Near Saluda, North Carolina, camping opportunities span elevations from 1,000 to 3,000 feet in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The area experiences moderate temperatures with summer averages in the 80s and winter lows frequently below freezing. Seasonal campground availability varies significantly, with some parks closing from November through March due to mountain weather conditions.
What to do
Tubing on Green River: Wilderness Cove Campground offers easy access to river adventures. "My kid(12) and I had a great experience here: 2 nights in tents and 2 in a River Cottage. The tent camping is not quite 'roughing it': there's pretty reliable WiFi and the bath house is air conditioned and kept very clean," reports one camper.
Fishing at multiple locations: Rutledge Lake RV Resort provides stocked fishing opportunities. "We had spot #10 water front. It had plenty of space for the 5 of us and 2 dogs. Nice gravel level sites," notes a visitor. Some campers mention the abundance of wildlife, including "the geese recking havoc at all hours of the night."
Hiking nearby trails: Access to mountain trails is convenient from most area campgrounds. At Land of Waterfalls RV Park, you're "15 minutes to Brevard and Pisgah National Forest and 20 minutes to Hendersonville. DuPont State Park is nearby as well. Easy access to hiking trails and outdoor activities."
Mountain biking access: The region offers excellent mountain biking opportunities. One camper at Rutledge Lake mentioned, "Nice place to stay if you like mountain biking with DuPont and Pisgah national forest being close by."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Red Gates RV Park receives high marks for maintenance. "Pristine bath house! Pristine campground! We truly enjoyed our time here!" wrote one reviewer. Another noted, "The bath house was older but very clean. Two shower stalls with dressing area and two bathroom stalls."
Pet amenities: Several campgrounds cater specifically to pets. Red Gates has "an off lead dog area with water available and poop bags" and "plenty of space and areas to walk our dog." At Maple Ridge RV Park, "Several sites have a dog pen. My dogs really enjoyed the extra off leash time."
Community spaces: Shared areas enhance the camping experience. "There is a little community shack with a Keurig, maps of the area, comfy chairs, and some small desk for a change of work scenery. There is also a nice big community yard with Adirondack chairs and fire pits," reports a visitor to Land of Waterfalls RV Park.
Proximity to attractions: Location matters to RV campers near Saluda. Hitching Post Campground is "1.2 miles from Ingels grocery, and its a wonderful store, lots of ready to go food, also Lake Lure at 2 miles with Lake house bar and grill, both inside and outside decks with view of Lake."
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. At Lakewood RV Resort, "Camp sites are a little closer together and not very private, but everyone is super respectful. If you're looking for a little more space, best to book on the far side of the park near the dog run."
Mountain roads require caution: Access can be challenging for larger vehicles. At Wilderness Cove Campground, one camper noted, "The drive down the mountain is a little nerve-wracking for a city boy, and my car's low clearance had me scraping my underside on some rocky bumps inside the property."
Age restrictions at some parks: Some campgrounds limit guests by age. Lakewood RV Resort is "for those that are 55 and over, however your children or grandchildren are always welcome with you." Verify age policies before booking.
Seasonal closures: Operating schedules vary by location. Red Gates RV Park is open "Apr 1 - Nov 1" while others like Wilderness Cove operate year-round.
Hookup placement can be awkward: RV site configurations sometimes present challenges. At Rutledge Lake, some campers found hookups difficult to reach: "The park is aware of the issue, but has not been able to get it resolved."
Tips for camping with families
Off-season visits reduce crowds: For a quieter experience with children, consider non-peak times. One family at Wilderness Cove noted, "Moving to the cottage was meant to be easier on my kid, but I didn't expect all the amenities: refrigerator, screened in porch, and very comfy beds."
Look for play facilities: Maple Ridge RV Park offers "Nice children and adult play area, cornhole, horseshoes, swing set, and fire pits," making it suitable for families with varied ages.
Consider cottage options: When tent camping proves challenging with kids, several parks offer alternatives. Wilderness Cove Campground features "River Cottages" that provide comfort while maintaining the camping experience.
Swimming access: Pools provide entertainment for children. At Rutledge Lake RV Resort, "Pool was clean" according to reviewers, providing a safe swimming option when mountain water is too cold.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Gravel pads dominate the region with varying degrees of levelness. At Gatlin Ridge RV Park, one RVer appreciated the "Clean, beautiful landscaping. Full hookups, shady spot on site 4."
Wi-Fi performance: Internet access varies significantly between parks. At Lakewood RV Resort, "Internet is a little slow, but you can upgrade for a night for $3."
Accessibility concerns: Large rig owners should research carefully. One Rutledge Lake visitor noted, "We were in site 86 which was one of them, but most sites are very close together, many probably less than 15' apart."
Longer stay discounts: Some parks offer rate reductions for extended stays. At Land of Waterfalls RV Park, monthly rates during winter months can be significantly lower than daily rates during peak season.
