Camping in Swannanoa, North Carolina occurs at elevations ranging from 2,200 to 3,000 feet, creating temperature variations between day and night that often exceed 20 degrees. The valley location between the Blue Ridge and Black Mountains creates unique weather patterns, with afternoon thunderstorms common during summer months. The area experiences moderate humidity compared to lower-elevation regions in North Carolina.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: 3 miles from Black Mountain Campground, find the Set Rock Falls trail directly from the campground. "There is a nice trail to SetRock Falls, right on the campground property... and several other foot trails to keep you busy and hiking," notes Dave V. Most trails are moderately difficult with rocks and roots.
Fishing in stocked waters: Rutledge Lake RV Resort offers on-site fishing opportunities without leaving the campground. According to one visitor, "Nice sites with and great stream and pond on property to fish, and yes it's easy to catch a fish here!" The pond contains bass and panfish.
Mountain summit exploration: The Mt. Mitchell Trail begins within Black Mountain Campground. "You can begin the Mountain to Sea Trail here... the start of the Mt. Mitchell Trail (11.2 roundtrip) begins in the campground with non-campground hikers having a parking lot just across the bridge," reports one camper. The elevation gain is substantial at 3,500+ feet.
What campers like
Creek access for cooling off: During hot days, campers appreciate water features at several campgrounds. At Montreat Family Campground, "The campsite was nestled within the forest and was right next to the cool water of Flat Creek. The campsite was spacious and there were plenty of trees available for hammocks," shares Chad K.
Private camping experiences: Several campers note the spacious sites at Montreat. "Sites are enormous with lots of privacy, good spacing between. For tents, there are some very nice sites along the creek," says Desiree B. The creek sites provide natural white noise for sleeping.
Clean facilities: Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina receives high marks for maintenance. "The campsites were semi private and were well maintained. Bathrooms were nearby with clean showers. Tons of hiking trails with nice scenery," reports Dylan B.
What you should know
Bear activity awareness: Bears visit multiple campgrounds in the region. One review at Campfire Lodgings warns, "This campground DOES have bears who visit the campground for food. There are no bear boxes provided." Store all food and scented items in vehicles overnight.
Seasonal temperature fluctuations: The temperature at higher elevations drops significantly. At Mount Mitchell State Park Campground, "The night we spent there was cold, windy and miserable. We were in the cloud, with strong winds and rain through the night, with no trees to protect from the wind," notes Katy S.
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have spotty connectivity. "There is no cell service on T-Mobile or Verizon inside the camp," reports Scott K. about Black Mountain Campground. Montreat Family Campground has better coverage, with reports that "I had WiFi which is helpful if I want to get away but still need to check in with work."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Curtis Creek Campground offers kid-friendly options. "My children loved it! The creek is right beside the campsites, and easily accessed by steps," says Trina W. Children can safely explore the shallow creek areas.
Game facilities: Campgrounds with activity spaces help with younger campers. "There is a huge playground and ball field at the campground," notes Mike B. about Black Mountain Campground. These facilities provide entertainment during downtime between hiking adventures.
Safety considerations: During summer thunderstorms, plan indoor activities. "The weekend we stated the pool was closed, the kids had a good time in the game room," shares Robert B. about Creekside Mountain Camping. Many campgrounds offer covered pavilions or game rooms for rainy days.
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground requires careful navigation. "The road to get there is steep but obviously doable even with our 38' gas MH. We stayed at the premium sites on top," shares Randy C. RVs longer than 40 feet may struggle with the inclines.
Leveling importance: Many mountain campgrounds have sloped sites. "The site we were on, 42, was right on top of the adjacent site. A lot of the sites seemed really packed in tight. The only ones that didn't were the top tier premium sites with a deck," notes one RVer about Mama Gertie's. Bring extra leveling blocks.
Utilities reliability: Water systems at higher elevations may freeze in shoulder seasons. "We found out after we arrived that due to the temps we were not supposed to use the water connections," reports Kayla about Rutledge Lake RV Resort. Check ahead during spring and fall for potential restrictions.
