In a city known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and eclectic charm, there’s no better way to experience Asheville than camping. But planning your stay in a place with so much to do is easier said than done!
In this guide, we’ll delve into the art of planning your Asheville camping trip with insights on crafting a well-rounded itinerary, choosing the best place to stay, and maximizing your outdoor experience in this captivating mountain destination.
How to Plan Your Asheville Camping Trip
When researching what to see and do in Asheville, you’ll learn one thing quickly: there’s a lot of ground to cover. You could fill several trips with new activities and still not see it all!
With that in mind, there are a few tips to keep in mind as you look at top attractions in the area.
1. Prioritize your interests.
There’s something for everyone in Asheville. That said, what one person says is their must-see may not be your must-see!
Determine your main interests and preferences for the trip. Are you more interested in outdoor adventures like hiking and camping or cultural experiences like visiting art galleries and historic landmarks? Tailor your itinerary to focus on activities that align with your interests and passions.
2. Choose a good place to stay.
Consider location and ease of access when searching for a place to camp during your Asheville trip. By choosing a convenient home base, you can maximize your time experiencing all Asheville offers without sacrificing convenience or accessibility.
3. Map out your days.
Divide your trip into days and allocate time for specific activities and destinations. Consider the proximity of attractions to each other and plan your days accordingly to minimize travel time between locations.
Example: 6-Day Asheville Camping Itinerary
Unsure where to start your vacation? We’ve put together a sample itinerary that includes a little something for everyone, including a few days exploring Asheville and a few out in nature.
Day 1: Arrival and Downtown Asheville Exploration
- Morning/ early afternoon: Check-in and settle into your Asheville campsite.
- Late afternoon: Explore downtown Asheville’s vibrant streets, boutique shops, and art galleries. Grab a late lunch at a local eatery and take a self-guided tour along the Asheville Urban Trail, a 1.7-mile walking route featuring 30 sculptures and landmarks that tell the city’s history.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant and catch live music at The Orange Peel, Asheville Music Hall, or the Grey Eagle.
Day 2: Biltmore Estate and River Arts District
- Morning: Visit the Biltmore Estate, touring the mansion, gardens, and winery.
- Afternoon: Head to the River Arts District for lunch and explore the galleries and studios.
- Evening: Discover the beauty of native Appalachian plants at the Asheville Botanical Gardens, located adjacent to the University of North Carolina — Asheville campus. Pop into a local eatery for a tasty dinner.
Day 3: Pisgah National Forest and Waterfall Exploration
- Morning: Drive to Pisgah National Forest, about 30 miles southwest of Asheville. Here, you’ll find over 500,000 acres of mountain landscape and trails for all skill levels. Spend the morning exploring on a hike of your choice.
- Afternoon: After a picnic lunch, visit waterfalls like Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock.
- Evening: Have a picnic dinner in the forest or return to Asheville to dine at a local restaurant.
Day 4: Great Smoky Mountains
- Morning-Afternoon: Depart Asheville and head an hour away to Bryson City, the starting point of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Hop on the train for a roundtrip journey to Dillsboro and back to experience the Smokies from a new perspective.
- Evening: Return to Asheville for another tasty dinner. If you have some energy left, check out your campground’s amenities and cozy up around a campfire.
Day 5: Blue Ridge Parkway and Chimney Rock State Park
- Morning: From Candler, travel south on the Pisgah Highway and hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway to trek a few of the road’s 469 miles. Stop at scenic overlooks as you please to take in the beautiful views.
- Afternoon: From the Blue Ridge Parkway, make your way to Chimney Rock State Park, located just 25 miles southeast of Asheville. Here, you’ll marvel at stunning panoramic views of the Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure from its iconic rock formation, Chimney Rock.
- Evening: Stop in Asheville on the way back to your campground for your last tasty dinner while in town.
Day 6: Departure
- Morning: After breakfast, prepare for departure. Saying goodbye is hard, but you can start planning your trip back on the way home!
Camping Near Asheville, NC: Where to Stay to See It All
We mentioned that one key aspect of a successful vacation is booking the right stay. Luckily, some options will put you close to all the must-sees in Asheville and beyond!
Cabins, Tiny Homes, and Yurts
What better way to experience camping in the mountains than to stay in a cabin, tiny home, or yurt? These accommodations allow you to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, all while keeping your stay warm, cozy, and comfortable.
Mountain Springs Cabins, located just 10 miles west of Asheville, offers cabins, cottages, tiny homes, and yurts, so you can choose the style that best suits your camping style. Steps from your stay, you’ll find a stream great for fishing or tubing, an outdoor pavilion, and a playground for the kids to run around.
There’s enough fun at Mountain Springs Cabins that you may not want to leave!
Asheville NC RV Parks
If you prefer to bring your home wherever you go, the Asheville area is home to several great RV parks, from the local KOAs to RV-friendly campgrounds at public parks.
Tent Campsites
Whether you’re looking for primitive experiences off the beaten path or developed campsites with basic amenities, you can find them near Asheville. Be sure to check out the national and state parks near Asheville to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
Make Your Asheville Camping Trip Unforgettable
From the charm of cabin retreats to the freedom of RV travel and the simplicity of tent camping, Asheville offers camping options for every type of traveler. If you’re looking for a camping experience with must-have amenities, cozy beds, and unforgettable views, be sure to check out Mountain Springs Cabins.
Happy travels!
