Best Campgrounds near Gerton, NC

Campgrounds near Gerton, North Carolina range from developed facilities to primitive sites within the surrounding mountains. Davidson River Campground, located in Pisgah National Forest, provides electric hookups and access to multiple hiking trails, while Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground offers both tent and RV camping with full hookups. The area includes a mix of accommodation types including cabins at Lake Powhatan and Creekside Mountain Camping, which also features glamping options. National forest lands surround much of the region, providing additional camping opportunities within the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Access to camping areas varies by season, with many campgrounds operating from spring through fall. Higher elevation sites often close during winter months due to weather conditions and maintenance needs. A visitor noted, "Lake Powhatan offers spacious and well-spaced sites, more private than many locations. The showers and bathrooms were very clean." Road conditions can be challenging in some areas, particularly after heavy rainfall when forest service roads may become difficult to navigate. Cell service is limited throughout the region, especially in more remote camping areas. Most developed campgrounds accept reservations, which are strongly recommended during peak season from May through October when facilities regularly reach capacity.

Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront sites and mountain views. Several campgrounds feature creek or riverside settings that provide natural white noise for sleeping. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "Indian Creek offers the most relaxing creekside camping in North Carolina. Every campsite is lush with greenery, private and well maintained." Proximity to outdoor recreation appears in numerous reviews, with campers appreciating easy access to waterfalls, hiking trails, and swimming holes. The Blue Ridge Parkway provides access to several campgrounds with panoramic mountain views. Mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV camping are common in the region, though tent campers may prefer the more secluded sites available in areas like Curtis Creek Campground where the natural setting is emphasized over amenities.

Best Camping Sites Near Gerton, North Carolina (407)

    1. Asheville East KOA

    52 Reviews
    Swannanoa, NC
    9 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."

    2. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina

    62 Reviews
    Enka, NC
    16 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. Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground

    28 Reviews
    Swannanoa, NC
    9 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"

    4. Creekside Mountain Camping

    16 Reviews
    Gerton, NC
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (828) 625-4257

    "Nice creek running nearby and a few short walking paths. The drive to spruce pine is scenic and long but head back toward bat cave and there ade neat little adventures to have with the kiddos."

    "This was a great little spot away from the hustle and bustle of the highway. Very close to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Pool was clean. Arcade on site."

    5. 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"

    6. Davidson River Campground

    83 Reviews
    Pisgah Forest, NC
    25 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."

    7. Hickory Nut Falls Family Campground

    11 Reviews
    Lake Lure, NC
    6 miles
    Website

    $26 - $62 / night

    "I loved camping at the edge of the river but know that it is loud and is a constant sound! The sites are right along the river and are a bit tight."

    "Nice place to visit and close to Chimney Rock"

    8. Curtis Creek Campground

    24 Reviews
    Old Fort, NC
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 652-2144

    $10 / night

    "I would not recommend this for someone unfamiliar with driving a rig but once we got there it was amazing."

    "Was able to get two sites right next to each other outside the main campsite area which was great."

    9. Montreat Family Campground

    15 Reviews
    Montreat, NC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 572-2257

    $25 / night

    "You’ll feel like you have the forest to yourself, with tons of pretty plants all around you.

    It’s down a short path (a bit tricky to navigate) and tucked away between the creek and small stream."

    "We abandoned plans to stay at place in Old Fort (see listing for Catawba Falls) and ended up here as a last chance before having to hit a hotel to turn back around to CLT.  "

    10. North Mills River

    26 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    17 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."

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Recent Reviews near Gerton, NC

1865 Reviews of 407 Gerton Campgrounds


  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Gorges State Park Campground

    CAUTION: steep grades and curvy road

    This campground would’ve gotten five stars except for the road getting there was pretty exciting. The last 10 miles out of Brevard were curvy and had some grades. And the last 2 miles into the campground had I would guess a couple of 10% grades both up and down. Other than that, this campground was super nice. Has the nicest showers I have ever seen in a campground. All the sites for RVs are on concrete pads with electric, water, and sewer. This was a great staging point for our trip up to the great Smoky Mountains. The visitor center was very informative.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Old NC 105 Dispersed

    Amazing views and Free camping

    This place is amazing, Free and clean campsites.

  • 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!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC

    Good spot!

    Spent two nights here at a site right next to the creek, which was awesome listening to the running water as you fall asleep. Easy to get to, just a forest service road. A 4x4 makes it easy but there were minivans and junkyard beaters driving by. There are multiple sites along the service road and not too close to each other.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    Great spot!

    This is a great spot along a mountain ridge. The dirt road goes for about 13 miles. Would recommend a 4x4, but I’ve seen all kinds of vehicles travel the entire road from minivans to Honda accords. There are plenty of spots to choose from. Some have great views of the valley and table top mountain and others are just nooks in the woods. The sites are pretty spread out but there are a few within shouting distance (which could be annoying if the site next to you decides to bring a battery powered Sawzall to cut firewood at 2am). Some sites are right off of the road which could get annoying from all the traffic of people going to the hiking trails nearby. And there are spots tucked away a bit off of the road where you really don’t notice trucks and cars driving by. Awesome place for a weekend getaway! Definitely going to visit again.

    P.S. only 4 stars because there are only about 3-5 sites with a great view!

  • 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.

  • 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


Guide to Gerton

Camping near Gerton, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: The area is packed with trails. For example, Davidson River Campground is close to the Art Loeb Trail, which is great for hiking. One visitor mentioned, "Hiked the North Slope nearly 4 miles wore out the dogs perfectly!"
  • Fishing: North Mills River is known for its clear waters and abundant trout. A camper noted, "The water is pretty clear and has an abundance of trout so it is great for fishing and swimming."
  • Mountain Biking: Many campgrounds, like Lake Powhatan, offer access to mountain biking trails. A review highlighted, "We were able to access multiple mountain biking and hiking trails directly from the campsite."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Lake Powhatan said, "The bathrooms were some of the cleanest we've seen."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campgrounds provide a peaceful environment. A visitor at Black Mountain Campground shared, "This campground is VERY shady and has water and bathrooms that are well maintained."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention helpful staff. A review from Asheville East KOA stated, "The staff at the office and store are always nice."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Mount Pisgah Campground noted, "No cell service whatsoever even with a booster."
  • Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Asheville West KOA mentioned, "The interstate noise was insane. I woke up constantly to semi trucks using their engine brakes."
  • No Showers at Some Sites: Not all campgrounds offer showers. A camper at North Mills River pointed out, "There are no bathrooms which puts a small damper on a family visit."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities. One parent at Asheville East KOA said, "There is a pool, playground, gaga ball pit, and fishing."
  • Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A review from Bear Den Family Campground mentioned, "Great campground. Big private sites, lots of activities for teens."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring your own food and snacks, as some campgrounds lack stores. A camper at Mama Gertie's Hideaway noted, "There is no camp store for extra supplies."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Black Mountain Campground advised, "When you reserve a site they will tell you how big a rig will fit, believe them."
  • Be Prepared for Dirt Roads: Some campgrounds have gravel roads. A camper at Davidson River Campground mentioned, "The road into the facility turns into a gravel road for the last mile or so with a few small potholes."
  • Bring Extra Water: Some sites may not have water hookups. A camper at Mount Pisgah Campground suggested, "The campground has water spigots throughout."

Camping near Gerton, North Carolina, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, there's something for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Gerton, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Gerton, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 407 campgrounds and RV parks near Gerton, NC and 35 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Gerton, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gerton, NC is Asheville East KOA with a 4-star rating from 52 reviews.

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

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

What parks are near Gerton, NC?

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