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Best Campgrounds near Rutherfordton, NC

1,451 Reviews

Rutherfordton, NC has several good camping options worth checking out. Iron City Campground gives you a quiet place to camp with full hookups, nice showers, and even a dog park. You can access Blue Ridge Mountain trails from Table Rock at the Mountain Laurel Campground. Davidson River has a store where you can get camping supplies and is close to hiking trails that lead into the Great Smoky Mountains. Book your site early if you can, especially during busy times. The Appalachian Trail isn't too far away and makes for great hiking. Most local campgrounds have water and bathrooms. The fishing is good in this area, with plenty of trout in the rivers. Fall camping is really popular because of the changing leaves. Summer gets crowded, so plan ahead. Winter camping works too, just bring warm gear. There are small towns nearby where you can grab anything you forgot. Rutherfordton works well for both new and experienced campers. Each campground has its own feel and things to do. Just check what's open and any rules before you head out.

Map showing campgrounds near Rutherfordton, North CarolinaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Rutherfordton, North Carolina (285)

    1. Four Paws Kingdom Campground & Dog Retreat

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

    "Over all, if you want the peace and quiet in the North Carolina foot hills with your furry friend and have a good time.  This is the place to be."

    "The gravel at our site was painful for our dog’s feet and they had a hard time walking on it. The dog parks made up for this! There are multiple large dog parks located at the campground."

    2. Emberglow Outdoor Resort

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

    $40 - $350 / night

    "The tent sites are clustered together next to a stream in the woods, providing tons of shade on hot days.  "

    "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. River Creek Campground

    6 Reviews
    Lake Lure, NC
    10 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."

    4. Maple Ridge RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Rutherfordton, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 577-3714

    $58 / night

    "Close to lake lure and chimney rock.

    Clean bathhouse and restrooms"

    5. Asheville East KOA

    52 Reviews
    Swannanoa, NC
    28 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."

    6. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Golden Valley

    7 Reviews
    Bostic, NC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 417-0086

    "It was perfectly level and roomy with trees behind us. The bathrooms/showers are modern and spotless. We could only get a two night reservation, but that was enough."

    "Golf carts are a must to get around since the campground is so big! The kids enjoyed the water park, putt putt, gem mining, fishing, crafts and tie dying shirts."

    7. Hickory Nut Falls Family Campground

    11 Reviews
    Lake Lure, NC
    17 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."

    "Nice place to visit and close to Chimney Rock"

    8. Foothills Family Campground

    5 Reviews
    Chesnee, SC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 245-4064

    "Following highways signs looking for this campground I didn’t know what to expect. I was hoping for a tent site but wasn’t sure what I would find."

    9. Sovereign Fireside Glampground

    1 Review
    Rutherfordton, NC
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (513) 503-7479

    $25 - $150 / night

    "Sovereign Fireside Glampground has a great location near the national forests, but also easy access to some small town amenities.  Check them out and make sure to leave a review on the Dyrt!"

    10. Spacious Skies Hidden Creek

    15 Reviews
    Marion, NC
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 652-7208

    $28 - $181 / night

    "Hidden Creek not only has a nice creek running through the campground within 20 feet of my site, but also the  nature trail is off the beaten path from the very active campground along a small river."

    "Gem mines, waterfalls, brewery and shopping in nearby Asheville. There is plenty to do year round, make sure to buy a family pass for games etc. they really cater to family oriented fun."

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Recent Camping Photos near Rutherfordton, NC

714 Photos of 285 Rutherfordton Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Rutherfordton, NC

1451 Reviews of 285 Rutherfordton Campgrounds

  • C
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Steele Creek Park & Campground

    Extra fees

    Sooo...went to book online. Selected my site and started the payment process. I was greeted by a pop-up stating that if I want to lock in my site, I'd have to pay an additional $20 fee.

