Just because Old Man Winter is here doesn’t mean you need to make like our beloved black bears and go into hibernation. During winter, you can still hike, bike, fish – and visit the lovely towns throughout our mountains – yet all of these activities will be quieter and less congested than during the busy peak-season months when the tourist Mecca that is WNC attracts millions of people annually.
Winter is the perfect time for active adventures in Western North Carolina. Parking at trailheads and in towns is easier than in spring, summer or fall. One of our favorite winter activities is something you can’t do any other time of year: cycle sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway with no automobiles to worry about.
With fewer tourists in town, the restaurants feel cozier, the breweries, more convivial – in a community sort of way. Even our famed Biltmore Estate, absent of its peak-season throngs, glistens in a quiet wintry glow.
If we are lucky, the snow and ice will turn the 828 into a picturesque winter wonderland. Nature turns shields of ice into fascinating sculptures. Waterfalls tumble into icy pools. Bluebird days illuminate the forests and mountain snow-covered summits. Sunsets appear more rich and colorful than at any other time of year. The golden hour casts its magic, mesmerizing us locals into a state of gratitude that we actually live here.
No doubt that our 828 is beautiful any time of year, but winter dresses up WNC. It’s a time too when campgrounds are quieter than in peak-season. In fact, it’s not unusual to have whole campgrounds almost to yourself. This makes for the perfect adventure. Pitch camp on our beautiful public lands and wake up each morning in a place where the outdoors is waiting for you to come out and play.
There are many backcountry campsites, but as we often can be found in our campervan, we seek out campgrounds that are open for business year-round. Here are several that have us coming back time and again.
Lake Powhatan Campground
Located in Pisgah National Forest, Lake Powhatan is the closest campground to Asheville, a 10-minute drive. Bath houses have hot showers. Sites are full hook up, electric or none.
Two loops are open year-round. Lakeside Loop sites are full hook ups and are some of the nicest. Big John loop is also a favorite, with a limited number of full hook up sites. Dump station is available. Phone service is spotty but generally available on the ridges surrounding the campground.
We love the network of multi-use trails connecting with Bent Creek Experimental Forest and the North Carolina Arboretum. Popular for mountain biking, hiking and running, for all levels of experience and fitness. Those hot showers are nice after long hikes or bike rides.
Beautiful scenery in all seasons with a lake and creeks set among the mountains. Close to Biltmore Estate.
We are bummed that this campsite recently switched from first-come, first-serve to reservations-only through recreation.gov, with its $8 reservation fee added on top of the campsite fee.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum, which runs Thanksgiving week through to the second week in January.
See our full write up of Lake Powhatan Campground.
North Mills River Recreation Area Campground
Located 30 minutes from Asheville and Hendersonville this campground is in Pisgah National Forest. Limited winter sites are available from mid November through late March, with pit toilet only. There are no showers, no drinking water or flush toilets available in this season. This time of year the 12 sites are available on first come first serve basis. There is a dump station.
Remote, with access to miles of hiking and mountain-biking trails. There are lots of creek crossings on the trails. Water shoes are recommended.
North Mills River runs right through the campground. Hatchery stocked river; fish for Rainbow, Brook and Brown Trout.
Lots of level sites to choose from. Resupply at Ingles, 5 miles from the campground. Nearby breweries and watering holes include Sierra Nevada, Mills River; BoldRock Cider; Burning Blush; and Blue Ghost (named after a firefly). Also not to miss: Farm-fresh, home-made ice cream, butter and milk at Mills River Creamery, just up the road from Ingles, at next traffic light
Pro Tip: Mountain bikers looking for a 22-mile forest road ride can leave the campground to go up to and under the Blue Ridge Parkway, all the way to Lake Powhatan Campground and Bent Creek.
See our full write up of North Mills River Campground.
Davidson River Campground
Located right on the Davidson River at the entrance of Pisgah National Forest Ranger District in Brevard. Situated in Transylvania County (known as the “Land of the Water Falls”), this campground is a 15 minute drive from Brevard, 45 minutes from Asheville or 30 minutes from Hendersonville. Weather permitting you can ride your bike on the Greenway to and from downtown Brevard. The Greenway passes Oscar Blues Brewery and Taproom, where you’ll also find a food truck. In Brevard, you’ll also find Ecusta Brewing Co, Brevard Brewing and Upcountry Brewing
This area is a mountain biking hub. If you don’t have a bike, rent one from Sycamore Cycles, a five-minute drive from the campground (Sycamore also features a very good coffee shop). The area is also popular for fly fishing, hiking and climbing. Access to the southern terminus of the 30-mile-plus Art Loeb trail (hike all the way to Cold Mountain) and many other great hikes.
