Best Campgrounds near Asheville, NC

Camping near Asheville, 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: Explore the trails around the campgrounds. For instance, at Davidson River Campground, you can hike the North Slope trail, which is about four miles long. One camper mentioned, "We hiked the North Slope nearly 4 miles and wore out the dogs perfectly!"
• Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Smokemont Campground, are near rivers where you can fish. A visitor shared, "There was a lot of people fishing the nearby Bradley Fork and lots of reports of trout caught."
• Wildlife Viewing: Campgrounds like Cosby Campground are great for spotting wildlife. One camper noted, "I love all the elk and other wildlife."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Greenbrier Campground, one reviewer said, "The bathrooms were amazing and very clean."
• Scenic Views: Many campgrounds offer stunning views. A visitor at Elkmont Campground remarked, "The campground is beautiful, and the park rangers were awesome."
• Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA have activities for kids. One family said, "We loved the lazy river in the pool and the friendly staff."

What you should know:

• Privacy Concerns: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Smokemont Campground mentioned, "The sites were cramped with little privacy."
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have showers or electric hookups. For example, Cosby Campground has no drinking water or electric hookups, which some campers found challenging.
• Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially bears. One camper at Greenbrier Campground noted, "Due to the amount of black bears in the area, they’re very vigilant about keeping trash in trash cans."

Tips for camping with families:

• Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. At Asheville East KOA, a parent said, "There is a pool, playground, gaga ball pit, and themed activities on weekends."
• Space for Tents: Choose campgrounds with spacious sites. A family at Bear Den Family Campground mentioned, "The sites are wooded and with some level of privacy."
• Plan for Meals: Bring your own food and cooking supplies, as some campgrounds may not have stores nearby. One camper at Lake Powhatan noted, "There is no camp store for extra supplies."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure the campground can accommodate your RV size. A visitor at Asheville East KOA said, "Section A was extremely tight for navigating, especially with our 43' big rig."
• Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near roads or train tracks. A camper at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA mentioned, "The water went out several times over the 5 days we spent here."
• Use Online Resources: Download offline maps before you go, as cell service can be spotty in the mountains. A visitor at Davidson River Campground advised, "I would recommend downloading offline maps, as there is little cell service between the campground and downtown."

Camping near Asheville, North Carolina, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, with plenty of options for families, RVers, and nature lovers alike.