It’s no secret that Asheville is a hub for microbreweries, gourmet espresso spots, and amazing eats. But what lies beyond that beautiful picturesque skyline of mountains and buildings? 

If you want to roll up your sleeves and experience more than just what city life has to offer and explore the grand vastness of Western North Carolina, then look no further. Here’s a list for everyone from the timid, first-time camper to the off-roading explorer. Because, if you really want to fall in love with the Tar Heel State, you have to get outside.

Have you never gone camping before? Or perhaps have a little bit of trauma from sleeping on the ground in a crowded tent as a child and have no desire to relive it? Maybe you’re unsure of what you would like or not like when planning your Asheville camping trip. Well, look no further – we’ve got you covered with 6 fun spots to go camping in Asheville. 

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Camping in Asheville: The 6 Best Campgrounds 

For the convenience and family campers:

1. KOA

Even the most rookie campers have heard about the ol’ KOA. KOA, or Kampgrounds of America, is a franchised campsite in the United States and Canada. Every KOA is unique with the amenities they offer beyond the standard campsite. 

If you’re looking for the best camping near Asheville, both Swannanoa and Candler, respectively, have their own KOA Holiday resorts, just minutes away from the heart of Asheville or the Blue Ridge Parkway. RV spots, cabins, and tent pads offer a variety of ways to stay. 

Boat rentals, bicycle rentals, fully stocked camp stores, Wi-Fi, pools, seasonally planned activities, and even a doggie daycare are just a few of the amenities that can be found between the locations. 

KOAs are perfect for families, especially those with young kids who want a hassle-free Asheville camping experience. The higher price point than your average state park campground is justified by the jam-packed activities and luxuries (like laundry!) that each KOA offers. Sites can book up far in advance, but the user-friendly website makes booking a breeze. 

For the modern luxury campers:

2. Asheville River Cabins 

When I got wind of this luxury Asheville camping experience being built, I knew it was going to be perfect for the Asheville area. Less than 12 miles from downtown, the Asheville River Cabins (ARC) still manages to achieve the ultimate peaceful glamping experience. 

Upon stumbling across their wonderfully curated website, you are prompted to begin your journey with the first choice of Airstream or Cabin. Which, yes, please, I will have two of both.  

Cabins and Airstreams are sprinkled all along the French Broad River, offering a view of one of the oldest rivers in the world while you relax. There are an abundance of modern amenities, even in the most basic of cabins they offer. 

If you want to go all out, book the premium River View Cabin, and you’ll get your own private hot tub, full kitchen, firepit, queen-size bed, and smart TV to stream all your favorite goodies after stargazing and gallivanting along the French Broad.

I think this location would be perfect for a bachelor/bachelorette party or a camping trip with some older folks not keen on the hassle of a tent. Group and corporate events are welcome, and Asheville River Cabins has room to accommodate the whole party. Really, though, who wouldn’t want to stay in an Airstream that has all the appeal of cozy camping, but with a walk-in shower, plush bed, and private deck? 

The price compared to other luxury glamping options in Asheville is very reasonable, even offering a winter special for an extra free night and nearly a perfect 5-star review record! If you’re on the prowl for the very best camping near Asheville with a dash of luxury, ARC might just be the perfect pick.

For the adventure curious: 

3. North Mills River Campground 

A relaxed and easy-to-navigate campground, North Mills River Campground offers some of the best Asheville camping and is a favorite place of mine to hole up for some good swimming, fishing, and easy-to-moderate hiking and biking. 

The campground is relatively small, with two closed paved loops. The sites are, for the most part, well shaded and close to the water. The tent sites are all gravel, which is a hot debate in the tent camping world, so sleeping pads would be a wise purchase. 

But there are a handful of RV sites as well, which do book up fast, understandably. The river is beautiful and clear, with rushing but easy-to-navigate small rapids, perfect for trout fishing, but with a few great swimming holes as well. 

