Emberglow Outdoor Resort offers a range of accommodation options from vintage RVs to yurts, just 20 minutes from Lake Lure. The property sits at approximately 1,100 feet elevation in the foothills of western North Carolina, where summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during the day. While the resort's recreational facilities are well-developed, many visitors use it as a base to explore the region's waterfalls and hiking trails.
What to do
Trout fishing: Mill Spring Creek flows through North Mills River Campground where anglers can cast directly from their sites. "The hatchery is nearby and offers some wonderful opportunities to catch and release. Be sure to look in to a guided tour for a hands on experience filled with lots of educational info on local fish," notes a visitor.
Hiking to waterfalls: 5-15 minute drive from Davidson River Campground leads to several trails. "Moore Cove Falls is a MUST and an easy trail that leads to the perfect waterfall for a good photo," says one camper who adds that "Looking Glass Rock is a moderate to difficult hike and worth it."
Natural water slides: Cold but thrilling at Sliding Rock near Brevard, about 35 minutes from Saluda. "Slide Rock is a natural water slide that is fun for the whole family. Yes… it's COLD and honestly worth every moment of chilly suffering," shares a Davidson River Campground visitor.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds near Saluda offer spacious camping areas. At Table Rock State Park, "sites are clean and perfect for tents! The sites are kinda close but we felt very comfy with our two sites. Might have been able to get 2 tents on one site but 2 cars might have been tight," reports a camper.
Creekside camping: Listen to moving water while you sleep. At Creekside Mountain Camping, visitors enjoy the proximity to flowing water. "I was thrilled to find a campsite available with an amazing view. While our site was very small, it was perfect for me and two teenage kids. They loved being next to the creek and watching the water move," notes one camper.
Mountain views: The surrounding Blue Ridge mountains provide scenic backdrops. "Table Rock trail is a must if you are nearby! It is pretty strenuous especially if you have health issues but is well worth the trek to the top," shares a regular visitor who adds that "it isn't as busy as the Smokies and I find myself more at rest here."
What you should know
Limited cellular coverage: Many campgrounds have spotty reception. At Lake Powhatan, a camper noted it "has the feel of being much further away - including no Verizon service." Plan accordingly if you need to stay connected.
Bear activity: Proper food storage is essential. At Creekside Mountain Camping, one visitor reported, "Small Black Bear wandered up and stole some burgers we left in the cooler and came back later to say hey and check up on us so be aware and keep your food under lock and key."
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. At North Mills River, "only one side of campground is open in winter," according to a winter visitor who still enjoyed their stay, noting "We were the only campers there. It was very quiet. The stream ran right by the campsite so listening to the stream as we went to bed was wonderful."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with play areas: Kids need space to burn energy. At Four Paws Kingdom, though primarily dog-focused, families find plenty of recreation. "We spent our days hiking the nearby Chimney Rock and hanging around Lake Lure. We also checked out the Equestrian center which was an awesome recommendation of the staff and also dog friendly," shares a visitor.
Choose sites near water features: Creeks provide natural entertainment. "My son spent hours hopping along the rocks in the creek," reports a mother who stayed at Creekside Mountain Camping, which offers tent sites removed enough to feel private.
Pack for variable weather: Mountain conditions can change quickly, especially in spring and fall. "It rained almost daily in the afternoon," notes a camper who visited Davidson River Campground, recommending families bring "rain jackets, headlamps and flashlights (tree coverage is heavy so it gets darker faster)."
Tips from RVers
Leveling can be challenging: Mountain terrain often means uneven sites. At North Mills River Campground, one RVer noted their experience: "This was our first RV camping trip with our new (to us) 2007 Keystone Laredo 265RL. Setup and everything went great and we just loved it."
Book well in advance for yurt camping: Saluda, North Carolina area yurts are extremely popular and fill quickly. At Travelers Rest-North Greenville KOA, about 30 minutes from Saluda, a visitor mentioned, "This is a very clean campground with a family like atmosphere. What is really unique about this KOA is that there is a nature trail through the woods."
Prepare for limited hookups: Many forest campgrounds offer limited amenities. "No Water/Sewer Hookups on Any Site. Electric Hookup Sites Limited," warns a Davidson River Campground visitor who suggests bringing a "Generator (in case your site doesn't offer electric)" and a "Cordless Leaf Blower (for removing leaves from slide outs)."
