Camping atop Black Balsam Knob

Here are some Asheville camping areas and campgrounds in state parks or national forests:

Blue Ridge Parkway: There are two camping areas near Asheville on the Parkway. Crabtree Meadows near the Crabtree Falls Trail is at Milepast 340, within fifteen miles of Mt. Mitchell State Park. Located at Milepost 408, Pisgah is the highest campground at almost 5,000 feet elevation (at Mt. Pisgah). Camping is allowed along the Blue Ridge Parkway from May 1 through October 31 (Black Balsam and Graveyard Fields are two great spots for primitive camping). Call 828-298-0398 for more information.

Lake Powhatan Campground: Located at the Lake Powhatan Recreation Area of Bent Creek, this Pisgah National Forest campground is just outside the city of Asheville. It's open April 1 to October 31 and has flush toilets, hot showers, and swimming area. You can ride your bike right out of the campground onto the Bent Creek area trails!

North Mills River Campground: Located just outside of Asheville, NC in the Pisgah National Forest. North Mills River is a rustic with Mills River running through the campground. Nearby to the WNC Arboretum and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Open April 1 to October 31 with flush toilets. Right on the river, within riding distance of many great trails in Mills River area and within a few minutes' drive of all the Mills River Area's trails.

Davidson River Campground: Located in Western North Carolina in the Pisgah National Forest, just 4 miles east of the town of Brevard and about 22 miles from Asheville. Davidson River Campground is located on the Davidson River along HWY 276. Nearby to Sliding Rock, Looking Glass Falls, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Modern Restrooms and showers available. Attractions include regular Interpretive Programs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with limited programs through October 31. Campground is open year-round and Apple Tree Loop is available for reservations from Jan 1 - Dec 31

Black Mountain Campground: Sits in the shadow of Mt. Mitchell with 43 camping sites, none with hookups. All campsites have tables, fire rings with cooking grills and lantern posts. Nearby are flush toilets, drinking water, trash cans and showers. It's open mid April through October. Call 828-682-6146 for more info.

Mount Mitchell: The nine-site family campground is open throughout the year. Only tent camping is allowed. Each site is equipped with a grill and picnic table. Modern restrooms for use during warm seasons are located nearby. Showers and hot water are not provided. In the winter, campers have access to pit toilets, and no running water is available. Campers may leave vehicles in the park overnight to backpack into the Pisgah National Forest. Visitors who leave their vehicles in the park must register on the forms provided at the trailheads near the parking area or at the park office. Mount Mitchell offers a choice of trails from which to enjoy the nearby alpine woodlands. Online reservations are available for campsites at Mt. Mitchell and other North Carolina State Parks.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: On the North Carolina side of the Great Smokies, go to Cataloochee (home of the elk) or the quiet Balsam Mountain area.

Camping is permitted anywhere within the Pisgah National National Forest boundaries except within 500' of a roadway or otherwise designated area. Nantahala National Forest also offers plenty of camping options. Download a PDF list of campgrounds in these national forests.

Protect the outdoors while camping! Follow the principles of Leave No Trace.

Download PDF 16-page 2010 Guide to the National Forests in North Carolina

Private Full Service Campgrounds