The Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina’s iconic scenic byway through the Blue Ridge Mountains, is named one of the best RV road trips in North Carolina for a reason. In fact, it’s often voted as one of the most stunning drives in the entire country.
Traveling through the Blue Ridge Mountains with an RV rental near Asheville, NC is one of the best ways to see the sights. You’ll find no shortage of campgrounds in the Blue Ridge Mountains, both within the park and in nearby towns. We’ve compiled a list of the 10 best campgrounds and RV parks in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
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Spacious Skies Bear Den
Set right off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 324.8, among the breathtaking Blue Ridge and Black Mountains and nestled in the Pisgah National Forest, Spacious Skies Bear Den is your mountain adventure destination!
Leave your stress behind as you explore 13 miles of wooded hiking trails, some leading to waterfalls on the park grounds. Playgrounds, a rec hall, arcade, basketball, volleyball, and a swimming lake with a separate fishing area will keep campers of all ages occupied. A camp store stocked with necessities and treats alike, bathhouses, laundry on-site and WiFi all bring the comforts of home to your campsite.
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If it’s elevation you’re seeking, this tiol Park Service campground sits at the highest point in the Blue Ridge Mountains, 4,980 feet above its scenic views. It sits right on the parkway at mile-marker 408, just minutes from highway 276 and North Caroli’s beloved Sliding Rock. It’s also just 40 minutes from downtown Asheville, a town that’s well worth visiting.
If you’re looking for beautiful scenery and outdoor recreation, it’s hard to beat this campground. Not only do you have stunning views from the campground itself, but you’re minutes from some of the area’s best trails and sights, from sliding rocks to massive waterfall. While this is basic camping, you do have access to a restaurant, laundry, and even a gift shop, and you’re under an hour from Asheville, one of the most popular cities in North Caroli.
In the depth of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Caroli, Crabtree Falls Campground sits surrounded by ture and beauty. It’s at mile marker 340, close to Emerald Village and Little Switzerland. Dozens of rivers, creeks, and waterfalls are just outside the campground. Depsite its wilderness fell, the campground is only an hour east of Asheville.
Few campgrounds are as surrounded by tural wonders as this one. It sits at the intersection of several lovely creeks, right at the entrance to Crabtree Falls and just minutes from several other falls. The hiking trails in this area are simply stunning. While the campground is very basic, there are picnic areas, bathrooms, and an ampitheater, and Little Switzerland is just 5 miles away.
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The Oaks RV Resort
Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway and ringed by trees and mountains, The Oaks RV Resort is a welcome refuge from hectic modern life. The vast forests of oak and pine create a distinctive blue haze that envelopes the towering mountain ridges. You’ll have all the comforts of home – and then some – when you make The Oaks your jumping-off place to explore the lakes, rivers, and wildlife of one of the oldest mountain ranges on Earth – the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The Oaks RV Resort is a premier resort that has 61 sites to accommodate Motor Coaches, Luxury 5th wheels, and Travel Trailers of any length. No matter what brings you to the area, you can rest assured that The Oaks RV Resort will be waiting with the comforts of home.
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Surrounded by forest on the Blue Ridge Parkway yet right in the small town of Linville Falls, this campground is wild yet convenient. It sits on highway 221 as well, right next to Linville Falls, Duggers Creek Falls, the Linville River, and plenty of hiking trails and scenic overlooks. Filly, the campground is just over an hour from Asheville, NC, and close to the Cherokee tiol Forest.
You’ll find ample hiking and popular trails all over if you stay at Linville Falls Campground. You can go fishing in the Linville River, and if you find yourself in need of more amenities, the Linville Falls Cabins are nearby. The sites are big, private, cozy, and surrounded by tural beauty.
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On Basin Creek at the base of Wildcat Rock, just off of the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll find the lovely Doughton Park. Situated in the Doughton Recreation Area, it’s surrounded by forest, hiking, and outdoor recreation. At the same time, you’ll find Willis Lake and a very small town just across the parkway in Laurel Springs. Stone Mountain State Park is right next door, and the Virginia state line is about 10 miles north.
The largest recreational area on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Doughton Park is filled with scenery and activities. The hiking is abundant and the vistas are incredible. It’s one of the best stops along the parkway, and the Doughton Park Campground gives you the chance to wake up to it. The campground is certainly rustic and minimal, but that gives you the opportunity to appreciate the nature around you.
Just over the border in the rolling green hills of Virginia, you’ll find the Rocky Knob campground off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s in a rural, quiet, densely forested area that provides campers with stunning scenery. The campground is just down the road from the Rocky Knob visitor’s center and an hour and 20 minutes from Roanoke, Virginia.
