Camping near National Forests in North Carolina

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, National Forests in North Carolina, NC is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of National Forests in North Carolina. Find the best campgrounds near National Forests in North Carolina, NC. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near National Forests in North Carolina (401)

    1. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina

    61 Reviews
    Enka, NC
    12 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"

    2. Davidson River Campground

    83 Reviews
    Pisgah Forest, NC
    15 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."

    3. North Mills River

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

    $31 - $62 / night

    "Small campground, but there are free off road sites not too far down the road. Cell service disappears but I love that kind of disconnect."

    "State stocked river is close by for trout fishing, and the bathrooms are always clean being for what they are."

    4. Asheville East KOA

    52 Reviews
    Swannanoa, NC
    17 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."

    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. Mount Pisgah Campground

    40 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    17 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."

    7. Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground

    28 Reviews
    Swannanoa, NC
    17 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"

    8. Creekside Mountain Camping

    16 Reviews
    Gerton, NC
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 625-4257

    "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."

    "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."

    9. Orchard Lake Campground

    12 Reviews
    Saluda, NC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 749-3901

    $38 - $48 / night

    "A swimming lake with slide. Boats, zip line, fishing, a game room, move room. Only bad thing is the bad house are probably the worst I have ever used."

    10. Hickory Nut Falls Family Campground

    11 Reviews
    Lake Lure, NC
    13 miles
    Website

    $26 - $62 / night

    "I loved camping at the edge of the river but know that it is loud and is a constant sound! The sites are right along the river and are a bit tight."

    "Nice place to visit and close to Chimney Rock"

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Recent Reviews near National Forests in North Carolina

1991 Reviews of 401 National Forests in North Carolina Campgrounds



Guide to National Forests in North Carolina

Camping near National Forests in North Carolina offers a fantastic escape into nature, with beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, there’s something for everyone in this stunning region.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the many trails available, like the Art Loeb Trail near Davidson River Campground. One camper mentioned, "Hiked the North Slope nearly 4 miles; wore out the dogs perfectly!"
  • Fishing: The rivers and lakes are great for fishing. A review from North Mills River highlights, "The water is pretty clear and has an abundance of trout, so it is great for fishing and swimming."
  • Mountain Biking: Many campgrounds, like Lake Powhatan, offer access to biking trails. One visitor noted, "There are so many trails to choose from."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Black Mountain Campground states, "The bathrooms were so incredibly clean."
  • Scenic Views: Many campgrounds boast beautiful views. A camper at Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground said, "The view from our private deck and swing was breathtaking."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peacefulness of the area. One review for Mount Pisgah Campground mentions, "Camping here really feels like just that—camping. Bare bones, beautiful, and peaceful."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A visitor at Asheville East KOA noted, "We had very little cell service (Verizon)."
  • Bear Country: Be cautious about food storage. A camper at Black Mountain Campground mentioned, "This campground is a bear super highway, so they take policing your food and garbage very seriously."
  • Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak seasons. A review for Paris Mountain State Park Campground states, "The sites are on top of each other."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly activities. One parent at Asheville East KOA shared, "There is a pool, playground, gaga ball pit, and themed activities on weekends."
  • Safety First: Always supervise children near water. A review from North Mills River highlights, "The river is shallow enough for kids to play."
  • Plan Ahead: Make reservations early, especially during busy seasons. A camper at Table Rock State Park Campground advised, "I would definitely recommend reserving a spot far in advance."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Asheville West KOA mentions, "The space we were in was right next to the on-site owner... it was really tight for navigating."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A visitor at Asheville West KOA noted, "The interstate noise was insane."
  • Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump station is located. A camper at Lake Powhatan mentioned, "Dumpsters were within walking distance."

Camping near National Forests in North Carolina offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. With beautiful campgrounds like Davidson River Campground and Lake Powhatan, you’re sure to find a spot that suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near National Forests in North Carolina?

According to TheDyrt.com, National Forests in North Carolina offers a wide range of camping options, with 401 campgrounds and RV parks near National Forests in North Carolina and 32 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near National Forests in North Carolina?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near National Forests in North Carolina is Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina with a 4.7-star rating from 61 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near National Forests in North Carolina?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 32 free dispersed camping spots near National Forests in North Carolina.

What parks are near National Forests in North Carolina?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 parks near National Forests in North Carolina that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.