Anna M.
Scout
ScoutOld NC 105 - Dispersed Camping
great spot
got lucky and found a great spot right across the road from beautiful viewpoint. road was busier during the day but calmed down at night. enjoyed our visit
Camping near Gerton, NC
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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 Campgrounds near Gerton (429)
1. Asheville East KOA
"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."
from $50 / night
Check Availability2. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina
"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"
from $37 - $135 / night
Check Availability3. Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground
"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"
from $75 - $200 / night
Check Availability4. Creekside Mountain Camping
"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
"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
"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."
from $37 - $84 / night
Check Availability7. Hickory Nut Falls Family Campground
"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"
from $26 - $62 / night
Check Availability8. Curtis Creek Campground
"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."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability9. North Mills River
"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."
from $31 - $62 / night
Check Availability10. Montreat Family Campground
"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. "
from $25 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 21 min from Asheville, NC
- 1 hr 14 min from Greenville, SC
- 1 hr 15 min from Spartanburg, SC
Recent Camping Photos near Gerton, NC
887 Photos of 429 Gerton Campgrounds
Ronnie N.
Creekside Mountain Camping
Ellen E.
Hickory Nut Falls Family Campground
Mark G.
Black Mountain Creek Side
Angie G.
Asheville East KOA
Kimberly R.
Hitching Post Campground
Rodney C.
Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground
Brenda L.
Red Gates RV Park
Jordan D.
Kozy Koala Cove: Minutes from town!
Heather B.
Farmstead at Mill Spring
karen J.
Pondside Single
Bianca R.
Catawba Falls Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED 2025
molly N.
Montreat Family Campground
Recent Reviews near Gerton, NC
1920 Reviews of 429 Gerton Campgrounds
- AArlene E.Scout
Campfire Lodgings
Beautiful views
Full hookups. Campground has several sites with million dollar views and a viewing point for the non view campsites to use. We would recommend it for Asheville area rv camping.
- AAlice W.Scout
FS 289 Pull Off
Tranquil but out there!
Great spots out by a creek but be prepared to lose cell service driving through the park
- kkathy U.Scout
Buck Creek
Amazing
I’m thrilled to give this campground my highest recommendation! The owners and staff couldn’t have been more accommodating, helpful and kind! We called that morning because the campground we were booked at turned out to be awful. They fit us in and then we ended up extending our stay. We had to keep moving sites because they had other campers coming in, but it was worth it! Our favorite sites was 54 and 27. Some sites are close, but all are on the creek so you don’t notice it at all! Nothing better than waking up to the sound of water! The campground location is perfect, 20-30 minutes from things to do like hiking and wineries.
Jim S.
GuideMount Pisgah Campground
Cool Change
Typical National Park Campground.Sites are small but spread apart.Not many that we could fit 28 foot Airstream .Clean restrooms and free showers. The rangers are very friendly. Very professional and helpful. The restaurant is great but you need to make a reservation.
Colin R.GuideBalsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Nice and cool in the summer
A very nice and clean campsite. The toilets are clean, and they have a dish washing station. No showers or hot water. If using the toilet after dark, take a flash light, there's no electricity here.
The best part is because of the high elevation, it's about 20 degrees cooler up here than the surrounding areas. Also, it's very quiet too.
However, because of the small winding roads, you won't get a RV or Travel Trailer up here over 20 ft in length. Mainly tent and teardrop campers. Only one 18ft long travel trailer here during my visit.
Robert G.ScoutBlack Forest Family Camping Resort
Great for families
We absolutely loved our experience at Black Forest. The owners genuinely care about your stay. They were only about half full when we went so they suggested a couple different sites for us to be spaced out from other people for privacy. When we arrived at our site we called the desk and asked if we could actually move to the one right next to it and they said sure no problem. Even if you were right next to others there are trees for at least a visual barrier at most sites. And you are fully in the woods so it isn’t that RV park feel. The bathhouses are clean and well maintained. The store at the check-in has everything you may have forgotten and the prices are actually reasonable. This place is very close to the restaurants on cedar mountain, less than 10 minute drive to everything. This was our first trip with our new 29ft camper trailer and I was nervous about backing into the site, but the way they have them set up you have plenty of room so it’s easy. The internet was a little spotty so we weren’t able to work remotely as planned but for us it wasn’t a big deal and we had enough cell service to send texts here and there. I read that the pool is heated but it was pretty cold!! But the weather was very hot when we were here so we didn’t mind that at all, we loved the pool.
