443 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options near Montreat, North Carolina range from rustic tent sites to full-service campgrounds within the surrounding mountain landscape. The Montreat Family Campground offers private, wooded sites alongside Flat Creek with both tent and limited RV accommodations. Nearby Catawba Falls Campground provides creekside camping with cabin rentals, while Pisgah National Forest offers dispersed camping opportunities for those seeking a more primitive experience. Black Mountain and Swannanoa host established campgrounds like Mama Gertie's Hideaway and Asheville East KOA with full hookup sites for RVs and cabin rentals, all within a 15-20 minute drive from Montreat.
Seasonal conditions significantly impact camping availability in the region, with most developed campgrounds operating from spring through fall. Montreat Family Campground typically opens May through October, while some higher elevation sites like Mount Mitchell State Park Campground operate May through December. Access roads to more remote camping areas can be narrow and challenging for larger vehicles. Several sites near creeks and water features may experience limited availability during peak summer months when demand is highest. Cell service varies throughout the mountain terrain, with coverage generally better at developed campgrounds than dispersed sites. As one camper noted, "The site is gravel and very level. It's a huge site, but because the entry is a narrow, twisty mountain road, I wouldn't recommend a larger rig. 20 ft and less should be good."
Creekside camping represents a highly sought-after feature among visitors to the Montreat area. Campers consistently mention the peaceful sound of rushing water as enhancing their experience, with sites along Flat Creek at Montreat Family Campground receiving particularly positive feedback. Privacy between sites varies considerably across campgrounds, with Montreat offering more secluded options compared to more densely arranged facilities. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to bathhouses with showers. According to visitor reviews, the higher elevation campgrounds offer cooler temperatures even during summer months, making them popular retreats from heat. Some campers have noted that certain sites require short walks from parking areas, which may be challenging when transporting extensive gear but adds to the feeling of seclusion and privacy once established at the site.
"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."
from $50 / night
Check Availability"For tent campers, your sites are in a separate area next to the cabins."
"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."
from $75 - $200 / night
Check Availability"I would not recommend this for someone unfamiliar with driving a rig but once we got there it was amazing."
"Was able to get two sites right next to each other outside the main campsite area which was great."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability"They'll deliver firewood ($5) to your site by golf cart, they even will collect your site fees as they drive around."
"This is a wonderful spot to be to explore the surrounding areas:
- The famous Mount Mitchell trail, starts a short walking distance from the campground."
from $28 - $56 / night
Check Availability"The campground is open from May 1 to Oct 31...but if you walk-in to the sites, as in via the trails, you can rent a site amost all year. Tent sites are small, but nice."
"There are plenty of tent camping sites along the Mountain to Sea trail and throughout the park. I camped by Commissary Ridge next to a small Creek and an excellent view of sunrise."
from $27 / night
Check Availability"We abandoned plans to stay at place in Old Fort (see listing for Catawba Falls) and ended up here as a last chance before having to hit a hotel to turn back around to CLT. "
"This is a campground that is part of the retreat and conference facilities adjacent to Montreat College."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $37 - $135 / night
Check Availability"I am from the area, but I love to go up the hill and get away from everything. If you get there early in the week, you should have the place to yourself."
"Trails out the wazoo! Our doggies love the trails & there are quite a few family friendly paths."
"While it is close to a highway it is far enough away not to hear it but convenient to many places to visit including Asheville, The Blue Ridge Parkway and many national Forests and Parks."
"Old Fort, NC and Falls nearby. Nice bathhouse, pump-out nearby. Diverse tent camping also available. Don’t let full time rv’s scare you. New RV site down from the entrance."
"We stayed for two nights, a little away from the main camp area but was kinda glad for it. Had a great spot tucked into the woods near the water. Great path to skip rocks and just enjoy."
"It is tucked in next to the South Toe River with an excellent swimming hole, rapids for tubing, great trout fishing, and a good launching off point for hikes into the Black Mountains and Mt Mitchell."
from $28 - $70 / night
Check Availability
GuideGreat spot! I didn’t stay at the pull off but further down the road there’s actual campgrounds with tent platforms and fire rings for dispersed camping. I found the last empty one. It was quiet but there was a bit of cycling traffic up and down the road. They had signs posted about bear activity and I even saw a bear come out 10 feet from my car! Didn’t bother me after walking back down the road. Nice quiet site :)
TravelerWe spent a Friday and Saturday night at site 23, which is a great spot. This is a spot for a smaller camper and has water and power only. The plug for power is a little further away than usual, so if you are plugging in to power you may need an extended cord. It’s a short walk to the bath house, which was well maintained. The dog walking area was spacious and also very clean. They also have a washer and dryer on site for laundry.
Scoutgot lucky and found a great spot right across the road from beautiful viewpoint. road was busier during the day but calmed down at night. enjoyed our visit
ScoutFull hookups. Campground has several sites with million dollar views and a viewing point for the non view campsites to use. We would recommend it for Asheville area rv camping.
ScoutGreat spots out by a creek but be prepared to lose cell service driving through the park
ScoutI’m thrilled to give this campground my highest recommendation! The owners and staff couldn’t have been more accommodating, helpful and kind! We called that morning because the campground we were booked at turned out to be awful. They fit us in and then we ended up extending our stay. We had to keep moving sites because they had other campers coming in, but it was worth it! Our favorite sites was 54 and 27. Some sites are close, but all are on the creek so you don’t notice it at all! Nothing better than waking up to the sound of water! The campground location is perfect, 20-30 minutes from things to do like hiking and wineries.
GuideTypical National Park Campground.Sites are small but spread apart.Not many that we could fit 28 foot Airstream .Clean restrooms and free showers. The rangers are very friendly. Very professional and helpful. The restaurant is great but you need to make a reservation.
