Best Campgrounds near Lake Junaluska, NC

The western North Carolina mountains surrounding Lake Junaluska provide diverse camping experiences within the Great Smoky Mountains region. Cataloochee Campground, located about 15 miles northeast of Lake Junaluska in Waynesville, offers primitive camping in a secluded valley setting from March through October. Nearby Stonebridge RV Resort in Maggie Valley provides year-round accommodations with full hookups for RVs and cabins for those seeking more amenities. Creekwood Farm RV Park, situated along Jonathan Creek in Waynesville, features tent sites, RV spaces with hookups, and cabin rentals. The area balances National Park Service campgrounds with limited amenities against private resorts offering more conveniences, all within a 30-minute drive of Lake Junaluska.

Most campgrounds in the region require advance reservations during the peak season from May through October. As one camper noted, "The North Carolina side has a slightly different feel. Less of a circus and less crowded and more laid back." Higher elevation campgrounds like Mount Pisgah (elevation 5,300 feet) offer cooler temperatures, with visitors reporting "when we arrived at 2:00 the temperature was a wonderful 72" even during summer heat waves. Bear activity requires proper food storage throughout the region. Many campgrounds feature creekside sites where "the sound of the creek at night melts all your worries away," though some locations near highways experience road noise. Cell service varies significantly, with many National Park campgrounds having limited or no connectivity.

Creekside camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the Lake Junaluska area. Campers particularly value the shade provided by the dense forest canopy, with one reviewer noting "nearly 100% shade at each site" at Lake Powhatan campground. The North Carolina side of the Smokies generally offers a quieter experience than the Tennessee side, making it popular with families seeking a more relaxed atmosphere. Campground amenities vary widely, from basic facilities at national park campgrounds to full-service private campgrounds with activities for children. Several campgrounds provide convenient access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and horseback riding opportunities. Wildlife sightings, particularly black bears, are common throughout the region, adding to the authentic mountain camping experience.

Best Camping Sites Near Lake Junaluska, North Carolina (645)

    1. Cataloochee Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    31 Reviews
    Maggie Valley, NC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 497-9270

    $30 / night

    "The North Carolina part has a slightly different feel. Less of a circus and less crowded and more laid back. Loving it! Beautiful. Just wish there were showers here....lol."

    "This: Access to Cataloochee is via a narrow, winding, mountain road. A 3-mile stretch of gravel road contains many narrow, blind curves."

    2. Mount Pisgah Campground

    40 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 648-2644

    $30 / night

    "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 National Forest on the outskirts of Asheville, NC is a must stop for all ages."

    3. Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    70 Reviews
    Cosby, TN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 487-2683

    $50 / night

    "Cosby is great if you want to explore the eastern section of North Carolina sections of the park."

    "Cosby is about half an hour outside of Gatlinburg and worth every minute. A16 was big and shady. There were a few steps down to it. Plenty of trees and distance to the nearest neighbors."

    4. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina

    62 Reviews
    Enka, NC
    20 miles
    +1 (828) 552-8040

    $37 - $135 / night

    "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"

    5. Davidson River Campground

    83 Reviews
    Pisgah Forest, NC
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 785-5337

    $37 - $84 / night

    "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."

    6. Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    26 Reviews
    Maggie Valley, NC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 497-9270

    $30 / night

    "These are very close to the entrance, to other sites, to the bathrooms, the campground hosts, and the dishwashing station, and they are right on the road."

    "And this campground is in a fabulous location. When you stay here, you are tucked in a lush green mountain about a mile above sea level."

    7. Stonebridge RV Resort

    16 Reviews
    Maggie Valley, NC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 926-1904

    $60 - $90 / night

    "Easy access to everything needed. Tent sites were a little small. But overall very friendly management. Close to Waynesville and all the cute places in Maggie Valley."

    "Not having to walk to the bath house in the middle of the night was a welcome relief, but RV camping is not my favorite way to“camp.”"

