Best Campgrounds near Mills River, NC

Mills River in North Carolina draws campers with its natural beauty and good access to outdoor activities. Davidson River Campground sits in Pisgah National Forest, giving you a jumping-off point to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachian Trail. The campground has nice facilities including flush toilets and hot showers, which works well for family trips. Mountain Laurel Campground near Table Rock gives you a more basic camping experience close to hiking trails and fishing spots. You'll find shaded, private sites here where you can get away from everyday noise. Greenbrier Campground puts you right by the Great Smoky Mountains in a quiet setting with large campsites and easy access to local attractions. Cosby Campground sits near a Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance, making it simple to check out the park's plants and wildlife. Spring and fall are the best times to visit Mills River when temperatures are mild and the trees show their colors. Summers can get hot, though higher elevations stay cooler. Winter camping works too, but expect some facilities to close when it snows. Whatever time you visit, be ready for changing weather by packing smart. Mills River has enough different campgrounds to match what most campers are looking for.

Best Camping Sites Near Mills River, North Carolina (457)

    1. Davidson River Campground

    83 Reviews
    Pisgah Forest, NC
    10 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. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina

    61 Reviews
    Enka, NC
    7 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"

    3. Mount Pisgah Campground

    40 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    9 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."

    4. North Mills River

    26 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 552-8040

    $31 - $62 / night

    "This is a great campground next to the beautiful North Mills River. Hosts were very accommodating and delivered ice and firewood for a cheap price upon request."

    "Mills River was a clean, spacious and quiet. We enjoyed the extra room between camp sites and the added privacy from trees. Nice running river near-by that my husband used to fly fish in."

    5. Rutledge Lake RV Resort

    18 Reviews
    Fletcher, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 654-7873

    "Easy off the highway but far enough to be quiet. Lots of dining options close by"

    "Great place to stay if you like mountain biking with DuPont and pisgah national forest being close by."

    6. Asheville East KOA

    52 Reviews
    Swannanoa, NC
    20 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."

    7. Asheville West KOA

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

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

    "It was an ideal location since it was between downtown Asheville and Waynesville which is where we split our time. The staff was friendly."

    8. Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground

    28 Reviews
    Swannanoa, NC
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 686-4258

    $75 - $200 / night

    "It was level had tons of shade and even though you are close to your neighbors the sites are situated so that it doesn’t feel like you’re on top of each other."

    "The only thing we would say is to be very careful if you’re up on one of the premiere Mountain View sites when you’re pulling your trailer down exiting the CG - it can be seriously steep and a tight turn"

    9. Pisgah National Forest Davidson River Campground

    10 Reviews
    Pisgah Forest, NC
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 577-4558

    $32 - $71 / night

    "**

    The location is incredible!"

    "A little close to neighbors but not too bad. Some sites in Riverbend offer more privacy. Can’t beat location, mountain bike trails easily rideable from campground."

    10. Wilson's Riverfront RV Park

    15 Reviews
    Asheville, NC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 254-4676

    "Close to town to go check things out. Not a far drive to get to many great restaurants, breweries or cideries. Right on the river. Concrete sites, not extremely level, but good enough."

    "The good- The proximity to downtown is the best you can get in a campground. If you choose a Riverfront site, you are literally 5 steps from the back of your RV from the French Broad River."

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Showing results 1-10 of 457 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mills River, NC

2109 Reviews of 457 Mills River Campgrounds



Guide to Mills River

Camping near Mills River, North Carolina, offers a fantastic mix of outdoor fun and beautiful scenery. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails in the area. Many campers rave about the hiking opportunities, like those at Davidson River Campground, where one reviewer said, "We hiked the North Slope nearly 4 miles and wore out the dogs perfectly!"
  • Fishing: Enjoy some fishing in nearby rivers and lakes. Campers at Lake Powhatan appreciate the access to fishing spots, with one visitor noting, "The lake was close enough for my kids to bike."
  • Swimming: Cool off in the water. At Greenbrier Campground, guests enjoy swimming and tubing, with one family mentioning, "The river ran close enough to our site that we didn't feel like we needed a premium spot."

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers often highlight the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Black Rock Mountain State Park said, "The campground was clean and well maintained."
  • Friendly staff: Many reviews mention the helpfulness of the campground staff. One camper at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA shared, "The staff was awesome and it's a great facility."
  • Spacious sites: Campers appreciate having enough room to spread out. A review for Bear Den Family Campground noted, "Everything about our stay has been amazing. The staff are super friendly and helpful."

What you should know

  • Limited privacy: Many campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Elkmont Campground mentioned, "All of the campsites are extremely close together, and there is no brush to divide them."
  • Bear encounters: Be aware of wildlife, especially bears. One visitor at Cosby Campground shared a story about a bear that "would not leave" their campsite during dinner.
  • No showers at some sites: Some campgrounds, like Cosby Campground, do not have shower facilities. A reviewer noted, "The bathrooms are somewhat clean and the plots are a little close together."

Tips for camping with families

  • Activities for kids: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly activities. At Asheville East KOA, one parent said, "There is a pool, playground, gaga ball pit, and fishing."
  • Plan for bathroom access: Some campgrounds have limited bathroom facilities. A family at Bear Den Family Campground mentioned, "The bathroom in our loop D was full always, which is hard when camping."
  • Bring your own firewood: Many campgrounds do not provide firewood. A camper at Table Rock State Park advised, "Make sure to bring your own firewood."

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: RVers should verify site dimensions before booking. A visitor at Asheville East KOA noted, "Section A was extremely tight for navigating, parking, and camping."
  • Be prepared for noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads or train tracks. A reviewer at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA mentioned, "Trains come through near the park at all hours of the day and night."
  • Use online maps: Download offline maps before your trip, especially if cell service is spotty. A camper at Lake Powhatan suggested, "There was very little cell service (Verizon)."

Camping near Mills River, North Carolina, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Mills River, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Mills River, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 457 campgrounds and RV parks near Mills River, NC and 34 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Mills River, NC?

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

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mills River, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 34 free dispersed camping spots near Mills River, NC.

What parks are near Mills River, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 parks near Mills River, NC that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.