Best Campgrounds near Rosman, NC

Camping options around Rosman, North Carolina range from established campgrounds to more primitive sites within the surrounding mountains and forests. Davidson River Campground in nearby Pisgah National Forest provides tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with electric hookups and well-maintained facilities. Lazy J Campground in Rosman offers creekside tent and RV camping with water and electric hookups. The region includes several state parks within driving distance, including Gorges State Park with year-round camping and waterfall access.

Road conditions and campground availability vary significantly by season in this mountainous region. Most campgrounds in the Pisgah National Forest area operate from spring through fall, with Davidson River Campground typically open from March 15 to November 1. Mount Pisgah Campground, situated at higher elevation along the Blue Ridge Parkway, operates from May through October. Weather patterns affect camping conditions, with summer temperatures generally cooler at higher elevations. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer and fall foliage seasons. Cell service can be limited in more remote areas. One camper noted, "Even though we live at 2500' in the Smoky Mountains, the temps this summer have been brutal. We decided to escape the heat and head for one of the cooler campgrounds in western North Carolina."

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews from visitors to the area. Davidson River Campground features sites along the river that are particularly popular. A reviewer mentioned, "We had a tent spot where the river curled around us on three sides. The rhythmic sounds of the river offered sound sleep all night." Lazy J Campground also offers creek access, though some reviewers note road noise from nearby highways during daytime hours. The region's mixed-use campgrounds provide varying levels of privacy and amenities. Tent campers often prefer more secluded sites with natural features, while RV campers typically seek level sites with appropriate hookups. Wildlife sightings, including black bears, are common in the area, and many campgrounds provide bear-proof food storage containers or guidance on proper food storage.

Best Camping Sites Near Rosman, North Carolina (510)

    1. Davidson River Campground

    83 Reviews
    Pisgah Forest, NC
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 785-5337

    $37 - $84 / night

    "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."

    "We had a quick nights stay in Davidson River Campground after picking up our new SylvanSport GO tent trailer in nearby Brevard, North Carolina."

    2. Table Rock State Park Campground

    55 Reviews
    Sunset, SC
    11 miles
    Website
    +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 . "

    3. Devils Fork State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Tamassee, SC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 944-2639

    "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."

    4. Black Forest Family Camping Resort

    18 Reviews
    Cedar Mountain, NC
    10 miles
    Website
    +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."

    5. Mount Pisgah Campground

    40 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    18 miles
    Website
    +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."

    6. Lazy J Campground

    12 Reviews
    Rosman, NC
    1 mile
    Website
    +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."

    7. Keowee-Toxaway State Park

    25 Reviews
    Sunset, SC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 868-2605

    $7 - $26 / night

    "There are 3 trailside primitive campsites that are on a peninsula overlooking Lake Keowee."

    "The trail was relatively short, but the hills were bigger than expected. However, the payoff at the trailside campground is incredible. The sites are out on a point on Lake Keowee."

    8. Gorges State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Lake Toxaway, NC
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 966-9099

    $27 - $75 / night

    "This is one of North Carolina’s best waterfall parks. Rainbow Falls, Turtel Back Falls and Bust your Ass Falls."

    "There are six designated backpack sites along the Foothills Trail near the southern boundary of the park."

    9. Jones Gap State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Cedar Mountain, NC
    14 miles
    Website

    "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!"

    10. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina

    62 Reviews
    Enka, NC
    25 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"

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Recent Reviews near Rosman, NC

2378 Reviews of 510 Rosman Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Wilson's Riverfront RV Park

    September stay

    Grass on lots high, nice concrete spots, full hookup in good shape.

  • s
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground

    Worst experience ever

    Absolutely the worst advertised campground I’ve ever been to in my life. They stated it was“riverside” ummmm nooooo!!! It’s basically a big open field with absolutely no privacy or shade. Picture Woodstock. The“barely there stream of water” was covered by trees at the campsite and there was basically just a huge mound of dirt where they told us to set up. We asked for a different spot and they said they were full. We paid SIXTY SIX dollars for this tent camping experience on the river!! We asked for a refund and they refused(otherwise, I wouldn’t have left a review at all. They should have made it right.) We luckily found a beautiful spot at Deep Creek Campground otherwise we would have had to drive two hours home!!! Do.not.be.scammed.