Open year round. In the winter there are more than 40 sites available, from mid November through late March. In this season there are hot showers, flush toilets and a dump station available. Reservation and walk up sites available.
Cell reception at the gate house entrance.
Pro Tip: Ride the Greenway for sure but if you want more rugged adventures talk with the folks at Sycamore Cycles and grab a great cup of coffee and pastry while there.
Curtis Creek Campground
Curtis Creek campground is in Pisgah National Forest at the base of the Blue Ridge Parkway below Snooks Nose and Green Knob. It is just outside Old Fort along Curtis Creek. This Bear Sanctuary in the North Carolina Gamelands is also an historic area, representing the first tract of National Forest land in America.
This small campground, nestled between the creek and high peaks has no hookups. There are pit toilets that are always clean, water pumps and no dump station. There is no connectivity here. If you are looking for quiet, remote, and beautiful, this is it. The RV sites are level. There are tent sites and dispersed camping spots along the gravel forest road. Campsites are $10 per night. The campground allows for winter camping up until January 4 and reopens in March.
There are many outdoor activities to enjoy at Curtis Creek. You’ll find many fishing spots. Hike up to the peaks or to waterfalls. Many trails are unmarked so be sure to bring a map. The gravel Curtis Creek road heads another six miles up from the campground to the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is closed in winter due to snow and ice, so you can enjoy a rare bike ride along the Parkway without the cars.
Visit Old Fort for gas, supplies and groceries. Hillman Brewery has great food and beer. Nearby you’ll find the trailhead to Fonta Flora State Trail. Check out Old Fort Outdoors for outdoor sporting supplies.
This area is excellent for mountain biking on single track or gravel roads. Horseback riding is popular here.
Catawba Falls is 10 minutes from downtown Old Fort.
Pro Tip: For a real uphill grunt, bike six miles up to Blue Ridge Parkway from Curtis Creek Campground – and if you have anything left, cross the Parkway and head down to Black Mountain Campground. Prefer hiking? Head up Snooks Nose for views or to Hickory Branch Falls from camp.
Smokemont, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Smokemont Campground is located in the south side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The campground is just a few minutes from the town of Cherokee, which is in the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern band of Cherokee Region.
Smokemont campground is open all year. There is a dump station and potable water. No electric, no showers and no flushable toilets.
If you do not have reservations, check the Late Arrival List, at the ranger/host station. If there are campsites available for campers who do not have a reservation, those available sites will be posted on the list. Set up ONLY on one of the sites listed as available. All other sites are assigned to campers with reservations. Return to the campground office the next morning to check in and pay for your campsite.
Smokemont has a lot of great hikes right from your site. Bradley fork joins the Oconaluftee River here. Sometimes in winter, the main road through the park, as well as the adjoining southern terminus of the Blue Ridge Parkway, is closed due to snow and ice. This is a great opportunity to road bike or run without any vehicle traffic. For technical mountain biking, check out Cherokee’s Fire Mountain.
Be sure to purchase heat treated firewood in Cherokee at Gas stations. This prevents invasive pests from decimating the forests.
In Cherokee, enjoy cultural attractions, artisan shops and dining. Be sure to check out Talking Leaves Book store in Cherokee for gifts and literature.
Pro Tip: Stop by the Oconaluftee Visitor Center for maps and guidebooks to the many hikes from Smokemont campground
Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Cades Cove is on the Tennessee side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in the northwest of the park. From Asheville, it’s about a 3- to 4-hour drive, especially in winter when you have to drive around the park. Route 441 through the park between Cherokee and Gatlinburg is often closed in winter due to snow and ice.
Cades Cove Campground is open year-round, reservations are recommended but there are some first-come, first-serve sites. There are flush toilets, drinking water, fire pits and picnic tables. No hook ups or showers.
Bundles of certified heat treated firewood are for sale at the camp store. Heat-treated firewood eliminates pests that can kill the trees in the forests.