The Rocky Knob Recreation Area is made up of over 4,000 acres of forest, leaving ample opportunity for campers to hike and enjoy the outdoors at this campground. There’s ample picnic space and the campsites are clean, beautiful, and quiet. Nearby hikes include Rockcastle Gorge, Round Meadow Creek, and Black Ridge.
Mountaintop sites are this campground’s specialty. It also could not be more convenient. Just 5 miles from the beautiful Black Mountain and 15 miles from the trendy downtown Asheville, you’ve truly got the best of both worlds. Mama Gertie’s is right off of I-40 and close to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Drive 2 miles to I-40, and you’ll find a plethora of amenities including dining and gas stations.
Enjoy the wilderness of North Carolina’s Appalachian mountains and the urban center of Asheville all in one day. This campground is right on a mountainside, offering stunning views right from the window of your RV. Plus, sites are very clean and landscaping is terraced, offering privacy. Facilities are incredibly nice and well-maintained.
Right off of I-26, this campground is just minutes from dining, gas stations, and supplies. It’s also minutes from the French Broad River, offering ample outdoor recreation. The best part about this Campfire Lodgings location, though, is its proximity to downtown Asheville. It sits on the northern outskirts of the city, offering access to its fantastic dining and culture within minutes.
Surrounded by 100 acres of woods and numerous trails, this campground is an outdoor lover’s dream. However, if you’ve got folks in the family who prefer food, art, and culture, you’re also just minutes from downtown Asheville, a trendy city that has all of those things. Campfire Lodgings truly offers the best of both worlds. The campground is clean, scenic, and well-maintained, and sunsets from the grounds are incredible.
If you’re looking for convenience and amenities, Asheville’s Bear Creek RV Park is a great place to stay. It’s in Asheville, on of North Carolina’s most beloved cities, and it sits at the intersection of I-240 and I-40, making it easy to get to and surrounded by dining, shopping, and supply options. It’s minutes south of central Asheville near the Biltmore Estates.
For visitors who want to combine the Blue Ridge Mountains with a trip to the famous Biltmore Estates, the location here can’t get any better. Despite being near amenities, you still have marvelous views from the campsites here. This campground is also one of few along the parkway to offer a pool.
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Right along some of the most scenic spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway, near the North Carolina Arboretum, you’ll find this stunning campground. It sits in the midst of a large wooded recreation area on Lake Powhatan, offering both forested hiking and sand beaches. It’s also close to the interstate and just around 10 minutes from Asheville, so you have easy access to urban areas too.
One of the most beautiful and popular recreation areas and campgrounds along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Lake Powhatan offers a real sand beach, wildlife viewing, hiking trails, and great mountain biking through the 6,000 acre Bent Creek Experimental Forest. You’ll also find the state arboretum, French Broad River, which is great for fishing, and of course, the Blue Ridge Parkway. Best of all, Asheville is just down the road.
Just down the road from the Asheville airport sits Rutledge Lake RV Park, a scenic luxury campground that offers immediate access to both downtown Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains. You’ll find plenty of nearby amenities, including gas stations, shops, and dining. The campsites are right along Frady Lake and off of I-26. You’re minutes from the Blue Ridge Mountains as well as the North Carolina wine trail.
This is one of very few luxury RV parks along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Lakeside campsites offer lovely views and great tranquility. You’ll find options for outdoor recreation as well as the city of Asheville nearby. This RV park offers all the necessary amenities, from swimming and showers to laundry and a well-stocked general store.
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Mountain Stream RV Park is in the middle of Pisgah National Forest. This RV park features a camp store, and it is in a silent wooded area. However, Mountain Stream RV Park is only about 20 minutes away from the nearest town.
Ken, the owner of Mountain Stream RV Park, is famous for his bacon. He offers free pork sandwiches every Thursday night. This provides an opportunity to socialize with your neighbors. Plus, the store at Mountain Stream RV Park offers RV supplies, food, and drinks.
“Fantastic, well maintained, campground in the mountains. Picturesque creek surrounds the campground. Great place for kids and dogs. New owners have made many upgrades including real WIFI…” – Moonshinemia, Google Review
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This medium-sized RV park sits right on the shores of Buck Creek. If that’s not enough water for you, the property is also near Lake Tahoma. This RV park features a huge grassy recreational area that is surrounded by trees.
At the Buck Creek RV Park clubhouse, you’ll find a convenient camp store. You can buy drinks and ice cream at the store, and free Wi-Fi is offered throughout the RV park. Unlike many of the RV parks in Hickory-Lenoir, Buck Creek RV Park features sites with fire pits.
“This spot is amazing! The owner is great and has a ton of information on the entire area of things to see and do. Huge field our golden retrievers loved racing around on. Lovely, level spacious sites that backed up to the river, absolutely beautiful place. This was our first stay here, but will not be our last.” – Lisa, Google Review
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French Broad River Campground is a few miles to the north of downtown Asheville. Since it is open all year round, the campground is perfect for those who want to see the river. Fishing is available at this RV park, and the sites at French Broad River Campground feature fire pits.
