The French Broad River basin surrounds Hot Springs, North Carolina, situated at 1,332 feet elevation in the Appalachian Mountains. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing with occasional snowfall, while summer days often reach the mid-80s with higher humidity. Campers should prepare for significant temperature fluctuations, as nighttime temperatures can drop 15-20 degrees from daytime highs even in summer months.
What to do
Hiking to Max Patch: Access one of the most scenic spots on the Appalachian Trail from Round Mountain Campground, located just a few miles from the panoramic summit. "Very cool, rustic, and secluded site only a few miles from a great panoramic view ontop or max patch. My favorite thing about this site is all the moss scattered throughout," writes Tyler J. about Round Mountain.
Fishing in mountain streams: The Little Pigeon River offers excellent trout fishing opportunities at Fox Fire Riverside Campground. "Fishing from the campsite was a bonus and the owners are the nicest people we've met in our travels," notes Rhonda B. The campground sits directly on the water with designated fishing areas accessible from riverside sites.
Relaxing in natural waters: Beyond the commercial hot springs, explore Laurel River for natural swimming spots. "Laurel River was a great place to cool off and only a few minutes drive from the campsite. The watering holes were plenty and amazing," according to jennifer Z. who camped at Creek Ridge Camping.
What campers like
Proximity to Appalachian Trail: Several campgrounds provide direct access to famous hiking paths. As Kate M. explains about Hot Springs Campground, "A bucket list trip to step foot on the APP and spend time wandering Hot Springs NC."
Private riverside camping: Water access is a major draw for campers in this region. "We stayed on the river at campsite 20 and 21. The kids were able to get into the water and swim. The dam does release the water around 2pm so be aware that the water will rise," advises Jasmaine L. about Greenbrier Campground.
Seasonal swimming holes: Many campgrounds maintain swimming areas in warmer months. Tra C. reports, "The tents sites along the river were great, once all of the travel trailers loaded up Sunday morning and pulled out it revealed beautiful grounds. Loved the spa. Amazing views open air hot tubs."
What you should know
Bear awareness: Wildlife encounters require proper preparation. One visitor warns, "This campground DOES have bears who visit the campground for food. There are no bear boxes provided... store everything in your car" when staying at Campfire Lodgings.
Road conditions: Many camping areas require navigating challenging terrain. "Definitely not a road for RV's or Travel Trailers, or the faint of heart, as it's very narrow with a clearance of about 8-10 feet in several places. There are also some significant ruts and holes. I would recommend a 4x4 high clearance vehicle," Timothy advises about Harmon Den Area.
Seasonal operation: Most glamping close to Hot Springs, North Carolina operates within specific timeframes. Fox Fire Riverside Campground runs "March 15 to November 15," while Round Mountain Campground operates "April to November," making advance planning crucial for off-season visits.
Tips for camping with families
Check swimming safety: When camping with children near water, verify current conditions. "The swimming hole was a blessing durning the hot days! (Think ice bucket challenge). The tubing was fun for the older kids and adults," reports Elizabeth B. about Greenbrier Campground.
Look for playground facilities: Some campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. "Playground is great and was perfect for our girl scout trip," explains Rebecca M. about Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park Campground, adding "There's also a sweet man who gives tours of the replica farm of David Crocket.. in character and costume."
Consider bath facilities: Clean, accessible bathrooms matter for family comfort. Lake Powhatan offers "very clean bathrooms and showers... both are single use, not stalls, which I suppose could be inconvenient if there were a lot of people waiting, but it's nice to have the privacy!"
Tips from RVers
Mind site dimensions: RV sites vary significantly in size and layout. "We have a 33 ft travel trailer and our truck and had plenty of room in the pull thru site 2. Not a lot of privacy between sites but I didn't think it was bad at all. Full hookups were a plus," shares Brenda L. about Fox Fire.
Check road access: Campgrounds near Hot Springs often have challenging approach roads. "The entrance is steep downhill coming in... a little scary at first but not a problem," warns Brenda L., while another RVer notes at Campfire Lodgings, "The road up is steep and a little curvy... they ask you not to arrive until after 2p in order to ensure that arriving rigs don't meet up with departing rigs on the road."
Consider hookup availability: "Nice clean gated park. Nice big spots. Only 3 fifty amp full hook up sites. Lots of 30 amp and tent camping. Right on the river," explains Sonya A., highlighting the limited availability of premium RV spots at Hot Springs Campground during peak seasons.
