North Carolina glamping accommodations near Candler range from rustic to premium options, with many sites situated at elevations between 2,000 and 3,500 feet. Seasonal temperature variations influence camping conditions throughout the year, with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter lows potentially dropping below freezing. Mountain terrain creates distinct microclimates that affect individual campgrounds differently.
What to do
Trout fishing access: Lake Powhatan offers multiple fishing spots along its shoreline. Anglers can fish in the small lake or nearby streams. "A great campground for a trip to Asheville! Spent some time in the lake, on hiking trails, and in town," notes Danielle H. about Lake Powhatan.
Mountain biking trails: Davidson River Campground connects directly to numerous biking routes. The Art Loeb Trail provides access to miles of riding terrain. According to Robbie B., "Great campground just inside Pisgah National Forest. Mountain bike trails easily rideable from campground. Plus The Hub, Ecusta Brewing just down the road. Easy walking access to Davidson River." Davidson River Campground serves as an excellent base for cyclists.
Natural hot springs access: Hot Springs Campground sits near mineral springs available for soaking. Visitors can reserve time slots for outdoor mineral tubs. "Nice clean gated park. Nice big spots. Only 3 fifty amp full hook up sites. Lots of 30 amp and tent camping. Right on the river," states Sonya A. about the campground setup.
What campers like
Creek sounds for sleeping: North Mills River campsites position campers near running water. The ambient noise helps mask other sounds throughout the campground. Jonathan N. explains, "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." North Mills River receives consistent praise for its natural soundscape.
Mountain views: Campfire Lodgings offers premium sites overlooking the French Broad River valley. The designated viewing area provides sunset watching opportunities. "The views from this campground are spectacular! If you can get a site along the edge of the drop off, you will be able to witness a beautiful setting," writes Myron C. about Campfire Lodgings.
Privacy between sites: Lake Powhatan campsites maintain adequate separation. Site layout prevents neighbors from feeling too close. Heather C. explains: "We stayed for six days in March. The sites are spacious and well spaced, offering more privacy than many locations. The showers and bathrooms were very clean."
What you should know
Highway noise: Asheville West KOA sites receive road sounds from nearby I-40. Front camping areas experience more traffic noise than back sections. "The only reason for the four star rating is due to the highway noise from I-40, which is located adjacent to the campground. Otherwise, the campground is very well-kept with friendly staff," notes Crystal C. about Asheville West KOA.
Wildlife encounters: Bears visit campgrounds in this region, particularly when food is left unsecured. Proper storage requires keeping all items in vehicles overnight. "We spotted a black bear and turkeys in the campground too! The staff is super helpful," reports one camper about their experience.
Site variations: Tent sites can differ significantly from what appears online. Check specific dimensions when booking if using larger tents. "Our site was rather rocky and water pump did not work. 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," mentions Sherry C.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Davidson River offers swimming, tubing, and fishing options for children. The river access points feature gradual entry areas. A reviewer explains: "We are beginner campers and had a great experience here for a long weekend camping trip. We had a large double site with 2 tent pads and enough room for our friend's RV. Spent some time in the lake, on hiking trails, and in town."
Scheduled entertainment: Look for campgrounds with planned activities throughout the day. Some locations organize events for various age groups. One camper noted: "They had lots of activities scheduled for the kids. They drove by in the early evening offering hot chocolate."
Family-sized sites: Hot Springs Campground provides spacious areas for group camping. Sites accommodate multiple tents or larger setups. According to Tra C., "The tents sites along the river were great, once all of the travel trailers loaded up Sunday morning and pulled out it revealed beautiful grounds. The restrooms were dated but kept clean through the weekend." Hot Springs Campground works well for families wanting river access.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many area campgrounds have sloped parking pads requiring blocks or levelers. Sites on ridgelines tend to have more extreme angles. William H. shares: "His sewage had been overflowed by the last camper and they had to get the management to help clean it up before they connected. It's pretty clear that the sites weren't checked or tidied between campers."
Dump station access: Campfire Lodgings provides convenient hookups for waste disposal. The central facilities maintain cleanliness standards. "The bath house has private shower/toilet facilities, but the shower was a little too small. I am not a big guy, but I could only imagine how difficult it might be for somebody who is a lot larger than I am," mentions one camper.
Generator restrictions: Sites with noise policies limit generator usage to specific hours. Some locations prohibit generators entirely. "No generators allowed. But clean campsites and plenty of toilets. There's even a primitive hot shower. The people are very friendly both the campers and the people who operate the camp," notes Rick about one of the camping areas.
