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 (414)

    1. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina

    62 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

    19 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"

    "campground was decent

    Fishing pond has a lot of ducks and seaweed

    Laundry room was nice and large - easy and quick to get 3 loads done

    Waterfront site was fairly level and loved being able to walk"

    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

2027 Reviews of 414 National Forests in North Carolina Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Old NC 105 Dispersed

    Amazing views and Free camping

    This place is amazing, Free and clean campsites.

  • Robert N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Campfire Lodgings

    Tent camping

    Tent camping sites are walk in, down hill, obviously thar means hauling your stuff out uphill when you leave. RVers have a great view from the ridge top. But a difficult day camping is far better than any day at work.

  • Alden B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Ash Grove Mountain Cabins & Camping

    Very Nice camping near Dupont National Forest

    If you want close access to Dupont and Pisga NF you're within minutes! The owners Mark & Esther are wonderful. We call him SouthSide Mark ( hails from South Africa). Some sites are a little tight, but fine. If you have a big rig call ahead. The cabin was wonderful. The bathhouse is older but very clean. You can tell the owners love their campers and property. The site is tree covered and hilly. We will come again, guaranteed! Watch your step. Wood Spirits are Everywhere!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    Great spot!

    This is a great spot along a mountain ridge. The dirt road goes for about 13 miles. Would recommend a 4x4, but I’ve seen all kinds of vehicles travel the entire road from minivans to Honda accords. There are plenty of spots to choose from. Some have great views of the valley and table top mountain and others are just nooks in the woods. The sites are pretty spread out but there are a few within shouting distance (which could be annoying if the site next to you decides to bring a battery powered Sawzall to cut firewood at 2am). Some sites are right off of the road which could get annoying from all the traffic of people going to the hiking trails nearby. And there are spots tucked away a bit off of the road where you really don’t notice trucks and cars driving by. Awesome place for a weekend getaway! Definitely going to visit again.

    P.S. only 4 stars because there are only about 3-5 sites with a great view!

  • Robert B.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Black Mountain Campground - CLOSED INDEFINITELY

    FR472 & Black Mountain Campground Closed

    FR 472 is closed at the Golf Course and there are hefty fines if you are caught walking beyond the gate.  Black Mountain Campground was destroyed by flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.  The bridge across the S. Toe River was broken and washed out.  The water system is also destroyed as well as the road network in the campground.  There have been no announcements by the Forest Service about plans to repair the facility and, after a year, my guess is that there never will be.

  • madison F.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Golden Grove Farm and Brew

    HIPPIES AND HOORAHS

    arrived around 2 - had live music at 7 so went to get drinks & dinner. had the MOST incredible time. EVERY single person - staff & locals - were the friendliest, most welcoming and inviting people we have ever met. it was such a fun night. food & drinks are also amazing. if you’re looking for a fun night out but also need a place to stay - COME HERE!!! will definitely be coming back if we’re in SC

    such a refreshing and invigorating atmosphere

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5

    Great place to stay just be aware of your surroundings

    Was a pretty nice camp site compared to a lot you just have to be aware of the people around you. Across from our campground there was another camper who seemed out of it who came up to us at 11:00pm and asked for tape for his tent. Also garbage bag and garbage on the ground at front of campsite. PEOPLE MAY NOT BE THE BEST AROUND YOU BUT THE SITES ARE GREAT!

  • Cassondra P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Rutledge Lake RV Resort

    Mixed Feelings

    This campground was decent

    Fishing pond has a lot of ducks and seaweed

    Laundry room was nice and large - easy and quick to get 3 loads done

    Waterfront site was fairly level and loved being able to walk down stairs to lake area

    Pool was clean

    Bathrooms had a gross smell to them

    During our walk there was definitely a strong chemical smell around park - it was strange

    There is a lot of airplane noise as it is close to airport

    Overall it was clean and friendly staff

  • Mandi R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Fort Wilderness RV Park

    Just passing theough

    The staff was friendly enough. The credit card machine wasn’t working, luckily I had cash. It’s more like a mobile home park not a campground. It was very quiet though.


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 414 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 4.6-star rating from 62 reviews.

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