Best Campgrounds near Hot Springs, NC

Camping near Hot Springs, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax by the fire, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. Campers love the access to trails like the Appalachian Trail. One reviewer from Cosby Campground mentioned, "It was a bit of a drive to the park and depending on traffic it could take a while. Otherwise it’s a clean and decent campground."
• Fishing: The rivers and lakes nearby are great for fishing. A visitor at Davidson River Campground said, "Davidson River Campground is perfectly situated for outdoor activities, plenty of hiking, good fishing, mountain biking and climbing available all within a stone's throw from camp."
• Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at Cades Cove Campground noted, "Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Greenbrier Campground highlighted, "The bathrooms were amazing. The site had okay Verizon cell service with 2 bars around 30-40mbps."
• Scenic Views: Campgrounds in the area offer stunning views. One visitor at Elkmont Campground said, "The campground is beautiful and the park rangers were awesome."
• Family-Friendly Activities: Many campgrounds have activities for kids. A reviewer at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground mentioned, "The staff is very helpful, and they keep the campground clean."

What you should know:

• Site Privacy: Some campgrounds have closely packed sites. A camper at Cades Cove Campground noted, "Most sites are close together, and there is no brush to divide them."
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Cosby Campground mentioned, "It’s a clean and decent campground, but there are no showers."
• Wildlife Precautions: Bears are common in the area. A camper at Cades Cove Campground warned, "Do not forget to remove the drip pan on the Blackstone!!!! Doing so just irritates the bears."

Tips for camping with families:

• Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. A parent at Asheville East KOA shared, "There is a pool, playground, gaga ball pit, golf car rentals, fishing and splashing in the Swannanoa River."
• Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A camper at Lake Powhatan said, "We had a lot of fun at our glamping campsite. The gorgeous tent was on a platform and included a large bed and decorated interior."
• Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. A reviewer at Davidson River Campground noted, "There is a nice swimming hole at camp and the bathhouses are well kept."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Asheville East KOA mentioned, "We stayed in Section A which was extremely tight for navigating, parking, and camping."
• Use Online Resources: Check campground websites for updates on amenities. A visitor at Bear Den Family Campground said, "The bathrooms were some of the cleanest we've seen."
• Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A reviewer at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground noted, "This campground is very close to a main road with lots of traffic and street noise."

Camping around Hot Springs, NC, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and family-friendly activities. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!