  • K
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Black Forest Family Camping Resort

    Great campground!

    As a solo traveler that doesn’t like excessive noise or want to be near kids, I just wanted peace and quiet to relax and listen to the sounds of nature. The owner, Jeanie(hopefully I’m spelling that right) understood completely and was sure to put me in a site where she knew the surrounding sites would be empty for the entirety of my stay and she was sure not to book anyone near me. Yes, the sites are fairly close together, but I stayed during the week and was able to enjoy most of the place to myself ….or at least the area of the campground that I was in. When I extended my stay an extra night, she was sure to warn me that there was a family with kids coming that night and that they’d be in my vicinity. I couldn’t have asked for a better campground host! She had all the info on waterfalls in the area which minimized my planning time/time staring at my phone. And the fact that the place is all pea gravel really makes a difference! It rained the first couple days I was there and my tent wasn’t a muddy mess which is always a plus!

    The bathrooms and showers were clean and the camp store had just about everything you could possibly need in a pinch. Firewood and ice were priced fairly, making it very convenient if you forgot to grab either one while you were out for the day. Will definitely be back! Actually, I can’t wait to go back!

  • Isabelle C.
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Indian Creek Campground

    Excellent Campground

    Indian Creek Campground in Cherokee, NC is a hidden gem. Nice hosts, clean facilities in the woods. We have a 25 ft pull behind camper and sites are big enough for slide-outs. Picknick table and campfire ring was on site. We had a 30 amp full hook-up site. Campground has tent sites, RV sites, cabins, clean bathhouse and is dog friendly.

  • Casey W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Keowee-Toxaway State Park

    Great spot!

    The only reason I dinged it from five stars is because of the road noise. Other than that this place is beautiful! Great hike to a beautiful lake! Simple amenities. Great drive up tent spots surrounded by trees. Nobody else was here during the week so I had the place to myself! The rangers were incredibly helpful and friendly! I will be back!

  • Zoey W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Mountain Rest Mountain Top

    Great campsite, you guys are pansies though

    great spot, can see the stars super clearly and its pretty much just open woodland once youre there.

    you dont need 4 wheel drive or a truck like some of these people are saying, i did it fine in my honda civic, just dont have anything with worse clearance than that, and be ready to get some branch scratches which is kinda expected for wood roads

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Gorges State Park Campground

    CAUTION: steep grades and curvy road

    This campground would’ve gotten five stars except for the road getting there was pretty exciting. The last 10 miles out of Brevard were curvy and had some grades. And the last 2 miles into the campground had I would guess a couple of 10% grades both up and down. Other than that, this campground was super nice. Has the nicest showers I have ever seen in a campground. All the sites for RVs are on concrete pads with electric, water, and sewer. This was a great staging point for our trip up to the great Smoky Mountains. The visitor center was very informative.

  • Robert N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Campfire 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.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!


Guide to Rosman

The mountainous terrain around Rosman, North Carolina creates significant temperature variations, with elevations ranging from 2,300 to over 5,000 feet in nearby peaks. Most campgrounds in this region maintain gravel camping pads rather than paved surfaces, which helps with drainage during the frequent afternoon thunderstorms common from June through August. Winter camping requires preparation for overnight temperatures that can drop below freezing even when daytime temperatures seem mild.

What to do

Waterfall hunting: 4-mile hike from Gorges State Park Campground to Rainbow and Turtle Back Falls provides a challenging but rewarding experience. One visitor noted, "The park covers 7,000+ acres and hosts the start of the trail into Pisgah National Forest to the famous Rainbow Falls." The trail requires good footwear and at least 3 hours round-trip.

Mountain biking: Extensive trail networks near Davidson River Campground offer options for all skill levels. A regular visitor mentioned, "I've stayed here numerous times. Great place and great MtB trails super close." Trails start across the Davidson River from the campground, making it easy to access without driving.

Fishing: Small stream trout fishing in the North Fork French Broad River flows directly alongside Lazy J Campground in Rosman. A camper shared, "We fished right next to our camp site and then relaxed with a camp fire listening to the sound of the River." Fishing requires a North Carolina fishing license with trout stamp.

