Best Campgrounds near Lake Lure, NC

Campers visiting Lake Lure, North Carolina can access several established campgrounds set amid the scenic foothills of western North Carolina. Hickory Nut Falls Family Campground and River Creek Campground offer developed sites for tent camping, RV hookups, and cabin rentals within close proximity to Lake Lure's shores. Emberglow Outdoor Resort provides a more diverse accommodation range with glamping options and yurts alongside traditional tent and RV sites. Most campgrounds in the area maintain full hookup capabilities with electric, water, and sewer connections, catering primarily to RV travelers while still accommodating tent campers at designated sites.

Seasonal considerations affect camping availability in the Lake Lure region, with several campgrounds operating only from spring through fall. Hickory Nut Falls Family Campground typically operates from April through October, avoiding the colder winter months when temperatures can drop significantly in the mountains. Roads throughout the area remain well-maintained and accessible by standard vehicles, though some campgrounds feature challenging entry points with narrow bridges or tight turns that may prove difficult for larger RVs. Cell service is generally reliable near the lake and developed areas but can become spotty in more remote locations. A visitor noted, "Campground roads narrow with tight curves along with roadway asphalt dropped off to steep shoulders; could be challenging to novice rig drivers."

The proximity to natural attractions represents a significant draw for campers in the Lake Lure area. Multiple reviews highlight the convenient location for exploring nearby Chimney Rock State Park, with its iconic rock formation and hiking trails. Campgrounds along the river provide pleasant background noise that many campers appreciate. "We had a site that was covered and that was nice to have. We were right on the river so the sound was serene and sight was beautiful," mentioned one visitor about Hickory Nut Falls Family Campground. Several campgrounds include additional amenities like swimming pools, playgrounds, and on-site stores, making them suitable for extended family stays. Pet-friendly options exist throughout the area, with Four Paws Kingdom Campground specifically catering to campers traveling with dogs, offering specialized dog park areas and fenced-in yards at campsites.

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Best Camping Sites Near Lake Lure, North Carolina (367)

    1. Asheville East KOA

    52 Reviews
    Swannanoa, NC
    14 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."

    2. Emberglow Outdoor Resort

    13 Reviews
    Lake Lure, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 625-2205

    $40 - $350 / night

    "Great place for kids with jump pad, swingset, slides, climbing dome, pool, a creek to explore, hiking trails, and more!"

    "The close proximity to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is an added bonus. The owners and staff were very friendly and helpful, but unobtrusive. I highly recommend Emberglow Campground."

    3. Creekside Mountain Camping

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

    "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."

    "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."

    4. Hickory Nut Falls Family Campground

    11 Reviews
    Lake Lure, NC
    3 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."

    "It is prime location to downtown chimney rock and lake lure beach/water park. The staff was very nice and accommodating. We had a site that was covered and that was nice to have."

    5. Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground

    28 Reviews
    Swannanoa, NC
    15 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"

    6. Curtis Creek Campground

    24 Reviews
    Old Fort, NC
    16 miles
    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."

    7. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina

    62 Reviews
    Enka, NC
    24 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"

    8. Four Paws Kingdom Campground & Dog Retreat

    10 Reviews
    Rutherfordton, NC
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 287-7324

    "It's a well-kept, clean park within approximately half an hour from Lake Lure (where Dirty Dancing was filmed). It is an adult only campground that is dog-centric... For us the best of both worlds!"

    "Lake Lure is nearby and Chimney Rock, the whole area if excellent for hiking, shopping and whatever else you want to do."

    9. Montreat Family Campground

    15 Reviews
    Montreat, NC
    15 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.  "

    10. River Creek Campground

    6 Reviews
    Lake Lure, NC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 287-3915

    "pretty close to your neighbors. we did end up getting evacuated cause of rain which was a bummer."

    "The sites are near the River so you get to enjoy the running water sound as you sleep or relax. Can let your kids ride their bikes around with out worry and they are never out of site."

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Recent Reviews near Lake Lure, NC

1656 Reviews of 367 Lake Lure Campgrounds


  • 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

    Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC

    Good spot!

