Camping near Waynesville, North Carolina offers options at elevations ranging from 2,600 to over 5,000 feet, creating distinct temperature differences even during summer months. Many campgrounds in this area feature gravel tent pads and fire rings with cooking grates, while sites along waterways often require advance reservations months ahead during peak season. Campers should be prepared for temperature swings of 20+ degrees between day and night, especially at higher elevations.
What to do
Trout fishing in stocked waters: Indian Creek Campground provides fishing access directly from creekside sites. "The creek is stocked with trout, so bring your fishing gear!" notes one visitor, while another mentions "our front yard a creek where we could fish sitting right by our picnic table and fire ring."
Elk viewing at dawn and dusk: Cataloochee Campground offers excellent elk viewing opportunities during specific seasons. "If you want to see the elk, you're going to have to be up early. I use to be in the park at 5 AM with night vision gear, I saw some very nice elk," reports one camper. Another adds, "They have their babies at the beginning of June and mid September through October is their mating season."
Mountain biking on adjacent trails: Davidson River Campground provides direct access to trail systems. "Located right inside Pisgah National forest this campground is perfectly set for all adventures... if you're thinking of riding the mtb trails you're in luck. They start literally across the davidson river from the campground," explains one visitor.
What campers like
Cooler temperatures at higher elevations: Mount Pisgah Campground sits at over 5,000 feet, offering relief from summer heat. "Spacious sites arranged for privacy. Over 5000 ft in elevation which means cool nights in Summer," shares one camper. Another notes, "It was foggy and cold when we arrived mid September. When the fog cleared there were amazing views across the street from the campground."
Creek sounds for sleeping: Many visitors appreciate waterside sites for their natural sound benefits. A visitor to Moonshine Creek Campground shared, "The creek runs through the middle of the campground and has plenty of places to play in the water or sit on the benches provided in the water." Another camper noted, "Loved hearing the running creek from our tent site."
Secluded campgrounds away from crowds: Balsam Mountain Campground offers a quieter experience. "Great spot that puts you in a more remote part of the park. Only downside is most sites are on top of each other," reports one visitor. Another camper appreciates that it's "tucked in a lush green mountain about a mile above sea level. A simple walk down the road is a delight, with many wildflowers."
What you should know
Road access challenges for larger vehicles: Several campgrounds have difficult approach roads. Cataloochee's access is particularly challenging as "a 3-mile stretch of gravel road contains many narrow, blind curves. Though many campsites will accommodate large rigs, motorhomes over 32' and trailers over 25' in length are not recommended due to the access road."
Limited or no cell service: Most campgrounds in the mountains have connectivity issues. "NO ATT service and Wi-Fi spotty and slow except when in pavilion. If connectivity is important (and it legitimately can be), this might not be the place for you," reports a visitor to Indian Creek Campground.
Variable weather conditions: Smokemont Campground visitors note weather unpredictability. "The road through the park shut down the night we were there due to snow and ice in the higher elevations, so keep weather in mind when visiting in the colder months," warns one camper. Temperatures can drop significantly after sunset even in summer.
Tips for camping with families
Look for shallow creek play areas: Sites with safe water access keep children entertained. "My grands enjoyed playing in the shallow river in front of our campsite," notes a Smokemont visitor. Another camper mentions "There's an area of the stream where little kids can easily play which is important because I have a three-year-old."
Consider sites with tent shelters: Some campgrounds offer covered tent pads. "We chose the ones away from the creek due to them having shelters over the tent pads to set up under," explains a Moonshine Creek camper, providing protection from rain and sun.
Reserve recreation areas in advance: Davidson River offers amenities beyond hiking. "There is a short walking trail within the campground, and the Art Loeb trail starts right at the beginning of the campground as well. There are miles and miles of hiking/running and mountain biking trails in the surrounding area, as well as numerous waterfalls."
Tips from RVers
Book streamside RV sites early: Premium waterfront spots fill up months in advance. A Stone Bridge Camp visitor advises, "The sites (Premium Creekside) along the creek have plenty of room behind your site to enjoy your site and the creek. The pull through sites, though, are so close the sewer hookup is literally right beside the next site's picnic table."
Monitor campground elevation: Higher-elevation campgrounds offer cooler temperatures but may have more limited facilities. "This time of year (end of July/beginning of August), the temps up there never get above 70 or 75, and the lows were in the low 50's," notes a Balsam Mountain camper.
Carefully check site dimensions: Many mountain campgrounds have tight spacing. "Rocks line the driveway of each site, close enough to require careful placement to leave room for stairs and slides," warns a Smokemont visitor, highlighting the need to maneuver carefully when setting up.