We recommend a NatGeo Great Smoky Mountains National Park map and guidebook, which can be purchased at the Visitor Center.
Cades Cove has many hiking trails, horsebackriding, motor trail which can be cycled too. There is a lot of history, remnants of settlers cabins, church,and graveyards.
We have only camped in summer at Cades Cove, not winter. So we can’t say with certainty how accessible the main features will be, given the weather. There is alot of opportunity for wildlife viewing.
Weather permitting, bike the 11-mile loop. Or drive it and stop along the way to see the many historic sights, take photos, or hike the trails
If you like tacky tourists towns, you are in luck. Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are the places where you will find more than you could imagine, such as King Kong clinging onto the side of a building and the Titanic Museum Attraction (yup, here in our beautiful mountains).
Pro Tip: Bike the 11-mile loop road very early in the morning or late in the evening, right about sunset. You’ll see more wildlife at these times, and if you’re lucky, contend with fewer vehicles. One day a week is usually designated as traffic free, allowing walkers and cyclists to explore the loop road without automobiles.
See our full Cades Cove write-up.
Camper Van Camping
No matter what the weather, our vans provide a cozy, safe haven from the elements. The vans have heat, hot water, cooktops and microwaves to make hot food, all of which functions without external hookups. Ours are self-sufficient camper vans, capable of operating off-the-grid.
Pro Tip: Cell phone coverage is spotty in nearly all of these campgrounds. If you want to connect, head into town or better yet, to the high ridges.
CHECK PRICING & AVAILABILITY
2020 Boldt
Luxury Drive. This Winnebago build on a Mercedes chassis is the cream of the Class B crop. With outstanding comfort for both driving and camping, a well-appointed kitchen, and a full bathroom, you’ll find this compact RV meets all your needs – with serious style!
Enjoy 12,800 watt-hours of clean, quiet power with the lithium based Pure3 Advanced Energy System. This system eliminates the need for shore-power or a generator, giving you plenty of power no matter where you’re camping.
The two twin beds can be expanded for queen-sized comfort. Captain’s chairs up front swivel to face the back when camping. The awning deploys or retracts with one button.
Bearwallow Moon
Camp in your camper van (or ours) or in our vintage trailer. Enjoy views of Bearwallow and Little Pisgah on our old farmland near Asheville. Situated in beautiful Cane Creek Valley.
Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Cades Cove is on the Tennessee side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in the northwest of the park. From Asheville, it’s about a 3- to 4-hour drive, especially in winter when you have to drive around the park. Route 441 through the park between Cherokee and Gatlinburg is often closed in winter due to snow and ice.
Smokemont, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Smokemont has a lot of great hikes right from your site. Bradley fork joins the Oconaluftee River here. Sometimes in winter, the main road through the park, as well as the adjoining southern terminus of the Blue Ridge Parkway, is closed due to snow and ice. This is a great opportunity to road bike or run without any vehicle traffic. For technical mountain biking, check out Cherokee’s Fire Mountain.
Winter Camping In Western North Carolina
Nature turns ice into fascinating sculptures. Waterfalls are brimming. Bluebird days illuminate the forests and mountain summits. Sunsets seem even more rich and colorful. The golden hour casts its magic and hypnotizes, putting the observer in a trance of gratitude.
Davidson River Campground
Located right on the Davidson River at the entrance of Pisgah National Forest Ranger District in Brevard. Situated in Transylvania County (known as the “Land of the Water Falls”), this campground is a 15 minute drive from Brevard, 45 minutes from Asheville or 30 minutes from Hendersonville. Weather permitting you can ride your bike on the Greenway to and from downtown Brevard. The Greenway passes Oscar Blues Brewery and Taproom, where you’ll also find a food truck. In Brevard, you’ll also find Ecusta Brewing Co, Brevard Brewing and Upcountry Brewing.
Curtis Creek Campground
Curtis Creek campground is in Pisgah National Forest at the base of the Blue Ridge Parkway below Snooks Nose and Green Knob. It is just outside Old Fort along Curtis Creek. This is Bear Sanctuary in NC Game-lands. This historic area, is the first tract of National Forest land in America.
Winter in Western North Carolina can be beautiful and arguably more enjoyable than in other seasons. Here are our favorite campgrounds that are open year-round (or at least into winter) in the great 828.