If you love nature, North Carolina has some of the best natural areas and campgrounds in the United States. Lake Lure is a premier camping destination, thanks to its rugged (yet picturesque) wilderness and abundance of outdoor activities.
Another reason why so many people visit Lake Lure every year is that the campgrounds here are spectacular. We’ve compiled a list of the top seven options, both for tent camping and RVing. Whether you’re traveling with kids in tow or by yourself, these campsites offer some incredible outdoor experiences.
Hickory Nut Falls Campground

Kicking things off is this family and pet-friendly campground situated on the banks of the Broad River, which feeds into Lake Lure. This campground is notable because it offers tent sites, RV sites, and cabins for you and your fellow travelers, so you can take your pick based on how you like to sleep at night. Hickory Nut also has tiny cabins if you’re traveling solo and don’t need as much room for yourself.
Being next to the river is also stunning, as you get views of the water and get to go to sleep with the backdrop of rushing rapids outside of your tent or RV. The site itself is beautiful, but you do have to travel outside a way to get to hiking trails and other sections of wilderness to explore.
Each campsite only offers water and power hookups, although cabins have kitchens and bathrooms for your convenience.
- Address: 639 Main St, Chimney Rock, NC
- Amenities: Water and Electricity, and Cabins are Available
- Pet-Friendly?: Yes
- Why You’ll Love It: Hickory Nut Falls is a great place for families to experience nature without sacrificing all the creature comforts of modern-day life. Plus, being on the river is also fantastic, although you can’t just swim it in until you reach Lake Lure (that would be nice!). If you’re traveling with pets, feel free to bring them along for the journey!
READ MORE: 5 Best RV Parks & Campgrounds Near Marion, NC
Hitching Post Campground
The Hitching Post Campground is located south of Lake Lure, just off route 9. This area is a bit less undeveloped, so it’s easier to feel like you’re out in the middle of nowhere instead of right next to civilization. There’s also a sizable nature park across the highway, so if you’re looking for unspoiled hiking trails, you don’t have to go all the way to Lake Lure to find some.
In addition to hiking, the Hitching Post also comes with its own fishing pond and playground, making it an ideal choice for families with small children. You may also get to see some wildlife up close outside of your tent if you’re careful.
- Address: 620 Girl Scout Cp Rd, Mill Spring, NC 28756
- Amenities: Water and Power Hookups, Picnic Table, Fire Ring, Bath Houses
- Pet-Friendly?: Yes
- Why You’ll Love It: The Hitching Post is a full-service campground with all the amenities you need to have a great time. It works well for tents and RVs, and it has its own camp store, so you can buy perishables and other supplies without having to drive into town.
READ MORE: The Most Beautiful Waterfalls Near Highlands, North Carolina
Emberglow Outdoor Resort

Are you looking for a luxurious and modern camping experience? If so, you should check out Emberglow Resort. Instead of bare-bones campsites with an outlet and water faucet, Emberglow gives you the full resort experience, even if you’re camping in a tent or RV.
First, you can rent all kinds of spaces at the resort, including vintage RV trailers, safari tents, tree houses, and even chalets. No matter how you like to stay outdoors, Emberglow has you covered. Each site comes with free Wifi so you can stay connected, and there’s a pool onsite if you want water but don’t want to drive all the way north to Lake Lure.
- Address: 95 Pinewood Trail, Mill Spring, NC 28756
- Amenities: Free Wifi, Bath Houses, Dog Park, Bike Rentals, Water and Electric Hookups, Full-Service Cabins
- Pet-Friendly?: Yes
- Why You’ll Love It: Emberglow is essentially glamping, thanks to the modern amenities and full-service resort options. You can rent bikes and pedal karts, play in the pool, or have your little ones jump in the ball pit. The entire Emberglow experience is top-notch. However, if you’re trying to “rough it” in the wilderness, you’ll have to look elsewhere to connect with nature.
READ MORE: Best Caves and Caverns in North Carolina
4 Paws Kingdom Campground and Dog Retreat
If you’re traveling with your dog, you know that it can be hard to find accommodations that not only allow pets but cater to them. Fortunately, at 4 Paws, your furry friend is treated with the same care and respect as you and the rest of your traveling group. In addition to allowing dogs, there are scheduled activities, dog parks, and other amenities to make sure their stay is just as enjoyable.