    8. Smokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    53 Reviews
    Cherokee, NC
    19 miles
    +1 (828) 497-9270

    $30 / night

    "Smokemont is a great campground in the North Carolina side of the Smoky Mountains. It is a perfect base camp to enjoy this amazing national park."

    "We only stayed for 1 night but really enjoyed the campgrounds proximity to activities on the North Carolina side of the park."

    9. Asheville West KOA

    24 Reviews
    Candler, NC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 665-7015

    "The location is amazing very short drive into town, hiking spots, and I highly recommend you take a walk around Lake Junaluska . We booked this spot for the location and it delivered."

    "The only reason for the four star rating is due to the highway noise from I-40, which is located adjacent to the campground."

    10. Creekwood Farm RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Lake Junaluska, NC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 926-7977

    "The staff, the location, the park itself. This is probably the best place we've ever stayed. It's beyond clean, staff is beyond friendly and accommodating."

    "Close to Asheville."

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Recent Reviews near Lake Junaluska, NC

3120 Reviews of 645 Lake Junaluska Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Wilson's Riverfront RV Park

    September stay

    Grass on lots high, nice concrete spots, full hookup in good shape.

  • s
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground

    Worst experience ever

    Absolutely the worst advertised campground I’ve ever been to in my life. They stated it was“riverside” ummmm nooooo!!! It’s basically a big open field with absolutely no privacy or shade. Picture Woodstock. The“barely there stream of water” was covered by trees at the campsite and there was basically just a huge mound of dirt where they told us to set up. We asked for a different spot and they said they were full. We paid SIXTY SIX dollars for this tent camping experience on the river!! We asked for a refund and they refused(otherwise, I wouldn’t have left a review at all. They should have made it right.) We luckily found a beautiful spot at Deep Creek Campground otherwise we would have had to drive two hours home!!! Do.not.be.scammed.

  • K
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Black Forest Family Camping Resort

    Great campground!

    As a solo traveler that doesn’t like excessive noise or want to be near kids, I just wanted peace and quiet to relax and listen to the sounds of nature. The owner, Jeanie(hopefully I’m spelling that right) understood completely and was sure to put me in a site where she knew the surrounding sites would be empty for the entirety of my stay and she was sure not to book anyone near me. Yes, the sites are fairly close together, but I stayed during the week and was able to enjoy most of the place to myself ….or at least the area of the campground that I was in. When I extended my stay an extra night, she was sure to warn me that there was a family with kids coming that night and that they’d be in my vicinity. I couldn’t have asked for a better campground host! She had all the info on waterfalls in the area which minimized my planning time/time staring at my phone. And the fact that the place is all pea gravel really makes a difference! It rained the first couple days I was there and my tent wasn’t a muddy mess which is always a plus!

    The bathrooms and showers were clean and the camp store had just about everything you could possibly need in a pinch. Firewood and ice were priced fairly, making it very convenient if you forgot to grab either one while you were out for the day. Will definitely be back! Actually, I can’t wait to go back!

  • Allissa F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    One night stay

    Right on Little River. The view and sound was so enjoyable. The restroom is a couple minute walk away, very convenient. Zero signal for Att (for signal, take a right out of the campground heading toward Gatlinburg. There’ll be a Pulloff with a view on the left, pull in and use your phone if needed).

  • Isabelle C.
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Indian Creek Campground

    Excellent Campground

    Indian Creek Campground in Cherokee, NC is a hidden gem. Nice hosts, clean facilities in the woods. We have a 25 ft pull behind camper and sites are big enough for slide-outs. Picknick table and campfire ring was on site. We had a 30 amp full hook-up site. Campground has tent sites, RV sites, cabins, clean bathhouse and is dog friendly.

  • Gary D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Douglas Tailwater Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

    Great Location

    Nice campground near river and dam. Had three pup tents for overnight motorcycle stay. Bridge nearby is a bit noisy if that bothers you. Decent rest rooms. Camp host was very friendly! Half hour to Gatlinburg and Dolly Wood.