    Okay, let me get this straight: I reserve a specific site for specific reasons, then the campground tells me they have the right to move me to a site of their choosing unless I pay them an additional $20?

    No thanks. Just lost my business. I'm sure it's a nice place, but really?

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • K
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Starlight Hills Campground

    Mudpit

    If it’s going to rain while you’re here, I suggest finding another campground. I don’t mind dealing dirt while I camp but at this point, it’s a mud pit and all of my gear is covered in mud. My gear cleanup is going to take 10x longer than it usually does! And be sure to treat your tent with permethrin or be prepared to have daddy long legs take over. I’ve been camping all my life and I’ve dealt with a few of them in between the roof of my tent and the rain fly….no big deal. But on my first night, there was at least 50 in there! I couldn’t leave my tent without having them crawl all over me and trying to get into the tent. It was like fighting a losing battle because there were so many and they just swarm you. Couldn’t even sit my feet still by the fire without having them crawl over my feet or up my chair. I know we’re just in the woods but it’s definitely not worth the money per night. All of the other campgrounds that I’ve payed this much for are on pea gravel with nice drainage or on grass….with nice amenities…or at least actual bathrooms, not porta potties. The camp host never came by my site like the messages that I received stated. Granted, he said to call if I needed anything and that they’re on property, but I never met anyone and when I would call, I got “hello” that’s it. Not “hello, this is ___” or “starlight hills campground, how can I help you”. Very impersonal. Will not be back.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Old NC 105 Dispersed

    Amazing views and Free camping

    This place is amazing, Free and clean campsites.

  • 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!

  • 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!

Guide to Rutherfordton

Camping near Rutherfordton, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Davidson River Campground. One camper mentioned, "Hiked the North Slope nearly 4 miles wore out the dogs perfectly!" This area is great for both casual walkers and serious hikers.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Lake Powhatan, offer fishing opportunities. A reviewer noted, "The best thing about Lake Powhatan is the nice hike around the lake and the fun little lake beach."
  • Swimming: If you're looking to cool off, check out the swimming hole at Davidson River Campground. One visitor said, "There is a nice swimming hole at camp."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Lake Powhatan stated, "The bathrooms were some of the cleanest we've seen."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peaceful environment. A camper at Davidson River Campground shared, "Every time I go, it’s always clean and quiet."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. A review for Kings Mountain State Park said, "The park rangers are all nice and respectful."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell reception in many campgrounds. A visitor at Lake Powhatan noted, "We had very little cell service (Verizon)."
  • No Showers at Some Sites: Not all campgrounds have shower facilities. A camper at Mount Pisgah Campground mentioned, "The shower was almost painful."
  • Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A review for Paris Mountain State Park stated, "The sites are on top of each other."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. A parent 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 review for Bear Den Family Campground mentioned, "Great campground. Big private sites."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring your own food or check if the campground has a store. A camper at Kings Mountain State Park noted, "The camp store has a small amount of camping equipment but very little grocery items."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify the size of the sites before booking. A review for Asheville East KOA mentioned, "Section A was extremely tight for navigating, parking, and camping."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near roads or train tracks. A visitor at Asheville East KOA said, "Trains come through near the park at all hours of the day and night."
  • Use Levelers: Many sites may not be perfectly level, so bring leveling blocks. A camper at Kings Mountain State Park advised, "Most sites were shady, but you must really check the site description or plan on bringing lots of levelers."

Camping near Rutherfordton, North Carolina, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're in an RV or tent camping, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Rutherfordton, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Rutherfordton, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 285 campgrounds and RV parks near Rutherfordton, NC and 22 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Rutherfordton, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rutherfordton, NC is Four Paws Kingdom Campground & Dog Retreat with a 4.9-star rating from 10 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 free dispersed camping spots near Rutherfordton, NC.

What parks are near Rutherfordton, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 parks near Rutherfordton, NC that allow camping, notably Pisgah National Forest and National Forests in North Carolina.

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