North Carolina's mountainous landscape near Weaverville provides varied camping options with elevations ranging from 1,900 to 6,600 feet. This region experiences cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands, typically 10-15°F lower at higher elevations. Yurt camping near Weaverville offers a blend of comfort and wilderness, with several campgrounds providing these canvas structures as alternatives to traditional tent or cabin accommodations.
What to do
Hike Mount Mitchell Trail: Access this challenging 11.2-mile round-trip trail from Black Mountain Campground, climbing 4,000 feet to the summit. "Great campground! The prices are reasonable, the campground was very clean, the people were friendly, and the bathhouses were some of the cleanest I've seen. It was also very close to Mount Mitchell so we could go on long hikes," notes Jenna S.
Explore French Broad River: The river runs near several campgrounds, providing swimming, fishing, and paddling opportunities. At Hot Springs Campground, you'll find "beautiful sites on the river. Walk into town for restaurants and brews! Walk to spa for soak in hot tub!!" according to Roxanne R.
Visit Catawba Falls: A moderate 1.5-mile hike leads to this multi-tiered waterfall. "A short not overly strenuous hike to beautiful Catawba Falls to enjoy the beauty of the North Carolina mountains," says Jorge B. about staying at Catawba Falls Campground.
Mountain biking: North Mills River area offers extensive trail networks. "This site is more suited for the fly fishermen and mountain bikers. Facilities were kept in excellent condition," notes Tara F.
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Many campers appreciate sites along water. At North Mills River, one camper describes the experience: "We had a blast enjoying the peace and serenity of the woods, smelling the autumn spice of decaying leaves and campfires, and listening to the babbling river that runs through the center of campground."
Clean facilities: Quality bathhouses matter to campers. "The showers and bathrooms are always clean and good taken care of. The camp hosts made sure several times that we had everything we needed," reports Katrin M. about Black Mountain Campground.
Yurt accommodations: For those interested in yurt camping in Weaverville, options exist beyond traditional tents. At Lake Powhatan, "a mix of tent and trailers were present. Lots of nearby trash. The ones I walked were just wooded trash, nothing special, but nearby there were lots of people parked at the heads of several trails. Good bathrooms. Nice quiet campground."
Proximity to attractions: The convenience of nearby activities appeals to many. "Great location for a trip to Asheville! Spent some time in the lake, on hiking trails, and in town," says Danielle H. about Lake Powhatan.
What you should know
Weather variations: Mountain elevations create unpredictable conditions. At Mount Mitchell State Park Campground, "do pay attention to the weather, listed on the state park website. Wind gusts easily get into the double digits, and if you aren't prepared for that, it can be alarming, especially while tent camping."
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor connectivity. "There is no cell service on T-Mobile or Verizon inside the camp (small victory for nature)," notes one camper at Black Mountain Campground.
Bear activity: Wildlife requires proper food storage. "Small Black Bear wandered up and stole some burgers we left in the cooler and came back later to say hey and check up on us so be aware and keep your food under lock and key," warns a camper at Creekside Mountain Camping.
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly. "This campground is usually packed with tourists coming to check out the parkway. It's a small campground, 9 sites total," mentions a reviewer about Mount Mitchell.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Asheville West KOA offers family-friendly amenities. "This is a good family option with a pool, store, and laundry. The tent sites are removed enough that you can feel private if you need to," reports Anna R.
Creek exploration: Children enjoy water activities. "My son spent hours hopping along the rocks in the creek," continues the same reviewer about Creekside Mountain Camping.
Swimming holes: Many campgrounds feature natural swimming areas. "There is a swimming hole on the South Toe River in the campground just beyond the end of the riverside sites. It has a small sandy 'beach' area and a neck deep refreshing hole," describes a camper at Black Mountain.
Weather preparation: Pack for temperature fluctuations, especially at higher elevations where nights can drop below 50°F even in summer. "We left home and the temperature was well into the high 90's, however the temperature on top of the mountain never came above 62!" shares Erin D. about Mount Mitchell.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Campfire Lodgings, "the premium sites have an amazing view right from their sites. The deluxe ones still have nice views, but not quite like the deluxe ones. However, there is a common area where you can go that has the best view of all!" advises one RVer.
Road conditions: Mountain roads present challenges. "Be sure not to get there early- the one way road going up to the campground is steep and I'm not quite sure what would happen if you met another RV!" the same reviewer warns about Campfire Lodgings.
Hookup availability: Services vary between campgrounds. "There are only 9 sites, the sites are relatively close together. Good views, only a 10-20 minute walk to the Mount Mitchell Summit," notes an RVer.
Highway noise: Some locations experience road noise. "The only reason for the four star rating is due to the highway noise from I-40, which is located adjacent to the campground. Otherwise, the campground is very well-kept with friendly staff and our site (deluxe pull-through with patio) was large and mostly level," reports Crystal C. about Asheville West KOA.