  • Gary D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground

    Way overpriced for tent camping

    Three of us on motorcycles with pup tents were going to be charged for three tent sites at $141 each per night . We laughed and left. Hotels were charging less than that. Being a KOA member didn’t make a difference.

  • Casey W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Keowee-Toxaway State Park

    Great spot!

    The only reason I dinged it from five stars is because of the road noise. Other than that this place is beautiful! Great hike to a beautiful lake! Simple amenities. Great drive up tent spots surrounded by trees. Nobody else was here during the week so I had the place to myself! The rangers were incredibly helpful and friendly! I will be back!

  • Zoey W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Mountain Rest Mountain Top

    Great campsite, you guys are pansies though

    great spot, can see the stars super clearly and its pretty much just open woodland once youre there.

    you dont need 4 wheel drive or a truck like some of these people are saying, i did it fine in my honda civic, just dont have anything with worse clearance than that, and be ready to get some branch scratches which is kinda expected for wood roads


Guide to Lake Junaluska

The western North Carolina mountains offer campgrounds at elevations from 2,500 to 5,300 feet within short drives of Lake Junaluska. Tent sites typically cost $20-35 per night while RV sites with hookups range from $35-60. During summer months, mountain campgrounds often register temperatures 10-15 degrees cooler than nearby valley locations, making them popular refuges from seasonal heat.

What to do

Mountain biking trails: Davidson River Campground offers excellent access to biking routes. "They start literally across the davidson river from the campground. Bike shops, coffee and supermarkets all within," explains Travis S. The campground sits at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest where riders find trails for all skill levels.

Fly fishing: Davidson River Campground provides prime fishing opportunities. "Located right inside Pisgah National forest this campground is perfectly set for all adventures," writes Travis S. Anglers can target trout in the adjacent river. "Older campground and some of the sites and amenities show that age. But the sites are generally spaced well and people using it seem to all value quiet. Hike and bike is challenging. But the small Looking Glass River and the Davidson are near by for fine 'technical' fly fishing," notes Michael B.

Wildlife viewing: Balsam Mountain Campground sits at higher elevations with opportunities to spot diverse wildlife. "Wildlife is present and being over a mile high, temperatures can be cool, even in summer, for a great relief from temperatures in lower elevations," reports Robert W. The campground's elevation provides natural cooling during summer months.

What campers like

Creekside camping: Creekwood Farm RV Park offers popular water-adjacent sites. "There is also a creek running through the back of the property and there are many sites along the creek. The old barn and silo add to the ambiance of the campground," explains Joe B. This park maintains private bathroom facilities that receive consistent praise. "The bathrooms were amazing, individual bathrooms, very roomy and oh so clean," adds Joe B.

Cooler temperatures: Mount Pisgah Campground offers significantly cooler conditions in summer. "Over 5000 ft in elevation which means cool nights in Summer," shares Ulrich M. Visitors appreciate the temperature difference when valley locations experience heat waves. "It was foggy and cold when we arrived mid September. When the fog cleared there were amazing views across the street from the campground," notes Caleb C.

Privacy between sites: Lake Powhatan receives high marks for site spacing. "The sites are spacious and well spaced, offering more privacy than many locations," reports Heather C. Campers consistently mention the shade coverage as a benefit. "We had plenty of room and great separation from fellow campers," says Ben F.

What you should know

Road access limitations: Cataloochee Campground requires careful planning due to its remote location. "Access to Cataloochee is via a narrow, winding, mountain road. A 3-mile stretch of gravel road contains many narrow, blind curves. Though many campsites will accommodate large rigs, motorhomes over 32' and trailers over 25' in length are not recommended due to the access road," explains Kristina.

Highway noise: Asheville West KOA experiences traffic sounds from nearby I-40. "The only reason for the four star rating is due to the highway noise from I-40, which is located adjacent to the campground," explains Crystal C. However, some visitors find solutions. "Yes, there is noise from Interstate 40 nearby but it didn't bother us and they offer earplugs at the front desk," notes Victoria L.

