I
Irene M.
Guide
GuideIron City Campground, Inc.
Great little campground.
Easy access and nice pool as well as little camp store.
Camping near Saluda, NC
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds near Saluda, North Carolina range from established RV resorts to primitive tent sites, with several facilities accommodating multiple camping styles. Orchard Lake Campground in Saluda provides tent, RV, and cabin options with lake access and recreational amenities. Located within driving distance, Davidson River Campground offers similar accommodation types in a forested setting. Most camping areas in the region operate seasonally, with the majority open from spring through fall, though some like Lakewood RV Resort remain open year-round. The area features a mix of privately owned campgrounds and public recreation areas, with several sites requiring reservations.
Access to camping facilities varies throughout the region, with most developed campgrounds accessible via paved or well-maintained gravel roads. Mountain terrain influences camping conditions, with some sites situated at higher elevations experiencing cooler temperatures even during summer months. Most established campgrounds provide water and electric hookups, while some also offer full sewer connections and shower facilities. Tent campers can find both primitive and improved sites, often with access to restrooms and picnic tables. Visitors should check individual campground policies, as some like Orchard Lake Campground have specific pet restrictions and quiet hour regulations. One camper noted, "The sites are clean, bathrooms seem maintained, and there's plenty of stuff for the kids to do."
Campers report mixed experiences with privacy and site spacing at area campgrounds. Several visitors mentioned that sites at Orchard Lake Campground are "very close together but the campground itself is spread out with a couple different loops so you don't feel like you're in a mega campground." Water recreation opportunities represent a significant draw for many local camping areas, with activities including swimming, fishing, and paddling. Family-friendly amenities appear frequently in camper reviews, with multiple campgrounds offering playgrounds, game rooms, and organized activities. While most campgrounds maintain clean facilities, bathroom quality varies across locations. Seasonal campers occupy many sites at some campgrounds, potentially limiting availability for short-term visitors. The region's camping options provide convenient access to nearby attractions including Dupont State Forest, Lake Lure, and the mountain towns of Hendersonville and Brevard.
Best Campgrounds near Saluda (356)
1. Davidson River Campground
"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."
from $37 - $84 / night
Check Availability2. Orchard Lake Campground
"A swimming lake with slide. Boats, zip line, fishing, a game room, move room. Only bad thing is the bad house are probably the worst I have ever used."
from $38 - $48 / night
Check Availability3. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina
"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"
from $37 - $135 / night
Check Availability4. Table Rock State Park Campground
"Table Rock and nearby Caesars Head were more popular than Jones Gap. Jones Gap has limited parking which means entry to the park is limited as well."
"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."
5. Jones Gap State Park Campground
"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."
"Excellent spot elevated above the Middle Saluda River after a day of exploration."
6. Paris Mountain State Park Campground
"I stayed at Trailside Camp Site #2, which is one of their remote, primitive sites at the North Lake and all I can say is wow."
"Nice wooded coverage, walking and hiking trails, plus a few lakes to fish. Bath houses are probably the cleanest I’ve seen in all the campgrounds I’ve been too."
7. Rutledge Lake RV Resort
"Easy off the highway but far enough to be quiet. Lots of dining options close by"
"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"
8. Lakewood RV Resort - 55+
"This campground is located close to the interstate and downtown Hendersonville with lots of restaurants. Also close by is the Dupont State Forest, places to hike, Lake Lure etc."
"If you’re looking for a little more space, best to book on the far side of the park near the dog run. A little more space with a tree or two between if you can get the right spot."
from $55 - $66 / night
Check Availability9. Asheville East KOA
"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."
from $50 / night
Check Availability10. North Mills River
"Small campground, but there are free off road sites not too far down the road. Cell service disappears but I love that kind of disconnect."
"State stocked river is close by for trout fishing, and the bathrooms are always clean being for what they are."
from $31 - $62 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 28 min from Asheville, NC
- 35 min from Spartanburg, SC
- 43 min from Greenville, SC
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Recent Reviews near Saluda, NC
1624 Reviews of 356 Saluda Campgrounds
- kkathy U.
ScoutBuck Creek
Amazing
I’m thrilled to give this campground my highest recommendation! The owners and staff couldn’t have been more accommodating, helpful and kind! We called that morning because the campground we were booked at turned out to be awful. They fit us in and then we ended up extending our stay. We had to keep moving sites because they had other campers coming in, but it was worth it! Our favorite sites was 54 and 27. Some sites are close, but all are on the creek so you don’t notice it at all! Nothing better than waking up to the sound of water! The campground location is perfect, 20-30 minutes from things to do like hiking and wineries.
Jim S.GuideMount Pisgah Campground
Cool Change
Typical National Park Campground.Sites are small but spread apart.Not many that we could fit 28 foot Airstream .Clean restrooms and free showers. The rangers are very friendly. Very professional and helpful. The restaurant is great but you need to make a reservation.
