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.
$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."
$75 - $200 / night
"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."
$10 - $20 / night
"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."
$28 - $56 / night
"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."
$27 / night
"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."
$25 / night
"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."
$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"
"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."
$48 - $65 / night
"There is alot to see somewhat close by too. We did Chimney Rock & Linville Falls, both absolutely beautiful!"
"Located near many great hikes and river access. My Mitchell is about 60 minutes away on a beautiful drive. If you like peaceful and quiet campgrounds this is the place for you!"
ScoutReally nice spot. We got lucky to be placed by the small river. Traffic is really loud, especially the emergency vehicles. but really felt like secluded. Really nice cabins and tent spots.
ScoutWe stayed on Thursday and Friday night. There is noticeably more traffic on Friday night, but nothing that ran late. We had to pick up trash on our arrival from previous campers so a good reminder to bring gloves a shovel and dig a hole for your poop or pack your poop out! It was a private site with the shade and some sunshine. There are a lot of sites with shade, some small some large. There are some sunny sites. A lot of the sites are very close to the road. Some of them are back further into the woods for more privacy.
We drove a Traverse which doesn’t have super high clearance and it was a steep grade gravel road. There are sites that will require a high clearance vehicle but also plenty of level spots to get in. No disturbances; no animal sightings. No safety concerns. Near trailheads for convenient hiking.
GuideThe river nearby this campsite was absolutely unreal! Definitely made staying here worthwhile. Upon arrival, our site (02) has a tag with my name and our reserved days we are staying, and there was no need for us to check in. We reserved our site via recreation.gov, where it was $33, which is different than previous reviews but still very much worth it nonetheless. The campsites are snuggled in, but only in one line (only neighbors to your sides, not in front and behind you). Many small RVs and some tent campers too. Seemed to be a place well loved by families with its large picnic tables and shaded grassy areas. There were some educational signs around the area, including one about how the area can be prone to flash floods.
The river by the campground can be heard, but not seen from camp, but is a short walk down to the swimming area. The river was stunning and many folks were there enjoying it for the day & weekend. You can hear the river all night, with only accompanying vehicle noise from the main road next to the campground.
We were surprised to find the restroom facilities were not operational, and fallen into kinda rough shape but there was a portalet (portable toilet) available for the public visiting the swimming area and the campers staying overnight. Not the end of the world but something to keep in mind. Also, we had no signal in this area (which was a plus for us haha!), but there seemed to be a satellite nearby if needed. Overall, this little remote roadside & riverside site was well worth the adventure.
GuideFrom the lake, to the kind folks who ran the campground, Lake Powhatan was a delight. Closer to the city than we usually go for (~20 min from Asheville, NC), but still felt like true wilderness. All the campsites come equipped with a bear box for campers to use free of cost and the sites ask that you back in vehicles & rigs. We are in a small truck cap camper, so we had lots of room at this site. You can still see your neighbors, but are not on top of one another which is nice. There are also clean & convenient showers and restrooms at the sites (with hot water! Made us feel fancy! Haha). Speaking of convenient, they also have ice and firewood for sale on site when you arrive in case you forgot or needed something. Ice was $5 a small bag and firewood was $10 a bundle.
There is also nice hiking trails on site that we enjoyed, including a small dam and a small manmade waterfall on the other side. Trails wrap around to the lake’s little beach for visitors to swim (there isn’t always a lifeguard on duty, and wasn’t anyone swimming this trip due to it still being a little cool out). Listened to many birds throughout the trip and there wasn’t many bugs out this time of year. Great place for families to bring their kiddos, or for anyone looking to get away for a little bit. Definitely recommend checking it out.
TravelerThis is the cutest little campground! My little one loved the playground and Toy Barn! We were right by the river, with beautiful scenery. The little bathhouse was so clean. The hiking trails were fun to explore!
ScoutGreat location. Right across the street from Pisgah Coffee Roasters, 10 minutes to downtown shops and restaurants, and minutes from the entrance to Pisgah National Forest and hiking trails. Sites are big enough for our 40 ft rig and suburban. Lots of space alongside the creek to spread out. Beautiful park. Will be back.
RangerThere are two campsites here seven and eight and there’s one across the road six I believe. They are very nice sites, but not a lot of room for parking. You could set up a number of small tents or a large tent on either site. There is a campfire ring and a creek that runs right alongside.
GuideWish we could have spent more time here. It’s a beautiful part of the world. The campground is well maintained.
ScoutVery beautiful campground! Great deck on the river. We loved our firepit and watching the Moon Shine. Owners are very friendly and want to make your camping experience a great one.
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 434 campgrounds and RV parks near Montreat, NC and 38 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 38 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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