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Best Campgrounds near Rutherfordton, NC

1,420 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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Rutherfordton, North Carolina (267)

    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

    6 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, NC
    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. South Mountains State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Casar, NC
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 433-4772

    $12 - $28 / night

    "The family campground is a short distance further inside the park on the left side(approx 2 miles) marked by a small brown sign...and is situated at 1400 ft elevation. "

    "This campground is one way and exits into a trailhead parking area. There was one site that was in the parking area, would not be my first choice. Shaded sites with picnic tables and fire rings."

    10. 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!"

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Recent Camping Photos near Rutherfordton, NC

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Recent Reviews near Rutherfordton, NC

1420 Reviews of 267 Rutherfordton Campgrounds

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 267 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 Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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