Hi, my name is David Clarke. In addition to being the Boys Program Outdoor Director, I love camping with friends and family in the Asheville area. I would like to share my top 5 group family camping spots in WNC. These group sites are the perfect destination for a weekend getaway with other FBRA families or friends outside of school if you want to disconnect from screens and reconnect with nature while building community in the great outdoors.
Big Creek Group Camp
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232437
25 people 5 car max
This site is about 1 hour from Asheville off of I-40 West.
I personally love this site because of the proximity to Big Creek, which you can hear as you drift off to sleep, and because of the access to swimming holes, hiking, and paddling on the Pigeon River. The campsite is nicely shaded with flush toilets and potable water. It is an easy 1.5 mile hike up to the magnificent Midnight Hole, a deep cold plunging pool with a small waterfall. The Big Creek Trail offers many opportunities to play in its crystal clear waters as well as the impressive Mouse Creek Falls. There is also easy access to the upper(class 3+) and lower(class 2) Pigeon River.
Apple Tree Campground
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recarea/?recid=48642
Sites for 25 people and sites for 50 people. You must call to make a reservation.
1 hour & 45 min from Asheville
I personally love this site for the open space and epic stargazing opportunities out in the big fields. I also love how this site is far away from everything and you really get the feel of being in the woods. There is close proximity to the Nantahala River and great hiking trails right out of the campground. This place is kept very neat and clean with flush toilets, covered pavilions, potable water, big fire rings, and plenty of room to spread out.
Upper and Lower Cove Creek Group Campgrounds
Upper Site: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/231992
Lower Site: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233108
60 people & a 15 car max, approximately 1 hour from Asheville near Brevard in the Pisgah National Forest. I love this site for the access to mountain biking, swimming and climbing. There are swimming holes right at the campsite including a mini sliding rock! Across the creek from the lower site is a great 1st time climbing slab to set up a top rope. There is also mountain biking right out of the campsites and a nice short waterfall hike. There is potable water and pit toilets at both sites. To access the Upper Cove Creek site, you will need a vehicle that can cross the creek.
Briar Bottom Group Campground
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233947
50 people 10 cars, near Burnsville, NC
I did a campout with the parents of my daughter’s preschool here and it was so fun! There is great access to the South Toe River and also to a short waterfall hike. Swimming and water play opportunities abound with the close proximity of the river. This campsite is at the base of Mt. Mitchell with access to several hiking trails. There are flush toilets, a covered pavilion, potable water, and a large fire ring for a memorable evening campfire.
Deep Creek Group Camp
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232478
20 people & 4 cars
This site is 1 hour and 15 minutes from Asheville near Bryson City, TN
I love this site because of the access to the Tuckasegee river(class 2/2+) and access to Deep Creek for swimming. There is also great hiking out of here. There are flush toilets and potable water and Deep Creek is easily accessible from the back of the campsite.