Bathroom facilities vary: Smokemont Campground offers limited amenities. "The bathroom is clean, but no hot water or showers," reports Lori J. This reflects the more rustic experience at many national park campgrounds compared to private facilities around Lake Junaluska.

Tips for camping with families

Kids creek activities: Stonebridge RV Resort offers water play areas for children. "The creek at the back is beautiful and a great place for kids to play and tube from one end of the campground to the other," describes Sonya P. The park also provides designated play areas. "There is a large play area at the end that has plenty of play equipment and room to run," she adds.

Pet accommodations: Creekwood Farm RV Park welcomes families with dogs. "A dog park for off-leash play, separated for big dogs and small dogs. The whole area is clean, doggie bags conveniently located for easy clean-up," reports Sonya P. This consideration allows families to bring their pets while camping near Lake Junaluska.

Winter camping options: Smokemont Campground remains open year-round. "We stayed for one night, on a weeknight in early December. The campground was completely deserted (one other camper came in the evening, there were only two of us there!)," shares Carly E. Off-season camping provides a completely different experience with significantly fewer crowds.

Tips from RVers

Site width considerations: Stonebridge RV Resort requires careful site selection. "The sites are extremely close together. Extremely close. The sites (Premium Creekside) along the creek have plenty of room behind your site to enjoy your site and the creek. The pull through sites, though, are so close the sewer hookup is literally right beside the next site's picnic table," warns Sonya P.

Utility reliability: Creekwood Farm RV Park offers stable connections. "30,50 amp power, sewer and cable TV hookups. Reliable wi fi and good cell service," notes Harold W., while "Premium sites have a permanent fire ring, concrete patio and fire wood for first night" provide additional conveniences for RV campers.

Limited RV parking: Balsam Mountain Campground requires adaptability for RV campers. "One complaint I'd heard from other folks is that their RV's and campers had to be parked right on the road, as apposed to pulling them into an actual spot (no back in or pull through spots)," reports Christina Z. This setup impacts the camping experience for vehicle-based campers visiting the Lake Junaluska region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Lake Junaluska campground?

Lake Junaluska campground offers a range of amenities for campers seeking comfort and convenience. Similar to Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina, you can expect clean showers and bathrooms, spacious sites with good spacing between neighbors, and helpful staff. The campground provides access to the scenic lake and surrounding walking paths. Many campgrounds in the region like The Great Outdoors RV Resort offer well-groomed grounds, good amenities, and friendly staff to enhance your camping experience in this beautiful mountain setting.

How much does it cost to camp at Lake Junaluska?

Camping costs at Lake Junaluska vary depending on the season, site type, and amenities. While specific rates for Lake Junaluska aren't detailed in the reviews, nearby campgrounds provide useful context. Smokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers reasonably priced sites and serves as a good base camp for exploring the region. Some campgrounds in the area offer discounts for senior pass holders, as seen at Indian Creek Campground. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $25-$50 per night for standard sites, with premium waterfront or full-hookup sites commanding higher rates.

Where is Lake Junaluska campground located in North Carolina?

Lake Junaluska is situated in western North Carolina, nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains near Waynesville. It's located in a scenic area with convenient access to popular destinations like Asheville. The lake is approximately a 30-minute drive west of Asheville, making it an excellent base for exploring the region. Nearby Asheville West KOA offers camping options with proximity to Lake Junaluska, as reviewers note it's just a short drive away and recommend taking a walk around the lake during your stay.

Is Lake Junaluska campground suitable for RVs?

Lake Junaluska campground is suitable for RVs, offering sites that accommodate various rig sizes. The area is popular with RV travelers seeking mountain experiences. Nearby Stonebridge RV Resort and Creekwood Farm RV Park are known for being big-rig friendly with full hookups. Many campgrounds in the region, like those near Lake Junaluska, offer paved parking pads, water connections, and electrical hookups essential for RV camping. While some mountain roads in the area can be narrow, the main access routes to Lake Junaluska are generally well-maintained and navigable for most RVs.