Best Campgrounds near Saluda, NC

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 Camping Sites Near Saluda, North Carolina (336)

    1. Davidson River Campground

    83 Reviews
    Pisgah Forest, NC
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 785-5337

    $37 - $84 / night

    "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."

    2. Orchard Lake Campground

    13 Reviews
    Saluda, NC
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 749-3901

    $38 - $48 / night

    "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."

    3. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina

    63 Reviews
    Enka, NC
    23 miles
    +1 (828) 552-8040

    $37 - $135 / night

    "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"

    4. Jones Gap State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Cedar Mountain, NC
    15 miles
    Website

    "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."

    5. Table Rock State Park Campground

    55 Reviews
    Sunset, SC
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 878-9813

    "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."

    6. Paris Mountain State Park Campground

    38 Reviews
    Taylors, SC
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 244-5565

    $100 / night

    "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

    19 Reviews
    Fletcher, NC
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 654-7873

    "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. Asheville East KOA

    52 Reviews
    Swannanoa, NC
    25 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."

    9. Lakewood RV Resort - 55+

    6 Reviews
    Dana, NC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 697-9523

    $55 - $66 / night

    "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."

    10. Black Forest Family Camping Resort

    18 Reviews
    Cedar Mountain, NC
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 884-2267

    "Camped here over the weekend, the amenities were INSANE (free canoes, rec room, laundry room, camp activities, zip line) very friendly people and only 7 or so minutes from downtown saluda, a very nice"

    "The cabins have electricity, but the water pump is outside and the bathrooms and showers are communal (but clean). There is a full size bed and two bunk beds in each one."

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Recent Reviews near Saluda, NC

1575 Reviews of 336 Saluda Campgrounds


  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Mount Pisgah Campground

    October camping experience

    Well I checked when peak leaf season was supposed to occur and what to expect from temperatures. I also appreciate information from those that camped here. We were in site B26 interior of the loop. Unfortunately we weren’t able to get outside loop from the showers to the end. Interior from the showers to site 21 were okay. Ours on the other hand was one of the worst we’ve had. You had a steep 7 step down to picknick table and firepit. It was also in a low sumac shrub area that had a distinct smell. Campground was clean and facilities were well maintained. NPS staff were present despite the current shutdown in Washington! Limited cell service at the site. Best just up the parkway to the Mt. Pisgah picnic area parking lot.

    While we did hit peak color, I didn’t think that the cold front would be as intense. Temperature dropped below freezing and during the night it felt like gale force winds buffeting the GO. Definitely will pick a lower elevation for camping if it’s in October!

  • Katie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Upper Cove Creek - UCC2 Dispersed

    Okay spot

    Avery Road was closed so we ended up here. Not a whole lot of sites in the forest here. This site was fine, nothing special, but nothing bad. There’s a shallow creek that runs next to this spot.

  • Sarah and Philip H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Spacious Skies Peach Haven

    Family Friendly Campground easy get to where you don't feel like you need to leave

    We have loved spacious skies. The campsites are well spaced and there are activities planned for the kids. The hiking trails were surprisingly nice and for a small campground. Everyone is friendly and family-oriented.

  • s
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Creekwood Farm RV Park

    Great RV Park

    This park is conveniently located between Maggie Valley and Waynesville with access to lots of western NC attractions. The staff is excellent and cares about the campers' experience here.

  • s
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Pride RV Resort

    Excellent RV Park. The staff is great and hospitable.

    The staff here care about the campground and put their best effort towards being hospitable to the guests.

  • Tyler I.
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Orchard Lake Campground

    Always Welcoming

    Owners are great and very helpful, sites are always clean and welcoming!

  • Megan W.
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5

    Great place

    We enjoyed the night/day with our kids! Sites are kind of small but absolutely beautiful surroundings. Zero signal, but can drive to the top of the road and you should get a bar to make a call.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Wilson's Riverfront RV Park

    September stay

    Grass on lots high, nice concrete spots, full hookup in good shape.


Guide to Saluda

Camping near Saluda, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms at Bear Den Family Campground and Cabins. A reviewer noted, "Bathrooms are clean and there is a laundry."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peaceful environment at Smokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park. One camper said, "It was rainy so maybe that deterred some campers, but we had a great time."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Families love the activities at Asheville East KOA. A parent mentioned, "There is a pool, playground, gaga ball pit, golf cart rentals, fishing and splashing in the Swannanoa River."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, like Smokemont Campground, have little to no cell service. A camper noted, "No cell or TV service here."
  • Crowded Beaches: At Devils Fork State Park Campground, some visitors found the beach area crowded. One reviewer said, "There were far too many people with carelessness leaving trash."
  • Tight Campsites: Campers at Oconee State Park Campground noted that sites can be tight. A visitor mentioned, "These campsites are TIGHT! Be prepared."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring Activities: Kids will enjoy the playground and swimming areas at Lake Powhatan. One parent said, "The lake was close enough for my 7 & 8 year olds to bike."
  • Plan for Trash: Make sure to keep your area clean, especially at Devils Fork State Park. A camper noted, "We had a wonderful time, but there was far too much trash left behind."
  • Check for Events: Look for special events at campgrounds like Oconee State Park. A visitor mentioned, "There was a square dance Friday night and by the screams of the kids it was a hit."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site dimensions at places like Kings Mountain State Park. One RVer said, "The electric and water are in odd spots on each site."
  • Be Prepared for Narrow Roads: Some campgrounds have narrow, winding roads. A reviewer at Kings Mountain mentioned, "The road into the campground is narrow, hilly and windy."
  • Bring Leveling Blocks: Many sites are not level, as noted by a camper at Oconee State Park. They said, "The sites are notoriously NOT level."

Camping near Saluda, North Carolina, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Saluda, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Saluda, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 336 campgrounds and RV parks near Saluda, NC and 24 free dispersed camping spots.

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 83 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Saluda, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 free dispersed camping spots 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.