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Best Campgrounds near Rutherfordton, NC

1,445 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 (282)

    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, 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. 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

709 Photos of 282 Rutherfordton Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Rutherfordton, NC

1445 Reviews of 282 Rutherfordton 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

  • Cassondra P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Mountain River Family Campground

    Beautiful clean campground

    We absolutely loved our stay here! This campground was destroyed by Hurricane Helene in 2024 and they have already built back a beautiful fully functioning campground

    The sites are so clean with flowers planted around electric and water boxes, easy to access sites

    I loved sitting along riverbanks having fire, reading my book while family fished

    Owners were so nice and welcoming, gave us directions to access falls/overlooks

    If we are ever in the area again we Will definitely be back!

  • HRMolding2@aol.com
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Spacious Skies Bear Den

    Bearden Campground

    My family and I have been camping at Bearden since 1995 and it has always been great.  Getting to know the owners and all the people who ran the campground BUT now that is is apart of a large corporation or hedge fund and people looking to satisfy shareholders it's not as fun.  Sure we love the location (hint here if pulling a camper, don't follow the Bearden sign, go to Linville to get on the parkway and go left.  This way you will avoid the steep curvy road going up a mountain.) but it's ran like a corporation.  No more calling the campground office talking to the friendly owners, now you call to somewhere I believe in NJ and talk to a person to make reservations at one of the campground Spacious Skies have purchased.  So much for the family owned campgrounds who wanted to make money but provided a better atmosphere.

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 282 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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