Rachael F.
Travelerwash Creek Dispersed Campsite #3
Be aware of your neighbors
If I was reviewing for just the location and how beautiful it was I’d give a 4 stars for a dispersed campsite however your neighbors do impact your experience.
The site itself I really loved. I was about 200 -300 feet from where you park your car right off the road (the roads by the way are definitely passable by most vehicles but keep in mind I was there in May). While there was alot of traffic going by (cars and bicyclists) the way it was set up it gave more privacy than most especially if you put your tent in the right place.
It was nice to have some distance between the car and the campsite with the large black bear population. Highly recommend keeping all food far from your site and washing any dishes as far from where you sleep as much as you can. Also keep all soaps, perfumes, or toiletries out if your tent. That also attracts.
Wash creek was close by. So accessing water for filtering for use was very easy. I used a 0.01 Micron, 6-Stage, portable BKLES (BKLES Camping Water Filter –... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGLHX2JK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) for the two weeks and had no health issues or otherwise. The water tasted great.
There was a hiking trail that was between the site and the path to the creek. I never saw anyone while I was there (2 weeks) but it’s something to consider if your a solo camper as other campers could easily travel it to access your site without you being aware. I had Portable Outdoor Perimeter Alarm... (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FXGJRD2K?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) to keep me safe and alert at night which I can’t recommend enough. It ended up saving my life. Towards the end of my stay for the first time all four alarm sensors put in several different places yards apart were going off. It continued off and on for over an hour. I did not risk opening my tent to see what it was.
I decided to go to an air bnb the next night. when I returned my tent was riped in several places and my dewalt tool box I was using for storage had what looked like puncture marks and was opened (full disclosure - I forgot I had some dried chick peas in it). Pretty safe to assume I was visited by a bear. I went back to the air bnb waiting for things to dry up before packing.
Upon returning items were stolen. A few things were taken with a note from a nearby camper with his cell (no name ?) letting me know he was keeping them safe for me. When I was at the site inspecting things he showed up. Was nice enough and did return some of my items but my portable firepit and large propane tank were gone.
Granted I had left the site unattended for a few days after the seeing my tent ripped up and was waiting for things to dry (as it had been raining for several days) before packing. Having said this the stolen items could have been because the more permanent folks living in the area thought I had just abandoned my things. I’ll leave it up to you to decide.
So while the spot itself was profoundly beautiful the neighbors add an element that should be considered in your decision to come.
On a positive note, I did see blue ghost fireflies several nights during my stay. I Eastern Tiger Swallowtails two days in a row my site had maybe 50-100 right next to my tent. Then the Spicebush Swallowtail, and Azures decided to join. One day a cardinal sat right on the rock in the middle of the campsite 10 feet from me. If you love rocks like I do be prepared for some really truly beautiful gems (pun intended) if you go wading in the creek. I forgot to mention I accidentally caught a fish when trying to fill my bucket up in the evening (how did it taste? Well, unfortunately I don’t have the skills to prep fish like that so I quickly released it but tells you a bit about the water nearby 🌞)
- BBob B.Guide
Table Rock State Park Campground
White Oak Campground
Semi private campground, super clean bathrooms, cell signal is spotty and there are no trails or water nearby. So, some pluses and some minuses. Also, although our campsite was level (unlike some), it was quite muddy and the utility hookups and fire ring were on opposite sides of where they should be.
Guide to Gerton
Near Gerton, North Carolina, camping areas sit at elevations ranging from 2,300 to 4,200 feet within the Blue Ridge Mountains. The region receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush forests and abundant water features for campers. Campgrounds in this area vary dramatically in terrain and amenities depending on their location relative to the mountain ridges.
