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Gold River / camp + cabins

Hosted by Kathryn · Marion, North Carolina

8 sites · RV, Tent, Lodging · 5 acres

97%

73 reviews

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A former Gold & Gem Panning operation on the Second Broad River, this little slice of paradise was once a part of the United States' first gold rush, in one of the most bustling regions in the early 1800s. Now, a trending campground with 9 glamping cabins, tents spots, and one RV. Recently renovated, you'll find a sparkling clean bath house, community and private fire pits, a covered pavilion, and of course the relaxing river with gold panning equipment available to all guests. Gold River is the perfect base camp for your adventures; with dozens of activities within 30 minutes, you won't be short of entertaining options to choose from.

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RV/tent sites

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Riverfront Tent Site (Primitive)

92%

(25)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 2 · Vehicles under 20 ft

There are 4 open air primitive campsites along the Second Broad River. Sandy, "beach-like" camping along the river. The spots are not private, but perfect for groups and families looking for a clean, fun and modern campground. All tent spots have beautiful and easy access to the water; imagine sleeping to the soothing sounds of the rushing river. Located at Gold River / camp + cabins, this campground was formerly a gold and gem panning operation and was once a part of the US' first gold rush. Located in Marion, NC - Hole River camps is easily located within a short drive to abundant hiking, waterfalls, wineries/breweries, and biking. Also convenient to Downtown Marion, Black Mountain, and Asheville. All bookings include access to all community amenities: clean and modern bath house, a sandy beach area along the river, use of gold pans and shovels, community pavilion, fire pits throughout grounds, grills, picnic tables and more! Perfect for tents or camper vans that don't require water/electric. Electrical plugs for charging devices and water available in pavilion. There are 5 riverfront camp sites - all sites are first-come-first-served. Select you favorite and get set up :) No wifi. Cell service is limited to T-Mobile only.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

No electrical hookup

No water hookup

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Lodging

5 sites

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Bell Tent Camping - Tent Included

100%

(7)

Canvas tent · Sleeps 2

This is a very basic "glamping" experience - save the trouble of loading gear and stay in one of our canvas bell tents. Tent includes a queen size bed (linens NOT included), fan, and cafe lights. You will have access to the campground's modern and clean bath house - bring your own towel. Come camp at a former Gold & Gem Panning operation on the Second Broad River; this little slice of paradise was once a part of the United States' first gold rush and has now been converted to a modern campground. "The Bell - 1" is a 13-foot canvas bell tent made for a lux. camping experience. Glamping Tents are in a field with four total tents - spaces are approx. 20' x 20'. The tent camping field is great for groups and individuals - not necessarily private, but with all the nooks around the property, there are plenty of places to retreat throughout the day. Tent sites include a private fire pit and picnic table. Community pavilion has a microwave, coffee maker, drinking water, and electric plugs. There are also games, books, reading nooks, hammocks, plenty of seating spaces, two charcoal and two propane grills and more throughout the property.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

Picnic table

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Luxe Glamping Tent for 4

100%

(5)

Canvas tent · Sleeps 4

You won’t forget your time in this memorable escape. Located at Gold River [camp + cabins], a former gold and gem panning operation on the Second Broad River, turnerd riverfront camping + cabins...this camp was once part of the US' first Gold Rush and is located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Tent includes a Queen foam mattress bed, two twin beds, chairs, coffee maker, heat and AC. Enjoy an outdoor adventure with modern conveniences! **** This "glamping" tent is an oasis packed into 192-sf. This tent promises to be a cozy getaway. Due to our convenient location, there is some road noise. If you are a very light sleeper, you may want to consider one of our cabins. Tent includes:-Portable Heat/AC Unit-Queen Memory Foam Mattress Bed-Twin Bed with Twin Trundle-Coffee Maker, Coffee + Mugs-Wine Glasses YOU MAY WANT TO BRING:-Camping Chairs for Fire Pit-Towels for Bath House-Cooler (there is no fridge) The campground's grounds include a variety of fire pits, a river front beach, a pavilion with microwave and community gas and propane grills. There is NOT a private bathroom, you will have to access the clean and modern community bath house. There is little (to NO) cell service or wifi so plan accordingly by downloading your favorite shows or podcasts on a tablet, or better yet, plan to have an off-screen getaway, you'll be thankful you did! See property map for tent location. - This tent is not directly on the river, but the entire campground is. If you are looking for a riverfront cabin, check out: "River's Edge" or "On the Bank"

