Camping near Pisgah National Forest

Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina has many good camping options throughout the area. Black Mountain Campground sits among shady trees with plenty of room between sites. Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground keeps their grounds in good shape and looks out over the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can access the Appalachian Trail nearby if you want to go for a hike. Linville Falls Campground puts you close to Linville Gorge, which is worth seeing while you're there. Mount Pisgah Campground gives you good views and easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Make sure to check on current fire rules and follow Leave No Trace while camping. Some areas need permits, so look up the rules before heading out. It's smart to book ahead during busy times if you want to get a spot. The Great Smoky Mountains aren't too far away if you want to take a day trip. Weather changes with the seasons - fall and spring are cooler, summer is warm and good for being outside, and winter camping works but you'll need to bring extra warm gear.

Best Camping Sites Near Pisgah National Forest (372)

    1. Asheville East KOA

    52 Reviews
    Swannanoa, NC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 686-3121

    $50 / night

    "Beautiful sites on a lake with mountains in view. Very close to lots of sites like downtown Asheville and short drive to Pisgah National Forest and Cherokee reservation."

    "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."

    2. Black Mountain Campground - CLOSED INDEFINITELY

    25 Reviews
    Montreat, NC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 675-5616

    $28 - $56 / night

    ".**

    Campground:

    Black Mountain Campground in the Pisgah National Forest, is nestled in Burnsville, NC but you must work at it to get there. https://cfaia.org/black-mountain-briar-bottom-campgrounds-in-north-carolina"

    "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."

    3. Curtis Creek Campground

    24 Reviews
    Old Fort, NC
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (828) 652-2144

    $10 / 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."

    4. Spacious Skies Bear Den

    64 Reviews
    Spruce Pine, NC
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 765-2888

    $24 - $242 / night

    "I loved being able to camp in our little Casita in Pisgah National Forest right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. "

    "Spacious Skies Bear Den in North Carolina offers an ideal blend of relaxation and adventure for families."

    5. Mount Mitchell State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Pisgah National Forest, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 675-4611

    $23 / 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."

    6. Montreat Family Campground

    15 Reviews
    Montreat, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 572-2257

    $25 / night

    "You’ll feel like you have the forest to yourself, with tons of pretty plants all around you.

    It’s down a short path (a bit tricky to navigate) and tucked away between the creek and small stream."

    "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.  "

    7. Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground

    28 Reviews
    Swannanoa, NC
    13 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. Mountain Stream RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Pisgah National Forest, NC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 724-9013

    $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!"

    9. Crabtree Falls Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    12 Reviews
    Little Switzerland, NC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 675-5444

    $10 - $20 / night

    "On the Blue Ridge Parkway, nestled in the trees and mountains of North Carolina, this campground is an older style NPS campground, but has been well maintained."

    "This review (just as future reviews to this page should be) is about the Crab Tree Falls Campground that is in North Carolina along the Blue Ridge Parkway and is managed by the National Park Service."

    10. Carolina Hemlocks Rec Area

    11 Reviews
    Little Switzerland, NC
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 675-5509

    $28 - $70 / night

    "We stayed for two nights, a little away from the main camp area but was kinda glad for it. Had a great spot tucked into the woods near the water. Great path to skip rocks and just enjoy."

    "It is tucked in next to the South Toe River with an excellent swimming hole, rapids for tubing, great trout fishing, and a good launching off point for hikes into the Black Mountains and Mt Mitchell."

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Showing results 1-10 of 372 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Pisgah National Forest

1632 Reviews of 372 Pisgah National Forest Campgrounds



Guide to Pisgah National Forest

Camping near Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, bike, or just relax by a lake, there’s something for everyone in this stunning area.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails around the campgrounds. For example, at Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina, visitors enjoy a lovely hike around the lake. One reviewer mentioned, "The best thing about Lake Powhatan is the nice hike around the lake and the fun little lake beach."
  • Biking: Many campgrounds, like Asheville East KOA, offer bike-friendly trails. A camper noted, "There are so many trails to choose from," making it a great spot for biking enthusiasts.
  • Fishing and Swimming: At North Mills River, the clear waters are perfect for fishing and swimming. One visitor shared, "The water is pretty clear and has an abundance of trout."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A review for Bear Den Family Campground and Cabins highlighted, "The bathrooms are clean and there is a laundry."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful hosts. At Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground, a camper mentioned, "The staff are super friendly and helpful."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. One reviewer at Mount Pisgah Campground said, "This campground is conveniently located along the Blue Ridge Parkway."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or trains. For instance, at Asheville West KOA, one camper noted, "The interstate noise was insane."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive facilities. At Linville Falls Campground, a visitor pointed out, "There is water and some buggy bathrooms (if that bothers you) but no showers."
  • Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can feel packed, especially during peak seasons. A review for Asheville East KOA mentioned, "The main issue with this campground is how close the sites are."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for children. At Asheville East KOA, families can enjoy a pool, playground, and themed weekend activities. One parent said, "There is a pool, playground, gaga ball pit, and fishing."
  • Safety Precautions: Be aware of wildlife. A camper at Lake Powhatan shared, "I did have a bear encounter on my way to the bathroom during the night."
  • Space for Activities: Choose campgrounds with enough space for kids to play. A review for Bear Den Family Campground mentioned, "Big private sites, lots of activities for teens."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify site dimensions before booking. A review for Asheville East KOA warned, "Section A was extremely tight for navigating, parking, and camping."
  • Noise Considerations: Be prepared for potential noise from nearby highways or trains. A camper at Asheville West KOA noted, "I woke up constantly to semi trucks using their engine brakes."
  • Amenities for RVs: Look for campgrounds with good facilities for RVs. At Mount Pisgah Campground, one visitor appreciated the "clean and modern restrooms."

Camping near Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but knowing what to expect can make your trip even better.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Pisgah National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, Pisgah National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 372 campgrounds and RV parks near Pisgah National Forest and 37 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Pisgah National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pisgah National Forest is Asheville East KOA with a 4-star rating from 52 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pisgah National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 37 free dispersed camping spots near Pisgah National Forest.

What parks are near Pisgah National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 parks near Pisgah National Forest that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.