GuideA very nice and clean campsite. The toilets are clean, and they have a dish washing station. No showers or hot water. If using the toilet after dark, take a flash light, there's no electricity here.
The best part is because of the high elevation, it's about 20 degrees cooler up here than the surrounding areas. Also, it's very quiet too.
However, because of the small winding roads, you won't get a RV or Travel Trailer up here over 20 ft in length. Mainly tent and teardrop campers. Only one 18ft long travel trailer here during my visit.
ScoutWe absolutely loved our experience at Black Forest. The owners genuinely care about your stay. They were only about half full when we went so they suggested a couple different sites for us to be spaced out from other people for privacy. When we arrived at our site we called the desk and asked if we could actually move to the one right next to it and they said sure no problem. Even if you were right next to others there are trees for at least a visual barrier at most sites. And you are fully in the woods so it isn’t that RV park feel. The bathhouses are clean and well maintained. The store at the check-in has everything you may have forgotten and the prices are actually reasonable. This place is very close to the restaurants on cedar mountain, less than 10 minute drive to everything. This was our first trip with our new 29ft camper trailer and I was nervous about backing into the site, but the way they have them set up you have plenty of room so it’s easy. The internet was a little spotty so we weren’t able to work remotely as planned but for us it wasn’t a big deal and we had enough cell service to send texts here and there. I read that the pool is heated but it was pretty cold!! But the weather was very hot when we were here so we didn’t mind that at all, we loved the pool.
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains at 2,500 feet elevation, Montreat experiences moderate summers and cool nights even in July and August, with temperatures typically 5-10 degrees cooler than nearby Asheville. Winter camping near Montreat offers solitude but requires preparation for overnight lows that can drop below freezing from December through February, with occasional snow accumulation on campground access roads.
Hiking to waterfalls: The area surrounding Montreat features multiple waterfall hikes accessible from campsites. From Curtis Creek Campground, campers can reach several cascades. "There is a nice trail to SetRock Falls, right on the campground property...and several other foot trails to keep you busy and hiking," notes one visitor.
Mountain summit adventures: For those seeking elevation, camping near Mount Mitchell provides access to the highest peak east of the Mississippi. A camper at Mount Mitchell State Park Campground shared: "This is the highest elevation east of the Mississippi. Very great views with lots to do. Hiking, camping and more. Great place to watch the sunset and sunrise."
Fishing opportunities: Creeks throughout the area offer trout fishing opportunities. At Curtis Creek, visitors report "dozens of deep pools to cast into up and down the river" and recommend bringing a fly rod for the best experience.
Creek sounds for sleeping: The sound of moving water ranks high among campers' favorite features. At Montreat Family Campground, "The campsite was nestled within the forest and was right next to the cool water of Flat Creek. The campsite was spacious and there were plenty of trees available for hammocks," according to one visitor.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain exceptionally clean bathrooms, which campers consistently appreciate. A reviewer at Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground commented: "Mama Gertie's is the most well kept campground I've ever been in. The bathhouses look like something inside of an upscale hotel room."
Cooler temperatures: The elevation provides natural air conditioning during summer months. As one camper at Mount Mitchell State Park Campground noted: "We left home and the temperate was well into the high 90's, however the temperate on top of the mountain never came above 62!"
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the area, often depending on carrier. At Curtis Creek, "There is no cell signal for 15 or so minutes, either direction, so know your routes before leaving Old Fort." Verizon typically provides better coverage than other carriers.
Narrow access roads: Many campgrounds require navigating steep, winding roads. A review from Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground mentions: "The roads are uphill and a little narrow, but nothing too difficult if you go slow."
Booking window awareness: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season. Black Mountain Campground often fills completely, with one visitor noting: "During season, the summer month weekends and holidays...book your reservations online, because they don't do it by phone when calling the campground."
Weather variability: Mountain weather can change rapidly. A Mount Mitchell camper shared: "Check weather reports. These mountains make their own weather."
Playground access: Several campsites offer playground facilities for children. At Spacious Skies Bear Den, families appreciate that it "has a small lake on property to fish or swim... Playground on site for the kids."
Water play opportunities: Creeks and swimming holes provide natural entertainment for children. One parent shared about Black Mountain Campground: "There is a swimming hole on the South Toe River in the campground just beyond the end of the riverside sites. It has a small sandy 'beach' area and a neck deep refreshing hole."
Wildlife education opportunities: Several campgrounds post information about local wildlife. A visitor to Curtis Creek campground reminded: "Remember this is bear country. Follow all the bear rules and be cautious."
Site size considerations: Many campgrounds have limitations on RV length. At Montreat Family Campground, an RV camper advised: "The site is gravel and very level. It's a huge site, but because the entry is a narrow, twisty mountain road, I wouldn't recommend a larger rig. 20 ft and less should be good."
Leveling requirements: Mountain terrain means varying degrees of campsite leveling. At Asheville East KOA, a reviewer noted: "Our site was level so easy to pull up and set up smoothly."
Premium view sites: Some RV parks offer premium sites with exceptional views for a higher fee. At Mama Gertie's Hideaway, "There are a number of pull through sites that also get their own porch and porch swing right on the edge of the mountain" that many RVers recommend booking in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Montreat, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, Montreat, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 443 campgrounds and RV parks near Montreat, NC and 40 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Montreat, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Montreat, NC is Asheville East KOA with a 4-star rating from 52 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Montreat, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 40 free dispersed camping spots near Montreat, NC.
What parks are near Montreat, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 parks near Montreat, NC that allow camping, notably Pisgah National Forest and National Forests in North Carolina.
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