June is National Camping Month, and here in Western North Carolina there are many wonderful camping options to choose from. There’s something for everyone near the Southern Appalachian Mountains – from the fancy “glamping” experience to the rustic and rugged way. If you want to enjoy camping this summer, here is our guide for where to find the kind of camping you and your family most enjoy.
RVs and Campers
The recreational vehicle market is a $31 billion industry with over 11% of households in the U.S. owning an RV. It’s not surprising that the Asheville and greater Western North Carolina area would draw many of these adventurers to the southern Appalachian Mountains. But where are good places to park your RV in the area?
Glamping in Style
Since not everyone loves to rough it, you can still enjoy peaceful nights camping without sacrificing luxury. One of the newest and most popular ways to camp is “glamping”, a way to experience the untamed and completely unique parts of the world—without having to sacrifice creature comforts.
We would be remiss not to mention a gem in the Asheville area: Asheville Glamping. This fancy campground has domes, safari tents, yurts, and even a luxury treehouse! All of the accommodations have real beds and the comforts of home.
Tent Camping
If you prefer pitching a tent and sleeping under the stars, there are plenty of spots for tent camping around the area. Some of the RV parks mentioned offer tent camping and parking for campers. Other popular tent spots include:
Hiking Destinations
West Asheville area is known for hiking trails, and there are plenty of places to pack up your gear and sleep in your tent before heading back home. The Appalachian Trail itself runs through the town of Hot Springs. Unfortunately, one of the best spots for hiking, Max Patch, was closed to campers after the area was damaged. However, you can still hike through and camp further down the Appalachian Trail.
Explore State and National Forests
If you want to camp on the cheap, you have one more option. Many areas of the National Forest offer dispersed camping. This primitive camping option is only available in designated areas, and you’ll need to apply for a permit. Call the local ranger’s station to learn more about dispersed camping options in your chosen destination.
Zachery Adam and the team at GoPrime West Asheville would love to hear from you about some of your favorite spots!
