Best Campgrounds near Pisgah Forest, NC
Are you in need of a campground near Pisgah Forest, NC? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Pisgah Forest. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Camping Sites Near Pisgah Forest, North Carolina (492)
1. Davidson River Campground
83 ReviewsPisgah Forest, NC2 milesWebsite+1 (828) 785-5337$37 - $84 / night
"Great location in the Pisgah Forest and also close to Dupont Forest. We will definitely return."
"Located in the heart of Pisgah Forest within the town limits of Brevard NC adjacent to the Davidson River."
2. Mount Pisgah Campground
40 ReviewsMills River, NC11 milesWebsite+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."
3. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina
62 ReviewsEnka, NC16 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"
4. Table Rock State Park Campground
55 ReviewsSunset, SC16 milesWebsite+1 (864) 878-9813"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 . "
5. North Mills River
26 ReviewsMills River, NC11 milesWebsite+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."
6. Black Forest Family Camping Resort
17 ReviewsCedar Mountain, NC9 milesWebsite+1 (828) 884-2267"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."
"Very clean,natural, beautiful trees , and a nice location. It is run by a very nice family. We were close to amazing waterfalls and hikes in DuPont forest."
7. Pisgah National Forest Davidson River Campground
10 ReviewsPisgah Forest, NC3 milesWebsite+1 (828) 577-4558$32 - $71 / night
"**
The location is incredible!"
"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."
8. Jones Gap State Park Campground
16 ReviewsCedar Mountain, SC12 milesWebsite"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!"
9. Lazy J Campground
12 ReviewsRosman, NC10 milesWebsite+1 (828) 966-3834$20 / night
"We fished right next to our camp site and then relaxed with a camp fire listening to the sound of the River."
"We were looking for a place that was wooded and near a river or stream and lucked up at Lazy J. The staff answered our call right away and were both friendly and informative."
10. Rutledge Lake RV Resort
19 ReviewsFletcher, NC16 milesWebsite+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"
Recent Camping Photos near Pisgah Forest, NC
1145 Photos of 492 Pisgah Forest Campgrounds
Mac M.
Davidson River Campground
Hayden P.
Pisgah Forest Mountain Meadows
ANGELA
Pisgah National Forest Davidson River Campground
Katie C.
Bent River Equestrian
Myron C.
Avery Creek Roadside Camping
David C.
The Bike Farm
Katy S.
Pisgah National Forest Kuykendall Group Campground
Heather W.
Ash Grove
The Dyrt
Ash Grove Mountain Cabins & Camping
Nolan S.
Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed
Josh L.
Cherryfield Creek Luxury Group Camping
Josh L.
Cherryfield Creek Luxury Campsite
Recent Reviews near Pisgah Forest, NC
2282 Reviews of 492 Pisgah Forest Campgrounds
Robert N.
ScoutCampfire 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.ScoutAsh 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!
Robert B.ScoutBlack 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.
GuideGolden 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
- LLogan S.
TravelerWash 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.
RangerRutledge 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.GuideFort 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.
Zoey T.GuideSmokey Mountain Hidden Stills RV Campground
Wonderful location - quiet - nice amenities
We had been camping in national forests for a new days and needed a bit of a reset and this was perfect. Very dog friendly. Extremely well maintained. Quiet. Easy hookups for power and water. Nice bathrooms. Almost a hotel in nature. Choose creekside - we loved #7 but all of the pull-ups were nice!
- AAudra H.Scout
Cosby Ranch
Cosby Campground
They don’t keep the property up very well. Monthly rate reflects that. 500 plus you pay electricity for your sight. They have laundry onsite, but they are not very good machines. 8.00 to dry and still had were clothes.
Guide to Pisgah Forest
Camping near Pisgah Forest, North Carolina, offers a fantastic mix of outdoor adventures and serene nature experiences. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot for families, solo adventurers, and RV enthusiasts alike.
What to do:
- Hiking: There are numerous trails in the area, including the Art Loeb Trail. One camper mentioned, “Davidson River Campground is perfectly situated for outdoor activities, plenty of hiking... all within a stone's throw from camp.”
- Fishing: The rivers and lakes around the campgrounds are great for fishing. A reviewer at Lake Powhatan noted, “Crystal clear water allowed us to look at the schools of fish swimming with us.”
