38 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Camping near Brevard, North Carolina ranges from primitive forest sites to developed campgrounds with full hookups, including the highly-rated Davidson River Campground located at the forest entrance. This campground features spacious sites along the river with electric hookups, clean bathrooms, and warm showers. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access Lake Powhatan near Asheville, Mount Pisgah Campground along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and North Mills River Campground. Private options include Black Forest Family Camping Resort in Cedar Mountain, which offers full hookups and amenities for both tent and RV campers. The region's campgrounds range from primitive forest sites to developed options with varying levels of amenities and hookups.
Most campgrounds in the Brevard area operate seasonally from mid-March through October or November, with limited winter camping options. Davidson River Campground typically opens March 15 and closes November 1, while nearby Mount Pisgah operates May through October. As one camper noted, "Davidson River is located right at the entrance to the forest, close to amenities such as Walmart, gas stations, breweries, restaurants, a great BBQ place and an ice cream joint." Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months and fall color season when sites fill quickly. Bear activity is common throughout the region, requiring proper food storage. Cell service varies significantly by location, with many forest campgrounds having limited or no connectivity.
Waterfall access represents a major draw for campgrounds near Brevard, with Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, and numerous other cascades just minutes from Davidson River Campground. A visitor mentioned, "It's just a few minutes away from several easily accessible waterfalls such as Looking Glass falls, Moore's Cove Falls and Sliding Rock." Mountain biking trails connect many campgrounds, with DuPont State Forest offering additional riding opportunities. Campers frequently mention the soothing sounds of creeks and rivers as sleep aids. While most sites provide fire rings and picnic tables, several reviewers recommend bringing tarps or shelters due to frequent rainfall. The proximity to both wilderness and town amenities makes Brevard particularly appealing as a base camp for exploring western 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."
"This place has everything...wireless, showers, bike path, tennis courts and horse stables down the road. Lots to do here on sliding rock, chasing waterfalls, hiking, and fishing."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $37 - $84 / 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."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
"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 . "
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when available"Right next to Powhatan Lake, but most of all, a mountain biker's dream! Hikers too, but really, all trails allow for bikers-single track riding."
"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."
from $37 - $135 / night
"I love the location for proximity to both Brevard and Asheville. The sites vary in their ability to accommodate larger rigs, so be mindful of that."
"This campground has shade and open fields and can get crowded regularly because it is so centrally located in Pisgah national Forest."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $31 - $62 / night
"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."
"For a private organized campground, this really is one of the best spots in Brevard. Sites are all gravel. We have hammocked camped here, and this last trip, I camped in my Motorcycle trailer."
"Trout fishing, tubing, and swimming, with easy access to the Blue Ridge and local attractions along Pisgah Hwy and Blue Ridge Parkway. 10 min to Brevard, 40 min to Asheville."
"It gets 5 stars for large sites with decent enough privacy, access to hiking and mountain biking, strict rule enforcement (you definitely won’t hear generators all night here!)"
from $32 - $71 / night
"Close to Brevard for shopping and close to hiking in Pisgah and DuPont."
"We fished right next to our camp site and then relaxed with a camp fire listening to the sound of the River."
from $20 / night
"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!"
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when available"We had reserved a walk-in tent sight and absoulty loved it."
"This hidden gem is a few miles off a major highway but well worth the journey. I would consider it among my top ten 'near a lake' spots in the entire US."
Available next weekend
ScoutWe stayed for a week in late October. Quiet and secluded but right outside of Franklin. Very. Nicely decorated. Has small campstore, very nice laundryroom, and a guest event center. Rick, the campsite host, helped me get backed in and asked if I needed any more help. Some pull-throughs. Some sites are a little tight but others really nice. We will definitely come back.
TravelerMy son, daughter-in-law, and twin grandchildren, and I camped here to watch the full solar eclipse in 2017. We had a beautiful tent site. There was a little playground that the kids really enjoyed and abundant shade at the camping site. Bathrooms were clean, wood for campfires was available, and we had a wonderful time.
TravelerThis place is a nice campground, quiet and the guests (during our stay) respect others by keeping the noise down. The spaces are set up to maximize privacy between sites. There is no cell phone service (to do this report we are in a picnic area by a small lake and I can get cell as well as internet on my travelfi device) sos is the only access. I normally listen to audio books but not while here. On my computer I could see three others with low signals; they might have had a better device/provider. The spots tend to the small back in typically found in campsites built before RVs got really big, type. There is another camping area I haven’t been to yet and I did see a large over lander (looks indestructible and tall/long) towable head that way and the campground attendant didn’t predict any problems so perhaps there are larger spots elsewhere. This place has single person shower rooms and nice flush toilets. The whole place is set in woodland so it isn’t like a commercial RV place that was more concerned with volume over aesthetics. This is a lovely spot with ample amenities (my space had no hookups) for our type of camping (toilets, trash, quiet neighbors, semi private spaces) just zero phone or internet.
GuideVery nice spot! I imagine it gets full in the summer and on weekends, but just two groups today. Wish we could stay longer. People left a lot of trash at the day use areas sadly but sites were clean. No T-Mobile service.
