Best Campgrounds near Mill Spring, NC

Mill Spring, North Carolina provides a range of camping options in the foothills of western North Carolina. Established campgrounds like Emberglow Outdoor Resort and Silver Creek Campground offer tent and RV sites with varying amenities. Several campgrounds in the area feature cabin accommodations, including Hickory Nut Falls Family Campground and Four Paws Kingdom Campground & Dog Retreat, which caters specifically to campers with dogs. The region includes both private resorts and public camping areas within driving distance of natural attractions.

Road conditions and seasonal availability vary throughout the camping areas near Mill Spring. Many campgrounds operate seasonally, with some like Orchard Lake Campground open from April through November. Facilities range from primitive sites to full-hookup RV camping with electric, water, and sewer connections. A visitor noted, "The region includes amazing views for free, with tons of good spots for boondocking and hiking. About 5 camping spots along the road have breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, hills and valleys." Cell service can be limited at some locations, particularly those nestled in valleys or surrounded by mountains. Campers should check ahead for reservation requirements, as popular sites fill quickly during peak season.

Water features are prominent in the camping landscape around Mill Spring. Several campgrounds are situated along rivers or creeks, providing natural soundscapes and recreational opportunities. The Davidson River Campground, located within driving distance, receives consistent praise for its riverside sites. As one camper described, "The rhythmic sounds of the river offered sound sleep all night." Hiking trails connect many camping areas to waterfalls and scenic overlooks, making them popular bases for outdoor exploration. Campgrounds in higher elevations offer cooler temperatures during summer months, while those in valleys may provide more protection from wind and weather. Most established campgrounds provide fire rings, picnic tables, and access to drinking water, though amenities vary significantly between primitive and developed sites.

Best Camping Sites Near Mill Spring, North Carolina (316)

    1. Emberglow Outdoor Resort

    13 Reviews
    Lake Lure, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 625-2205

    $40 - $350 / night

    "The tent sites are clustered together next to a stream in the woods, providing tons of shade on hot days.  "

    "The close proximity to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is an added bonus. The owners and staff were very friendly and helpful, but unobtrusive. I highly recommend Emberglow Campground."

    2. Four Paws Kingdom Campground & Dog Retreat

    10 Reviews
    Rutherfordton, NC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 287-7324

    "Over all, if you want the peace and quiet in the North Carolina foot hills with your furry friend and have a good time.  This is the place to be."

    "The gravel at our site was painful for our dog’s feet and they had a hard time walking on it. The dog parks made up for this! There are multiple large dog parks located at the campground."

    3. Orchard Lake Campground

    13 Reviews
    Saluda, NC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 749-3901

    $38 - $48 / night

    "A swimming lake with slide. Boats, zip line, fishing, a game room, move room. Only bad thing is the bad house are probably the worst I have ever used."

    4. Hickory Nut Falls Family Campground

    11 Reviews
    Lake Lure, NC
    11 miles
    Website

    $26 - $62 / night

    "I loved camping at the edge of the river but know that it is loud and is a constant sound! The sites are right along the river and are a bit tight."

    "Nice place to visit and close to Chimney Rock"

    5. Asheville East KOA

    52 Reviews
    Swannanoa, NC
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 686-3121

    $50 / night

    "As typical of a KOA, they shove you in there so you are very close to your neighbors. The stars of the park are the riverfront sites."

    "My only gripe (and I know it’s not a huge deal) is the trailer park situated right by the fence that separates from the KOA."

    6. Creekside Mountain Camping

    16 Reviews
    Gerton, NC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 625-4257

    "Nice creek running nearby and a few short walking paths. The drive to spruce pine is scenic and long but head back toward bat cave and there ade neat little adventures to have with the kiddos."

    "This was a great little spot away from the hustle and bustle of the highway. Very close to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Pool was clean. Arcade on site."

    7. River Creek Campground

    6 Reviews
    Lake Lure, NC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 287-3915

    "pretty close to your neighbors. we did end up getting evacuated cause of rain which was a bummer."

    "The sites are near the River so you get to enjoy the running water sound as you sleep or relax. Can let your kids ride their bikes around with out worry and they are never out of site."

