Blessed to be situated amidst the lap of Blue Ridge Mountains and the extensive Appalachian temperate rainforest, Asheville offers the best glamping sites you can find anywhere across the United States.
Asheville glamping experience is one of a kind. It’s geographical location, ecological history, bio-diversity and natural landscape create a unique blend that provide a surreal experience for glampers.
For nature enthusiasts, I don’t see a better glamping option than Asheville that offers so much within a short drive from the main city center.
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Why Asheville is the ideal location for glamping
Asheville as a town is as charming as it can get.
Accolades have been written about its energetic art scene, exceptional culinary experiences and timeless architecture adorning the entirety of the city.
However, the reason Asheville is known as the best glamping city in North Carolina, is thanks to its location and the kind of choices it provides glampers.
Location
As already mentioned, Asheville is bang in the middle of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, which itself is part of the broader Appalachian Mountains.
If that wasn’t enough, you have the union of the French Broad River and Swannanoa River that flows through Asheville.
Which other city offers scenic mountains, temperate rainforest and gorgeous rivers at the same location?
As you can imagine, the number of spots you can go glamping and experience something magical is abundant in Asheville.
Choices
Considering Asheville is the most sought-after location for glamping in North Carolina, the industry has developed to an extent where it satisfies every need of travelers.
Nature lovers are spoilt for choice where they can be one with mother Earth.
You get to stay alongside ancient trees that span hundreds of years, contained within mountainous forests over a billion years old. You even get stay options that come with an organic farm.
On the other hand, those seeking luxury are more than taken care of. After all, we are talking about glamping here.
All the creature comforts you can think of are available. Need luxury tents? Want cozy cabins with full kitchen facilities as well as full bathrooms? You got it all.
You can find facilities from private bathrooms that have hot tubs to large rooms with king or queen-size beds, private fire pit plus several other modern amenities.
You also have a choice between bell tents, cozy yurts, dome rooms, large family homes, tiny houses to enthralling luxury treehouses.
Think of the type of glamping you want and you can get it at Asheville.
Convenience
Convenience is an important factor for me personally when it comes to glamping.
Most glamping spots in Asheville are a short drive away. This ensures you have easy access back to the city whenever required.
Since the entire area is surrounded by rich nature and breathtaking views, you do not compromise on the glamping experience by being close to the city.
Many glamping sites offer the convenience of driving back to downtown Asheville just in case you need to quickly purchase something and get back to campsite as soon as possible.
Temperature
Weather in Asheville is never extreme. While it can get hot in summers and cold in winters, it is never overbearing.
Several glamping spots do offer air conditioning or heating facilities depending upon the season.
This makes glamping in Asheville an all-year activity.
However, just in case you do want to know, the best months for glamping are typically March to May or you can plan from September to November.
Glamping for all
What I particularly like about glamping in Asheville is that just about anyone can go for it.
What I mean is, you can be a solo traveler, a couple or a family with young kids. There are choices available for all types of glampers.
Older folks can have a fantastic glamping experience at cabins that come with a private deck and plenty of space the include all of the facilities mentioned earlier.
The best locations for glamping in Asheville, North Carolina
The surrounding area near Asheville are all nature-rich which are ideal for glamping.
With the number of options available, it does become confusing which one to pick first.
To make things simpler, I have provided the best places for glamping in Asheville, NC.
Each of these locations are scenic, have either mountain views or are on the river front. Just pick depending on what appeals to you the most.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Blue Ridge Parkway is perhaps the most preferred location for glamping in Asheville.
It is a breathtaking 469 miles national parkway that goes along Virginia and Western North Carolina.
Luckily, some of the finest views from the parkway are found near Asheville. It leads all the way to the popular Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Blue Ridge Parkway derives its name from the fact that it runs along the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
You get outstanding glamping options just off the parkway that have both scenic views as well as thick forest cover.
Just the drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway is reason enough to select it for your glamping location.
French Broad River
The French Broad River flows between the states of North Carolina and Tennessee.
However, the river joins with the Swannanoa River and flows through Asheville creating some superb bio-diverse locations for glamping.
For me, rivers are just perfect for all my senses. From the sights to the sounds of the flowing water, it’s pure love.
Hence if you want to be on the river front while having a rainforest as your backdrop, then you need to go glamping at French Broad River.
