Tent camping near Hendersonville, North Carolina puts visitors within reach of both the Pisgah National Forest and Mountain Bridge Wilderness area. Located at elevations ranging from 2,200 to 3,500 feet, the region experiences moderate summer temperatures typically 5-10 degrees cooler than surrounding lowland areas. Camping options vary from creek-adjacent sites requiring quarter-mile hikes to drive-up locations where vehicles can park within feet of tent pads.
What to do
River tubing at Wilderness Cove: Located about 20 minutes from Hendersonville, Wilderness Cove Campground offers tubing on the Green River. "The tubing is great," notes a reviewer, though they caution that "the campsites and cabins are very limited."
Visit working farms: For a unique camping experience, Paradise Ridge Permaculture offers tent camping on a functioning permaculture farm. "She showed us around the grounds which has horses, pigs, chickens, a natural spring, and fruits/vegetables/mushrooms growing around the property," writes one visitor who appreciated the non-traditional setting.
Waterfall hiking: The region features numerous accessible waterfalls. At Jones Gap State Park, campers can "check out Rainbow Falls a 90ft free falling waterfall that's about 2 1/2 miles from the campsites," as one visitor recommends.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds feature substantial distance between sites. At Jones Gap State Park Campground, "each spot is about a quart mile from the next, so you feel like you have the mountain to yourself," according to one camper who rated their experience 5 stars.
Proximity to multiple recreation areas: Tent campers appreciate convenient access to multiple outdoor destinations. One visitor to The Bike Farm noted it's "close to mills river, Pisgah, and DuPont state forest" offering diverse recreation options within short drives.
Sound of flowing water: Many campsites feature water sounds as natural white noise. At Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground, one tent camper reported, "I took a site by the creek and allowed the sound of rushing water to be my lullaby all night."
What you should know
Varying walk-in distances: Tent sites often require short hikes from parking areas. At Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, some sites require technical approaches including "climbing ladders and walking along The Cathedral," making waterproof footwear essential as "there is lots of water on the trail."
Limited cell service: Most camping areas have poor connectivity. At Mills River Dispersed camping, one visitor reports "No cell service (Verizon) without driving 10 minutes, and then patchy for another 10-15."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advance booking. Jones Gap State Park sites are reservable but often fill quickly during peak seasons, especially fall weekends when autumn colors are at their height.
Pack-in, pack-out policies: Most dispersed camping areas have no trash facilities. Mills River requires carrying out all waste, and even some established sites like Jones Gap expect campers to "LNT your trash out."
Tips for camping with families
Consider proximity to vehicles: Families with young children may prefer sites with shorter walk-in distances. At Wilderness Cove Campground, a visitor notes, "Tents only, they do have some cabins for rent. Nice clean bath house. Was able to access wifi near the tubing office."
Look for sites near water features: Shallow streams provide natural entertainment for children. One family camper at Jones Gap appreciated that their "spot (#8) which is the closest walk in spot from the Parking area" was "right on the river and a great place to catch some sun on the rocks or rock hop."
Check toilet facilities: Bathroom access varies widely between campgrounds. At Paradise Ridge, a visitor noted there's "A privey with pine pellets so it doesn't smell, it too has a light with motion detector," which can be important for nighttime accessibility with children.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent camping near Hendersonville offers few RV accommodations. Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground does accommodate some RVs but one visitor cautions: "If you're looking for a paved place to park your 30 foot long fifth wheel this isn't it."
Consider tent camping as alternative: Some RV travelers opt to tent camp in this region instead. At White Pine South Group Camp, "There are several tent spaces that you can drive right up to," making it accessible for RV owners wanting to set up tents alongside their vehicles.