Unlike most RV parks in Asheville, French Broad River Campground offers over 2,000 feet of riverfront. Wi-Fi is offered at French Broad River Campground, and inner tubes are available for rent. Best of all, this campground is about a mile away from a horseback tour facility.
“This was a great place to camp away from all the craziness Asheville can bring… Especially if you are from out of town looking to find a calm and cool place to make your home away from home. This Campground / RV area is immediately next to the river. In fact, I do not know of any Campground in Asheville that is as close as this one is.” – Joseph, Google Review
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Nolichucky Gorge Campground is filled with the best amenities offered by the Appalachian mountain range. Enjoy the fresh, crisp air, waterfalls and whitewater activities the area provides. A short distance from local Tri Cities activities and attractions, you can enjoy your getaway both in the park and around the local area.
Enjoy whitewater rafting, canoeing, boating and fishing during your getaway at Nolichucky Gorge Campground. Relax in your campsite to the sounds of the rushing nearby waterfalls and many species of birds found throughout the region. Close to all the entertainment venues within the Tri Cities area, you will find a wide range of activities in the park and surrounding communities that will fill your vacation with memories to last a lifetime.
“An absolute jewel of a campground! The staff are the nicest, friendliest people you will ever meet, and the grounds are clean and so well maintained.” – Darla, Google Review
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Wilson’s Riverfront RV Park is right outside of downtown Asheville. It offers access to the French Broad River, and it is right off Interstate 240. Also, free Wi-Fi is available at Wilson’s Riverfront RV Park.
You can rent a bike at Wilson’s Riverfront RV Park. If you’re looking for a really fun time, try the tandem bikes. Unlike many Asheville campgrounds, Wilson’s Riverfront RV Park has a propane filling station. To top it off, there’s a bike path that goes right past Wilson’s Riverfront RV Park.
“This RV park is all about the location. Tough turn if coming from the south, but once you are parked it’s a convenient, full-hookup location to call home. Quiet and relaxing river-view spot. - Sure there are other campgrounds that have mountain views, maybe a laundromat, but if all you want is to be close to town, and have water/electric/sewer/Internet, then this is the place for you.” – Thomas, Google Review
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Asheville Bear Creek RV Park is a family-owned campground on the west side of Asheville. This RV park is relatively large, and it is at the junction of Interstate 40 and Interstate 240. This makes it a convenient stop for those traveling throughout the state.
If you’re traveling with a group, you can use the clubhouse at Asheville Bear Creek RV Park for free. This Asheville, North Carolina, campground is on the shores of Hominy Creek, and it is within walking distance of Moose Cafe. Plus, propane is available at the campground.
“Arrived yesterday. Staff was very nice, efficient, had us in and out in probably 3 minutes. They were extremely helpful. Our back-in site (7) was ample, plenty of room. Was able to back in even with other vehicles parked nearby. Concrete pad pretty close to level. So much so that we didn’t bother with levelers. 50/30 looks well-maintained and had appropriate breakers for both.” – Robert, Google Review
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Blue Ridge Travel Park is located to the west of Hickory-Lenoir. This campground is shaded by trees, and a strong Wi-Fi signal is offered. In addition, propane is sold at Blue Ridge Travel Park.
Blue Ridge Travel Park is in a remote location, which means that this campground is silent at night. The RV park is mainly populated by long-term guests, but some sites are set aside for overnight use. Best of all, most of the sites at Blue Ridge Travel Park feature picnic tables.
“I love this place. Prices are more then reasonable. Only a couple miles out of town. Very at night. Bath house was always stocked and clean.” – Paul, Google Review
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While everyone is invited to camp at Down by the River Campground, most visitors are over the age of 55. Join the fun at organized activities, including crafts, dances, potluck dinners and golfing outings. This campground is open from mid-May through mid-October and has large, open areas to let dogs run.
This campground has mostly flat areas that make it easy to park an RV, and each spot is beautifully landscaped. The river running through the campground offers a great place to fish.
“I am a Cub Scout leader who was helping to plan a trip for our Pack to the mountains. We found this place and are lucky we did! The owners and staff were wonderful from the first phone call through the weekend. They brought us firewood and let us use their facility building during the downpours! A wonderful place and great staff! Would highly recommend.” – Chris, Google Review
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Woodsmoke is situated at the foot of Buffalo Mountain in Unicoi, Tennessee, just 7 miles outside of Johnson City. The campground is located in the Cherokee tiol Forest and offers full hookups, spacious and level sites, picnic tables, fire rings, and clean and modern restrooms. A mountain stream runs through this relaxing and tranquil park.