TravelerThis campground has a great location in maggie valley, close to Waynesville with plenty to do in close proximity. While it is a traditional campground, they have very competitive rates for weekly and monthly stays. For us its the perfect getaway destination for the summers and fall. The staff is super welcomming and friendly. You find a cute creek on the backside of of the campground with trout as some fisherman told me. The staff takes pride in all the flowers, landscaping and seasonal decorations. Also nice to know is you are not being looked down to with an older camper. As long as your rig is decent and functional you are admitted.
ScoutLovely spot on the river. Freeway was loud but not too bad.
ScoutGreat spot to pull in last minute. There are multiple spots along this stretch of road. Would not recommend if you want to post up somewhere private, decent amount of traffic pulling through for a mountain road.
ScoutBeautiful Campground, but Absolutely NOT Family-Friendly! I rarely leave negative reviews this strongly, but our experience at Turkey Creek Campground was so disappointing that I feel compelled to warn other families. First, I’ll give credit where it’s due. The campground is beautifully maintained, and the creekside sites are incredibly peaceful and serene. It’s a lovely setting, and during the day, the owner is friendly enough and seemingly hospitable. Unfortunately, the hospitality comes to a screeching halt the moment the clock strikes 10 PM.
We were two families camping together with six well-behaved kids who absolutely love the outdoors. We understand and respect campground quiet hours. We weren’t looking to throw parties, blast music, or disturb anyone. But apparently, at Turkey Creek,“quiet hours” doesn’t mean keeping noise to a respectful minimum. It means absolute silence, complete darkness, and seemingly no normal human activity whatsoever.
I’m not exaggerating.
* We were told to turn off ALL our lights at 10 PM.
* We were confronted for opening our vehicle’s trunk because it made a brief beeping sound.
* Our children were startled by a large spider near the bathhouse, and the owner actually yelled at them to be quiet.
* One evening around 11 PM, we were talking quietly INSIDE OUR OWN TENT, barely above a whisper, when the owner approached our tent door to reprimand us for talking.
* On another occasion, he approached us to complain that our children had left TWO STICKS on the ground near the bathrooms. Two sticks! At a campground surrounded by woods, where the kids had just walked down a wooded trail to reach the bathhouse!
And don’t even think about enjoying a little background music while sitting around your campsite. Music of any kind played through a speaker is prohibited, regardless of volume. Apparently, even a little John Denver played quietly while enjoying the mountains is too much to ask. I fully appreciate that some people camp specifically for peace and quiet. We respect that, too. But there is a massive difference between enforcing reasonable quiet hours and making paying guests feel like they’re constantly being watched, monitored, and reprimanded for simply existing. The owner’s enforcement of these rules felt excessive, confrontational, and completely out of proportion to what was actually happening.
Instead of relaxing and enjoying our family vacation, we found ourselves walking on eggshells, worried that the smallest sound, light, or ordinary childhood behavior would result in another confrontation. What makes this particularly frustrating is that our kids were doing exactly what we’d hope children would do on a camping trip: spending time outside, exploring nature, enjoying each other’s company, and making memories away from screens. Yet somehow, even that seemed unwelcome. If we hadn’t already paid for five nights, we would have packed up and left after the very first night. That’s how uncomfortable the experience became.
If you are someone who wants a meticulously maintained campground where everyone retires to complete silence and darkness by 10 PM, Turkey Creek might be perfect for you. But if you’re a family hoping to enjoy a campfire, share some laughs, quietly socialize in the evening, and let your children experience the simple joys of camping, I cannot recommend this place strongly enough AGAINST it.
There are so many beautiful campgrounds in this area, and I cannot imagine choosing to return somewhere that made our families feel so unwelcome. Beautiful property. Extremely disappointing hospitality. Absolutely terrible experience for families. We will never return.
ScoutHospitality and attention to detail can't be beat. Rates were very reasonable for the quality of facility and grounds.
Camping spots near Brevard, North Carolina sit within the Appalachian Mountains at elevations ranging from 2,100 to 5,000 feet, creating distinct temperature variations between valley campgrounds and mountain ridge sites. The region receives approximately 67 inches of precipitation annually, making it one of the wettest areas in the eastern United States. Summer evening temperatures often drop 15-20 degrees from daytime highs, requiring campers to pack both warm and cool weather clothing even during summer months.
Trout fishing access points: The region offers multiple fishing opportunities, especially along the Davidson River. North Mills River Campground provides excellent access as one camper notes, "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."
Trail connections for all skill levels: The area features interconnected hiking and biking routes accessible directly from campsites. At Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina, "There are numerous hikes that are on the grounds or just outside. The staff was very helpful and friendly. The campground is 15 minutes from downtown Asheville and 5 minutes from the North Carolina arboretum."
Waterfall exploration beyond the popular sites: While Looking Glass Falls gets crowded, numerous lesser-known cascades exist within short drives. One camper at Table Rock State Park Campground shared, "There are many waterfalls in the area and many places to hike. We saw deer, squirrels, birds, snakes, and many salamanders."