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

Picnic table

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River's Edge

100%

(5)

Cabin · Sleeps 2

"River's Edge" is only one of two RIVERFRONT Cabins at the campground. You will love having your coffee at the bar top on the front porch, overlooking the babbling river. Enjoy your fire overlooking the river. This is a 120-sf tiny cabin. Room includes a mini-fridge, coffee maker, all linens, heat and AC. There is NOT a private bathroom, you will have to access the clean and modern community bath house. Gold River Camp is a great base camp for waterfall hikes, biking, Lake James & Lure! --- Gold River Camp is a modern riverfront campground right on the Second Broad River. Formerly a gold and gem panning operation, this river was a major part of the US' first Gold Rush in the mid- The campground's grounds include a variety of fire pits, a river front beach, a pavilion with microwave and community gas and propane grills. No wifi. Cell service is limited to T-Mobile only. -- This is a PET FRIENDLY cabin. **BREED RESTRICTIONS: Sorry for any inconvenience, but per our insurance the following dog breeds are not allowed: Pit Bull/Staffordshire Terrier, Doberman Pinscher, Rottweiler, Great Dane, Mastiffs, Presa Canario, Akitas, Alaskan Malamure, Chow, German Shepherd, Siberian Husky, Wolf Hybrid. Any dog with a previous bite history, aggressiveness. Exotic Animals are not allowed: primates, reptiles, fowl, or any animal which has been deemed illegal to possess, own or harbor by a local, county, state or federal law enforcement agency or similar agency.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

Picnic table

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Camping - 13' Bell Tent Provided

100%

(4)

Canvas tent · Sleeps 2

This is a very basic "glamping" experience - save the trouble of loading gear and stay in one of our canvas bell tents. Tent includes a queen size bed (linens NOT included), fan, and cafe lights. You will have access to the campground's modern and clean bath house - bring your own towel. Come camp at a former Gold & Gem Panning operation on the Second Broad River; this little slice of paradise was once a part of the United States' first gold rush and has now been converted to a modern campground. "The Bell - 2" is a 13-foot canvas bell tent made for a lux. camping experience. Glamping Tents are in a field with four total tents - spaces are approx. 20' x 20'. The tent camping field is great for groups and individuals - not necessarily private, but with all the nooks around the property, there are plenty of places to retreat throughout the day. Tent sites include a private fire pit and picnic table. Community pavilion has a microwave, coffee maker, drinking water, and electric plugs. There are also games, books, reading nooks, hammocks, plenty of seating spaces, two charcoal and two propane grills and more throughout the property.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

Picnic table

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$55

/ night

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Boho Glamping Tent - "La Bonita"

Booked 3 times

Canvas tent · Sleeps 2

"La Bonita" is our pretty little Luxe Glamping Tent at Gold River - Riverfront Campground. Enjoy a memorable trip in our luxury canvas tent, complete with: Heat/AC, Memory Foam Queen Bed, Coffee Maker, Cozy Chairs, Lift-top Coffee Table, Full Body Mirror, Fire Pit, and Picnic Table. A former Gold + Gem Panning Operation, this renovated campground boasts a clean and modern bath house, games, communal grills, and plenty of river frontage for relaxing! This "glamping" tent is an oasis packed into 192-sf. This tent promises to be a cozy getaway. The campground's grounds include a variety of fire pits, a river front beach, a pavilion with microwave and community gas and propane grills. There is NOT a private bathroom, you will have to access the clean and modern community bath house. There is little (to NO) cell service and wifi is satellite so it can be spotty - plan accordingly by downloading your favorite shows or podcasts on a tablet, or better yet, plan to have an off-screen getaway, you'll be thankful you did!

