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 (409)

    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

1872 Reviews of 409 Gerton Campgrounds


  • C
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Steele Creek Park & Campground

    Extra fees

    Sooo...went to book online. Selected my site and started the payment process. I was greeted by a pop-up stating that if I want to lock in my site, I'd have to pay an additional $20 fee.

    Okay, let me get this straight: I reserve a specific site for specific reasons, then the campground tells me they have the right to move me to a site of their choosing unless I pay them an additional $20?

    No thanks. Just lost my business. I'm sure it's a nice place, but really?

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Wilson's Riverfront RV Park

    September stay

    Grass on lots high, nice concrete spots, full hookup in good shape.

  • K
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Black Forest Family Camping Resort

    Great campground!

    As a solo traveler that doesn’t like excessive noise or want to be near kids, I just wanted peace and quiet to relax and listen to the sounds of nature. The owner, Jeanie(hopefully I’m spelling that right) understood completely and was sure to put me in a site where she knew the surrounding sites would be empty for the entirety of my stay and she was sure not to book anyone near me. Yes, the sites are fairly close together, but I stayed during the week and was able to enjoy most of the place to myself ….or at least the area of the campground that I was in. When I extended my stay an extra night, she was sure to warn me that there was a family with kids coming that night and that they’d be in my vicinity. I couldn’t have asked for a better campground host! She had all the info on waterfalls in the area which minimized my planning time/time staring at my phone. And the fact that the place is all pea gravel really makes a difference! It rained the first couple days I was there and my tent wasn’t a muddy mess which is always a plus!

    The bathrooms and showers were clean and the camp store had just about everything you could possibly need in a pinch. Firewood and ice were priced fairly, making it very convenient if you forgot to grab either one while you were out for the day. Will definitely be back! Actually, I can’t wait to go back!

  • K
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Starlight Hills Campground

    Mudpit

    If it’s going to rain while you’re here, I suggest finding another campground. I don’t mind dealing dirt while I camp but at this point, it’s a mud pit and all of my gear is covered in mud. My gear cleanup is going to take 10x longer than it usually does! And be sure to treat your tent with permethrin or be prepared to have daddy long legs take over. I’ve been camping all my life and I’ve dealt with a few of them in between the roof of my tent and the rain fly….no big deal. But on my first night, there was at least 50 in there! I couldn’t leave my tent without having them crawl all over me and trying to get into the tent. It was like fighting a losing battle because there were so many and they just swarm you. Couldn’t even sit my feet still by the fire without having them crawl over my feet or up my chair. I know we’re just in the woods but it’s definitely not worth the money per night. All of the other campgrounds that I’ve payed this much for are on pea gravel with nice drainage or on grass….with nice amenities…or at least actual bathrooms, not porta potties. The camp host never came by my site like the messages that I received stated. Granted, he said to call if I needed anything and that they’re on property, but I never met anyone and when I would call, I got “hello” that’s it. Not “hello, this is ___” or “starlight hills campground, how can I help you”. Very impersonal. Will not be back.

  • Isabelle C.
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Indian Creek Campground

    Excellent Campground

    Indian Creek Campground in Cherokee, NC is a hidden gem. Nice hosts, clean facilities in the woods. We have a 25 ft pull behind camper and sites are big enough for slide-outs. Picknick table and campfire ring was on site. We had a 30 amp full hook-up site. Campground has tent sites, RV sites, cabins, clean bathhouse and is dog friendly.

  • Casey W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Keowee-Toxaway State Park

    Great spot!

    The only reason I dinged it from five stars is because of the road noise. Other than that this place is beautiful! Great hike to a beautiful lake! Simple amenities. Great drive up tent spots surrounded by trees. Nobody else was here during the week so I had the place to myself! The rangers were incredibly helpful and friendly! I will be back!

  • Mary D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Roan Mountain State Park Campground

    New Favorite Campground

    This is my new favorite campground! There are trees everywhere and there really isn't a bad spot! Some sites were right on the creek (sites 40 and 41 were great). The tent camping area is beautiful and one of the best I've seen. We were at site 9, one of the only pull-through sites. We had water and electric and some sites have FHU. There are a lot of beautiful hikes in the area. No cell service, but there is (slow) wifi throughout the campground. There is a Verizon hotspot to make calls, but I couldn't connect with US Cellular. We will definitely be back!

  • 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.


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 409 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.