38 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground accommodates pets across tent sites, RV spots, and cabin rentals with designated pet exercise areas. The campground maintains clean grounds and facilities while enforcing strict pet policies. Lake Powhatan, just 25 minutes from Swannanoa, also welcomes pets with spacious campsites surrounded by hiking trails. Asheville East KOA provides riverside camping with pets allowed throughout the property, though sites in Section A are extremely tight for larger RVs with pets. Several campgrounds feature dog-friendly walking paths and pet waste stations, allowing dogs to accompany their owners while exploring the camping areas. Most properties require pets to be leashed when outside the RV or tent, with typical leash length restrictions of 6 feet.
The Swannanoa River at Asheville East KOA offers pet-friendly water access where dogs can cool off during summer months. Multiple hiking trails accessible from both Mama Gertie's and Lake Powhatan accommodate leashed dogs, providing exercise opportunities directly from campsites. Campers report the bathhouses at Mama Gertie's remain exceptionally clean despite being pet-friendly facilities. Mountain temperatures in the Swannanoa area fluctuate significantly, requiring pet owners to prepare for both warm days and cool nights when camping. The proximity to veterinary services in nearby Black Mountain provides peace of mind for travelers with pets. Campfire Lodgings and Rutledge Lake RV Resort round out the pet-friendly options within 15-20 minutes of Swannanoa, both featuring designated pet areas and full hookup sites that accommodate traveling pet owners.
"It’s accessibility to Asheville is great, but the site itself is clean, with tidy grounds and a spotless bathroom (didn’t use showers). Plenty of places to walk and pet friendly."
"We parked our camper right next to the Swannanoa River in the KOA Asheville East and had a stellar Memorial day weekend."
from $50 / 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"
from $37 - $135 / night
"Tucked away into the mountains not far from the interstate, super quiet and nicely taken care of."
"At the top of the first hill is a dog park. Keep going up and there is another neighborhood at the top and here is where you get the views."
from $75 - $200 / night
"I would not recommend this for someone unfamiliar with driving a rig but once we got there it was amazing."
"We live near here and decided to give the dispersed camping area a try. We wanted to take our dogs camping to see how they would do and the dispersed camping area was perfect!"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $10 - $20 / night
"You’ll feel like you have the forest to yourself, with tons of pretty plants all around you. It’s down a short path (a bit tricky to navigate) and tucked away between the creek and small stream."
"We abandoned plans to stay at place in Old Fort (see listing for Catawba Falls) and ended up here as a last chance before having to hit a hotel to turn back around to CLT. "
from $25 / night
"Dogs welcome 🐾 Clean bathrooms Clean hot showers Some electric sites River sites are first come first serve Has group camping {must reserve online} Large tent pads Rv sites Fishing Can purchase"
"I stayed here after hiking mount Mitchell with my 3 dogs."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $28 - $56 / night
"The campground is open from May 1 to Oct 31...but if you walk-in to the sites, as in via the trails, you can rent a site amost all year. Tent sites are small, but nice."
"There are plenty of tent camping sites along the Mountain to Sea trail and throughout the park. I camped by Commissary Ridge next to a small Creek and an excellent view of sunrise."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $27 / night
"Close to town to go check things out. Not a far drive to get to many great restaurants, breweries or cideries. Right on the river. Concrete sites, not extremely level, but good enough."
"The good- The proximity to downtown is the best you can get in a campground. If you choose a Riverfront site, you are literally 5 steps from the back of your RV from the French Broad River."
"Great park, pet friendly and great views! 30 minutes from the Biltmore."
"They’re only a few seconds walk to the community overlook area, which is equipped with seating. The yurts are down a hill and in the woods, so excellent for privacy."
"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"
TravelerWe were probably lucky, but we drove in on a Monday and found a nice site with the creek/stream burbling in the background. Yes, there is dirt entrance/road and traffic, but not much and way quieter than family campgrounds. This site is my perfect idea of an amazing free off grid camping spot.
ScoutNobody was here on Sat. Had gard time finding site. Site reserved did not have 30 amp and could not reach staff. Moved to other site hoping it would not be a problem. We were able to finally reach staff on Mon. Also no pcknick tables or fire rings.
ScoutNice camp and staff friendly. We drive the Blue Ridge Pkwy which was a bit of drive but the ride up to Mt Mitchell was beautiful. Only negative was the laundry rooms were small for a large camp like this but I made it work. Probably a bit more challenging during busy season but all that said this is a nice campground
TravelerAbsolutely one of the most beautiful campgrounds that we have visited, and super clean. Such a great location for hiking and viewing the Blue Ridge Pkwy!
