Waterside camping near Asheville
Four seasons of outdoor adventures await in this Blue Ridge Mountain city.
- Asheville
Popular camping styles for Asheville
2 top waterside campgrounds near Asheville
Mountaintop Fantasy
Sacred Roots
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Waterside camping near Asheville guide
Overview
If mountains are your backdrop of choice, you’ve come to the right place. Amid the forested slopes of western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a veritable paradise for outdoor adventurers on a camping trip. Road-trippers can follow the Blue Ridge Parkway all the way to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, while hikers use the city as a basecamp for trekking the Appalachian Trail (a 95-mile section runs through North Carolina). Or take your pick from the two national forests and seven state parks right on the city’s doorstep. If you need another excuse to swing by, Asheville is also renowned for its arts district and craft beer scene.
Where to go
Black Mountain and the Swannanoa Valley
East of Asheville, the wooded peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains ripple out onto the horizon, affording endless opportunities for hiking and camping. Make a pitstop to sample the craft beer in Black Mountain, hit the trail in the Swannanoa Valley, or admire the mountaintop views at Mount Mitchell State Park. For a break from the mountains, Lake James State Park has lakeside camping, where you can swim, fish, or rent a kayak.
The Great Smokies
Mountain road trips don't come more spectacular than the Blue Ridge Parkway, especially if you time your drive for fall foliage season. Bring your RV and follow the epic drive all the way into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, known for its misty mountains, sweeping wildflower meadows, and the Appalachian Trail, which traces the border of North Carolina and Tennessee.
South Asheville
South of the city, high peaks, waterfalls, and dense woodlands blanket the landscapes of the Pisgah National Forest, which stretches all the way to meet the Nantahala National Forest in the west. Both parks have several campgrounds to choose from, with tent and RV sites, cabin rentals, and dispersed camping available. Closer to the city, Chimney Rock State Park is known for its namesake crag, rock climbing trails, and spectacular hikes.
When to go
The best weather for hiking and camping around Asheville is April through October, but this mountain city has outdoor activities to suit all seasons. Leaf-peepers flock to the surrounding hills in fall, with fall foliage—and its accompanying crowds—peaking in October. Wildflowers set the countryside ablaze with color through spring and summer, while winter campers can rent a cozy mountain cabin and hit the ski slopes.
Know before you go
- Asheville has plenty of supermarkets, restaurants, and gas stations, and you’ll find several shops selling camping and outdoor supplies.
- There are no admission fees for North Carolina state parks, but camping reservation fees apply.
- Tick season runs from late spring through early fall in the Asheville region, so cover up when hiking and check for ticks after outdoor activities.
- Backcountry camping is allowed on national forest land as long as you are more than 500 feet from a road.
