14 Awesome Family-Friendly Campsites Near Asheville, NC
With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and myriad of recreational activities, Asheville is an ideal destination for families looking to reconnect with nature. Our city also offers a wealth of family-friendly campsites that cater to all preferences and needs. From well-equipped campgrounds with modern amenities to remote and rustic sites for a true wilderness experience, there is something for everyone.
Whether you prefer a lakeside retreat, a mountain adventure, or a peaceful forest escape, you’ll find the perfect spot to reconnect with nature and your loved ones. For adventurous families looking to make some camping memories, we’ve compiled 14 of the best family-friendly campsites near Asheville. With unique features and amenities that cater to all ages, you won’t want to miss out on your chance to join in the fun!
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14 Awesome Family-Friendly Campsites Near Asheville, NC
1. Lake Powhatan Recreation Area
Located just 10 miles southwest of Asheville, Lake Powhatan Recreation Area is a favorite amongst families. The campground offers a variety of campsites, including RV and tent sites, as well as lakefront cabins. With amenities like hot showers, flush toilets, and a quaint swimming area, Lake Powhatan provides a comfortable camping experience.
Families can enjoy hiking, fishing, and mountain biking on the nearby trails with access to the Bent Creek Experimental Forest trails.
2. Black Mountain Campground
Situated about an hour northeast of Asheville, Black Mountain Campground lies at the base of Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. This campground offers both tent and RV sites with access to amenities like restrooms and drinking water. The area is perfect for families who love hiking, with numerous trails leading to waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and the summit of Mount Mitchell.
3. Davidson River Campground
Located in the Pisgah National Forest, Davidson River Campground is approximately 40 minutes from Asheville. This spacious campground provides over 140 campsites suitable for tents and RVs, with amenities such as hot showers, flush toilets, and a camp store.
Families can enjoy activities like tubing, fishing, and swimming in the Davidson River, as well as exploring the many nearby hiking and biking trails. Additionally, they often provide educational programs and ranger-led activities.
4. North Mills River Recreation Area
Just 13 miles from Asheville, North Mills River Recreation Area offers a serene camping experience along the banks of the Mills River. The campground features tent and RV sites with amenities like restrooms, picnic areas, and fishing opportunities.
Families can enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, and wildlife-watching in the surrounding national forest.
5. Mount Pisgah Campground
Mount Pisgah Campground is located along the Blue Ridge Parkway, about 45 minutes southwest of Asheville. The campground offers tent and RV sites with amenities including restrooms, drinking water, and a camp store.
Families can explore numerous hiking trails, enjoy scenic drives, and visit the historic Pisgah Inn and restaurant. WIth stunning views from the Blue Ridge Parkway and access to Mount Pisgah and Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower trails, this camping trip will be one to remember!
6. Julian Price Memorial Park
Julian Price Memorial Park, situated on the Blue Ridge Parkway about an hour northeast of Asheville, provides a picturesque setting for family camping. The park offers tent and RV sites with amenities like restrooms, picnic areas, and a lake for fishing and boating. Families can explore the extensive network of hiking trails, including the popular Boone Fork Trail.
7. Lake James State Park
Lake James State Park, located about an hour east of Asheville, offers a variety of camping options including tent and RV sites, as well as paddle-in campsites for a unique adventure. The park features amenities like restrooms, showers, and a swim beach. Families can enjoy water activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, as well as hiking and biking on the park’s trails.
8. Linville Falls Campground
Linville Falls Campground, nestled in the Linville Gorge Wilderness, is about an hour and a half northeast of Asheville. The campground offers tent and RV sites with amenities like restrooms, drinking water, and a camp store. Families can explore the nearby Linville Falls, hike through the gorge, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
9. Cataloochee Campground
Located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cataloochee Campground is approximately an hour and a half west of Asheville. This remote campground offers a peaceful setting with tent and RV sites, restrooms, and drinking water. Families can enjoy wildlife viewing, especially elk, and explore the historic buildings and trails in the area.
10. Bear Den Family Campground
Bear Den Family Campground, located along the Blue Ridge Parkway about an hour northeast of Asheville, offers a range of camping options including tent and RV sites, cabins, and cottages. The campground features amenities like a swimming pool, playground, and camp store. Families can enjoy hiking, fishing, and exploring nearby attractions like Linville Caverns and Grandfather Mountain.
11. Lakeview Park and Campground
Situated on Lake Junaluska, about 30 minutes west of Asheville, Lake Junaluska Campground offers tent and RV sites with amenities like restrooms, showers, and a camp store. Families can enjoy activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming in the lake, as well as exploring the walking trails and gardens around the campground.
Additionally, the charming town of Waynesville is just minutes away, offering a great place to spend the day.
12. Moonshine Creek Campground
Moonshine Creek Campground, located about an hour southwest of Asheville, offers a peaceful and family-friendly camping experience. The campground features tent and RV sites, cabins, and amenities like restrooms, showers, and a camp store. Families can enjoy the creek that runs through the campground, as well as hiking and exploring the nearby Smoky Mountains.
13. Crabtree Falls Campground
Crabtree Falls Campground, situated along the Blue Ridge Parkway about an hour northeast of Asheville, provides tent and RV sites with amenities like restrooms, drinking water, and picnic areas. Families can explore the Crabtree Falls trail, which leads to a stunning 70-foot waterfall, as well as other nearby hiking trails.
14. Pisgah National Forest Dispersed Camping
For families looking for a more rustic and adventurous experience, dispersed camping in Pisgah National Forest is an excellent option. Dispersed camping allows families to camp outside of designated campgrounds, providing a more secluded and natural setting.
While there are no amenities like restrooms or showers, families can enjoy the freedom of choosing their own campsite and the opportunity to more deeply connect with nature.
We hope you enjoy camping around Asheville!
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Samantha Carter
Though born and raised in Santa Cruz, California, Samantha has come to call Asheville home. First introduced to WNC as a child, she has been coming here since 2004. Samantha graduated from Warren Wilson College and has been an official Asheville resident since 2013.
Owner of Organic Copy and Content, Samantha writes and does marketing for a variety of brands.
Passionate about mental wellness, Samantha’s also self-published her own memoir, "It's Not All Love and Light: and Other Lessons Learned On My Trauma Healing Journey" about overcoming childhood trauma and navigating the mental health and mothering journey.
In her spare time, Samantha enjoys hiking with her husband, dogs, and son and working on her 2-acre homestead. She also regularly horseback rides, and will talk your ear off about art, alternative wellness, and books.