Swimming: Natural water access at multiple campgrounds provides relief from summer heat. At Devils Fork State Park, a visitor appreciated that "The lake is gorgeous. Boat ramp and trailer parking. Kayak rentals available." Many campers mentioned the clear water quality compared to other lakes in the region.

What campers like

High-elevation campsites: Cooler summer temperatures at campgrounds above 4,000 feet offer relief from summer heat. At Mount Pisgah Campground, a long-time visitor explained, "Spacious sites arranged for privacy. Over 5000 ft in elevation which means cool nights in Summer." These sites typically run 8-12 degrees cooler than Rosman proper.

Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses receive consistent praise at most campgrounds. One camper at Black Forest Family Camping Resort noted, "The bathrooms and showers were clean and the camp store had just about everything you could possibly need in a pinch." Shower facilities vary significantly between campgrounds.

Privacy between sites: Adequate spacing between campsites allows for a more peaceful experience. A camper at Jones Gap State Park appreciated that "each spot is about a quart mile from the next, so you feel like you have the mountain to yourself." Site spacing is often better at state park campgrounds than private options.

Location convenience: Central access to multiple outdoor destinations makes Rosman an efficient base camp. A visitor to Keowee-Toxaway State Park mentioned they "kayaked in our inflatables a short way across the lake to our primitive camping site which included nearby firewood that we could collect and use in a provided firepit area."

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Book well ahead for summer and fall weekends when sites fill quickly. A visitor to Davidson River noticed "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." Most campgrounds open reservations 6-12 months in advance.

Weather variability: Prepare for rapid changes in weather conditions, especially at higher elevations. A camper at Table Rock State Park Campground advised, "We stayed here over New Year's and did a ranger-led First Day Hike." Winter camping requires extra insulation and weather monitoring.

Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have narrow, steep access roads that can be difficult for larger vehicles. A recent visitor to Gorges State Park warned, "The last 10 miles out of Brevard were curvy and had some grades. And the last 2 miles into the campground had I would guess a couple of 10% grades both up and down."

Cell service limitations: Coverage varies widely throughout the area, with most remote campgrounds having limited or no service. At Black Forest, one visitor noted, "There is no Cell Reception at the campground but they have WiFi. The WiFi can only be accessed from a few places."

Tips for camping with families

Water activities for children: Lakes and streams provide natural entertainment. At Devils Fork State Park, a visitor remarked, "So much for family's to do here. We stopped by to check it out on our way to another site and wished they had a spot available. Water is so clear. Site is so clean."

Campgrounds with playgrounds: Dedicated play areas help keep younger children entertained. A Lazy J Campground visitor mentioned the family-friendly environment: "They have a playground which is cool and the staff is very friendly." Some campgrounds also offer organized activities during summer weekends.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Animal sightings can create memorable experiences for children. A camper at Lazy J appreciated the "chickens and horses on site. Playground and lots of fun." Keeping food properly stored is essential to avoid unwanted wildlife encounters.

Campfire programs: Ranger-led activities are available at some state parks during peak season. One visitor to Table Rock noted they "did a ranger-led First Day Hike." These programs typically require no reservation but may have limited capacity.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in this mountainous region have uneven sites requiring blocks or leveling equipment. A visitor to Lake Powhatan observed, "Sites are all gravel. We have hammocked camped here, and this last trip, I camped in my Motorcycle trailer. Great spot to be for riding around the blue ridge mountains. Most sites have electric and water. You will likely need to level anything you bring."

Water pressure concerns: Some campgrounds struggle with consistent water pressure. A reviewer at Black Forest mentioned, "The water pressure was not satisfactory and we couldn't take showers in our camper. If the water pressure were better, I would consider coming back, but it might be a deal breaker."

Road grade warnings: Steep access roads can be challenging for larger RVs. A visitor to Gorges State Park cautioned, "This campground would've gotten five stars except for the road getting there was pretty exciting. The last 10 miles out of Brevard were curvy and had some grades."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Rosman, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Rosman, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 510 campgrounds and RV parks near Rosman, NC and 44 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Rosman, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rosman, NC is Davidson River Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 83 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Rosman, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 44 free dispersed camping spots near Rosman, NC.

What parks are near Rosman, NC?

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