S
Stephanie K.
Scout
ScoutRiverside Motel and Campground
The creek is the best
The main road can be quite noisy. Though the local authorities do what they can to keep it down. The creek is by far the best thing about the campground.
Camping near Hendersonville, NC
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping near Hendersonville, North Carolina encompasses a range of experiences from established campgrounds to rustic sites in the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains and Pisgah National Forest. Davidson River Campground, located in Pisgah Forest, provides access to numerous hiking trails and waterfalls, while Mount Pisgah Campground sits at 5,300 feet elevation along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Nearby options include Lake Powhatan in the National Forests of North Carolina and North Mills River Campground, both offering varying levels of amenities. For RV travelers, Rutledge Lake RV Resort in Fletcher and several private campgrounds closer to town provide full hookup options.
Most campgrounds in the Hendersonville area operate seasonally, with peak season running from spring through fall. Davidson River Campground is open from March 15 to November 1, while North Mills River operates from late March through December. Mount Pisgah Campground has a shorter season from May through October due to its higher elevation. Bear activity is common throughout the region, with proper food storage required at all sites. Cell service varies significantly, with limited coverage in more remote forest locations. Summer temperatures are typically cooler at higher elevation campgrounds, making them popular escapes during hot weather.
National forest campgrounds fill quickly during peak season, especially on weekends. According to reviews, Davidson River Campground often reaches 85% capacity, at which point visitors cannot enter to view sites before registering. One camper noted, "The sites are spacious and well spaced, offering more privacy than many locations," while another mentioned the "excellent dark sky viewing" at Lake Powhatan. Many campgrounds feature creekside or riverside sites that are particularly sought after. For those seeking proximity to town amenities, several RV parks are located close to downtown Hendersonville, providing convenient access to restaurants, shopping, and the historic district.
Best Campgrounds near Hendersonville (420)
1. 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 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. 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 Availability4. 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"
5. Mount Pisgah Campground
"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 can be seen for miles around...and when standing atop its summit...you can see for miles...and it is beautiful. The trails are rugged, but doable. Along with hiking up Mt."
from $30 / night
Check Availability6. 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 Availability7. Orchard Lake Campground
"A swimming lake with slide. Boats, zip line, fishing, a game room, move room. Only bad thing is the bad house are probably the worst I have ever used."
from $38 - $48 / night
Check Availability8. 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."
9. Table Rock State Park Campground
"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 . "
10. Jones Gap State Park Campground
"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!"
Drive Time
- 21 min from Asheville, NC
- 42 min from Greenville, SC
- 43 min from Spartanburg, SC
Recent Camping Photos near Hendersonville, NC
877 Photos of 420 Hendersonville Campgrounds
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The Dyrt
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Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5
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Silver Creek Campground
Recent Reviews near Hendersonville, NC
1891 Reviews of 420 Hendersonville Campgrounds
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 🌞)
- AAngelique B.Scout
Elk Valley Farm RV Park
Perfect Home Base for Exploring Western North Carolina
We stayed for a month in Site 27 with our 40’ Brinkley fifth wheel, our tow vehicle, and a follow-behind Toyota Highlander. The site easily accommodated all of it without feeling cramped.
Elk Valley Farm RV Park made the perfect home base for exploring western North Carolina. It’s conveniently located near grocery stores, restaurants, and some wonderful hiking, and it’s an easy drive to Cherokee, Bryson City, Sylva, Franklin, and other nearby towns.
The sites include sturdy picnic tables and nice fire rings with attached cooking shelves.
Some sites also feature paved patios.The campground is new and still expanding, but it’s already a great place to stay. The only amenity we missed was on-site laundry, but Heather and Jeff told us they’re planning to add a laundry room, which will make longer stays even better.
Heather and Jeff are wonderful owners—kind, friendly, flexible, and genuinely committed to making sure their guests have a great experience. You can tell they care about the campground and the people who stay there.
As an added bonus, Angry Elk Brewing right at the entrance to the RV park is absolutely worth a visit. Great beer, delicious food, and so convenient after a day of exploring.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and wouldn’t hesitate to return the next time we’re in the area.
- BBob B.
GuideTable 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.
- CColin G.Scout
Sunburst Campground
Parking Lot
Absolutely zero provide or trees between sites. Might as well be in an RV lot. Reserved a site and immediately left after getting there.
- KKim Q.Scout
Moonshine Creek Campground
Didn’t want to leave
Just what I needed to unwind. Large tent site with a shelter, picnic table and fire ring. Rhododendrons and trees surround the campground. Creek bubbling and birds singing. Quiet campers during our visit. Clean bath house.
- JJeannie B.Scout
Red Gates RV Park
It’s clean and convenient 🤷🏻♀️
Red gates campground is pretty, clean and in a convenient place for what we need. It is full hook up, but also provides bath house and Pay as you go laundry facilities. However, tear is little to no privacy at any of the sites. If you’re looking to make this a destination camp ground, you will be disappointed. But it is a great spot to stay as a base to explore around western North Carolina.
Gary G.
