Fletcher sits at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains at approximately 2,100 feet elevation, offering cooler temperatures than surrounding lowland areas during summer months. The town serves as a strategic base for exploring the region's national forests and recreational areas with several campgrounds situated along mountain streams and rivers. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally with limited winter facilities, particularly at higher elevations.
What to do
**Mountain biking trails: Located within Pisgah National Forest, Davidson River Campground provides direct access to renowned mountain biking routes. "They start literally across the davidson river from the campground. Bike shops, coffee and supermarkets all within," notes Travis S., highlighting the convenient location for cyclists.
Fishing adventures: At North Mills River Campground, anglers can access prime fly fishing spots. "We've enjoyed this campground mainly for the fly-fishing. The local Trout Unlimited group has also spent many hours upgrading the walkways and fence lines to protect the river," explains Shannon K., detailing conservation efforts that enhance the fishing experience.
Waterfall exploration: Many campgrounds serve as bases for waterfall hikes. "Hiking trails, fishing and hunting opportunities, and scenic waterfalls are all nearby, making the location prime," mentions Jonathan N. about North Mills River, emphasizing how easily accessible these natural features are from established campgrounds.
What campers like
Riverside camping: The rhythmic sounds of moving water create peaceful camping environments. At Wilson's Riverfront RV Park, campers appreciate the French Broad River access. "I loved being near the water—we went tubing straight from our campsite on Saturday!" shares Sarah M., highlighting the recreational opportunities directly from camp.
Temperature variations: Higher elevation campgrounds provide relief during hot months. "Over 5000 ft in elevation which means cool nights in Summer," reports Ulrich M. about Mount Pisgah Campground, noting a significant natural benefit of mountain camping in this region.
Privacy between sites: Several campgrounds feature thoughtfully spaced sites. "The sites are spacious and well spaced, offering more privacy than many locations," explains Heather C. about Lake Powhatan, demonstrating how site layout enhances the camping experience in this area.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends and during fall colors. "This place is packed most all of the summer now so you don't want to show up without a spot," warns Anna R. about Davidson River Campground, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead.
Highway noise concerns: Some campgrounds near interstates experience traffic noise. At Asheville West KOA, "They apologize in advance for the highway but besides road traffic it sounded like tractor trailers were powering up and down below the hill from our site," reports Sherry C., setting realistic expectations for potential noise issues.
Bear awareness: Wildlife encounters require proper food storage. "Keep all food secure in bear box provided at each site," advises Ulrich M. about Mount Pisgah Campground, highlighting standard safety protocols across many area campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water access: Stream and lake sites provide natural entertainment. At North Mills River, "We were the only campers there. It was very quiet. The stream ran right by the campsite so listening to the stream as we went to bed was wonderful," shares Julie T., describing how water features enhance family camping.
Activity options: Asheville East KOA provides structured recreation. "Lots for the kids to do including a small arcade," notes Ashley S., pointing out amenities that help keep children entertained during camp stays.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer nature programs and interpretive trails. "The campground is 15 minutes from downtown Asheville and 5 minutes from the North Carolina arboretum," mentions Phil L. about Lake Powhatan, highlighting nearby educational destinations within short driving distance.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many mountain campgrounds require leveling equipment. "Our site was level so easy to pull up and set up smoothly," reports Julia M. about Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground, contrasting with other campers' experiences at hillier sites.
Navigating narrow roads: Mountain access roads can be challenging for larger rigs. "The roads are uphill and a little narrow, but nothing too difficult if you go slow," adds Julia M., providing practical driving advice for RVers approaching Mama Gertie's.
Hookup availability: Off-season camping may have limited services. "Due to the temps we were not supposed to use the water connections," notes Kayla about Rutledge Lake RV Resort, highlighting seasonal considerations affecting utility hookups that RVers should anticipate when planning winter stays.