- Mountain Biking: The area is known for its biking trails. A visitor at Oconee State Park shared, “We were able to access multiple mountain biking and hiking trails directly from the campsite.”
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. One happy camper at Lake Powhatan said, “The bathrooms were some of the cleanest we've seen.”
- Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of the campgrounds. A reviewer at Davidson River Campground remarked, “Every time I go, it’s always clean and quiet.”
- Proximity to Attractions: Being close to towns like Brevard is a plus. A visitor noted, “It is also within 5 minutes to Brevard and breweries in the area.”
What you should know:
- Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Cataloochee Campground advised, “There isn’t cell service, so be sure to plan your next move before you head in for the evening.”
- Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can feel cramped. A reviewer at Mount Pisgah Campground mentioned, “The only thing I didn't care for was how close the campsites are, virtually no privacy.”
- Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see wildlife, including bears and elk. A visitor at Cataloochee Campground shared, “We saw elk and turkeys during our stay. A young bull even ran through our campsite!”
Tips for camping with families:
- Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A parent at Asheville East KOA said, “There is a pool, playground, gaga ball pit, and fishing.”
- Plan for Trash: Some areas can get littered. A camper at Devils Fork State Park noted, “There were far too many people with carelessness leaving trash...”
- Bring Entertainment: Since some campgrounds are remote, pack games or books for downtime. A visitor at Mama Gertie's Hideaway mentioned, “Not much to do there, but the view at tier three is amazing.”
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have tight spots. A reviewer at Asheville East KOA warned, “Section A was extremely tight for navigating, parking, and camping.”
- Be Prepared for Noise: Trains can be loud near some campgrounds. A visitor at Asheville East KOA noted, “Trains come through near the park at all hours of the day and night.”
- Dump Stations: Make sure to check for dump stations before you arrive. A camper at Lake Powhatan mentioned, “Dumpsters were within walking distance, which was nice.”
Camping near Pisgah Forest, North Carolina, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but being prepared can make your experience even better!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find free camping in Pisgah National Forest?
Where can I find free camping in Pisgah National Forest?
Free dispersed camping is available throughout Pisgah National Forest, with several notable options. Henderson Reservoir Dispersed Site #1 offers primitive camping with access to Wash Creek, though be aware of wildlife activity including bears. Another option is Mills River Dispersed, though portions along Yellow Gap Road may have access restrictions due to storm damage. When dispersed camping, remember to follow Leave No Trace principles, camp at least 100 feet from water sources, and stay in previously used sites. No permits are required for dispersed camping, but stays are typically limited to 14 days in a 30-day period.
What are the best hiking trails near camping areas in Pisgah Forest?
What are the best hiking trails near camping areas in Pisgah Forest?
Pisgah Forest offers exceptional hiking opportunities near its campgrounds. Staying at Curtis Creek Campground puts you near numerous waterfall hikes that showcase the forest's natural beauty, particularly stunning during fall foliage season. For a perfect basecamp to access premium mountain trails, Davidson River Campground is ideally situated for both casual and advanced hikers, with direct access to trails within the campground and connections to the extensive Pisgah trail network. The area is renowned for its diverse terrain, ranging from gentle riverside walks to challenging mountain ascents, making it suitable for all experience levels.
Do I need permits for camping in Pisgah Forest?
Do I need permits for camping in Pisgah Forest?
For developed campgrounds in Pisgah Forest like Indian Creek Campground, reservations serve as your permit and can be made through recreation.gov or by contacting the campground directly. At private locations such as Pisgah Forest Mountain Meadows, arrangements are made with the property owner. No special permits are required for dispersed camping in general forest areas, but you must follow forest regulations including proper waste disposal and campfire restrictions. Group camping and special events may require additional permits. Always check current regulations with the Pisgah Ranger District before your trip, as requirements may change seasonally.
When is the best time of year to camp in Pisgah Forest?
When is the best time of year to camp in Pisgah Forest?
Late spring through early fall offers the most pleasant camping conditions in Pisgah Forest, with summer being peak season. For a uniquely beautiful experience, consider camping at Greenheart Forest during fall when the meditation gardens and surrounding forest showcase spectacular autumn colors. If you prefer fewer crowds, target late April to early June or September to mid-October when temperatures are mild but campgrounds like Smokemont Campground are less crowded. Winter camping is possible at some locations but requires proper cold-weather gear. Many campgrounds operate seasonally, so verify opening dates before planning your trip.
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