In the summer, this place is a well-known mountain biking destination. The main road through the campground turns to a dirt road once you cross the river, and can take you all the way up to 276 near Pink Beds, and the entire way is littered with amazing hiking locations. In the late summer, I relish coming here to get my fresh wineberry fill. 

4. Davidson River Campground

Located about 40 minutes outside of Asheville is the family-friendly, fishing enthusiast mecca, Davidson River Campground in Brevard. Although not in Asheville, on a weekend in the summer, it’s just as busy as any restaurant or bar. 

This large year-round campground is located in the Pisgah National Forest, a temperate rainforest known for its abundance of hiking trails (like the Art Loeb) and family-friendly tubing near the campground. 

Offering some of the best camping near Asheville, Davidson River Campground itself has the Davidson River with a popular swimming hole – and it is good old-fashioned fun watching kids dare one another to swing from a rope into the chilly river! 

Most of the sites are shaded, and all have tent pads, picnic benches, and firepits. Tent and RV campsites (electric and non-electric) all fill up quickly here. I even had an old-timer nearly drop his bait in shock when I told him that I just reserved a spot (albeit the last one) the night before, as he plans his trips nine months out! 

It’s not hard to see why this campground is known for offering some of the best Asheville camping – the heart of Transylvania County is littered with waterfalls, Sliding Rock, and the thickly forested Pisgah. 

Traveling via bike or car along 276, even staying at the campground with its high conifers and large river, will give you a great view of the flora and fauna around the area. Less than an hour from Asheville, the town of Brevard is just 4 miles away from the campground and is home to a quaint and cute downtown area, which boasts white squirrels and plenty of excellent restaurants.  

5. Mount Pisgah Campground

Pisgah Inn is the best place to come for views in the area. Off the Blue Ridge Parkway by mile marker 408, through the best tunnels and whirls this side of the parkway, lays Mount Pisgah Campground. 

It’s not the facilities or amenities that earn this one a place on my list of the best camping near Asheville – it’s by far the views. This place easily has the best stargazing of any campground I’ve ever been to, and it’s one that I think rivals any on the East Coast.  

The temperature is about 10 degrees cooler than the city, not factoring wind, so prepare for a colder climate when packing. The showers are hot and the bathrooms clean, but I wouldn’t bust out the roller skates in these loops. The elevation makes it quite hilly and steep in some locations, including the sites themselves. 

Tent and RVs are permitted and reservations encouraged. Nearly 5,000 feet high – with multiple trails, excellent photo opportunities, and a country store with the Pisgah Inn and restaurant across the way – it’s one of the most stunning Asheville camping spots.

For the hardcore:

6. Boondocking 

Not a where, but a what. Boondocking, also called dispersed camping, is the term used to describe camping on public (or private) land that isn’t a campground via tent or RV. The beautiful thing about Western North Carolina is that although this area is filled with cities and cute towns brimming with Southern charm, there is also an abundance of untainted woods and wildlife. 

With the “leave no trace” motto being the golden rule, the opportunities for boondocking around Asheville, and a bit further out, are plentiful, as national forests are a hot spot for these free “sites.”  

Forest Service Road 1206 also known as Yellow Gap Road, is my favorite spot here, as it connects two other popular camping spots on this list: the Davidson River Recreation Area and North Mills River Recreation Area. 

Half the fun about these boondocking spots is the journey of finding them, in my opinion. Just remember to be prepared. Many roads are rough and bumpy, and there are no luxuries of bathrooms or AC. 

Be sure to prepare for unreliable weather and, if possible, go on less trafficked days like a weekday. Sometimes a steep walk may await you, but the payoff of off-grid camping is most definitely worth it.

Want to dive in deeper for even more Asheville camping spaces? The US Forest Service, Recreation.gov, HipCamp, National Parks Service, and occasionally Airbnb are some great resources!  

There you have it! Our top picks for the 6 best places for camping near Asheville. Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments below.