J
Jeff B.
Traveler
TravelerCreekwood Farm RV Park
Beautiful river side site
The team here really maintains the property nicely and the shower rooms a kept clean.
Camping near Penrose, NC
498 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Penrose, North Carolina serves as a gateway to multiple campgrounds in the surrounding mountain region, with Davidson River Campground and Lake Powhatan offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations within a short drive. The area features a mix of developed campgrounds supporting tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin accommodations. Most campgrounds in this mountainous region provide access to hiking trails, waterways, and scenic forest settings. Davidson River Campground, located in Pisgah Forest, offers electric hookups and tent sites along the river, while Lake Powhatan near Asheville provides more extensive amenities including sewer hookups for RVs and yurt options.
Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the Penrose area, with most campgrounds operating from spring through fall. Davidson River Campground typically operates from March 15 to November 1, while Mount Pisgah Campground runs from May through October. "The elevation in the area makes this a great place to go during the heat of summer," noted one visitor about nearby Van Hook Glade. Weather patterns in the mountains can change rapidly, with afternoon thunderstorms common during summer months. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak season weekends and holidays. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage at campgrounds closer to towns like Brevard and Asheville.
Campers consistently mention the water features as highlights of the region's camping experience. Davidson River receives praise for its riverside sites that provide natural sound barriers between campsites. "The rhythmic sounds of the river offered sound sleep all night," according to one review. The campgrounds near Penrose are ideal for both novice and experienced campers seeking accessible outdoor recreation in western North Carolina's beautiful mountain landscape. The campgrounds in this area are generally well-maintained with clean facilities, though some visitors note that sites can be close together in certain loops. Wildlife sightings, including bears, are reported in several campgrounds, necessitating proper food storage. The mixed-use campgrounds throughout the region balance accessibility with natural settings, offering varying levels of privacy depending on the specific site. Most developed campgrounds provide fire rings, picnic tables, and access to potable water, with many featuring shower facilities during the operating season.
Best Campgrounds near Penrose (498)
1. Davidson River Campground
"We had a quick nights stay in Davidson River Campground after picking up our new SylvanSport GO tent trailer in nearby Brevard, North Carolina."
"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."
from $37 - $84 / night
Check Availability2. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina
"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 Availability3. Mount Pisgah Campground
"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."
from $30 / night
Check Availability4. North Mills River
"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."
from $31 - $62 / night
Check Availability5. Table Rock State Park Campground
"The alternatives #5 and #6 were close to the entrance and therefore exposed to the road, and #49 was next to the restrooms, but similar to #60, so stayed with #60."
"One drawback is that from the campground there is no easy access to the lake- you can either drive and park (and hope to find parking) or walk on a busy road . "
6. Black Forest Family Camping Resort
"The cabins have electricity, but the water pump is outside and the bathrooms and showers are communal (but clean). There is a full size bed and two bunk beds in each one."
"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."
7. Jones Gap State Park Campground
"This campground has 19 trail side sites that are all great and not far from the Middle Saluda River which runs through the middle of the park."
"I used site 7 because an oncoming storm made me bug out of my trailside plans. Gorgeous site, a bit chilly by the river but beautiful and close enough to still use the park bathrooms!"
8. Pisgah National Forest Davidson River Campground
"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."
"**
The location is incredible!"from $32 - $71 / night
Check Availability9. Rutledge Lake RV Resort
"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"
10. The Bike Farm
"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."
"The trail system is awesome. It’s super nice being able to bike straight from your camp and go ride. The out door showers are bad ass as well! Such a cool environment."
from $24 - $110 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 32 min from Asheville, NC
- 1 hr 5 min from Greenville, SC
- 1 hr 5 min from Spartanburg, SC
Recent Camping Photos near Penrose, NC
970 Photos of 498 Penrose Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Bent River Equestrian
Pisgah Forest Mountain Meadows
Boylston Creek RV Park & Cabins
The Bike FarmC
Davidson River Campground
Pisgah National Forest Davidson River CampgroundA
Avery Creek Roadside Camping
DuPont Bike Retreat
Pisgah National Forest Kuykendall Group Campground
475bK
North Mills River
Black Forest Family Camping Resortk
Recent Reviews near Penrose, NC
2253 Reviews of 498 Penrose Campgrounds
- June M.