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

No pets

Showers

Picnic table

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$81

/ night

for NaN guests

from

$39

/ night

8 sites

Reviews

97% Recommend88 ratings · 73 reviews

Recommends

· October 2025

Convenient and easy!!

Camping - 13' Bell Tent Provided

My first time at this camp site. I traveled on my motorcycle so having a tent ready to go helped me in not having to travel with a tent. The bed was very firm, which I liked and conveniently located near the bathrooms and shower. If you want to have a fire, there is a pit there for you and you can also go over by the stream which was nice. The road is near and does get a bit of traffic surprisingly but it didn't affect me sleeping. The showers and bathrooms were nice, clean, and well kept. Will definitely stay there again if I'm ever in the area again!!!

Peter O.

4 months on Hipcamp

Mixed feelings

· June 2025

Gorgeous-but too close to the road

15 ft campervan · With pets ·

Riverfront Tent Site (Primitive)

This is a beautiful spot right on the creek! The buildings are well-maintained and the bathrooms are immaculate. Unfortunately, the tent/RV sites are basically right next to the road. It was too noisy for me to sleep so I packed up and went home.

Andrea B.

3 years on Hipcamp

Not recommend

· May 2025

Traffic noise

Tent · With kids ·

Riverfront Tent Site (Primitive)

Overly crowded with road noise from Highway 221 all the time over priced for what it is and all the traffic noise

Garry L.

3 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Charming

Boho Glamping Tent - "La Bonita"

A lovely, family friendly and adult friendly campground. I glamped in the boho Bonita tent, which was charming and comfortable. There is a bit of traffic noise from the road, which subsides at night. The creek was cool and fun to wade in. I didn’t find any gold but took a few rocks home with me. 🤫 Bathrooms very clean! Would stay again.

Cindy G.

17 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Tent ·

Riverfront Tent Site (Primitive)

Booking and followup went well. Easy to navigate to facility and within it.

Marc M.

8 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2025

With pets ·

Bell Tent Camping - Tent Included

We stayed for a weekend trip, and originally booked the bell tent. They were expecting some rough weather and upgraded us to the riverside cabin since they couldn't put the tents up. We loved the cabin and listening to the river while we slept. The room was cleaner than most hotels we've stayed in, and the bed was very comfortable. We definitely plan on making this a regular spot. The bathrooms were clean and the showers were nice and hot.

Angela D.

2 reviews

Recommends

· March 2024

Camping - 13' Bell Tent Provided

Great place to camp! Very clean bathrooms and hot water in the showers. 10/10 recommend

Charleigh S.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· November 2023

With pets ·

Luxe Glamping Tent for 4

It is a very eclectic site offering something for eveyone- tent campers to cabins to tiny houses. Offer a great public area with games, grill, and microwave. Kids loved panning for gold. Very thoughtful hosts who ensured we had electric blankets to keep us warm. Bathrooms and showers very clean.

Brenda H.

2 reviews

Recommends

· October 2023

Creekside Tent Camping for the win!

Tent ·

Riverfront Tent Site (Primitive)

This is a nice spot to tent camp. The babbling creek is lovely. I especially appreciated the warm showers after a day of mountain biking, and the heated bathrooms on a chilly morning! The road noise is a bit much, but earplugs help.

Jennifer V.

4 reviews

Recommends

· September 2023

First time hipcampers… 10/10

Tent · With pets ·

Riverfront Tent Site (Primitive)

We really enjoyed tent camping at one of the four spots! The bathrooms were super clean and amenities were very nice. We didn’t use the grill or kitchen area, but plan to when we come back for another stay!

Kelsey P.

5 reviews

Recommends

· September 2023

Tent ·

Riverfront Tent Site (Primitive)

Great amenities, well kept. Pretty place right on the river. Family friendly.

Abby C.