    Spent two nights here at a site right next to the creek, which was awesome listening to the running water as you fall asleep. Easy to get to, just a forest service road. A 4x4 makes it easy but there were minivans and junkyard beaters driving by. There are multiple sites along the service road and not too close to each other.

  • 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. 23, 2025

    Iron City Campground, Inc.

    great stop & stay

    nice campground. bathrooms and pool are CLEAN!!!! private bathrooms with showers. also has laundry ($) but has change for quarters in shop!! super big plus . also got a buddy site for the price of a normal one!

    not super crowded but still a nice community to be around :) 10 min drive into town as well. all sites have full hookups which was also super handy. not a bad price for what you get. only stayed two nights but would definitely stay again

  • 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

  • Josh G.
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Rock Creek Recreation Area

    Tall trees, nice views and cool temps.

    We stayed in campsite #31. It's more than partially shaded. Cellular reception is fair. The sight is level. It was hard for me to back into with a 21' bumper pull. There is a campsite marker directly in front of the driveway that obstructs the backing angle. The temperature is cooler than in Erwin. Water hookups are scarce, there are three per loop. The camp host and rangers were very helpful and nice.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Rock Creek Recreation Area

    Nice family campgroung

    Convenient location in the Cherokee National Forest that is close to the Appalachian Trail and the Nolichucky River. Campground is popular with families and busy on weekends. Sites are levelish, semi-private, and wooded. Loop B has power poles at each site (didn't check the other loops) and a nice bathhouse. Host was particularly helpful.


Guide to Lake Lure

Camping near Lake Lure, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax by the water, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. Many campers rave about the hiking opportunities. One reviewer at Davidson River Campground mentioned, "Hiked the North Slope nearly 4 miles and wore out the dogs perfectly!"
  • Fishing: The lakes and rivers are great for fishing. A visitor at Cosby Campground noted, "There are plenty of small mouth bass to be claimed as well!"
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing swim in the lake. Campers at Lake Powhatan appreciate the "nice hike around the lake and the fun little lake beach."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. A visitor at Roan Mountain State Park said, "The amenities here were well kept and the campsite was large enough."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers often enjoy the peaceful environment. One reviewer at Julian Price Park Campground mentioned, "Quiet campground despite the number of sites."
  • Friendly Staff: Campground hosts are often noted for their helpfulness. A camper at Kings Mountain State Park shared, "The park rangers are all nice, respectful, and keep the place clean."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have spotty cell service. A visitor at Lake Powhatan mentioned, "We had very little cell service (Verizon)."
  • Crowded Areas: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A reviewer at Cosby Campground noted, "There is something like 150 sites but there was only 12 sites filled when we got there."
  • Bring Your Own Firewood: Not all campgrounds provide firewood. A camper at Table Rock State Park advised, "Make sure to bring your own firewood."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. A visitor at Asheville East KOA said, "There is a pool, playground, gaga ball pit, and fishing."
  • Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A camper at Bear Den Family Campground mentioned, "Great campground. Big private sites, lots of activities for teens."
  • Plan for Bathroom Breaks: Ensure the campground has clean and accessible restrooms. A reviewer at Devils Fork State Park noted, "The water and bathrooms were close and clean which was great for the kids."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure the sites can accommodate your RV. A visitor at Asheville East KOA warned, "Section A was extremely tight for navigating, parking, and camping."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near train tracks or busy roads. A camper at Kings Mountain State Park mentioned, "Trains come through near the park at all hours of the day and night."
  • Look for Amenities: Choose campgrounds with electric hookups and dump stations. A reviewer at Roan Mountain State Park appreciated, "The campground has laundry facilities, playgrounds, and a small store with wood for sale on site."

Camping near Lake Lure, North Carolina, has something for everyone. Whether you're with family or enjoying a solo trip, you'll find plenty of activities and beautiful spots to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Lake Lure, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lake Lure, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 367 campgrounds and RV parks near Lake Lure, NC and 32 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Lake Lure, NC?

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

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lake Lure, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 32 free dispersed camping spots near Lake Lure, NC.

What parks are near Lake Lure, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 parks near Lake Lure, NC that allow camping, notably National Forests in North Carolina and Pisgah National Forest.