Best Campgrounds near Zirconia, NC

Campgrounds near Zirconia, North Carolina range from family-friendly resorts to basic tent sites in the surrounding mountains. Orchard Lake Campground and Davidson River Campground accommodate tent camping, RV parking, and cabin rentals, with most sites offering electricity and water. The area's campgrounds typically provide access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and scenic mountain views. Several facilities in the region feature lakefront sites, offering opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and canoeing on small lakes or along nearby rivers.

The camping season in this region generally runs from March through November, with some campgrounds closing during winter months. Mount Pisgah Campground operates from May to October, while Davidson River remains open from mid-March to early November. Weather patterns in the mountains can change rapidly, with summer thunderstorms common in the afternoons. Most developed campgrounds in the area require reservations, particularly during peak summer months and fall foliage season. Terrain varies significantly with campgrounds at higher elevations offering cooler temperatures even in summer months. A visitor noted, "The sites are clean. Bathrooms seem maintained. Plenty of stuff for the kids to do."

Family-friendly amenities distinguish many campgrounds near Zirconia. Orchard Lake Campground features activities like swimming, kayaking, fishing, and a small zip line particularly appealing to families with children. According to one camper, "This campground has amenities for all types of camping styles. We will definitely be back!" Several campground reviews mention clean facilities and well-maintained bathhouses as positive attributes. For RV campers, full hookups are available at locations like Lakewood RV Resort and Rutledge Lake RV Resort, though some reviewers caution about site sizes for larger rigs. Seasonal camping opportunities exist at several locations, with some campgrounds offering monthly or annual site rentals. The region's mixed-use campgrounds typically maintain separate areas for tent camping versus RV parking, providing appropriate amenities for each camping style.

Best Camping Sites Near Zirconia, North Carolina (351)

    1. Davidson River Campground

    83 Reviews
    Pisgah Forest, NC
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 785-5337

    $37 - $84 / night

    "Once again, interested in checking out as many waterfalls and cascades we could locate, the water flow will be so much more dramatic amidst heavy rainfall."

    "We had a quick nights stay in Davidson River Campground after picking up our new SylvanSport GO tent trailer in nearby Brevard, North Carolina."

    2. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina

    62 Reviews
    Enka, NC
    20 miles
    +1 (828) 552-8040

    $37 - $135 / 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"

    3. Orchard Lake Campground

    12 Reviews
    Saluda, NC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 749-3901

    $38 - $48 / night

    "A swimming lake with slide. Boats, zip line, fishing, a game room, move room. Only bad thing is the bad house are probably the worst I have ever used."

    4. Table Rock State Park Campground

    55 Reviews
    Sunset, SC
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 878-9813

    "The alternatives #5 and #6 were close to the entrance and therefore exposed to the road, and #49 was next to the restrooms, but similar to #60, so stayed with #60."

    "One drawback is that from the campground there is no easy access to the lake- you can either drive and park (and hope to find parking) or walk on a busy road . "

    5. Jones Gap State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Cedar Mountain, SC
    12 miles
    Website

    "This campground has 19 trail side sites that are all great and not far from the Middle Saluda River which runs through the middle of the park."

    "I used site 7 because an oncoming storm made me bug out of my trailside plans. Gorgeous site, a bit chilly by the river but beautiful and close enough to still use the park bathrooms!"

    6. North Mills River

    26 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 552-8040

    $31 - $62 / night

    "Small campground, but there are free off road sites not too far down the road. Cell service disappears but I love that kind of disconnect."

    "State stocked river is close by for trout fishing, and the bathrooms are always clean being for what they are."

    7. Rutledge Lake RV Resort

    19 Reviews
    Fletcher, NC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 654-7873

    "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"

    8. Black Forest Family Camping Resort

    17 Reviews
    Cedar Mountain, NC
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 884-2267

    "The cabins have electricity, but the water pump is outside and the bathrooms and showers are communal (but clean). There is a full size bed and two bunk beds in each one."