ScoutLet me first start by saying that this campground is absolutely beautiful. I have lived in this area my entire life and the Doe is one of my favorites. I am a avid camper and have camped all over this area. I decided to give this place a try, I own a small pop-up camper and knew it was going to get cold 10/20/2026-10/22/2026, so me and my sister rented the RV at Doe River. #1 check in is not until 3pm, I always order a load of wood from a local guy who delivers to camp sites, I do all my cooking in a Dutch oven over the fire or burgers and dogs in the fire, what is a camping trip without a nice warm fire. The owner came over to my campsite and asked if I had ordered this wood and I replied yes, she then asked what I was going to do with it all, I replied I am going to burn it. So, I told Carl (the wood guy) where to stack it, the owner then said that I need to leave it in my truck bc if I didn't use it all I would have to put it back on my truck and take it home with me, I said really? It's just a unspoken rule that if you don't use all your wood that you pay it forward and leave it for the next camper?? She said absolutely not, So we moved the wood from his truck and into mine. She then asked again why I needed so much wood and that most ppl just buy small bundles from her. And just like that I understood! Carl the wood man and his wife also made a comment about how rude she was about the wood. It does not end there, Not only does she have camaras on some of the out blds which I get, but I don't get why they are pointing directly at camp sites, We felt like we were in a fish bowl the entire time. Every single time we went to the bathroom she showed up abt 5 mins later, There is a camara right above the bathroom door, One on the pavilion, and one on each side of the bathhouse, at the entrances and who know where else. So much for privacy in the great outdoors. I didn't even feel comfortable hiking, we felt like we were being watched constantly. She was constantly there, walking her dog which was not friendly and so big she could hardly control him on the leash which was really scary, she also was driving through several times throughout the day. Then came the kicker, about 1 o'clock in the morning we were freezing, I had turned the heat on in the camper before going to bed and heard it come on, Well the propane ran out between 11pm and 1am, I called her at least 10 times we had every blanket and was still freezing, We decided we would go to the bath house bc it had a mini split hanging on the wall, Out of luck there, it was set on air conditioning with no way to change it, so we found a blow dryer trying to get warm, still the entire time trying to call the owners, We finally ended up in our car until the husband arrived. He acted so annoyed at us and said all u have to do is fip the switch on the propane tanks outside! We had never stayed in a travel trailer before and according to them all we had to do was show up and start glamping!! So, I was supposed to know to go outside at 1 am and switch over propane tanks?? No, It should have been FULL when I got there!!! With attitude he said,"Its Basic Camping" No sir it's not, what I do is basic camping, I was told on the phone that I was glamping, She, the owner also said we should have called 911 when we could not get hold of them so that Carter County police officers could come and wake them up!!! Not sure if that is putting our tax dollars to good use?? Like I said it is truly a beautiful place and has great potential, we left that second night at 11pm because again the heat was not working, we have not asked for any refund we just took the loss. it would be to much of a hassle. We just know better next time. With owners like that they can keep it. Windy Wells/Debra Price
TravelerThis place is a nice campground, quiet and the guests (during our stay) respect others by keeping the noise down. The spaces are set up to maximize privacy between sites. There is no cell phone service (to do this report we are in a picnic area by a small lake and I can get cell as well as internet on my travelfi device) sos is the only access. I normally listen to audio books but not while here. On my computer I could see three others with low signals; they might have had a better device/provider. The spots tend to the small back in typically found in campsites built before RVs got really big, type. There is another camping area I haven’t been to yet and I did see a large over lander (looks indestructible and tall/long) towable head that way and the campground attendant didn’t predict any problems so perhaps there are larger spots elsewhere. This place has single person shower rooms and nice flush toilets. The whole place is set in woodland so it isn’t like a commercial RV place that was more concerned with volume over aesthetics. This is a lovely spot with ample amenities (my space had no hookups) for our type of camping (toilets, trash, quiet neighbors, semi private spaces) just zero phone or internet.
TravelerThis campground has a great location in maggie valley, close to Waynesville with plenty to do in close proximity. While it is a traditional campground, they have very competitive rates for weekly and monthly stays. For us its the perfect getaway destination for the summers and fall. The staff is super welcomming and friendly. You find a cute creek on the backside of of the campground with trout as some fisherman told me. The staff takes pride in all the flowers, landscaping and seasonal decorations. Also nice to know is you are not being looked down to with an older camper. As long as your rig is decent and functional you are admitted.
ScoutLovely spot on the river. Freeway was loud but not too bad.
ScoutMy husband and I arrived at Doe River Landing for 3 nights and enjoyed everything the resort offered. While there we read the 2 reviews posted by Kylie T, and by Andrew W, who gave the resort a 1 star rating. Not knowing the facts that caused the rating by them, and occurred prior to us, we approach the owner and asked.
The owner showed us videos from their security cameras. These adults has stated in Kylie T review and confirm by Andrew W review that they were a group of 20 adults and "every single one of us is over 21 and family". So why are these adults playing "hide and seek" under the pavilion as they stated? Andrew W stated, "It was not blocked off", yet they had to crawl on the ground and around bushes to get under the pavilion. When the owner yelled at them approximately 10 adults that were under the pavilion crawled out which was captured on the security cameras. Andrew W stated in his review the owner called them hooligans, which is rowdy, destructive persons and from the security cameras, that description is correct. There was no mention of damages in their reviews such as the Adirondack chair they broke or possible damage to the water pipes and electric wires under the pavilion, which the owner was currently checking.
Once we read these two reviews by Kylie T and Andrew W and saw the owners security videos, we felt future customers deserved to know another opinion based on our findings.
These entitled adults justified their review of a 1 star by stating they paid money to use the campground.
I would ask these adults "why do you think it is OK to treat someone else's property in this destructive way?"
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Swannanoa, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Swannanoa, NC is Asheville East KOA with a 4-star rating from 52 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Swannanoa, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 347 dog-friendly camping locations near Swannanoa, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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