    8. Silver Creek Campground

    4 Reviews
    Mill Spring, NC
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 894-2331

    $30 - $55 / night

    9. Davidson River Campground

    83 Reviews
    Pisgah Forest, NC
    32 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."

    10. Hitching Post Campground

    5 Reviews
    Lake Lure, NC
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 625-0340

    $37 / night

    "Ok, about Location, its 1.2 miles from Ingels grocery, and its a wonderful store, lots of ready to go food, also Lake Lure at 2 miles with Lake house bar and grill, both inside and outside decks with view"

    "Close to Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, and the Green River. So many outdoor adventures to be had, and if you enjoy tenting or rving, this campground is great."

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Recent Reviews near Mill Spring, NC

1525 Reviews of 316 Mill Spring Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • L
    Oct. 18, 2025

    John H. Moss Lake Campground

    One of the best!

    This is a small, well kept, inexpensive campground on the bank of Moss Lake. The admins are great and give personal attention when needed but don’t bother you.

  • Sarah and Philip H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Spacious Skies Peach Haven

    Family Friendly Campground easy get to where you don't feel like you need to leave

    We have loved spacious skies. The campsites are well spaced and there are activities planned for the kids. The hiking trails were surprisingly nice and for a small campground. Everyone is friendly and family-oriented.

  • Tyler I.
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Orchard Lake Campground

    Always Welcoming

    Owners are great and very helpful, sites are always clean and welcoming!

  • Megan W.
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5

    Great place

    We enjoyed the night/day with our kids! Sites are kind of small but absolutely beautiful surroundings. Zero signal, but can drive to the top of the road and you should get a bar to make a call.

  • C
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Steele Creek Park & Campground

    Extra fees

    Sooo...went to book online. Selected my site and started the payment process. I was greeted by a pop-up stating that if I want to lock in my site, I'd have to pay an additional $20 fee.

    Okay, let me get this straight: I reserve a specific site for specific reasons, then the campground tells me they have the right to move me to a site of their choosing unless I pay them an additional $20?

    No thanks. Just lost my business. I'm sure it's a nice place, but really?

  • 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.


Guide to Mill Spring

Camping spots near Mill Spring, North Carolina position visitors between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Piedmont region at elevations ranging from 800 to 1,500 feet. The area's rolling terrain creates diverse microclimates, with valley campgrounds often 5-10 degrees warmer than higher-elevation sites. Most camping locations experience moderate humidity from April through October, with overnight temperatures dropping into the 50s even during summer months.

What to do

Tubing adventures: 2-3 hour floats available at Silver Creek Campground where they offer tubing on the Green River. As one visitor noted, "This camp ground offers tubing on the green river and a couple places to camp. One has a pool and is in the hills and the other is primitive and has a bar and food."

Visit waterfalls within 20-minute drives: Multiple campgrounds serve as bases for waterfall exploration. At Davidson River Campground, "There are miles and miles of hiking/running and mountain biking trails in the surrounding area, as well as numerous waterfalls."

Playground facilities for children: For families needing on-site recreation, River Creek Campground offers "two playgrounds, net, and sand box. They allowed my children to ride their small gator around all weekend."

Creek exploration for children: The shallow waters around campsites provide natural play areas. At Creekside Mountain Camping, one camper shared, "My son spent hours hopping along the rocks in the creek."

What campers like

Sound of running water: Many riverside sites offer natural white noise. At Hickory Nut Falls Family Campground, "We were right on the river so the sound was serene and sight was beautiful." Another camper mentioned, "Had the white noise from the creek to keep us dead asleep at night."

Multiple dog parks at pet-centric campgrounds: Four Paws Kingdom Campground & Dog Retreat offers "18 acres of wonder open areas fenced in to keep you furry friends from running away, there is agility park, puppy park, the main dog park, a private park (single or you can invite), a Lure run, a Ball Park, and a Pond for those watery dogs."

Fenced camping yards for pets: Several campgrounds offer secure options for pet owners. At Four Paws Kingdom, "There are options as to how you want to camp. This year I had one site with a fence all the way around and most recently my site had a small fenced in yard for the dogs to use."

Diverse camping accommodations: Beyond traditional tent and RV sites, various alternative options exist. At Emberglow Outdoor Resort, "There are options for folks who don't have an RV: yurts, tiny houses, vintage trailers, and small cabins."

What you should know

Late season closures and openings: Several campgrounds operate seasonally. Davidson River Campground operates from "Mar 15 - Nov 1" while Orchard Lake Campground runs from "April 1 to November 1."