LegendCarolina Hemlocks Rec Area
Good choice to access Mount Mitchell hike
This small campground is low stress on the banks of a very nice river!
- EEric H.Traveler
Wash Creek Dispersed Site #1
Busy place
You can only camp at designated spots. This was full of people and bikers. People did end up sleeping on cars along the road and were left undisturbed. We were there on a Tuesday night and it was packed. It was indeed pretty and there is a creek
Guide to Hendersonville
Campsite options near Hendersonville, North Carolina range from primitive tent sites to full-service RV parks across varying elevations from 2,100 to 5,300 feet. The region's microclimates create significant temperature differences between valley and mountain campgrounds, often with a 10-15 degree variation even during summer months. Cell service is notably stronger at lower-elevation campgrounds, with most mountain sites experiencing limited to no connectivity in certain loops.
What to do
Fishing access: North Mills River Campground offers excellent trout fishing opportunities with direct river access. "This is a great campsite if you like fishing! We stayed here and were close to some amazing spots to fish! The campsite was great, not very crowded," shares one camper at North Mills River.
Mountain biking trails: Just inside Pisgah National Forest, Davidson River serves as an ideal base for cyclists. "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," notes a visitor at Davidson River Campground.
Lakeside recreation: For families seeking water activities beyond swimming, Orchard Lake Campground offers multiple options. "Pond has kayaks and canoes to use... We went kayaking and swimming daily. There is a slide in the middle of the pond that my son loved," according to a reviewer who visited this family-friendly site.
What campers like
Quiet forest settings: Many campsites near Hendersonville provide surprisingly secluded experiences despite their accessibility. A visitor to North Mills River Campground appreciates the solitude: "I had a blast enjoying the peace and serenity of the woods, smelling the autumn spice of decaying leaves and campfires, and listening to the babbling river that runs through the center of campground."
Campground organization: Several campgrounds receive praise for their layout and site spacing. At Lake Powhatan, a camper notes: "The sites are spacious and well spaced, offering more privacy than many locations. The showers and bathrooms were very clean."
Winter camping options: While most campgrounds close seasonally, some remain open year-round or offer reduced rates in off-season. At North Mills River, one visitor reports: "I went camping here on November 2nd, just after half of the campground closes for the off season. Usually starting at $22 per night, after November 1st the prices get cut in half, so I stayed for $11."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill completely during peak season. At Davidson River, a reviewer warns: "This place is packed most all of the summer now so you don't want to show up without a spot." Similar patterns exist at most popular sites near Hendersonville.
Limited services: Many forest campgrounds lack amenities urban campers expect. "No showers or services in Pisgah National Forest," notes a camper at Davidson River Campground. Check campground details before arrival to avoid surprises.
Wildlife considerations: Bears are active throughout the region. One camper at North Mills River mentions: "Each site comes with a gravel platform for your tent, picnic table, bear box, and a fire pit with a grill top." Using provided storage is essential for safety.
Off-peak advantages: For those with flexible schedules, visiting in shoulder seasons offers benefits. A camper at Lake Powhatan shares: "We stayed for six days in March. We loved everything about this campground."
Tips for camping with families
Game room access: When weather doesn't cooperate, indoor options become important. A visitor to Orchard Lake Campground notes: "When it rained the game room had a movie on and lots to do inside. Pet friendly."
Water play features: Beyond standard swimming areas, some campgrounds offer specialized attractions. "There is a swimming lake with slide. Boats, zip line, fishing, a game room, move room," reports a family who enjoyed Orchard Lake Campground's many amenities.
Proximity to supplies: Unexpected needs often arise when camping with children. A camper at North Mills River highlights the convenience: "A big chain grocer is also just a 10 minute drive up the road, making it easy to grab last minute items you may have forgotten."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the mountainous terrain have uneven sites. At Rutledge Lake RV Resort, a reviewer mentions: "Nice gravel level sites. Greg was very helpful at leading us back and gave us great information about the area."
RV-specific amenities: Full-hookup sites are limited in national forest campgrounds. Rutledge Lake RV Resort offers alternatives, with a camper noting: "The bathrooms are very nice, second only to Disney. The hosts were unbelievably helpful with our last minute after hours reservation."
WiFi considerations: Remote work requires connectivity that varies widely between sites. An RVer at Rutledge Lake reports: "Overall WiFi was problematic... was able to get up to 1.2 MB/s, but often dropped to next to zero. AT&T had 3 bars and 5 MB/s w/o a booster, 4 bars and 7 MB/s with it."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Hendersonville, NC?
What camping is available near Hendersonville, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, Hendersonville, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 420 campgrounds and RV parks near Hendersonville, NC and 33 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Hendersonville, NC?
Which is the most popular campground near Hendersonville, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hendersonville, NC is Davidson River Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 82 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hendersonville, NC?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hendersonville, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 33 free dispersed camping spots near Hendersonville, NC.
What parks are near Hendersonville, NC?
What parks are near Hendersonville, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 parks near Hendersonville, NC that allow camping, notably National Forests in North Carolina and Pisgah National Forest.
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