13 campgrounds with availability this weekend
North Mills River Campground and The Bike Farm provide distinctive glamping options in the Pisgah National Forest area, combining natural surroundings with elevated comfort. These sites feature accommodations beyond traditional camping, with platforms for glamping tents that include comfortable bedding, electricity, and climate control options. The proximity to Mills River creates a scenic backdrop, with some sites offering riverside locations. "Beautiful and quiet," shared one guest about the creekfront setting at North Mills River. The surrounding forest provides natural privacy between glamping sites, while still maintaining access to essential amenities like showers, clean bathrooms, and designated cooking areas.
Visitors at these glamping destinations can access numerous outdoor activities directly from their luxury accommodations. Hiking trails, mountain biking paths, and fishing spots in the pristine North Mills River are all within walking distance. The Bike Farm specifically caters to mountain biking enthusiasts with guided tours and rental options. A visitor noted, "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." Both locations offer convenient access to Asheville (about 20 minutes away) and the Sierra Nevada Brewery (15 minutes), creating opportunities for day trips. Seasonal programming includes ranger talks at North Mills River, with past topics covering local wildlife such as turtles and raptors, adding educational elements to the luxury camping experience.
"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"
"Also really needed the quick swil in the lake in the evening."
from $37 - $135 / 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."
"Just a stone’s throw from the bustle of Asheville, yet secluded enough to forget it all, this little gem is conveniently located at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest."
Available this weekend
from $31 - $62 / night
"Loved pet run area. Nature walk is good for stretching legs. My site B19 was close to neighbors but felt private between campers. Quiet hours respected. Very friendly staff."
"Friendly staff, they grind their own coffee, pretty grounds, very clean bathrooms and private showers. They had lots of activities scheduled for the kids."
"On-site ****LOCATION
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."
from $32 - $71 / night
"Very clean bathrooms and excellent hiking available. The store at the inn provided basics but not too far into Brevard or Asheville to stock up."
"Beautiful and fun drive up to Mt. Pisgah Campgrounds. The website showed they were full but they have walk in’s available and are cheaper than reserved sites. I camped two nights and hiked Mt."
from $20 / night
"Great for families, as there are drive up camp sites with fire pits and plenty of space, and spread out so it still feels like you have privacy. Lots of great hikes."
"The site was shaded and wasn’t too close to my camping neighbors, but the biggest problem was dealing with the ants—big black ants, small black ants, and other tiny ants."
Available this weekend
"If what you are looking for is a great place to get out in nature and get away from the crowds you’re in the right spot."
"Wood is available on-site $5 for 10 pieces or you can pack your wood in. I will definitely be back."
from $24 - $110 / night
"Me and my party of 6 stumbled upon this Gem after we had made reservations at another site that was extremely sketchy on Labor Day weekend so we called around and heard BRMC had some space."
"We arrived on a Friday and they had pizzas, soft drinks, coffee and some other foods available for purchase (I think most items were $1-$2) Breakfast was also available the next morning, everything from"
from $15 - $50 / night
"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."
"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."
"The staff keep the location very tidy. My campsite was sufficiently distant from the more active RV area to feel removed. Situated in the woods on top of a mountain."
"They’re only a few seconds walk to the community overlook area, which is equipped with seating. The yurts are down a hill and in the woods, so excellent for privacy."
GuideThis location can’t be beat. Nestled between Asheville and Brevard, close to Pisgah NF and Sierra Nevada brewing! We loved the access to fishing here, even though we didn’t catch anything. The streams were pristine, the campground very well kept and the hosts were kind. And our dog obviously loved it!
ScoutWe stayed for a week in late October. Quiet and secluded but right outside of Franklin. Very. Nicely decorated. Has small campstore, very nice laundryroom, and a guest event center. Rick, the campsite host, helped me get backed in and asked if I needed any more help. Some pull-throughs. Some sites are a little tight but others really nice. We will definitely come back.
TravelerMy son, daughter-in-law, and twin grandchildren, and I camped here to watch the full solar eclipse in 2017. We had a beautiful tent site. There was a little playground that the kids really enjoyed and abundant shade at the camping site. Bathrooms were clean, wood for campfires was available, and we had a wonderful time.
TravelerThis place is a nice campground, quiet and the guests (during our stay) respect others by keeping the noise down. The spaces are set up to maximize privacy between sites. There is no cell phone service (to do this report we are in a picnic area by a small lake and I can get cell as well as internet on my travelfi device) sos is the only access. I normally listen to audio books but not while here. On my computer I could see three others with low signals; they might have had a better device/provider. The spots tend to the small back in typically found in campsites built before RVs got really big, type. There is another camping area I haven’t been to yet and I did see a large over lander (looks indestructible and tall/long) towable head that way and the campground attendant didn’t predict any problems so perhaps there are larger spots elsewhere. This place has single person shower rooms and nice flush toilets. The whole place is set in woodland so it isn’t like a commercial RV place that was more concerned with volume over aesthetics. This is a lovely spot with ample amenities (my space had no hookups) for our type of camping (toilets, trash, quiet neighbors, semi private spaces) just zero phone or internet.
GuideSeems to be a well established campground in an off the beaten path location. Roads alternately paved and gravel. The campsite is gravel in a wooded setting. Fair amount of space between sites. The bathhouse is clean but dated.
TravelerStayed 1 week in site 12. Great small campground, clean and quiet. Jojo was a great host and 5pm happy hour gathering was fun. Will DEFINITELY return. Its a great spot for launching adventures.
TravelerThe view is worth it and is as advertised! We were in the first spot as you enter the park. We were concerned with noise, but it was not even an issue.
Our spot was right on the ridge and was stunning. I don’t think I closed the blinds on that side of the trailer.
Loss of star because of the road in/out. It’s one lane gravel and windy. It’s ok as long as you don’t meet anyone on the road. Dryer took 2 cycles to dry 2 towels and a few tshirts.
ScoutBathrooms are small and few. Interstate is close. Setting is beautiful and KOA is clean with friendly staff. Will stay again.
GuideThis is our first time coming here. We booked online, which was simple The campground is very well kept. The sites aren’t any closer together than your average campground. It seems to me that the owners are conscientious about keeping everyone spaced out so you don’t have anyone right on top of you. (The campground was not full during our visit) The only con to this place is you don’t get to pick your site. It’s assigned to you. I will said that I asked specifically for a shady spot & they obliged me. (Very nice owners) Not all of the sites are level but hey, that’s was risers are for 🤷🏻♀️ We didn’t have any issues after a couple of well placed risers. Even though the highway is close you don’t notice the traffic noise. It’s very quiet at night. When you arrive & get checked in, someone escorts you to your site & helps get you backed in. They will pick up, fill & return your propane tanks. You just have to leave your tank @ the edge of your camp site. If you leave your trash at the edge of your site they pick it up for you. They will also deliver firewood as well as a fire pit if you don’t have one.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Mills River, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Mills River, NC is Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina with a 4.7-star rating from 68 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Mills River, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 93 glamping camping locations near Mills River, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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