If you’re in the mood to get outside and play, then a weekend of camping in North Carolina should do the trick. But where to go is another question, entirely. North Carolina is brimming with wonderful campgrounds all over the state. There are campgrounds where no reservations are needed, campgrounds where you can stay the night for under 26 dollars, rustic campgrounds, beach campgrounds, river campgrounds, and the categories go on and on. But if you’re searching for a lakeside campground in the mountains, then look no further than the beautiful Lake Powhatan Campground at the Lake Powhatan Recreation Area near Asheville.
The 13-acre Lake Powhatan was created in 1942 when Bent Creek was dammed to create a reservoir.
The lakeside campground is also adjacent to the Bent Creek Experimental Forest, a befitting locale for families that love to hike and explore the forest floor.
The picturesque lake is ideal for cooling off on a hot summer day, either by swimming on floating on a raft.
For spending the night (or longer), you'll want to reserve a wooded campsite in advance. Walk-up reservations are not available during the summer and fall.
Reservations can be made through recreation.gov. A single campsite currently runs $28 per day. Add an additional $6 for optional electricity and an extra $9 if you want a full hookup.
Or, rent one of the twelve rustic glamping tents that can sleep up to four people.
Each tent measures 12 feet by 16 feet and has screened windows to let in natural light. Glamping tents currently rent for $130 per night. There is a two-night minimum on weekends.
Inside, you'll find a queen bed, complete with sheets, blankets, and pillows. Plus a twin cot that can be folded and stored under the bed if not in use. The space is also large enough to accommodate your own air mattress on the floor, if needed.
Power is provided and glampers can elect to receive a WiFi signal while in the glampground. The tent also comes with indoor/outdoor furniture that can swing inside for comfort and then outside to the fire ring when you have a rip-roaring fire in play.
Lake Powhatan Recreation Area is only minutes from downtown Asheville, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the French Broad River. All make great day trips in the area. Or venture into the Bent Creek Experimental Forest and go hiking.
The campground has 75 sites suitable for tents and campers as well as 12 glamping tents.
The Lake Powhatan Recreation Area Campground is equipped with hot showers, flush toilets, a dump station, picnic tables, fire rings, tent pads, and of course, electricity.
