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Best Campgrounds near Lake Toxaway, NC

2,473 Reviews

Lake Toxaway in western North Carolina serves as a gateway to numerous camping options within the Blue Ridge Mountains region. Gorges State Park offers a newly developed campground with full hookup RV sites, tent camping areas, and primitive cabins, while Blue Ridge Falls RV Resort provides a more upscale camping experience with spacious sites along a creek. The surrounding area includes several state parks within driving distance, including Keowee-Toxaway State Park just across the South Carolina border, offering additional camping opportunities with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals.

Road conditions and accessibility vary throughout the region, with many campgrounds situated along winding mountain roads. Most developed sites in the area operate seasonally, with peak availability from May through October. "The area is known for having over 250 waterfalls," noted one visitor to Blue Ridge Falls RV Resort, highlighting the natural attractions that draw campers to this mountainous region. Weather patterns can change quickly in the higher elevations, with cooler temperatures even during summer months and potential for heavy rainfall. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly during leaf-viewing season in autumn when visitation peaks across the region.

Campers consistently mention the waterfalls and hiking opportunities as primary attractions in the Lake Toxaway area. The proximity to Rainbow Falls and Turtle Back Falls from Gorges State Park makes it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Several reviewers highlighted the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty of the region's campgrounds. "We loved this RV park so much, we kept adding nights," shared one camper at Blue Ridge Falls RV Resort. Primitive backcountry camping options can be found in nearby Panthertown Valley, though visitors should be prepared for wildlife encounters, including bears. The combination of mountain views, water features, and forest settings creates diverse camping experiences within a relatively compact geographic area.

Map showing campgrounds near Lake Toxaway, North CarolinaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Lake Toxaway, North Carolina (542)

    1. Davidson River Campground

    83 Reviews
    Pisgah Forest, NC
    16 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."

    2. Devils Fork State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Tamassee, SC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 944-2639

    "We had reserved a walk-in tent sight and absoulty loved it."

    "This hidden gem is a few miles off a major highway but well worth the journey. I would consider it among my top ten 'near a lake' spots in the entire US."

    3. Table Rock State Park Campground

    55 Reviews
    Sunset, SC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 878-9813

    "The alternatives #5 and #6 were close to the entrance and therefore exposed to the road, and #49 was next to the restrooms, but similar to #60, so stayed with #60."

    "One drawback is that from the campground there is no easy access to the lake- you can either drive and park (and hope to find parking) or walk on a busy road . "

    4. Keowee-Toxaway State Park

    25 Reviews
    Sunset, SC
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 868-2605

    $7 - $26 / night

    "There are 3 trailside primitive campsites that are on a peninsula overlooking Lake Keowee."

    "The trail was relatively short, but the hills were bigger than expected. However, the payoff at the trailside campground is incredible. The sites are out on a point on Lake Keowee."

    5. Lazy J Campground

    12 Reviews
    Rosman, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 966-3834

    $20 / night

    "We fished right next to our camp site and then relaxed with a camp fire listening to the sound of the River."

    "We were looking for a place that was wooded and near a river or stream and lucked up at Lazy J. The staff answered our call right away and were both friendly and informative."

    6. Gorges State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Lake Toxaway, NC
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 966-9099

    $27 - $75 / night

    "This is one of North Carolina’s best waterfall parks. Rainbow Falls, Turtel Back Falls and Bust your Ass Falls."

    "There are six designated backpack sites along the Foothills Trail near the southern boundary of the park."

    7. Oconee State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Tamassee, SC
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 638-5353

    "There are primitive, walk-in sites that had the benefit of added privacy, but with 3 little kids, bathroom proximity was a higher priority this time around. "

    "There are multiple cabins scattered around the lake but they are a good distance apart from each other so you won't be disturbed by your neighbors."

    8. Mount Pisgah Campground

    41 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    21 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."

    9. Blue Ridge Falls RV Resort

    6 Reviews
    Lake Toxaway, NC
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (774) 526-4328

    $65 / night

    "This is a small campground near Lake Toxaway. The people were great. They had happy hour everyday at five."

    "Stayed 7 days in #1 from 6/25 to 7/1 with two other RVers and was a romantic peaceful time with our own waterfall and creek running around us."

    10. Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area

    7 Reviews
    Sapphire, NC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 269-4453

    "The first campsite we stayed at was on the Green Valley Trail, the second one was on the Panthertown Valley Trail right near the Schoolhouse Falls Trail, and the third was on Mac's Gap right past the Granny"

    "The sites near the middle of Macs Gap trail are huge and there is easy access to a couple streams. Bring a good map and stick to the trails that your map covers."

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Recent Camping Photos near Lake Toxaway, NC

1137 Photos of 542 Lake Toxaway Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lake Toxaway, NC

2473 Reviews of 542 Lake Toxaway Campgrounds

  • Peyton P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2025

    Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off

    Great little spot right off the road

    Perfect spot near water, lots of spots to pull right off the road. Only down side is the road is somewhat busy (we camped on Halloween). Heard some screams(?) in the middle of the night but other than that and the cars driving by it was pretty quiet. The tent pad was very flat, fire ring had wood in it upon arrival (thank you!) though it was wet, and overall it was peaceful

  • Pam R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 3, 2025

    Creekwood Farm RV Park

    Lovely second stay

    Creekwood has everything. Hospitable staff, beautiful, peaceful setting and pristine bathroom/showers. It's in our top 5 favorite sites after years of travel.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Fern Cove — Black Rock Mountain State Park

    Beautiful park but steep slope up

    Black Rock is beautiful but hard on some transmissions. There is a long steep slope up the mountain and it is common for transmissions to over heat. So much so that there is an auto shop at the base of the mountain. The road up is narrow and twisty. I have seen some larger rigs up here but most are smaller. If u can make it, it is worth the journey. Lots of hiking trails for different levels. Clean facilities, friendly hosts. WiFi is available at the trading post. Nice place to sit and rock.incredible views. Have visited in April, may, June, and October. Usually stay on site 6. Later spring into summer had more poison ivy on trails.

