The ultimate Western North Carolina experience isn’t complete without some time in the great outdoors. We’ve rounded up great places to stay for hiking, wildlife viewing, and camp living, on a scale of “roughing it” to full-on glamping. Cheers, campers.
Backcountry camping
If you’re a seasoned backpacker, probably able to win a season of “Survivor,” and looking for nothing more than some level ground to sleep on, these camp areas are for you. Note: Be sure to read up on bear safety, hiking etiquette, if you’ll need a backcountry camping permit, and make sure you’re prepared with water and supplies.
Black Balsam Knob
Why you should go: While these trails are popular to the point of being overcrowded during summertime, they’re popular for a reason: mountain balds offer tree-less lookouts to take in soaring Blue Ridge Parkway views.
- ~1 hour and 10 mins from downtown
- Open year-round; stay informed of Parkway closures
- Camp on top of the balds, 1,000 ft. away from the trail. Note: Campfires are not allowed, and bear-resistant containers are required.
Panthertown Valley
Why you should go: Granite rock domes and cliffsides have earned Panthertown Valley the nickname “the Yosemite of the East.”
- ~1 hour and 30 mins from downtown. Pro Tip: Limited parking is available at three different trailheads. Follow these directions.
- Open year-round
- Camp at level sites off-trail, looking for established sites and following all camping rules. Note: Bear-resistant containers are now required for overnight camping.
Campgrounds
Looking to tent camp or park the RV at a campground? The Asheville area and beyond is full of campground options, whether you’re looking for an electric hookup, hot showers, or simply a dark place to gaze at the stars.
Lake Powhatan
Why you should go: Only a short drive from Asheville, families will love the sandy swimming beach alongside the lake at this camp.
- ~20 mins from downtown
- Open year-round
- Camping supported: Tent, RV (electric and nonelectric)
- Activities: Swimming (including swimming beach), fishing, hiking, mountain biking
- Amenities: Drinking water, hot showers, flush toilets, ice and firewood for purchase, pets allowed
- Browse available campsites.
North Mills River
Why you should go: Get your nature fix from woodsy campsites, with the bonus of notably clean bathrooms on-site, plus nearby grocery stores and breweries just in case.
- ~30 mins from downtown
- Open year-round
- Camping supported: Tent, RV (electric and nonelectric)
- Activities: Trout fishing, tubing, swimming, hiking, mountain biking, summer educational programs
- Amenities: Water available seasonally, hot showers, flush toilets, firewood and fire-starter for purchase, pets allowed
- Browse available campsites.
Curtis Creek Campground
Why you should go: Picturesque scenes await you in this secluded camp, thanks to old-growth forests and the babbling Curtis Creek.
- ~40 mins from downtown
- Open Fri., March 31- Sun., Dec. 31 in 2023
- Camping supported: Tent, RV (nonelectric)
- Activities: Hiking, biking, trout fishing, horseback riding, swimming hole wading
- Amenities: Drinking water pumps, vault toilets
- Browse available campsites.
Mount Pisgah Campground
Why you should go: At an elevation of 4,980 feet, this campground offers stunning Blue Ridge Parkway views as well as respite from the heat during summertime.
- ~45 mins from downtown
- Open Friday, May 19-Saturday, Nov. 4 in 2023
- Camping supported: Tent, RV (nonelectric)
- Activities: Hiking, guided interpretive walks
- Amenities: Accessible showers, flush toilets, food storage locker, pets allowed
- Browse available campsites. Pro tip: Campsites all reserved? About 70 more spots are available for in-person booking on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Davidson River
Why you should go: If you like your hiking trails with a side of waterfalls, Davidson River is your place to camp.
- ~45 mins from downtown
- Open year-round
- Camping supported: Tent, RV (electric and nonelectric)
- Activities: Swimming (with swimming site), trout fishing, hiking, bike rentals, summer and fall educational programs
- Amenities: Hot showers, flush toilets, ice and firewood for purchase, pets allowed
- Browse available campsites.
Carolina Hemlocks Rec Area
Why you should go: Fishers will love how accessible the nearby river is, while all campers can appreciate the hemlocks and greenery of Pisgah National Forest.
- ~1 hour from downtown
- Open Saturday, April 15-Monday, Oct. 30 in 2023
- Camping supported: Tent, RV (nonelectric)
- Activities: Swimming, tubing, fishing, hiking
- Amenities: Hot showers, flush toilets, ice and firewood for purchase
- Browse available campsites.
Gorges State Park
Why you should go: Staggering rock walls, river gorges, and waterfalls await. Bonus: Primitive sites are also available to reserve in advance.
