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 (315)

    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. 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"

    4. Orchard Lake Campground

    12 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."

    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

1517 Reviews of 315 Mill Spring 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.

  • 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!

  • K
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Starlight Hills Campground

    Mudpit

    If it’s going to rain while you’re here, I suggest finding another campground. I don’t mind dealing dirt while I camp but at this point, it’s a mud pit and all of my gear is covered in mud. My gear cleanup is going to take 10x longer than it usually does! And be sure to treat your tent with permethrin or be prepared to have daddy long legs take over. I’ve been camping all my life and I’ve dealt with a few of them in between the roof of my tent and the rain fly….no big deal. But on my first night, there was at least 50 in there! I couldn’t leave my tent without having them crawl all over me and trying to get into the tent. It was like fighting a losing battle because there were so many and they just swarm you. Couldn’t even sit my feet still by the fire without having them crawl over my feet or up my chair. I know we’re just in the woods but it’s definitely not worth the money per night. All of the other campgrounds that I’ve payed this much for are on pea gravel with nice drainage or on grass….with nice amenities…or at least actual bathrooms, not porta potties. The camp host never came by my site like the messages that I received stated. Granted, he said to call if I needed anything and that they’re on property, but I never met anyone and when I would call, I got “hello” that’s it. Not “hello, this is ___” or “starlight hills campground, how can I help you”. Very impersonal. Will not be back.

  • 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!

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Gorges State Park Campground

    CAUTION: steep grades and curvy road

    This campground would’ve gotten five stars except for the road getting there was pretty exciting. The last 10 miles out of Brevard were curvy and had some grades. And the last 2 miles into the campground had I would guess a couple of 10% grades both up and down. Other than that, this campground was super nice. Has the nicest showers I have ever seen in a campground. All the sites for RVs are on concrete pads with electric, water, and sewer. This was a great staging point for our trip up to the great Smoky Mountains. The visitor center was very informative.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Old NC 105 Dispersed

    Amazing views and Free camping

    This place is amazing, Free and clean campsites.

  • Robert N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Campfire Lodgings

    Tent camping

    Tent camping sites are walk in, down hill, obviously thar means hauling your stuff out uphill when you leave. RVers have a great view from the ridge top. But a difficult day camping is far better than any day at work.

  • Alden B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Ash Grove Mountain Cabins & Camping

    Very Nice camping near Dupont National Forest

    If you want close access to Dupont and Pisga NF you're within minutes! The owners Mark & Esther are wonderful. We call him SouthSide Mark ( hails from South Africa). Some sites are a little tight, but fine. If you have a big rig call ahead. The cabin was wonderful. The bathhouse is older but very clean. You can tell the owners love their campers and property. The site is tree covered and hilly. We will come again, guaranteed! Watch your step. Wood Spirits are Everywhere!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC

    Good spot!

    Spent two nights here at a site right next to the creek, which was awesome listening to the running water as you fall asleep. Easy to get to, just a forest service road. A 4x4 makes it easy but there were minivans and junkyard beaters driving by. There are multiple sites along the service road and not too close to each other.


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.