Camping in Asheville, North Carolina

A complete guide to camping in Asheville

Pisgah National Forest near Asheville, North Carolina landscape

Photo Credit: C Manche

Overview

Asheville sits at 2,023 feet in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest and within an hour's drive of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The city has built a reputation around craft brewing, art, and mountain culture, and the camping scene reflects that mix of outdoor access and urban proximity.

Campfire Lodgings operates within Asheville proper with cabins and tent sites in a wooded hillside setting. Asheville Bear Creek RV Park and Wilson's Riverfront RV Park provide full-hookup RV sites along the French Broad River corridor south of downtown. For tent camping in a more natural setting, Lake Powhatan Recreation Area in the Pisgah National Forest sits 20 minutes from downtown in the Bent Creek area with sites among hardwood forest surrounding a small lake.

Beyond the immediate Asheville area, Davidson River Campground in nearby Pisgah Forest is one of the most popular Forest Service campgrounds in the Southeast, set along the Davidson River with trout fishing access. Mount Pisgah Campgrounds on the Blue Ridge Parkway at 5,000 feet provide high-elevation camping with cooler temperatures and parkway access. Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground in Swannanoa and Rutledge Lake RV Park in Fletcher round out the established options within a 20-minute drive.

Browse All RV Parks & Campgrounds in Asheville

Weather & Best Seasons

Best months: April through June and September through November

Spring wildflowers peak in April along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Summer is warm but moderated by the 2,000-foot elevation, with highs in the low 80s and cool mountain nights. Fall color peaks in mid to late October and draws the heaviest camping traffic. Winter averages 35 degrees in January with occasional snow at higher elevations. The Parkway sections may close temporarily for ice.

Season	Months

Things to Do in Asheville

Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway through tunnels, overlooks, and wildflower meadows between Asheville and Mount Pisgah. The Folk Art Center and Craggy Gardens are accessible stops within 30 minutes of town.
Hike to the summit of Mount Pisgah (5,721 feet) via the 1.5-mile trail from the Parkway. Clear-day views extend across the Pisgah Ridge and into the Shining Rock Wilderness.
Tube or kayak the French Broad River through Asheville. Outfitters operate put-in points south of town with takeout near the River Arts District.
Explore the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately owned home in America, with gardens, winery, and hiking trails on the 8,000-acre property.
Fish for trout in the Davidson River, a delayed-harvest stream with stocked and wild brown and rainbow trout. Fly fishing is the primary method.
Walk the River Arts District along the French Broad for studios, galleries, and restaurants in converted warehouse buildings.
Hike Skinny Dip Falls off the Blue Ridge Parkway, a short trail to a cascade and swimming hole popular in summer.

Camping Tips for Asheville

Davidson River Campground fills on spring and fall weekends. Reservations open six months ahead on Recreation.gov. The campground sits along a productive trout stream with walk-in fishing access.
The Blue Ridge Parkway campgrounds at Mount Pisgah and nearby Cradle of Forestry do not take reservations and fill by early afternoon on fall color weekends. Arrive before noon.
Black bears are active throughout the Pisgah National Forest and surrounding mountains. Proper food storage is required at all Forest Service campgrounds. Bear-proof containers or vehicle storage.
Asheville's craft brewery scene is walkable or a short ride from most campgrounds. Over 30 breweries operate in the city. Campgrounds along the French Broad River corridor are closest to downtown.
Ticks carrying Lyme disease are active from April through November in all wooded areas. Western North Carolina has high tick populations. Check after every hike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which campground is closest to downtown Asheville?

Campfire Lodgings sits within Asheville city limits on a wooded hillside. Asheville Bear Creek RV Park and Wilson's Riverfront RV Park are along the French Broad River south of downtown, within a 15-minute drive. Lake Powhatan in Pisgah National Forest is 20 minutes from the city center.

When does fall color peak near Asheville?

Higher elevations along the Blue Ridge Parkway (above 4,000 feet) begin turning in late September. The Asheville area at 2,000 feet peaks in mid to late October. The Parkway between Asheville and Mount Pisgah offers the most concentrated fall color driving. Book campgrounds months ahead for October.

Is dispersed camping available near Asheville?

Pisgah National Forest surrounding Asheville permits dispersed camping on most forest land. No fee or permit required. Popular areas along Forest Service roads in the Bent Creek and Mills River areas have established pulloffs. Camp at least 200 feet from water and trails.

What is the best campground for trout fishing?

Davidson River Campground in nearby Pisgah Forest sits directly on the Davidson River, one of the best trout streams in western North Carolina. The delayed-harvest section runs through the campground area. Lake Powhatan also has stocked fishing in the lake adjacent to the campground.

Which campground is best for RVs near Asheville?

Asheville Bear Creek RV Park and Wilson's Riverfront RV Park both offer full-hookup sites along the French Broad River. Rutledge Lake RV Park in Fletcher provides another option south of town. Asheville West KOA Holiday in Candler has pull-through sites for larger rigs with resort amenities.

Spring	Mar-May	60°F	48°F	Spring wildflowers peak in April along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Summer	Jun-Aug	77°F	65°F	Summer is warm but moderated by the 2,000-foot elevation, with highs in the low 80s and cool mountain nights.
Fall	Sep-Nov	60°F	48°F	Fall color peaks in mid to late October and draws the heaviest camping traffic.
Winter	Dec-Feb	43°F	31°F	Winter averages 35 degrees in January with occasional snow at higher elevations.

Camping in Asheville, North Carolina

Overview

Weather & Best Seasons

Featured Parks in Asheville

Asheville Bear Creek RV Park

Campfire Lodgings

Wilson's Riverfront RV Park

Lake Powhatan Recreation Area & Campground

Nearby National Parks

Great Smoky Mountains National Park