2 reviews

Recommends

· August 2023

Beautiful property

Bell Tent Camping - Tent Included

This is a beautiful space with lovely, thoughtful amenities. The entire property is welcoming and clean. There is a significant amount of road noise at all hours and if you're looking for a quiet, secluded getaway, this may not be ideal as the accommodations are all relatively close together. That said, it was a great stay and we would recommend it to others!

Jessica W.

18 reviews

Recommends

· June 2023

Tent Camping

16 ft car · With pets ·

Riverfront Tent Site (Primitive)

Amazing campground with options for everyone. The tent space was roomy and right along the river which was great to fall asleep to. Showers and bathrooms are really clean and upgraded. Only downside was road noise.

Dorothy M.

4 reviews

Recommends

· May 2023

27 ft travel trailer ·

"The Coop" - Tiny Home on Wheels

So exciting to see the wonderful work this young couple has done with this property ! Enjoyed the site with the exception of the RV site being right on the busy/noisy road . I don't feel like the other cabins-tents would have the noise issue. Very relaxing and beautiful.

Melissa D.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2023

Tent · With pets ·

Riverfront Tent Site (Primitive)

They have a perfect set up on property for glamping in all types of ways. We went for tent camping on the “beach”. The facilities and all the amenities they provide was top notch for a tent camping experience. We def will be coming back and trying their smaller cabins! Well maintained and they were full of ideas for us to do in the area, but there is plenty on property!! They were soo sooo sweet. Loved our camping experience here.

Kerry S.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2023

Tent ·

Riverfront Tent Site (Primitive)

This place was beautiful and very clean. The hosts were pleasant and very helpful. The host even left us a Mother’s Day Charcuterie board prior to us leaving that day. 10/10 would recommend for all walks of life.

Danielle V.

3 reviews

Recommends

· April 2023

Cute, cozy, and near adventure!

Tent ·

Riverfront Tent Site (Primitive)

We loved staying at Kathryn and Trevor’s place! Everything is so welcoming and adorable!!!! So many places to relax by the river too. I had so much fun panning for gold (found some pyrite, mica, and carnelian) and loved falling asleep listening to the river. It was close enough to Asheville that we headed there for the day when it poured rain but we could have easily enjoyed the day at camp under their awesome pavilion! Other guests had already started a fire in the wood stove and made it as cozy as one can and there are fun games to play right there. Our trip wasn’t near long enough as I never got the chance to sit overlooking the river and paint or sit in the pavilion and read. The showers were hot and lovely and the bathrooms were spectacular—clean and warm/cold based on the weather outside so it was always a pleasure to use them. Loved the kitchen sink setup too! They really have thought of everything! We had an absolutely marvelous time and plan to return for a longer trip in the future. The only drawback is that it’s not as off the road as you might think and there are trains that run all hours in the area. Just an fyi if those would be major issues for you. They aren’t enough to stop us from coming back for a 5-7 night stay. Truly a gem of a place with lots of charm and adventure at your fingertips.

Jennifer G.

8 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2023

Perfect

With kids ·

Bell Tent Camping - Tent Included

Love this site and campground! Excellent location, close enough to explore chimney rock, Linville caverns, falls, etc. we can’t wait to go back 💚

Amber A.

5 reviews

Recommends

· April 2023

Great RV overnight stay

32 ft Class A · With pets ·

"The Coop" - Tiny Home on Wheels

This is a great spot! Kathryn was responsive, friendly, helpful. Love the communal area layout: River view chairs, grills, dinner area available to any guests, clean, beautiful bathrooms. Reminded me of an upscale European hostel meets stylish summer camp vibe, loved it! 🚌This part of the review is for the camper/RVer’s: we stayed in the single RV spot with a Class A 32’ vehicle. Great for a quick stay, however be advised RV spot is on roadside bank — so if you’re looking for a pristinely *quiet* spot to post up the camper for a week this might not be it, traffic noise is pretty steady. Sewage spot was @ weird angle for our vehicle so we had to dump v. hookup. All said it wasn’t a big deal for how wonderful the host and camp is! Would definitely return! 💓

M G.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2023

With kids ·

Luxe Glamping Tent for 4

This is a wonderful place! The family who runs it are so kind and helpful and they’ve really thought of everything. We had a wonderful stay and would love to come back! Thanks Gold River Camp!