Cooler temperatures at higher elevations: During summer months, higher elevation campgrounds provide natural relief from heat. A camper at Mount Pisgah Campground explained, "Spacious sites arranged for privacy. Over 5000 ft in elevation which means cool nights in Summer. Trees all around for privacy."
River-adjacent sites for natural sound barriers: Campsites along water create natural white noise that masks other campground sounds. At Lazy J Campground, campers appreciate that "We camped right along the river. It felt like we were camping deep in the woods and the Fall leaves were still clinging to the trees and made it absolutely beautiful. We fished right next to our camp site and then relaxed with a camp fire listening to the sound of the River."
Off-season price reductions: Several campgrounds offer significant discounts during shoulder seasons. A North Mills River visitor shared, "Usually starting at $22 per night, after November 1st the prices get cut in half, so I stayed for $11 (hard to beat)! To pay you fill out a permit envelope, tear off the receipt, include your payment and insert it into a mailbox of sorts."
Limited winter camping options: Most campgrounds close or reduce services substantially during winter months. As one camper at North Mills River noted, "I went camping here on November 2nd, just after half of the campground closes for the off season."
Cell service varies dramatically: Coverage can change within short distances based on terrain. A visitor to Jones Gap State Park Campground mentioned, "Unlike other state park campgrounds, each spot is about a quart mile from the next, so you feel like you have the mountain to yourself."
Bear activity requires proper precautions: Most campgrounds provide storage options but require vigilance. Mount Pisgah campers are advised, "Bears occasionally enter campground but I have never had trouble with them. Keep all food secure in bear box provided at each site."
Reservation timing varies by season: Summer and fall color weekends require months of advance planning. At Devils Fork State Park, campers recommend, "Book your trip a few months in advance, get a spot on the water. Sites are a little small, and close together, but the sunrise from your tent/site is totally worth it."
Swimming access options: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas suitable for children. A visitor to Devils Fork State Park Campground shared, "There are some fantastic places to swim connected to the campground. The tent spots are by far the best and just a short walk in from the parking area."
Animal encounters as natural entertainment: Some campgrounds feature farm animals that engage children. At Lazy J Campground, families enjoy "Chickens and horses on site. Playground and lots of fun. Sites are wooded and quaint."
Playgrounds and activity planning: Several campgrounds offer structured recreation facilities. Black Forest Family Camping Resort provides "a heated swimming pool and they do lots of things for kids like ice cream socials. They have a little shop in case you forget some necessities."
Weather preparation essentials: The region experiences frequent afternoon rain showers during summer months. One experienced camper at Pisgah National Forest Davidson River Campground advised, "Don't forget headlamps and flashlights (tree coverage is heavy so it gets darker faster), and rain jackets (it rained almost daily in the afternoon)."
Limited full hookup availability: Many campgrounds offer only partial hookups or limited full-service sites. A reviewer at Black Forest Family Camping Resort noted, "This family invested money in infrastructure and they have quite a few full hook up sites. The host led us to our site, gave us a newsletter of events."
Generator restrictions: Several campgrounds limit generator use hours. A Pisgah National Forest Davidson River Campground visitor warned, "Generator hours are very limited. If you are traveling during warmer months or must have AC, this is not the site for you."
Dump station access concerns: Some facilities have challenging waste disposal setups. One RVer mentioned, "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."
Leveling requirements: Many mountain campgrounds feature uneven terrain. A Black Forest camper advised, "Sites are all gravel. We have hammocked camped here, and this last trip, I camped in my Motorcycle trailer. Most sites have electric and water. You will likely need to level anything you bring."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds near Brevard, NC?
Davidson River Campground is consistently rated as one of the best camping options near Brevard. Located in Pisgah National Forest, it offers electric hookups, clean facilities, and access to numerous outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and cycling. The campground is conveniently situated near popular attractions like Sliding Rock and multiple waterfalls. Another excellent option is Indian Creek Campground, known for its private, lush creekside sites, meticulously maintained grounds, and exceptionally clean bathhouse. The campground store carries essential supplies for campers who may have forgotten items.
Are there camping cabins available in Brevard, NC?
Yes, cabins are available near Brevard for campers seeking more sheltered accommodations. Lake Powhatan Campground offers cabin options in a beautiful lakeside setting with access to excellent mountain biking and hiking trails. The campground is surrounded by scenic forest and provides a great base for exploring the region. Additionally, Black Forest Family Camping Resort near Cedar Mountain (just a short drive from Brevard) provides cabin rentals along with traditional camping sites. For cabin availability, reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak seasons when accommodations fill quickly.
How much does camping cost in Brevard, NC?
Camping costs around Brevard vary by amenities and location. At Palmetto Cove RV Park, you'll find full hookup sites at reasonable rates in a scenic valley setting with mountain views. For those seeking public land options, Smokemont Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park typically charges $25-30 per night for sites that can accommodate tents and RVs. Primitive camping is available for budget-conscious campers, with some free options in Pisgah National Forest. Generally, expect to pay $20-30 for basic sites and $30-45 for sites with electric hookups throughout the Brevard area.
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