Wi-Fi coverage varies significantly: Internet connectivity shouldn't be assumed. At Emberglow Outdoor Resort, "The wifi is off the charts for a campground. Total coverage everywhere you go. I was getting 30/30 speeds at my site." However, at other campgrounds like Creekside Mountain Camping, "There's no cell signal (T-Mobile) and even though the camp supposedly has WiFi, they've not set it up to cover the campground. It really just covers the camp store area."

Tight spacing at some riverside campgrounds: Waterfront sites often sacrifice privacy for views. At Hickory Nut Falls Family Campground, "Sites were very tight and on top of each other" though they compensate with "electric at all of them, nice that they were on the river."

Narrow access bridges: Some campgrounds have challenging entry points. At Hitching Post Campground, "The bridge across the river for entering the campground is very narrow and you can get onto it only by coming from the opposite lane."

Tips for camping with families

Water recreation options for children: Several campgrounds offer water features specifically designed for kids. At Orchard Lake Campground, "Pond has kayaks and canoes to use" and "There is a slide in the middle of the pond that my son loved."

Entertainment during rainy days: Some campgrounds offer indoor activities. One camper at Orchard Lake Campground noted, "When it rained the game room had a movie on and lots to do inside."

Multiple accommodation options for group trips: Several campgrounds can accommodate extended family gatherings with various sleeping arrangements. At Emberglow Outdoor Resort, a visitor recommended it would "be a wonderful place to plan a group trip due to the variety of accommodations (RV sites, treehouses, remodeled campers, pods, tent sites, etc.)."

Religious programming available: Some campgrounds offer faith-based activities. At Orchard Lake Campground, "They have a bible lesson and activity for the children including hay ride on Saturday morning. They do a church service on sundays."

Tips from RVers

Level sites and pad composition: Many campsites require additional equipment for comfortable setup. At Emberglow Outdoor Resort, "All camping sites are gravel so make sure you have some leveling blocks."

Electrical hookup compatibility issues: Some campgrounds have updated their electrical systems. At River Creek Campground, "It's all 50 amp now!! You will need a converter for 30 amp if you don't have one."

Size limitations at some campgrounds: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. At Hickory Nut Falls Family Campground, a camper warned that "Everything is extremely tight and I don't recommend it for any pull behind trailer longer than 21 ft."

Access challenges for bigger rigs: Some campgrounds have difficult approach routes. At Creekside Mountain Camping, "Access in and out of campsites is very difficult due to big rocks everywhere" while Hitching Post Campground notes, "BE ALERT TO TURN WIDE WHEN TURNING INTO THIS CAMPGROUND. VERY NARROW BRIDGE FROM THE MAIN ROAD MAKING IT ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY TO TURN INTO THE OTHER LANE FOR LONGER RIGS."

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available near Mill Spring, NC?

The Mill Spring area offers several camping options to suit different preferences. Emberglow Outdoor Resort provides drive-in access with reservable sites, water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. Hitching Post Campground is another nearby option with similar amenities. For those seeking a unique farm experience, Green Willow Farm Camping welcomes visitors to this beautiful region of North Carolina. Silver Creek Campground offers more basic facilities with drive-in access, water, and toilets. Nearby towns like Rutherfordton, Lake Lure, and Chimney Rock provide additional camping options within a short drive.

What are the amenities at Mill Spring, NC camping areas?

Camping areas near Mill Spring offer a range of amenities to enhance your stay. Davidson River Campground features spacious, level sites that are clean and well-maintained, with convenient bathroom access. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina provides clean showers and bathrooms, spacious and well-spaced sites for privacy, and helpful staff. Many campgrounds in the region offer water access, toilet facilities, and reservable sites. Some areas like Orchard Lake Campground are big-rig friendly, while others provide more rustic experiences with fewer amenities but greater seclusion.

What outdoor activities can I enjoy while camping near Mill Spring, NC?

The Mill Spring area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with diverse activities. Gorges State Park Campground offers access to spectacular waterfalls including Rainbow Falls and Turtle Back Falls. Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping provides excellent hiking opportunities with breathtaking mountain views. The region is ideal for river activities with multiple waterways nearby. Mountain biking trails abound, particularly near Brevard. The Blue Ridge Parkway, accessible from nearby campgrounds, offers scenic drives with numerous hiking trailheads. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, bird watching, stargazing due to minimal light pollution, and exploring the numerous national forests and parks within a short drive.