Best Places to RV in Western North Carolina in the Fall

Best Places to RV in Western North Carolina in the Fall
Tips for visiting and camping near Asheville and the Smoky Mountains!

By: Abby Holcombe

North Carolina is an RVer’s paradise in the fall, with brilliant colors of reds, yellows, and oranges that paint the mountains and coat the surface of the rivers. From hiking and whitewater rafting to exploring the cute mountain towns, there is something for everyone to enjoy! 

After spending many falls touring around North Carolina in an RV, these are some of my favorite things that I highly recommend to others who find themselves touring Western North Carolina in the fall. Plus, I’ve shared some tips for RV camping in this area.

Top Activities in Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, NC, is like that effortlessly cool friend who has multiple unique hobbies. Whether hiking up stunning trails, soaking in eclectic street art, savoring local eats, or just soaking up the vibe … Asheville has you covered. It's a playground for anyone looking to have a blast, no matter what you're into.

1. Tour the River Arts District 

The River Arts District in Asheville is a vibrant hub where creativity thrives. It's packed with street art and local art galleries, making it a joy to wander through. The street art alone makes it worth an afternoon, let alone the variety of galleries that add an extra layer of charm to an already artistic atmosphere.

2. Whitewater Rafting on the French Broad

The French Broad River, a historic waterway just a quick 30-minute drive from downtown Asheville, is where adventure meets history. Section Nine of the French Broad promises an exhilarating journey through North Carolina's stunning landscape. If you time it right, you'll be treated to breathtaking fall foliage, adding a splash of natural beauty to your unforgettable trip. I highly recommend booking a trip with the NOC! 

3. Sample Local Foodie Favorites

There are multiple great dining options in Asheville, but it's hard to go wrong at White Duck Taco Shop. I remember a long, but worthwhile, line and getting an assortment of tasty tacos to sample. White Duck Taco is worth a stop!

I have only visited Odd's Cafe once while driving from Asheville to Bryson City, but I haven't stopped thinking about the golden matcha latte that I ordered since. Odd's was the perfect space to enjoy a drink or pastry while getting some work done.

4. Head out for a Hike

There are tons of hikes to do in Asheville proper and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This article shares a great list of wonderful hikes to try. And if you have your furry friends along for the adventure, this blog post from the GoLife archive has some more wonderful options. (Note: It is an older article, so be sure to check that the attractions and camping mentioned are still open)

Top Activities in Sylva, North Carolina

Sylva, NC, is a charming gem nestled in the Smoky Mountains, where every day feels like an adventure. The town is a haven for hiking enthusiasts, offering trails with stunning views and a refreshing sense of tranquility. When you're ready to unwind, Sylva's local spots provide a cozy atmosphere perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring. It's a place where the great outdoors and small-town charm come together seamlessly.

1. Visit Paradise Falls

Paradise Falls is a short but steep hike to a breathtaking waterfall that is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnics. Be warned, the hike is steep and can be muddy if it has recently rained, but luckily, the hike is short and sweet. The views and serenity you find are worth the hike. You can find more information on the hike into Paradise Falls here. 

2. Take the High Falls Hike Along the West Fork of the Tuckasegee River

This hike is spectacular! At only 1.4-miles round trip, it is action-packed with three separate waterfalls and beautiful North Carolina scenery. I first hiked here with my kayak, eager to kayak the West Fork of the Tuckasegee, putting in just below High Falls, but quickly realized just how spectacular this trail was. I even came back a few days later without my kayak to properly enjoy all this hike has to offer. 

And as icing on the cake, the trailhead is just across the street from a beautiful lake, perfect for cooling off after your hike! (The trailhead also has pit toilets, which are ideal for those with cassette toilets.) You can find more information on this hike here. 

Check out this video of me hiking in and then kayaking down the West Fork of the Tuckasegee. 

3. Try th Tacos at La Mas Sabrosa Food Truck

I seem to have a taco theme when in North Carolina … but once again, this is definitely worth the stop. It is a small food truck with delicious options. It's hard to beat their tacos and quesadillas!

Top Activities in Bryson City, North Carolina

Bryson City is a fantastic base for anyone who loves adventures and wants to focus on exploring Great Smoky Mountain National Park. There are activities for all levels of thrill seekers in this area and plenty of great camping options!

1. Take a Ride on Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

Hop aboard the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad in Bryson City for a scenic adventure powered by steam or diesel. You'll glide through picturesque North Carolina landscapes, with creeks, lakes, rivers, and breathtaking mountain views. The ride concludes at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, where you can stretch your legs with a short hike on the Appalachian Trail or kick back with a drink while watching the lively river action with kayakers and rafters floating by. You can find more information here.

2. Get Your Adrenaline Fix at Nantahala Outdoor Center

The Nantahala Outdoor Center is a hub of adventure in the Smoky Mountains! From whitewater rafting to zip lining to hiking and mountain biking, the NOC has you covered for every type of adventure. 

Make sure to also swing by the NOC Outfitters store to cover any of your gear needs or grab a bite to eat at the River's End restaurant; I highly recommend the Chef Steak Sandwich or Sherpa Rice! Learn more about the NOC here. 

3. Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Lastly, I can't write an article about fall in North Carolina without mentioning the Great Smoky Mountains National Park – even though about half of it is in Tennessee! There are so many incredible hikes, lookouts, and opportunities to see wildlife. 

They are known for having approximately two black bears in every square mile of the park, so this is a great place to experience bears for the first time if you haven't already. Black bears are generally afraid of humans but, like all wildlife, deserve our respect. Check out this article for more information on the black bears in the park as well as some tips to keep both you and the bear safe. 

For more tips on visiting the Smoky Mountains in an RV, read this article.

RV Camping in Western North Carolina

To be honest, the Southeast is a hard region to wild camp or boondock in, which is my preferred way to camp. I'm fortunate enough to have many friends across the Southeast who offer a level place to park, connect to power, and shower. But, with that being said, I have a few recommendations for where to camp in WNC. 

My go-to boondocking spot in Asheville is the Cracker Barrel on Rockwood Road in Arden, NC. I always eat breakfast in the morning and haven't had any issues at this Cracker Barrel! Bonus points for having a Target nearby for any last-minute things you might need! 

I'm sure there are plenty of other boondocking options throughout Western North Carolina if you are willing to spend a bit of time researching. My go-to apps for finding places to boondock are iOverlander and AllStays. As always, make sure to travel responsibly and leave no trace.

Harvest Hosts is another option for dry camping. It is a membership that gives you access to a map-searchable list of unique places to park your RV for the night. In the Carolinas, many of these are farms and wineries, which could definitely add to the experience! (Note: GoLife Perks Members can receive 50% off their first year of Harvest Hosts. Learn more about using Harvest Hosts in this article.)

For forest camping with or without hookups, Lake Powhatan Recreation Area seems to be a popular option about 20 minutes outside of Asheville and it is next to The North Carolina Arboretum! Of course, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a variety of camping options. And another GoLife Blog contributor shared that her top pick in the area is RJ Andrews Campground, which is about 30 minutes south of Sylva, NC. It offers sites overlooking the scenic Lake Glenville (Read more of her tips for visiting here).

There are also multiple campgrounds in the Bryson City area, but I always book a campsite at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. The NOC is convenient because there is a laundromat on site, you can purchase a shower pass, and you can also buy a pass to use their common kitchen area (complete with fridges, freezers, ovens, stoves, microwaves, etc.). It is great if you want to spread out of the Winnebago a little bit. You can find more information about camping at the NOC here. 

Like my RVing Colorado article, this is just a taste of what North Carolina has to offer. I hope that it can be a good introduction to discovering many of its gems!