Erica R.

5 reviews

Recommends

· April 2023

16 ft car ·

"The Coop" - Tiny Home on Wheels

The campground was well maintained and quiet aside from some noise from the nearby road

William G.

2 reviews

Recommends

· March 2023

Tent ·

Riverfront Tent Site (Primitive)

Such a quaint little place! Super clean, bath house were superb! Communication and booking was easy and convenient! Easily accessible. Thought the tent camp site was a little pricey but the bathhouse was worth every penny after a few days without:) really enjoyed our stay and would highly recommend to people passing through. There were smaller units as well as yurts that looked fabulous and would consider renting in future! 9/10 for sure!

Amanda G.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· February 2023

Camping In Marion Nc

River's Edge

I loved our stay at Kathryn's land! She was hospitable from the time we arrived up until we left. The grounds were kept up with and the cabin/amenities were clean and organized. I feel like they really had the campers in mind when they created this space - theres board games to play, outdoor sports, reading, and so much more to do on the property!

Brittany B.

3 reviews

Recommends

· February 2023

Cozy stay on a cold night

17 ft campervan · With pets ·

Riverfront Tent Site (Primitive)

We really enjoyed being able to stay for a night in our camper van in the tent space by the river. Listening to the water while making a fire in the pit was a lovely way to wind down after a day of hiking. We visited on a pretty cold night, so being able to have a hot shower and access to the patio area which was out of the wind was amazing. We had planned on cooking over an outdoor stove but were really happy to just use the microwave instead, ha!

Emily L.

4 reviews

Recommends

· December 2022

27 ft travel trailer · Group trip ·

"The Coop" - Tiny Home on Wheels

This is the second time that we been here. We love this place has nice places to hangout and fire places. Thanks Kathryn.

Margarita C.

4 reviews

Recommends

· October 2022

Beautiful spot!

Tent · With pets ·

"The Coop" - Tiny Home on Wheels

We loved this place! Marian is a cool little town and the suggested itineraries were very helpful! The hosts were as much of a gem as the location! Thanks again gang!

Alyssa H.

2 reviews

Recommends

· October 2022

Camping with animals!

22 ft travel trailer · With pets ·

"The Coop" - Tiny Home on Wheels

Gold River is a completely charming and cozy place. They have one full hook up rv site overlooking the grounds. The circular drive surrounds all the cabins and tents and then there’s access to to river all along one side - fire pits and seating areas by the water too!! We cannot wait to go back! Kathryn and Trevor were excellent hosts.

Brenda G.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2022

32 ft travel trailer · Group trip ·

"The Coop" - Tiny Home on Wheels

We loved every minute of our stay at Gold River! Great amenities, peaceful campground, friendly people and helpful and welcoming hosts!

Lane A.

5 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2022

Perfection!

24 ft travel trailer ·

"The Coop" - Tiny Home on Wheels

We absolutely loved Gold River Camp! It was super cute and cozy. Nice peaceful & quiet. We rented their only RV spot and had a blast! The owners are super sweet & helpful. Love the swings and porches they made beside the river. Very relaxing! Definitely wanting to come back and bring some of our family & friends! 💙

Christa K.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2022

Tent ·

Riverfront Tent Site (Primitive)

It rained pretty much the whole time I was there, so it was really nice to be in a place where I could still hangout and not be trapped in my tent. Would love to go back and enjoy it more!

Kristyn C.

3 years on Hipcamp

Location

Marion, Mc Dowell, North Carolina, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Gold River / camp + cabins

Select a site

RV/tent sites

Riverfront Tent Site (Primitive)

Lodging

Bell Tent Camping - Tent Included

Luxe Glamping Tent for 4

River's Edge

Camping - 13' Bell Tent Provided

Boho Glamping Tent - "La Bonita"

Reviews

Location

Hosted by Kathryn R.

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