Woodsmoke has level, shaded back-in sites that are able to accommodate rigs up to 40 feet long. The park provides escorting and back-in assistance. The Forest Service operates nearby hiking trails that are an excellent way to observe the wildlife and tural scenic beauty of the area. The campground is open from March to November.
“Peaceful and quiet! The most relaxing camping experience ever! The campground is nestled in the mountains and surrounded by lush trees. The main drive winds its way up the side of the mountain, and the campsites are stair-stepped along the way, creating privacy for each site. The owners take pride in keeping the place up. It’s simply beautiful! Our month here won’t be long enough! I would like to stay here forever!”-Dawn, Google Reviews
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Riverpark Campground is a family-owned and -operated campground situated on the banks of the Nolichucky River. Nestled among the Smoky Mountain Foothills of Jonesborough, Tennessee, the area is steeped in history. Jonesborough is the oldest town in Tennessee and offers many activities and opportunities that will keep the whole family happy, such as kayaking, hiking and fishing.
The park has a well-stocked camp store filled with grocery items, beverages, ice, firewood and RV and camping supplies. Boomers’ Grill, an onsite eatery, is located in the main building and features delicious food, including Saturday morning buffet breakfasts. All sites have free Wi-Fi, a fire ring and a picnic table.
“Second stay at this wonderful place. Right on the whitewater Nolichucky River. Full utilities, everything worked fine. On this trip, we had temperatures down in the low 20’s, and the owner went door to door with a handout to make sure none of us suffered damage to our rigs. Now that’s customer service!”-James, Google Reviews
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If you are seeking campgrounds by Tri Cities, Tennessee, that offer the scenic beauty found within a rustic setting, Riverpark Campground is the place to go. This park does provide modern-day amenities, including showers, laundry facilities and campsites equipped with picnic tables and fire pits. Located on the Nolichucky River, there are plenty of water activities and opportunities here.
If you are looking for a Tri Cities, Tennessee, campground that is open all year, Riverpark Campground is a great option. This park is located just a short distance from the Tri Cities on Highway 81 in Jonesborough. Located in the Smoky Mountain Foothills, you will find plenty of photo opportunities while staying in the park. From the flowing Nolichucky waters to the wildlife present throughout the area, there are a variety of sights and sounds to take in.
“Had a great time. Beautiful campground. Very clean bathroom/shower house. Friendly helpful office staff. Highly recommend. Definitely am coming back!” – Lisa, Google Review
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Emberglow Outdoor Resort is located near Lake Lure, a less than 2-hour drive from Charlotte, Greenville, Columbia and Asheville. Treat yourself to an elevated camping experience with family and friends and enjoy the rolling hills of Western North Carolina!
Emberglow Outdoor Resort offers a wide variety of camping and glamping options nestled in the foothills of the NC mountains including yurts, tiny houses, pods, safari tent, custom vintage Airstreams, travel trailers, a double decker bus, tree houses, primitive camping and treehouses, and full hookup RV sites. Open 360 days/year!
Wilderness Cove is an ~11 acre campground situated on the banks of the lower Green River, adjacent to the entrance to nearly 19,000 acres of protected wilderness in the Green River Game Lands.
Wilderness Cove combines lodging AND on-site activities to make the perfect destination. Just walk out to the tubing or kayak rentals, go for a hike right outside your camp or better yet get dinner from the on-site food truck!
If you’re looking to add to your trip, consider extending your vacation and visiting one of the national parks on either end of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is a national treasure, known for its larger-than-life landscapes, abundant wildflowers, and diverse animal and plant life. In Tennessee right along the North Carolina border, this national park is close to both Asheville, North Carolina and Knoxville, Tennessee.
On the other hand, Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, near Charlottesville, is part of the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers even more sweeping views than the parkway. Skyline Drive runs through the park stopping at a variety of astounding lookout points. You’ll even find a section of the Appalachian Trail here.
Wherever you go, the campgrounds on this list have got you covered. You’ll find plenty of options if you’re looking for quiet, rustic, outdoor adventure, as most of the campgrounds on this list are run by the National Park Service and immersed in the wilderness of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
However, you’ll also find campgrounds in or on the outskirts of Asheville, North Carolina. This is a city that you don’t want to miss during your trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains, and if you really enjoy it, these campgrounds give you the chance to stick around and experience more.
The top 10 campgrounds we selected all show daily, weekly and monthly rates for you. Pricing will vary.
Pricing will vary. The top 10 RV Parks we selected all display daily, weekly and monthly rates for you.
Staying at an RV Park for a long period of time will vary on the campground & RV Park you choose. View our post for more information.
Yes. The majority of campgrounds we selected in this blog allow pets.