- ~1 hour and 15 mins from downtown
- Open year-round
- Camping supported: Tent, RV (electric).
- Activities: Hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing
- Amenities: Showers, vault toilets, water spigot, pets allowed
- Browse available campsites.
South Mountains State Park
Why you should go: An 80-foot high waterfall is accessible via hiking trial. Plus, seasoned mountain bikers can try their hand at a difficult 17-mile loop.
- ~1 hour and 15 mins from downtown
- Open year-round
- Camping supported: Tent, RV (Electric — limited spots), equestrian (electric)
- Activites: Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, trout fishing
- Amenities: Hot showers, drinking water, pit toilets, firewood, pets allowed
- Browse available campsites.
Smokemont Campground
Why you should go: Located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, find bio-diverse, unforgettable hikes right from your site.
- ~1 hour and 20 mins from downtown
- Open year-round
- Camping supported: Tent, RV (nonelectric)
- Activities: Hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding
- Amenities: Drinking water, flush toilets, pets allowed
- Browse available campsites.
Cabins and cottages
Looking for access to trails and wildlife, without sacrificing the comfort of a proper bed at the end of the day? We’ve selected some of our favorite Vrbos to book some cabin time close to town.
Bamboo House at Mountain Meadows
Why book: At 3,500-ft. elevation, sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Parkway meet a California King-sized bed.
- ~$300 a night
- 4 BD | 3 BA
- Amenities: Rain head shower, grill, hot tub, deck
Cold Creek Cottage
Why book: A backyard creek, a foosball table, and an outdoor basketball court make this the perfect family vacation home.
- ~$107 a night
- 5 BD | 2 BA
- Amenities: Grill, games, Biltmore Estate pass
Newly Renovated Home
Why book: Thanks to recent renovations, this modern chalet nestled into the edge of Pisgah National Forest is practically luxurious.
- ~$280 a night
- 2 BD | 2 BA
- Amenities: Deep soaking tub, gas fireplace, grill
Artist’s Mountain Retreat
Why book: Proximity to both Asheville and the mountains make this a great base camp for all your North Carolina adventures.
- ~$179 a night
- 2 BD | 1 BA
- Amenities: Pet-friendly, washer and dryer, linens and towels provided
1920s Bungalow
Why book: With a deck and a lawn, stunning views, and a fire pit, you’ll be living your version of camping in no time.
- ~$205 a night
- 2 BD | 2 BA
- Amenities: Fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer
Black Mountain Cabin
Why book: This custom-built cedar log house will give you the cabin getaway you’ve been dreaming of.
- ~$185 a night
- 3 BD | 2 BA
- Amenities: Fireplace with split wood provided, deck and patio, puzzles and board games
Big Oak Cabin
Why book: This newly built home is only 15 minutes driving distance from Asheville.
- ~$159 a night
- 3 BD | 2 BA
- Fire pit with wood provided, linens and towels provided, deck and porch
Chimney Rock River House
Why book: A rushing river will literally be in your backyard at this house — plus, there’s an outdoor hot tub to enjoy the views from.
- ~$225 a night
- 4 BD | 2 BA
- Pets allowed, fireplace, fully stocked kitchen
Eagle’s Rest Lodge
Why book: Imagine sipping your coffee on the porch and walking straight down to the pond at this cabin.
- ~$190 a night
- 3 BD |3 BA
- Hot tub, fireplace, hammock
Mountain Vista Retreat
Why book: Gorgeous surrounding mountain views and a hot tub await on this 4 acre private retreat.
- ~$235 a night
- 3 BD | 3 BA
- Fireplace, hot tub, fully equipped kitchen
Candler Log Cabin
Why book: A spot on the edge of a national forest meets a hot tub, pool, and firpit.
- ~$250 a night
- 3 BD | 2 BA
- Pets allowed, wood burning fireplace, bicycles
Serene Creekside Cottage
Why book: This adorable cottage is nestled right into the woods, with plenty of outdoor spaces to enjoy the nature from.
- ~$138 a night
- 2 BD | 2 BA
- Washer and dryer, grill, porch
17-Acre Private Horse Farm
Why book: Kids will love seeing the horses on this property, not to mention a pond for fishing.
- ~$210 a night
- 2 BD | 2 BA
- Hot tub, hammock, porch
Mountaintop Log Cabin
Why book: You can’t beat the views from this classic cabin retreat.
- ~$333 a night
- 3 BD | 2 BA
- Hot tub, fireplace, board games
