RV sites near Waynesville, North Carolina sit at elevations between 2,600-3,500 feet in the Great Smoky Mountains, offering campers cooler summer temperatures than nearby lowland areas. The region experiences distinct seasons with fall foliage typically peaking in mid-October. Most campgrounds around Waynesville stay open year-round, though winter camping requires preparation for occasional snow and nighttime temperatures that can drop below freezing.
What to do
Waterfront activities: Jonathan Creek flows through several campgrounds, providing fishing and wading opportunities. At Creekwood Farm RV Park, campers can access the creek directly from their sites. "There is also a creek running through the back of the property and there are many sites along the creek," notes Joe B.
Mountain biking trails: Within 30 minutes of Waynesville RV parks, cyclists can access multiple trail systems. Rutledge Lake RV Resort visitors appreciate the proximity to regional trails. "We enjoyed visiting some of the amazing mt bike trails and parks in the area," shared Christopher G., while another camper noted "Great place to stay if you like mountain biking with DuPont and pisgah national forest being close by."
Live entertainment: Several RV parks in the area host regular events during peak season. "When we arrived, we noticed a lot of vintage campers and later found out it was a vintage camper show that weekend. Then on Saturday night, there was a live band! It was amazing," reports one Creekwood Farm visitor.
What campers like
Private bathrooms: Unlike standard campground facilities with shared shower stalls, Rutledge Lake RV Resort offers individual bathroom units. "The bathrooms are very nice, second only to Disney," says Lani N., while another camper at Creekwood Farm described "amazing, individual bathrooms, very roomy and oh so clean."
Creek sounds: Waterfront sites along Jonathan Creek provide natural white noise that enhances sleep quality. Harold W. from Creekwood Farm noted, "Many creek side spots. All are back in. 30,50 amp power, sewer and cable TV hookups." Another camper at Wilson's Riverfront RV Park mentioned, "We had a spot by the stream which sounded awesome at night, lulling you to sleep."
Recreational facilities: Beyond standard amenities, some parks offer additional activities onsite. "The entrance is key card only, the park staff are welcoming & helpful. They have a heated pool & lake activities," reports J M. at Rutledge Lake. Another visitor added, "Nice pond that you can fish in as well."
What you should know
Limited facilities at some parks: Not all Waynesville area RV parks offer full amenities. At Trails End RV Park, "make sure you have your own toilet facilities... there is no bath house," warns Myron C. Self-contained units are essential at certain locations.
Seasonal booking challenges: Beyond fall foliage season mentioned in the existing description, summer weekends also fill quickly. "We stayed here on the way back from our multi campground Minnesota trip. On my second day here, I already booked a full week 2 months later," reports one camper about planning ahead.
Mountain driving considerations: Access to some campgrounds requires navigating steep grades. As Shannon B. noted about her experience at Jellystone Park, "The only thing I really didn't enjoy was pulling the travel trailer through the mountainous terrain." Large rigs should research specific route recommendations.
Tips for camping with families
Waterfront site selection: For families with children, waterfront sites provide built-in entertainment. At Gatlin Ridge RV Park, "A short drive to local waterfalls, rafting and tubing" provides additional water-based recreation options according to Jake R.
Safety considerations: Some campgrounds have terrain features requiring extra supervision. One visitor to Wilson's Riverfront noted, "Ditches dug on sites which could have been dangerous for kids." Always inspect your site upon arrival.
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer scheduled family events. "We camped around halloween and the entire campground has trick or treating for the kids on Saturdays. Clean, friendly and really great for kids," reports John A. about Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: RV pads in the mountains often require leveling equipment. Ray & Terri F. noted at Rutledge Lake, "Some of the internal resort roads are in need of resurfacing, as there are quite a few potholes." At Bear Creek RV Park, campers reported that "all sites vary in length" and "the sites were all very unlevel."
Satellite reception limitations: Mountain terrain can block satellite signals. One RVer at Rutledge Lake reported, "We had no DISH satellite coverage in our site, but other more open sites should. Unfortunately, the cable service was marginal at best." Check with management about best sites for connectivity.
Spacing between sites: Site spacing varies significantly between parks. At Asheville's Bear Creek RV Park & Campground, campers note, "Sites are close together" while another mentioned, "There is not a lot of space to hangout around your camper outside, in the pull through spots."