    "Very clean,natural, beautiful trees , and a nice location. It is run by a very nice family. We were close to amazing waterfalls and hikes in DuPont forest."

    9. Mount Pisgah Campground

    40 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 648-2644

    $30 / night

    "We decided to escape the heat and head for one of the “cooler” campgrounds in western North Carolina for a weekend. Mt Pisgah Campground is at an elevation of roughly 5300’."

    "Pisgah National Forest on the outskirts of Asheville, NC is a must stop for all ages."

    10. Paris Mountain State Park Campground

    38 Reviews
    Taylors, SC
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 244-5565

    $100 / night

    "I stayed at Trailside Camp Site #2, which is one of their remote, primitive sites at the North Lake and all I can say is wow."

    "Nice wooded coverage, walking and hiking trails, plus a few lakes to fish. Bath houses are probably the cleanest I’ve seen in all the campgrounds I’ve been too."

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Recent Reviews near Zirconia, NC

1671 Reviews of 351 Zirconia Campgrounds


  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Gorges State Park Campground

    CAUTION: steep grades and curvy road

    This campground would’ve gotten five stars except for the road getting there was pretty exciting. The last 10 miles out of Brevard were curvy and had some grades. And the last 2 miles into the campground had I would guess a couple of 10% grades both up and down. Other than that, this campground was super nice. Has the nicest showers I have ever seen in a campground. All the sites for RVs are on concrete pads with electric, water, and sewer. This was a great staging point for our trip up to the great Smoky Mountains. The visitor center was very informative.

  • Robert N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Campfire Lodgings

    Tent camping

    Tent camping sites are walk in, down hill, obviously thar means hauling your stuff out uphill when you leave. RVers have a great view from the ridge top. But a difficult day camping is far better than any day at work.

  • Alden B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Ash Grove Mountain Cabins & Camping

    Very Nice camping near Dupont National Forest

    If you want close access to Dupont and Pisga NF you're within minutes! The owners Mark & Esther are wonderful. We call him SouthSide Mark ( hails from South Africa). Some sites are a little tight, but fine. If you have a big rig call ahead. The cabin was wonderful. The bathhouse is older but very clean. You can tell the owners love their campers and property. The site is tree covered and hilly. We will come again, guaranteed! Watch your step. Wood Spirits are Everywhere!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    Great spot!

    This is a great spot along a mountain ridge. The dirt road goes for about 13 miles. Would recommend a 4x4, but I’ve seen all kinds of vehicles travel the entire road from minivans to Honda accords. There are plenty of spots to choose from. Some have great views of the valley and table top mountain and others are just nooks in the woods. The sites are pretty spread out but there are a few within shouting distance (which could be annoying if the site next to you decides to bring a battery powered Sawzall to cut firewood at 2am). Some sites are right off of the road which could get annoying from all the traffic of people going to the hiking trails nearby. And there are spots tucked away a bit off of the road where you really don’t notice trucks and cars driving by. Awesome place for a weekend getaway! Definitely going to visit again.

    P.S. only 4 stars because there are only about 3-5 sites with a great view!

  • Robert B.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Black Mountain Campground - CLOSED INDEFINITELY

    FR472 & Black Mountain Campground Closed

    FR 472 is closed at the Golf Course and there are hefty fines if you are caught walking beyond the gate.  Black Mountain Campground was destroyed by flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.  The bridge across the S. Toe River was broken and washed out.  The water system is also destroyed as well as the road network in the campground.  There have been no announcements by the Forest Service about plans to repair the facility and, after a year, my guess is that there never will be.