ScoutHighlands Riverbend RV Resort and Cabins
Mountain Gem in the "Gem Capital of the World"
With only 18 waterfront sites this campground facilitates comradery like no place we have ever experienced. Taco Tuesdays, Margarita Fridays, Soup Sundays, potlucks, on-site bluegrass concerts, sharing stories with new friends with our chairs and feet in the cool river water, watching the lunar eclipse in our best dress pajamas are all events we enjoyed in our two and a half months here. The campground is clean and well maintained at all times. The owners and hosts are outstanding individuals who truly make every effort to make everyone comfortable at their home away from home. Strangers really have become friends, just as advertised.
- MMoe F.
GuideBears Den
Lovely!
Really nice place to stay if you are visiting Asheville. Convenient to a variety of activities from biking, hiking & local attractions. The owners are very friendly, accommodating and have provided a beautiful, relaxing space. The parking space is covered, level and easy to back into. They have an expansive beautiful backyard, due partially to hurricane Helene, with seating areas for guests. They due have chickens & rooster, but they stay in their coop & run on the opposite side of the yard. There was no odor and the rooster only crowed during the day, which did not bother us. Looking forward to a return visit. The owners are currently working on an RV park in Brevard, which we hope to visit in the near future.
Jim M.GuideMt Pisgah Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
Loving the Parkway
NPS provides beautiful quiet campgrounds in the natural environment without all the modern amenities. If that why you camp this is for you. Perfect for vanlifers and others enjoying the outdoors
- MMalte S.Scout
Winngray Family Campground
Great family operated campground
Very nice and welcoming owner and staff. We felt like we arrived with friends when we got stranded with our RV with engine problems. We ended up staying for almost two months. A nice well maintained campground that features a dog run in the front and a little river that is accessible for the guest in the back. There is a store in the front that carries some camping basics one might need in a pinch. They also have a take one, leave one library a well maintained landry and off course bathroom/shower facilities for tent camper. Great location near fantastic hiking trails in short driving distance. You can hike a different trail within an hours drive for weks and weeks. The owner Dillan operates the campground in third generation and he is really nice. It may not be the flashiest place but definately our favorite mountain retreat. One bonus for us: T mobile has super fast 5 G coverage for our hotspot here at the winngray campground. Its like our internet at home.
- Norma J.Scout
Highlands Riverbend RV Resort and Cabins
Highlands Riverbend RV Resort
We have been coming to this RV park for 5 years, and just keep coming back. It's a beautiful campground with all sites on the river. Jodi & Tim (Owners) are wonderful, and make campers feel like part of their family. The comradery is like having a lot of friends in one beautiful environment. Taco Tuesday, potluck dinners, BBQ's and Margarita Fridays round up the different events provided at the big barn. And, it's only a hop, skip and jump to restaurants, site seeing, downtown Franklin and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
Patty P.TravelerHighlands Riverbend RV Resort and Cabins
Highlands Riverbend RV Resort Franklin NC
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What a beautiful hidden gem! This boutique campground right on the river is unlike your typical campground. It has that perfect combination of the peaceful, outdoorsy camping experience with all the amenities and little touches that make your stay feel special. We have been coming here for 6 years now.
The location along the Callasaja River is absolutely gorgeous, and there is so much to enjoy without ever having to leave the campground. Everything is thoughtfully designed, clean, comfortable, and well-maintained.
You can tell the owners have put a lot of thought into creating an experience rather than just a place to park your RV. Whether you want to relax by the river or the big brown barn where we have weekly gatherings (Taco Tuesday and Margarita Friday and pot lucks), enjoy the amenities along with a trading post on site, or simply slow down and enjoy the surroundings, this place has it all.
Give it a try and I promise you will be coming back!!
- Richard W.Scout
Oconee State Park Campground
On the pond
We camped next to the fishing pier, the site was a bit uneven and I had to do some creative engineering to get my 26' rig level. It has been very quiet during the week. By the way, we have great T-Mobile service.
- SSarah C.Scout
Blue Ridge Falls RV Resort
Lovely Campground
This was a really lovely campground. We were greeted by Jojo and escorted to our spot by Daegan who helped us get our camper situated. The campground was clean and tidy, and had firewood and ice available for purchase. The happy hour at 5 is a great way to meet your fellow campers. Nearby there are restaurants and a few shops. The location is very close to several waterfall hikes.
