Camping near Mills River, North Carolina offers access to the Blue Ridge Mountains at elevations between 2,000 and 4,000 feet. The area receives about 67 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forest conditions and numerous waterways. Seasonal temperature variations make spring and fall particularly popular for campers, with daytime temperatures ranging from 65-80°F during these periods.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: North Mills River Campground provides excellent access to trout fishing. "We live not too far from this campground, so it's more like our backyard outdoor playground. As you wind back to reach the campground, there is a section to the right of the road for hook-ups. Across the bridge there are more spots for tents and campers," notes Shannon K. The area is known for quality fly fishing, with local Trout Unlimited groups maintaining the river access points.
Mountain biking trails: Davidson River Campground serves as an excellent base for mountain biking enthusiasts. "Great campground just inside Pisgah National Forest. Camped in the Riverbend section. Site was decent size with large tent pad, table and parking for two cars. A little close to neighbors but not too bad. Can't beat location, mountain bike trails easily rideable from campground," shares Robbie B. The Art Loeb trailhead is accessible directly from the campground.
Waterfall exploration: With dozens of waterfalls within a 30-minute drive, this area offers waterfall enthusiasts plenty to explore. "Hiking is abundant and all levels are accessible within minutes to a few miles of the campsite. Our favorites are: Looking Glass Falls (steps going down make this a breeze), Moore Cove Falls is a MUST and an easy trail that leads to the perfect waterfall for a good photo," recommends Angela at Davidson River Campground.
What campers like
River proximity: Campers consistently mention the rivers as a highlight. At North Mills River, Julie T. shares, "The stream ran right by the campsite so listening to the stream as we went to bed was wonderful. Bathroom was clean. Site was clean. Only one side of campground is open in winter." Many sites offer direct water access for wading, swimming, or simply enjoying the sounds.
Privacy between sites: Lake Powhatan receives praise for site spacing. Heather C. notes, "We stayed for six days in March. We loved everything about this campground. The sites are spacious and well spaced, offering more privacy than many locations." Campground design often utilizes natural features to create separation between camping areas.
Unique glamping options: Beyond traditional camping near Mills River, North Carolina, glamping options provide elevated comfort. At Ash Grove, Heather W. comments, "We have stayed here a total of 3 times, twice with our tent and once with our squaredrop. The Bluet site is our favorite, it's close to the bathroom but also feels very private." Their sites feature prepared tent pads with mulch for comfort.
What you should know
Limited cell coverage: Connectivity varies widely across campgrounds. "Even though it's only 10 minutes or so away from the edge of Asheville, it has the feel of being much further away - including no Verizon service," reports Neil T. about Lake Powhatan. Most campgrounds have limited or no cell service, though some offer Wi-Fi near office areas.