At 4 Paws, you can rent cabins or trailers, depending on your preference and your budget. Basic cabins come with a bathroom, kitchen, and other modern accommodations, but luxury cabins can offer even more to help you feel right at home. Even the trailers are full-loaded, so you don’t have to be uncomfortable.
- Address: 335 Lazy Creek Dr, Rutherfordton, NC 28139
- Amenities: Bathrooms, Water and Power, Wifi, Dog-Friendly Activities, Showers
- Pet-Friendly?: Yes!
- Why You’ll Love It: Any dog lovers traveling through North Carolina should make a stop at Four Paws to experience what it’s like to camp at a place that accommodates pets as much as people. Plus, the natural surroundings are incredible, so you’ll be looking forward to taking your pet for a walk every day.
Maple Ridge RV Park
As far as RV parks near Lake Lure, Maple Ridge is one of the most accommodating, and it’s obvious that they know what it’s like to live in an RV full-time. This site is kind of small, but you still have plenty of room to spread your legs and park your RV for the night (or the week, or the month). Plus, this RV park is very pet-friendly, complete with dog parks where you can let your furry friend run around and play with other dogs.
Maple Ridge is also recently renovated, so all the amenities (including bathrooms and hot showers) are new and ready for use. There are outdoor games for the kids, and if you’re into hiking, there are some incredible lookout spots nearby that will make your jaw drop.
- Address: 112 Clark Rd, Rutherfordton, NC 28139
- Amenities: Free Wifi, Water and Power Hookups, Dump Site, Bath Houses, Hot Showers, Pet Facilities
- Pet-Friendly?: Yes
- Why You’ll Love It: Maple Ridge is well outside of Lake Lure, so you’re nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The scenery is awe-inspiring, and the park has all the modern amenities you could want or need. Whether you’re staying for one night or a few months, you’ll love being at Maple Ridge RV Park.
READ MORE: 10 Beautiful Waterfalls Near Murphy, North Carolina
Dogwood RV Park
Interestingly enough, this RV park is on the other side of Broad River, so if you’re RVing and want to stay with fellow motorhome enthusiasts, Dogwood is the place to be. This RV park is nestled among the trees, giving it a more natural feeling compared to other parks that are nothing but miles of concrete and asphalt.
Due to cold winter weather, this RV park is only open from spring to fall, so you have to plan your trip accordingly. However, camping on Lake Lure and nearby areas is always best in the spring and summer seasons, so it makes sense that a place like Dogwood would close for the cold and wet seasons.
- Address: 695 Main St, Chimney Rock, NC 28720
- Amenities: Water and Power Hookups
- Pet-Friendly?: Call for information
- Why You’ll Love It: Dogwood caters to RVers, and many full-time RV travelers stay there when they’re in the area. The entire place feels like a small community – almost like a town within itself.
READ MORE: Discover Gorgeous Waterfalls Near Boone NC
Rutherford Mountain Campground
Last but not least, we have Rutherford Mountain Campground, which is located north of Lake Lure. This campsite caters to RVs, so it comes with full hookups to keep your rig supplied with water and power during your stay. This park is located next to Otter Creek, so you can always enjoy the sounds of rushing water near your motorhome or trailer.
- Address: 234 Otter Crk, Lake Lure, NC 28746
- Amenities: Water, Electric, Showers, Bathrooms, Pool
- Pet-Friendly?: Yes
- Why You’ll Love It: Rutherford Mountain is not as well-serviced as other RV parks we’ve seen in the area, but it’s large enough for any size of rig, and it comes with full hookups to make your stay more convenient. Plus, the site is off the beaten path, so you feel like you’re really out in nature.
Explore Other Campgrounds in Western North Carolina
Lake Lure is a great starting point for exploring the diverse campgrounds and natural beauty of western North Carolina, but there are also several other great destinations like Asheville, Highlands, Brevard, Boone, Franklin, and Cherokee, each boasting remarkable campgrounds and access to beautiful landscapes and waterfalls.
Asheville offers campgrounds near the Pisgah National Forest, while Highlands provides stunning mountain views and proximity to Nantahala National Forest. Brevard, the gateway to the Land of Waterfalls, has campgrounds near Dupont State Forest and Gorges State Park. Boone is an excellent base for Blue Ridge Parkway exploration, and Franklin presents opportunities to hike a ton of trails and see several waterfalls in a short amount of time.