Backpack Camping On Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain State Park
4198 NC 105 N, Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-963-9522
To be clear, Grandfather Mountain doesnt offer an actual campground. But there are 13 primitive campsites located along the extensive and challenging trail system within this rugged NC state park.
While this choice might not be for everyone, its a great place for backcountry campers who dont mind roughing it a bit. Some sites dont even allow campfires because of the areas severe winds.
Grandfather Mountain is the highest peak in the eastern escarpment of the Blue Ridge Mountains, measuring nearly 6,000 feet tall. There are 12 miles of trails in the park, with strenuous hikes being the status quo.
There are also some great restaurants nearby, and many things to do in Banner Elk NC right outside the park.
Note that these campsites are seriously primitive, with no running water or bathroom facilities. There are springheads within the park for fresh drinking water, and all food items need to be hung away from tent sites due to black bears.
Still, the campsites are in amazing places where not many people will ever spend a night. Note that permits/reservations are required. Jonathon Engels photos by Emma Gallagher unless otherwise noted featured image by Maria Smith
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Although spring and fall are the ideal times to explore Ashevilleâs breathtaking scenery, the city and its surroundings are a year-round attraction for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounded by lush woodland where flora and fauna abound, Asheville is a destination that should be added to the bucket list for sure. While the city boasts an exciting blend of hip coffee shops, breweries, and notable restaurants, itâs the outdoor activities that make it so unique. With activities like hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and kayaking, thereâs always something fun and exciting to do around the city. Of course, to make the most of your vacation, itâs best to stay close to nature, so make sure you check out the best campgrounds in Asheville, North Carolina.
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The Best Rv Camping In Western North Carolina
As the saying goes, the west is the best and what better place to start than the home of the Great Smoky Mountains and cultural mecca of Asheville in western North Carolina? Not to mention, should you be experiencing engine trouble, itll be much easier to drift eastward on the long, slow procession that leads one to the coast.
Even at its high elevation, the state is mild yearlong, with winters rarely seeing snow that midday sunshine cant melt and summers hanging around in the mid-80s. Aside from being home to a national park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, countless quaint Main Streets cut through towns lining national forests and old-time farmlands abound. It is the literal definition of picturesque, or if its not, someone needs to shoot Merriam and his old pal Webster an email to update the dictionary.
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Riverfront Camping In The Heart Of The Blue Ridge Mountains Minutes From Downtown Asheville
Welcome to the Blue Ridge Mountains where you can hike, fish, and explore Asheville!
Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, surrounded by nature and just a short drive to the thriving city of Asheville, escape to Asheville East KOA Holiday. Located along the Swannanoa River and surrounded by lakes, Asheville East KOA is the ideal location for a weekend getaway or family camping vacation. Take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains. Head downtown to Asheville for live music, locally produced food and beer, and a vibrant arts scene. Take in history at the Biltmore Estate or take part in hiking, tubing, or other outdoor adventure activities.
With more than five ways to stay, Asheville East KOA Holiday offers a camping experience for everyone. RV Sites:Pull Thru and Back-In, Full Hookup options, including Patio sites, to accommodate rigs of all sizes. Lakeside sites offer amazing views of nature or enjoy fishing just steps from your front door in a back-in river site.
Cabins: Deluxe Cabins offer a unique glamping experience complete with full bathrooms, partial kitchens, cable TV, and temperature control. For those looking for a more rustic camping experience, Camping Cabins offer some of the comforts of home with a true feel of the outdoors. Coverage from the elements, a mini fridge and TV help make your stay fun for the whole family without the hassle.
Basic WiFiOutdoor Pool Fully Stocked Camp StoreFull Hook Up Sites
Outdoor Livingrelax In The Serenity Of The Forest
Read a book or play games on the big front porch! Lake Powhatan Glamping sites come with outdoor furniture for the covered deck. With parking directly beside your tent, you can easily move back and forth with food, gear and supplies. A picnic table and large fire ring with grill accompany the sites! Interior and exterior lighting offer ambiance and convenience.
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Asheville Private Campgrounds & Rv Parks
- French Broad Campground: A riverside RV and tent campground of 13 acres, less than 12 minutes north of downtown Asheville, on 2,000 ft. of river frontage.
- Wilsons RV Park: Located on the French Broad River in West Asheville, near Carrier Park and along the greenway. A short drive to Biltmore and downtown.
- Campfire Lodgings: Located on Goldview Knob, just ten minutes north of Asheville, with over 100 acres of woods and numerous trails
- Asheville East KOA: 55 wooded acres in east Asheville, just minutes from Black Mountain, with two fishing lakes, trout stream, swimming pool, mini-golf and paddle boats.
- Asheville West KOA: Tent sites are beautifully wooded, and “big rig” friendly 50- and 30-amp pull-through sites are large, level and have cable TV and WiFi.
