Best Campgrounds near Horse Shoe, NC

Camping near Horse Shoe, North Carolina, offers a fantastic escape into nature with a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the stunning trails around the campgrounds. Many campers enjoy the nearby hiking options, like the trails at Elkmont Campground, where one reviewer mentioned, "We did one of our hikes from our site—the Little River Trail to Cucumber Gap, and it was beautiful."
• Fishing: Cast a line in the local rivers and lakes. Campers at Davidson River Campground have noted, "There is a nice swimming hole at camp and the bathhouses are well kept," making it a great spot for fishing and relaxing.
• Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One visitor at Smokemont Campground shared, "I love all the elk and other wildlife," highlighting the area's rich biodiversity.

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Greenbrier Campground stated, "The bathrooms were amazing," which is a big plus for many families.
• Scenic Views: Many campgrounds offer breathtaking views. One happy camper at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground said, "The views are awesome at this park," making it a perfect backdrop for your camping experience.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Asheville East KOA are great for kids, with pools, playgrounds, and themed activities. A reviewer mentioned, "There is a pool, playground, gaga ball pit, and fishing," making it a hit for families.

What you should know:

• Privacy Concerns: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Cosby Campground noted, "The sites were cramped with little privacy," so be prepared for a more communal experience.
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Smokemont Campground lacks showers, which some campers found inconvenient.
• Wildlife Encounters: Be aware of wildlife, especially bears. A visitor at Greenbrier Campground mentioned, "Due to the amount of black bears in the area, they’re very vigilant about keeping trash in trash cans."

Tips for camping with families:

• Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of family-friendly activities. Campers at Lake Powhatan enjoyed the "nice hike around the lake and the fun little lake beach," perfect for kids.
• Pack Snacks: Keep everyone energized with snacks. A family at Bear Den Family Campground found that "the kids loved the playground and there were a lot of other kids to make friends with."
• Choose the Right Site: Look for sites that offer more space. One camper at Table Rock State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are gravel, but it’s very large gravel that is difficult to walk on," so consider your family's needs when selecting a spot.

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Asheville East KOA noted, "The layout isn’t super attractive," which can be a concern for larger rigs.
• Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near train tracks. One camper at Asheville East KOA mentioned, "Trains come through near the park at all hours of the day and night," so be ready for some noise.
• Use Online Resources: Download offline maps before you go. A visitor at Greenbrier Campground recommended, "I would recommend downloading offline maps, as there is little cell service between the campground and downtown Gatlinburg."

Camping near Horse Shoe, North Carolina, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With beautiful scenery and plenty of activities, it's a great spot to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.