Robert G.ScoutBlack Forest Family Camping Resort
Great for families
We absolutely loved our experience at Black Forest. The owners genuinely care about your stay. They were only about half full when we went so they suggested a couple different sites for us to be spaced out from other people for privacy. When we arrived at our site we called the desk and asked if we could actually move to the one right next to it and they said sure no problem. Even if you were right next to others there are trees for at least a visual barrier at most sites. And you are fully in the woods so it isn’t that RV park feel. The bathhouses are clean and well maintained. The store at the check-in has everything you may have forgotten and the prices are actually reasonable. This place is very close to the restaurants on cedar mountain, less than 10 minute drive to everything. This was our first trip with our new 29ft camper trailer and I was nervous about backing into the site, but the way they have them set up you have plenty of room so it’s easy. The internet was a little spotty so we weren’t able to work remotely as planned but for us it wasn’t a big deal and we had enough cell service to send texts here and there. I read that the pool is heated but it was pretty cold!! But the weather was very hot when we were here so we didn’t mind that at all, we loved the pool.
Rachael F.
Travelerwash Creek Dispersed Campsite #3
Be aware of your neighbors
If I was reviewing for just the location and how beautiful it was I’d give a 4 stars for a dispersed campsite however your neighbors do impact your experience.
The site itself I really loved. I was about 200 -300 feet from where you park your car right off the road (the roads by the way are definitely passable by most vehicles but keep in mind I was there in May). While there was alot of traffic going by (cars and bicyclists) the way it was set up it gave more privacy than most especially if you put your tent in the right place.
It was nice to have some distance between the car and the campsite with the large black bear population. Highly recommend keeping all food far from your site and washing any dishes as far from where you sleep as much as you can. Also keep all soaps, perfumes, or toiletries out if your tent. That also attracts.
Wash creek was close by. So accessing water for filtering for use was very easy. I used a 0.01 Micron, 6-Stage, portable BKLES (BKLES Camping Water Filter –... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGLHX2JK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) for the two weeks and had no health issues or otherwise. The water tasted great.
There was a hiking trail that was between the site and the path to the creek. I never saw anyone while I was there (2 weeks) but it’s something to consider if your a solo camper as other campers could easily travel it to access your site without you being aware. I had Portable Outdoor Perimeter Alarm... (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FXGJRD2K?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) to keep me safe and alert at night which I can’t recommend enough. It ended up saving my life. Towards the end of my stay for the first time all four alarm sensors put in several different places yards apart were going off. It continued off and on for over an hour. I did not risk opening my tent to see what it was.
I decided to go to an air bnb the next night. when I returned my tent was riped in several places and my dewalt tool box I was using for storage had what looked like puncture marks and was opened (full disclosure - I forgot I had some dried chick peas in it). Pretty safe to assume I was visited by a bear. I went back to the air bnb waiting for things to dry up before packing.
Upon returning items were stolen. A few things were taken with a note from a nearby camper with his cell (no name ?) letting me know he was keeping them safe for me. When I was at the site inspecting things he showed up. Was nice enough and did return some of my items but my portable firepit and large propane tank were gone.
Granted I had left the site unattended for a few days after the seeing my tent ripped up and was waiting for things to dry (as it had been raining for several days) before packing. Having said this the stolen items could have been because the more permanent folks living in the area thought I had just abandoned my things. I’ll leave it up to you to decide.
So while the spot itself was profoundly beautiful the neighbors add an element that should be considered in your decision to come.
On a positive note, I did see blue ghost fireflies several nights during my stay. I Eastern Tiger Swallowtails two days in a row my site had maybe 50-100 right next to my tent. Then the Spicebush Swallowtail, and Azures decided to join. One day a cardinal sat right on the rock in the middle of the campsite 10 feet from me. If you love rocks like I do be prepared for some really truly beautiful gems (pun intended) if you go wading in the creek. I forgot to mention I accidentally caught a fish when trying to fill my bucket up in the evening (how did it taste? Well, unfortunately I don’t have the skills to prep fish like that so I quickly released it but tells you a bit about the water nearby 🌞)
- BBob B.Guide
Table Rock State Park Campground
White Oak Campground
Semi private campground, super clean bathrooms, cell signal is spotty and there are no trails or water nearby. So, some pluses and some minuses. Also, although our campsite was level (unlike some), it was quite muddy and the utility hookups and fire ring were on opposite sides of where they should be.
- CColin G.Scout
Sunburst Campground
Parking Lot
Absolutely zero provide or trees between sites. Might as well be in an RV lot. Reserved a site and immediately left after getting there.
- KKim Q.Scout
Moonshine Creek Campground
Didn’t want to leave
Just what I needed to unwind. Large tent site with a shelter, picnic table and fire ring. Rhododendrons and trees surround the campground. Creek bubbling and birds singing. Quiet campers during our visit. Clean bath house.
- JJeannie B.Scout
Red Gates RV Park
It’s clean and convenient 🤷🏻♀️
Red gates campground is pretty, clean and in a convenient place for what we need. It is full hook up, but also provides bath house and Pay as you go laundry facilities. However, tear is little to no privacy at any of the sites. If you’re looking to make this a destination camp ground, you will be disappointed. But it is a great spot to stay as a base to explore around western North Carolina.
