Private sites lakeside camping near Black Mountain

This small town may be the prettiest in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Just 16 miles from Asheville, Black Mountain is nestled among national forests and state parks. The North Carolina town is known for arts and crafts, with artisans hawking wares at the annual Sourwood Festival. Just north is Pisgah National Forest, a half-million acres of wooded mountains. The South Toe River winds through, offering good fly fishing. The forest has about ten campgrounds, and half of them are public. Curtis Creek Campground is a sweet spot for tent camping. The small camp has tent-only loops along the creek, plus a paved loop for RV sites. Next door is Mount Mitchel State Park, named after the highest peak in the eastern United States. The park has a small family campground; however, the hiking trails are the big lure. The Mount Mitchell Trail leads to the summit on a 6-mile hike, but there are easy loops, too. For a scenic waterfall trail, check out Crabtree Meadows Campground. The first-come, first-served camp is just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, near the trail to the 70-foot Crabtree Falls. Most of the public campgrounds close to Black Mountain are short on amenities—notably showers. If a swim in the creek doesn't cut it, drive an hour south to the hot showers at the Mount Pisgah Campgrounds. Nearby private camps with full amenities are another option or the RV parks along Lake James.