  • Alexander C.
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Riley Moore Falls Campsite

    Best night sleep

    Such a great place to spend the night. I took my hammock and spent the night listening to the waterfall and nature. Sky was clear and bright with stars. I risked it and chose no fly tonight just to take in the view. Perfect weather. Met alot of interesting and hopefully new friends.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Mount Pisgah Campground

    October camping experience

    Well I checked when peak leaf season was supposed to occur and what to expect from temperatures. I also appreciate information from those that camped here. We were in site B26 interior of the loop. Unfortunately we weren’t able to get outside loop from the showers to the end. Interior from the showers to site 21 were okay. Ours on the other hand was one of the worst we’ve had. You had a steep 7 step down to picknick table and firepit. It was also in a low sumac shrub area that had a distinct smell. Campground was clean and facilities were well maintained. NPS staff were present despite the current shutdown in Washington! Limited cell service at the site. Best just up the parkway to the Mt. Pisgah picnic area parking lot.

    While we did hit peak color, I didn’t think that the cold front would be as intense. Temperature dropped below freezing and during the night it felt like gale force winds buffeting the GO. Definitely will pick a lower elevation for camping if it’s in October!

  • Katie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Upper Cove Creek - UCC2 Dispersed

    Okay spot

    Avery Road was closed so we ended up here. Not a whole lot of sites in the forest here. This site was fine, nothing special, but nothing bad. There’s a shallow creek that runs next to this spot.

  • paul Z.
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Sadlers Creek State Park Campground

    Nice lake campground

    Awesome views over lake Hartwell. Nice sized sites, could be a little more level. Needed to slightly block up rear of out class A to get level. Stairs down to the water right next to our site so easy access to our canoe. We will camp here again. 50A power and water at site. Dump station near the exit. ATT phones worked well. Greenville TV stations OTA easily received. Awesome sunrises and sunsets

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Grumpy Bear Campground

    Nice but small

    The attraction here is the river. It is absolutely gorgeous. Riverside are small and close together.

Guide to Lake Toxaway

Camping near Lake Toxaway, North Carolina, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful scenery and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds in the area that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails around the area. One camper mentioned, “Davidson River Campground is perfectly situated for outdoor activities, plenty of hiking (Art Loeb Trail), good fishing, mountain biking and climbing available all within a stone's throw from camp.”
  • Fishing: The lakes and rivers are great for fishing. A review from Lake Powhatan states, “The best thing about Lake Powhatan is the nice hike around the lake and the fun little lake beach. It’s the perfect size for kids.”
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Cataloochee Campground shared, “We saw elk and turkeys during our stay. A young bull even ran through our campsite!”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Lake Powhatan noted, “The bathrooms were some of the cleanest we've seen.”
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of the campgrounds. A camper at Smokemont Campground said, “It was rainy so maybe that deterred some campers, but we had a great time.”
  • Proximity to Attractions: Campgrounds like Black Rock Mountain State Park are close to hiking trails and scenic views. A visitor remarked, “The Tennessee Rock Trail to the summit and overlook is the perfect distance for a morning hike and not too strenuous.”

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Cataloochee Campground advised, “There isn’t cell service, so be sure to plan your next move before you head in for the evening.”
  • Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can feel cramped. A visitor at Mount Pisgah Campground mentioned, “The sites are very close together, resulting in little privacy.”
  • Bear Country: Be cautious of wildlife, especially bears. A camper at Davidson River Campground shared, “I did have a bear walk through my camp my last night there while I was in bed.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with swimming areas. A review from Lake Powhatan highlighted, “The lake was a short walk and absolutely stunning! Crystal clear water allowed us to look at the schools of fish swimming with us.”
  • Bring Entertainment: Pack games or outdoor toys to keep kids engaged. A family at Oconee State Park enjoyed the playground and tire swings available throughout the park.
  • Plan for Meals: Make sure to bring enough food and snacks, as some campgrounds don’t have stores nearby. A camper at Table Rock State Park noted, “Make sure to bring your own firewood and there isn’t much laying around to pick up.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Devils Fork State Park mentioned, “The tent pads were a bit on the small side and not all of them are the 12x12 that I was told.”
  • Use Leveling Blocks: Some sites can be uneven. A visitor at Paris Mountain State Park said, “The sites are notoriously NOT level. We had to move because we could not get level.”
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump stations are located. A camper at Mount Pisgah Campground appreciated that “there was a dump station which was nice and clean with water for the RV.”

Camping near Lake Toxaway, North Carolina, provides a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Lake Toxaway, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lake Toxaway, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 542 campgrounds and RV parks near Lake Toxaway, NC and 46 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Lake Toxaway, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lake Toxaway, NC is Davidson River Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 83 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lake Toxaway, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 46 free dispersed camping spots near Lake Toxaway, NC.

What parks are near Lake Toxaway, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 parks near Lake Toxaway, NC that allow camping, notably National Forests in North Carolina and Nantahala National Forest.

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