- Taps RV Park: Located 1/2 mile from I-40 in east Asheville. Each RV site has a concrete pad and patio with privacy fence. Large level pull-thrus accommodate the largest RVs. Sites available along Swannanoa River.
Bear Safety: When camping, be sure to store your food securely to prevent black bear interactions. See our Bear Safety Tips.
Our Rentals Deluxe Bell Tent 2
Tent camping asheville nc. See Deals for Asheville Hotels. Ad Whats the 1 Hotel in Asheville. Ad China Outdoor Tent Suppliers High Quality Competitive Price.
Mama Gerties Hideaway Campground. Ad Whats the 1 Hotel in Asheville. Read Reviews And Book Today.
100 4 Reviews. Crabtree Falls Campground is at milepost 340 close to Emerald Village and Little Switzerland with dozens of rivers creeks and waterfalls just outside the campground. More adventurous campers can head out to the more primitive camping spots for a night under the towering hardwoods.
Ad Camping is a wonderful family experience especially during the summer months. Make sure you are well equipped this year with all the essentials for camping. Though the campsites are close together the campground deserves 5 stars.
This is about as good as it gets for family camping. Asheville United States North Carolina. Ive been camping in and around Asheville my more.
This campground is only about an hour east of Asheville. Ad China Outdoor Tent Suppliers High Quality Competitive Price. Read Reviews And Book Today.
A variety of camping options. 20 walk-in campsites short walk of up to 300 yards are located along the shoreline at the Catawba River area – with fire pit picnic table and room for a six-person tent plus washhouse and hot showers. Firefly Ridge Rural Camping.
Deluxe Camping Near Asheville NC. The Best 10 Campgrounds in Asheville NC. Lake James State Park.
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Wilsons Riverfront Rv Park
In Asheville, NC, Wilsons Riverfront RV Park is another popular spot located just outside of downtown Asheville. The park provides easy access to the French Broad River and is located right off Interstate 240. While staying at the park, you will witness the beauty of Western North Carolina because of its ideal location. You will also be able to explore downtown Asheville, which is located just a few minutes away.
All RV park sites have full hookups, concrete patios, ample room, and perfectly level. They also have water and sewer, as well as electric service. You will be able to explore all the local attractions of Asheville. Dont let yourself hold back if you dont have an RV the park also designated an area for tent campers.
The amenities are also great. The RV park has bathhouses, tent camping areas, free high-speed Wifi, clean restrooms, pet areas, and much more. What I liked the most about Wilsons RV park is its location. The park is located between the French Broad River and French Broad River Greenway.
Wilsons Riverfront RV Park Facilities
- Bathhouses.
- Grandfather Mountain.
Wilsons Riverfront RV Park Reviews
Hanging Rock State Park
Hanging Rock State Park is a 9,011-acre in Stokes County, North Carolina. It has trails to waterfalls, and the state park sits right in the middle of North Carolina. It is not far from the Raleigh and Durham area. Visitors can paddle the mellow Dan River, hike to the towering waterfalls. The Hanging Rock State Park is located at Danbury, about 32 miles from Winston Salem. For easy access to winter climbing and mountain biking, this state park poses a lot of adventure and camping interests.
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Our 10 Favorite Camping Destinations In Western Nc
For many, camping brings about memories of open fires, roasted marshmallows, learning to pitch a tent, and catching that first fish. Its a singular activity that allows friends and families to unplug — almost literally! — from everyday life and instead, plug into Mother Natures picturesque playing field. If youre searching for the ultimate camping experience, read on for our favorite 10 campgrounds in Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Foothills where families and friends can literally have the time of their lives.
Rocky Knob Recreation Area
Just over the border in Virginia, youll find the Rocky Knob campground off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Its in a rural, densely forested area just down the road from the Rocky Knob visitors center and just over an hour from Roanoke, Virginia. The Rocky Knob Recreation Area has over 4,000 acres of forest, with ample opportunities for hiking and enjoying the outdoors at this campground. There is ample picnic space and the campsites are peaceful. Nearby hikes include Black Ridge, Rockcastle Gorge, and Round Meadow Creek. There are up to 28 RV sites with rates of $20/day. There are also bathrooms and facilities for hiking and boating, as well as plenty of picnic tables where you can have a meal.
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Bear Den Family Campground & Creekside Cabins
Those willing to drive a little further away from Asheville will love this family-friendly, well-equipped spot. If you follow Interstate 40 east for 30 minutes, then Route 221 north, and then ultimately to Blue Ridge Parkway northeast, youll end up at this picturesque campground.
The 75-minute drive from Asheville is well worth the commute. Each cabin has cable, while the on-site shop provides drinks, food, and wood. The restrooms are well-maintained, and the location is stunning, with a serene lake and 50-foot waterfall nearby.
