule for best results.
Waterfall exploration: Several cascades require minimal hiking from camping areas. Short walks lead to swimming holes and natural features. "Short walk to the Inn and restaurant down the street and to trails," notes Caleb C. about Mount Pisgah Campground, where hiking options branch out from the main camping area.
What campers like
Temperature diversity: The 5,000+ foot elevation at Mount Pisgah Campground creates notably cooler conditions than surrounding areas. Ulrich M. confirms: "Over 5000 ft in elevation which means cool nights in Summer. Been staying here for over 30 years and love the privacy and access to many hiking trails."
Campsite privacy levels: Lake Powhatan receives positive reviews for site spacing. "The sites are spacious and well spaced, offering more privacy than many locations," according to Heather C., who stayed for six days in March. Sites vary in tree coverage and distance from neighbors.
Winter camping options: Several campgrounds remain partially open during off-season months with reduced rates. Jonathan N. notes about North Mills River: "After November 1st the prices get cut in half, so I stayed for $11 (hard to beat)!" These winter sites often have unheated bathroom facilities but offer significant savings.
What you should know
Bear activity: Food storage requirements are enforced at most area campgrounds. "Keep all food secure in bear box provided at each site. Rangers patrol often so have always felt secure," advises Ulrich M. about Mount Pisgah Campground, where occasional bear sightings occur.
Reservation timing: Summer weekends and fall color season require advance planning. "This place is packed most all of the summer now so you don't want to show up without a spot," warns Anna R. about Davidson River Campground, noting that free dispersed sites are often occupied by long-term campers.
Water access variations: Jones Gap State Park offers riverside camping with specific site considerations. "Sites are large and have varying degrees of privacy. I didn't realize the main park trail was right across the river, might have been a little shyer if I had!" shares Sara M. about the site visibility from public trails.
Tips for camping with families
River recreation opportunities: Several campgrounds feature accessible water for children. "The river is a great soundtrack for a nights sleep," notes Kevin G. about Jones Gap State Park, where sites sit at varying distances from the water.
Swimming options: Black Forest Family Camping Resort maintains a heated swimming pool for cooler days. Lisa L. recounts: "The temperature was so nice and warm during the day and perfect at night. The pool was so much fun and we really enjoyed it." The camp store sells supplies for forgotten items.
Kid-focused amenities: Several campgrounds organize scheduled activities. "The owners of the campground cook a fabulous breakfast that we really enjoyed. The pancakes were delicious!" mentions Lisa L. about Black Forest Family Camping Resort, where summer programming includes organized social events.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Electric sites book quickly in peak season. "There are no hookups on this site. So be sure you have a generator!" advises ANGELA about Davidson River Campground, adding: "The only downside was that generator hours are very limited. If you are traveling during warmer months or must have AC, this is not the site for you."
Dump station considerations: Some facilities have restricted access points. "I rated a 4 star because the dump site is very tight, and lacking. That was the only thing on this campground I feel needed some work," notes Amurican L. about Pisgah National Forest's Davidson River area, recommending caution when maneuvering larger units.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Etowah, NC?
What camping is available near Etowah, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, Etowah, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 467 campgrounds and RV parks near Etowah, NC and 39 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Etowah, NC?
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 82 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Etowah, NC?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Etowah, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 39 free dispersed camping spots near Etowah, NC.
What parks are 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.
Keep Exploring