Guide to Saluda
Camping opportunities near Saluda, North Carolina range from riverside sites to mountain retreats, with elevations between 2,000-3,000 feet creating moderate temperatures even during summer months. The area sits at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, approximately 35 miles from Asheville, providing access to both mountain terrain and lake recreation. Camping options include both year-round facilities and seasonal operations, with most campgrounds closing between November and March.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: North Mills River Campground offers multiple hiking options directly from campsites. "There are lots of hiking trails with nice scenery. Good bathrooms. Nice quiet campground. Has a beach on a swampy lake," shares a camper at Lake Powhatan.
Trout fishing: Several streams in the area are stocked with fish. At North Mills River, "The river is stocked and also has native rainbow trout exceeding 20 inches. Some fly-fishermen showcased their trophy catches while we stayed here."
Mountain biking: The Pisgah National Forest trails start near Davidson River Campground. "If you're looking to see the sights of the forest and take a drive the scenic parkway then youve come to the right campground. On the other hand if you're thinking of riding the mtb trails you're in luck. They start literally across the davidson river from the campground."
Kayaking and canoeing: Several lakes in the area offer paddle sports. "Pond has kayaks and canoes to use. Gameroom was decent but could be a little better. Office staff was helpful. Sites are nice and well equipped and bathrooms were clean."
What campers like
Creekside sites: Many campers prefer sites along water. At Jones Gap State 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!"
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms are frequently mentioned. "Lake Powhatan campground is well maintained and peaceful. Bathrooms are clean and there's hot showers. Firewood and ice are available for purchase by the gate," notes one reviewer.
Privacy between sites: Spacing between campsites varies significantly between campgrounds. "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. Awesome place!" reports a Jones Gap State Park camper.
Winter camping options: Some campgrounds remain open year-round with reduced rates. "Stayed here as we were visiting The Biltmore House and Gardens. Great campground hosts, park is super clean and quiet. Has a great beach and lots of hiking and mountain bike trails. Its part of the National Forest system so its super cheap."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. At Davidson River, "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. The campground has a great river to swim in and is close to Brevard and Asheville but reservations are recommended."
Site leveling challenges: Mountain terrain creates uneven sites. At Paris Mountain State Park, "Liked the campground. No amenities per day except bathroom/showers. Nice large sites but very unlevel due to mountain side. Would not stay again because we were so unlevel our refrigerator wouldn't work."
Seasonal operation hours: Many facilities reduce operations in winter. "We stayed at hard times loop, site 68. Just a stone's throw from the bustle of Asheville, yet secluded enough to forget it all, this little gem is conveniently located at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest."
Pet restrictions: Some campgrounds limit certain dog breeds. "They are more worried about banning breeds like Pit Bulls and Rottweilers (and mixes containing the two) than they are keeping the trash dump clean. This seems like a pretty big over site considering we are in bear country."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Look for campgrounds with swimming options. At Orchard Lake Campground, "We went kayaking and swimming daily. There is a slide in the middle of the pond that my son loved. When it rained the game room had a movie on and lots to do inside."
Game rooms for rainy days: Indoor activities provide backup options. "This campground is wonderful! We found it out of an emergency stop and stayed for 5 nights. It is beautiful and has so much for the kids to do. To just let the kids be kids and have fun!"
Trail difficulty considerations: Check trail ratings before hiking with children. At Table Rock State Park, "If you like to hike there are two strenuous hikes in the park from 4-8 miles long and steep climbs that offer breathtaking views."
Short walk-in options: Some walk-in sites work well for families. "Love the privacy of this spot (#8) which is the closest walk in spot from the Parking area. We were able to hike in a ton of gear (coolers, dog bed, etc (with a little work and a few trips) and it was worth it for the seclusiveness."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing limitations: Many RV sites lack privacy. At Rutledge Lake RV Resort, "some sites along the creek on the back left that are a little wooded and have some separation, we were in site 86 which was one of them, but most sites are very close together, many probably less than 15' apart."
Road conditions: Access roads can be challenging. "The road through the park back to the campground is pretty narrow at some points - we don't know how we would have managed if we had met another RV! We have a 31' Class A and we managed fine, but I did hear some people with larger trailers having a harder time."
Winter water access: Cold weather affects hookups. "In addition, we found out after we arrived that due to the temps we were not supposed to use the water connections. We found it to be to be an extremely expensive reservation, especially given the inability to use the hookups we had purchased."
Cellular coverage: Signal strength varies by location. "AT&T had 3 bars and 5 MB/s w/o a booster, 4 bars and 7 MB/s with it. We had no DISH satellite coverage in our site, but other more open sites should."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Saluda, NC?
What camping is available near Saluda, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, Saluda, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 356 campgrounds and RV parks near Saluda, NC and 28 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Saluda, NC?
Which is the most popular campground near Saluda, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Saluda, NC is Davidson River Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 82 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Saluda, NC?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Saluda, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 free dispersed camping spots near Saluda, NC.
What parks are near Saluda, NC?
What parks are near Saluda, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 parks near Saluda, NC that allow camping, notably National Forests in North Carolina and Pisgah National Forest.
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