  • madison F.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Golden Grove Farm and Brew

    HIPPIES AND HOORAHS

    arrived around 2 - had live music at 7 so went to get drinks & dinner. had the MOST incredible time. EVERY single person - staff & locals - were the friendliest, most welcoming and inviting people we have ever met. it was such a fun night. food & drinks are also amazing. if you’re looking for a fun night out but also need a place to stay - COME HERE!!! will definitely be coming back if we’re in SC

    such a refreshing and invigorating atmosphere

  • madison F.
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Iron City Campground, Inc.

    great stop & stay

    nice campground. bathrooms and pool are CLEAN!!!! private bathrooms with showers. also has laundry ($) but has change for quarters in shop!! super big plus . also got a buddy site for the price of a normal one!

    not super crowded but still a nice community to be around :) 10 min drive into town as well. all sites have full hookups which was also super handy. not a bad price for what you get. only stayed two nights but would definitely stay again

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5

    Great place to stay just be aware of your surroundings

    Was a pretty nice camp site compared to a lot you just have to be aware of the people around you. Across from our campground there was another camper who seemed out of it who came up to us at 11:00pm and asked for tape for his tent. Also garbage bag and garbage on the ground at front of campsite. PEOPLE MAY NOT BE THE BEST AROUND YOU BUT THE SITES ARE GREAT!

  • Cassondra P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Rutledge Lake RV Resort

    Mixed Feelings

    This 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 down stairs to lake area

    Pool was clean

    Bathrooms had a gross smell to them

    During our walk there was definitely a strong chemical smell around park - it was strange

    There is a lot of airplane noise as it is close to airport

    Overall it was clean and friendly staff


Guide to Zirconia

Camping near Zirconia, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: The area is home to stunning trails, including the Art Loeb Trail. Campers at Davidson River Campground rave about the nearby hikes, with one reviewer noting, "Hiked the North Slope nearly 4 miles wore out the dogs perfectly!"
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds are near rivers and lakes, perfect for fishing. A visitor at North Mills River mentioned, "The water is pretty clear and has an abundance of trout so it is great for fishing and swimming."
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip in the water. Campers at Lake Powhatan appreciate the lake beach, with one saying, "The best thing about Lake Powhatan is the nice hike around the lake and the fun little lake beach."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers often highlight the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Table Rock State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms and showers are very clean and at night it’s really quiet."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A reviewer at Asheville East KOA noted, "The staff at the office and store are always nice."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. One guest at Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground mentioned, "The view from our private deck and swing was breathtaking."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like North Mills River, do not have bathrooms, which can be a downside for families. A visitor mentioned, "There are no bathrooms which puts a small damper on a family visit."
  • Noise Levels: Campgrounds near highways can be noisy. A camper at Asheville West KOA said, "The interstate noise was insane. I woke up constantly to semi trucks using their engine brakes."
  • Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak seasons. A reviewer at Paris Mountain State Park Campground noted, "The sites are on top of each other."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One parent at Asheville East KOA shared, "There is a pool, playground, gaga ball pit, and themed activities on weekends."
  • Bring Essentials: Since some campgrounds lack stores, pack snacks and drinks. A visitor at Lake Powhatan mentioned, "There is no camp store for extra supplies."
  • Choose the Right Site: Look for spacious sites to avoid feeling cramped. A camper at Mount Pisgah Campground said, "The campground was pretty busy during my stay."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Asheville West KOA warned, "The space we were in was right next to the on-site owner or manager."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: If you're near a highway, expect some noise. A visitor at Asheville East KOA noted, "The layout isn’t super attractive (and yes, train is loud)."
  • Utilize Facilities: Take advantage of laundry and shower facilities. A camper at Lake Powhatan appreciated, "The bathrooms were clean and easily accessible."

Camping near Zirconia, North Carolina, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just be sure to plan ahead and choose the right campground for your needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Zirconia, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Zirconia, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 351 campgrounds and RV parks near Zirconia, NC and 25 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Zirconia, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Zirconia, NC is Davidson River Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 83 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Zirconia, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 free dispersed camping spots near Zirconia, NC.

What parks are near Zirconia, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 parks near Zirconia, NC that allow camping, notably National Forests in North Carolina and Pisgah National Forest.