Guide to Penrose
Camping sites near Penrose, North Carolina provide access to the southern Appalachian Mountain ecosystem at elevations between 2,100-5,000 feet. These mountains receive significant rainfall of approximately 80 inches annually, creating lush forests and numerous water features for campers to enjoy. Weather patterns shift quickly in this region, with temperature differences of 10-15 degrees between valley floors and mountain peaks even within short distances.
What to do
Fly fishing opportunities: Mills River Campground offers excellent access to trout fishing areas. "This is a great campsite if you like fishing! We stayed here and were close to some amazing spots to fish! The campsite was great, not very crowded," notes a visitor to North Mills River.
Mountain biking trails: Access numerous trail systems directly from your campsite. "Located right inside Pisgah National forest this campground is perfectly set for all adventures...if you're thinking of riding the mtb trails you're in luck. They start literally across the davidson river from the campground," according to a review from Davidson River Campground.
Waterfall exploration: Several campgrounds serve as baselines for waterfall hikes. "There are miles and miles of hiking/running and mountain biking trails in the surrounding area, as well as numerous waterfalls. The campground is less than a mile from The Hub bike shop/Pisgah Tavern," reports a camper at Davidson River Campground.
What campers like
Riverside sites: Many campers appreciate waterfront camping options. One visitor to North Mills River shares, "We were the only campers there. It was very quiet. The stream ran right by the campsite so listening to the stream as we went to bed was wonderful."
Cooler temperatures: Higher elevation campgrounds provide relief from summer heat. "Spacious sites arranged for privacy. Over 5000 ft in elevation which means cool nights in Summer. Trees all around for privacy," explains a review for Mount Pisgah Campground.
Proximity to towns: Campers value the balance between seclusion and access to amenities. A visitor to Lake Powhatan notes, "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."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill up during peak seasons. A camper at Davidson River advises, "This area has become over run with tourists and the 'free' campsites have mostly been comandeered by squatters who rotate from site to site every 14 days. The campground has a great river to swim in and is close to Brevard and Asheville but reservations are recommended."
Bear activity: Multiple campgrounds report bear sightings, requiring proper food storage. "Bears occasionally enter campground but I have never had trouble with them. Keep all food secure in bear box provided at each site," shares a camper at Mount Pisgah Campground.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely between campgrounds. "No Cell Reception at the campground but they have WiFi. The WiFi can only be accessed from a few places," notes a visitor to Black Forest Family Camping Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with safe water access. "We spent some time in the lake, on hiking trails, and in town," mentions a Lake Powhatan visitor, while another notes it "has a great beach and lots of hiking and mountain bike trails."
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer specific activities for children. A camper at Black Forest Camping Resort shares, "They do lots of things for kids like ice cream socials. They have a little shop in case you forget some necessities."
Short hiking trails: Several campgrounds feature trails manageable for younger hikers. A visitor to Jones Gap State Park recommends, "This is a good campsite for 1st time backpackers. The site is approximately 1 mile from the state park office. The trail is moderately difficult with lots of rocks."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose campgrounds with appropriate hookups for your needs. "There are no hookups on this site. So be sure you have a generator! One bonus on the location of this site is the water access just feet away," advises an RVer at Pisgah National Forest Davidson River Campground.
Leveling challenges: Many mountain campsites require leveling equipment. "Sites are all gravel. We have hammocked camped here, and this last trip, I camped in my Motorcycle trailer. You will likely need to level anything you bring," notes a camper at Black Forest Family Camping Resort.
Dump station access: Verify facilities before arrival as options vary. "I rated a 4 star because the dump site is very tight, and lacking. That was the only thing on this campground I feel needed some work," shares an RVer at Pisgah National Forest Davidson River Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Penrose, NC?
What camping is available near Penrose, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, Penrose, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 498 campgrounds and RV parks near Penrose, NC and 44 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Penrose, NC?
Which is the most popular campground near Penrose, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Penrose, NC is Davidson River Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 82 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Penrose, NC?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Penrose, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 44 free dispersed camping spots near Penrose, NC.
What parks are near Penrose, NC?
What parks are near Penrose, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 parks near Penrose, NC that allow camping, notably National Forests in North Carolina and Pisgah National Forest.
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