We are a tent camping family, so we stayed in Section A. It was really quiet, everyone was respectful of quiet hours. The bathhouse was very well maintained and clean. Never out of soap or toilet paper biggest plus were the hot showers!Cutler
Table Rock State Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Cody S.
If you head onto South Carolinas Highway 11 for about 50 miles southwest of Asheville, youll find this gorgeous, lush state park.
Enthusiastic walkers and hikers can head out on an adventure in the miles upon miles of woodland trails in and around this park. If you have a keen interest in American history, check out the CCC-built buildings that you can find all over this landscape.
The Table Rock State Park Campground itself has a total of 94 RV and tent camping sites, another 14 renovated cabins, as well as several well-equipped picnic shelters that are perfect for day-use and group gatherings.
The bathrooms are well-kept, the camp store is handy for almost anything you need and has free wifi and laundry services.Kasey M.
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Roanoke River Platform Sites
Pack your gear into your kayak or canoe and take your pick of about 15 riverside camping platforms linked by 140 miles of water on the Roanoke River. Each campsite offers a unique vibe with differing amenities including screened-in platforms, group platform options, fire pits and privys but all boast beautiful views thatll make you one with nature.
Just northeast of Cashiers, Panthertown Valley might have a fearsome name, but rest easy, its about as peaceful a place as youll find. This 6,300-acre wilderness recreation area in the Nantahala National Forest has more than 25 miles of trails, waterfalls galore and all the solitude you could want. It also offers hikers, backpackers, and equestrian enthusiasts plenty of fresh mountain air and primitive camping. More information is available through Friends of Panthertown.
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“The Outlander Glam Camp is a little slice of heaven on earth. Brookes has thought of every detail, from the wonderful outdoor shower, a delicious breakfast each morning and a romantic fire prepared for us every night. We stayed in one of the tents during October. The nights were chilly but with the electric blanket and the super comfy bed, I had two of the most restful nights sleep that I’ve had in I don’t know when. Do yourself a favor and book a stay with Brookes!”
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Rv Camping In Greensboro North Carolina
Another mild metropolis in the Tarheel State known for its historical museums and a big waterpark, Greensboros camping options are a bit more limited than its larger sister cities.
Hagan Stone, a county park, is water and electric only, with a nice playground and some wooded sites. Oak Hollow Family Campground, a bit further out, provides similar amenities but tosses in a sewer connection and lakefront real estate to boot.
Creekwood Farm Rv Park
If you think you have seen all the North Carolina but havent seen NCs magnificent mountains, you are wrong. You dont know what you are missing. Just reserve a place at Creekwood Farm RV Park in Asheville, NC, to witness these magnificent mountains breathtaking views.
All the sites of the park are so well-maintained and can easily accommodate big rigs. All the sites also have concrete patios, water and sewer services, electric service, and level. It is a unique farm because of its setting. Unlike other RV parks, this campground has a farm setting where you will also see roosters and chickens.
Moreover, the park also features a recreation hall, clean, spacious, and private bathrooms, and a covered picnic pavilion. All of these amenities make it a perfect option for family camping. You will see shaded campsites, premium sites, accessible pull-through sites, and back-in sites. Premium sites also have fire pits.
Creekwood Farm RV Park Facilities
- Wifi throughout the campground.
- Shelton House Museum of Waynesville, NC.
Creekwood Farm RV Park Reviews
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Adventure At Your Doorstepliterally Pisgah Glamping At Lake Powhatan Sites Are An Easy 5
Were thrilled to give Asheville-area visitors a unique glamping experience thats the best of two worlds: it allows us to share an intimate experience of our beloved Pisgah National Forest, but its also incredibly convenient to the excitement of downtown. Visitors come from all over the country to mountain bike, fish, hike and recreate here, and its really special to provide a welcoming home setting where they can be fully immersedboth day and nightin the heart of it all.
1 Davidson River Circle, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768 552-8040Adventure Pisgah operates these areas under permit with the USDA Forest Service/Pisgah Ranger District.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 720-2600 .
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 720-5964 . USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
Lake Powhatan Recreation Area
Right along some of the most scenic spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway, near the North Carolina Arboretum, youll find this comfortable campground. It is right in the middle of a large wooded recreation area on Lake Powhatan, offering both forested hiking, whitewater boating, and sand beaches. Its also about 10 minutes from Asheville, so you have easy access to the urban area too. One of the most beautiful and popular recreation areas and campgrounds along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Lake Powhatan offers a real sand beach, wildlife viewing, hiking trails, and mountain biking through Bent Creek Experimental Forest. Youll also find the state arboretum, French Broad River, which is great for fishing and boating, and of course, the Blue Ridge Parkway. Best of all, Asheville is just down the road.
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