What to Do
Fishing opportunities: The numerous waterways near camping sites around Gerton provide excellent fishing. At Curtis Creek Campground, campers report "good access to the creek for fishing." This primitive campground provides direct stream access with sites set back in the woods.
Mountain biking trails: The Pisgah National Forest offers extensive trail networks for riders of all abilities. At Davidson River Campground, the trails "start literally across the davidson river from the campground" according to a visitor. The campground's proximity to trail systems makes it ideal for cyclists wanting early morning trail access.
Waterfall exploration: Multiple waterfalls are accessible within short drives from local campgrounds. A visitor to North Mills River noted they were "close to some amazing spots" and that "scenic waterfalls are all nearby." Most popular waterfalls require hikes ranging from 0.25 to 3 miles from trailheads.
What Campers Like
Creek sounds for sleeping: Many campsites feature water features that provide natural white noise. At Montreat Family Campground, one camper described their experience: "The river was the perfect white noise to sleep to." Another visitor praised their "campsite nestled within the forest right next to the cool water of Flat Creek."
Clean facilities: Modern bathhouses receive consistently positive reviews at several locations. At Lake Powhatan, campers specifically mentioned "very clean" bathrooms and noted that "showers and bathrooms were very clean." Campground hosts at many locations clean facilities daily during peak season.
Privacy between sites: Campers frequently comment on the spacing between sites as an important factor. A Montreat visitor described, "The sites are relatively private with only the sounds of the rushing creek water and cool mountain breezes to keep you company." Site arrangements vary significantly between campgrounds, with some offering more seclusion than others.
What You Should Know
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds in the area close partially or completely during winter months. At Hickory Nut Falls Family Campground, the operating season runs "Apr 1 - Oct 31," which is typical for many campgrounds in the region. Higher elevation sites typically close earlier in fall and open later in spring.
Wildlife considerations: Bears are active throughout the region. 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." Most established campgrounds provide bear boxes or require proper food storage.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically by location and carrier. At Rutledge Lake RV Resort, one visitor reported "AT&T had 3 bars and 5 MB/s w/o a booster, 4 bars and 7 MB/s with it," while at Montreat Family Campground, a camper noted "spotty cell service - if you have T Mobile forget it, if you have Verizon you're golden."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. A visitor to Creekside Mountain Camping mentioned they "had a good time in the game room" and noted the property includes "a pool, store, and laundry." These amenities can provide important entertainment options during longer stays.
Water play opportunities: Streams and creeks offer natural play spaces. A Creekside camper described how their "son spent hours hopping along the rocks in the creek," providing free entertainment. Gentle water features are available at most campgrounds in the region.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife management areas and nature centers supplement camping experiences. A Curtis Creek visitor recommended "the wildlife management station nearby that's great for kids," which offers interpretive displays about local ecosystems and species.
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Many mountain campgrounds have narrow, winding access roads. At Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground, a visitor advised "the road to get there is steep but obviously doable even with our 38' gas MH," while cautioning to "go slow" on the uphill sections. Sites at higher elevations typically offer better views but more challenging access.
Hookup availability: Water and electric access varies widely between campgrounds. At Rutledge Lake RV Resort, campers noted that "there is a lot of airplane noise as it is close to airport" but appreciated that "sites are level" and the campground is "clean with friendly staff." Most RV-friendly campgrounds in the area require reservations several months in advance during peak season.
Size limitations: Large RVs may struggle at some locations. A Hickory Nut Falls Family Campground visitor cautioned, "I don't recommend it for any pull behind trailer longer than 21 ft" and explained that "access in and out of campsites is very difficult due to big rocks everywhere." Always call ahead to confirm access for larger rigs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Gerton, NC?
What camping is available near Gerton, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, Gerton, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 429 campgrounds and RV parks near Gerton, NC and 38 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Gerton, NC?
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?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gerton, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 38 free dispersed camping spots near Gerton, NC.
What parks are 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.
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