French Broad River is also perfect for those who want to indulge in trout fishing. The entire river is rich in aquatic life and you can find several spots that are famous for catching trout.
Pisgah National Forest
Pisgah National Forest is the most recommended glamping location that is off the Blue Ridge Parkway.
It is part of the 5700 ft. Mount Pisgah covering about 500,000 acres of the Appalachian Mountains.
Pisgah National Forest has it all. You have the most scenic location at Blue Ridge Parkway, breathtaking waterfalls all around, half a million acres of hardwood forests, incredible peak views and a whole lot more.
Not to mention the flora and fauna of Pisgah National Forest that will leave you spellbound.
As you can see, I am a huge admirer of Pisgah National Forest. It is the one place where you can experience the best glamping in Asheville, NC from all respects.
Moreover, glamping sights within Pisgah National Forest offer superb hiking or trekking options as well as brilliant biking trails.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is at one end of the Blue Ridge Parkway and is part of the Appalachian temperate rainforest.
It is rich in bio-diversity and offers some of the most gorgeous hiking routes in North Carolina.
This is a place where nature enthusiasts can spend days with a new sight to explore on a daily basis.
If you are up for it, you can make it to the highest peak at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, known as the Clingmans Dome. Needless to say, the views from here are unparalleled anywhere in Asheville.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park also has the distinction of being the most-visited national park in the United States.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Asheville is located within the Blue Ridge Mountains and pretty much all sites and locations mentioned here are ultimately part of this incredible mountain range.
Blue Ridge Mountains is said to be over a billion years old. It is as ancient as it can get and flaunts the majestic glory of nature in all its splendor.
The reason for the special mention of Blue Ridge Mountains here is that you can experience glamping in its wilderness at various locations.
There are glamping sites all over the mountains and you can opt for one that lets you be a part of the thick wooded rainforests for the duration of your stay.
The Blue Ridge Mountains is where you can finally discover your nirvana, allowing you to experience something that is more than just your physical self.
Hot Springs, NC
In less than a 30-minute drive from Asheville, you have the town of Hot Springs, NC.
This little town is famous in North Carolina for being the only place in the state where you get hot springs brimming with natural minerals.
With the French Broad River nearby and part of the Pisgah National Forest, Hot Springs is another great location for glamping near Asheville.
Apart from access to natural hot springs, you also have some of the best mountain biking trails in Hot Springs, NC.
Lake Junaluska
Located quite near to Asheville, Lake Junaluska is a picturesque manmade lake within the Blue Ridge Mountains.
If you want to experience the serenity of calm waters surrounded by ancient forests while glamping, then you can visit Lake Junaluska.
For those looking for water-based activities like kayaking or canoeing, Lake Junaluska is a good option.
The short drive from Asheville makes it a great place for those that want to be near to the city while experiencing the best of what the Appalachian Mountains have to offer.
What you need to know before you go glamping in Asheville
If you have read this far, I am assuming you are convinced by now that Asheville is the best place for glamping in North Carolina.
Now, before you book your glamping trip, you need to keep a few things in mind.
These are simple tips and are pretty much valid for glamping anywhere.
Fire regulations
All national parks, forests around Asheville and all areas of Blue Ridge Mountains are covered under strict fire regulations.
Hence, if you are using things such as a fire ring or a wood stove, you need to confirm with the glamping sight of what is permissible.
Most places would require you to use either treated wood or use only their specifically designed fire pits.
Minimum Stay
Several of the glamping sites have a 2-night minimum stay regulation.
My best guess would be the ratio between no minimum stay and 2-night stay is around 50-50 across Asheville.
Hence if you just want a quick getaway for a night, you need to confirm with the service provider if there is any minimum stay required.
Bugs and critters
While glamping may be associated with the word glamour, it is still camping in a nature-rich area.
With nature, you will get bugs and even critters. You have to expect this and be prepared.
I do recommend carrying an environment friendly bug repellent. Do not carry something with a strong fragrance as that could attract other small animals.
Understand private bathrooms
Several glamping sites near Asheville offer stay options with a private bathroom.
In many cases, the private bathroom is just outside of your main cabin or tent.
So it will be like a tiny house that is specifically designed to accommodate a bathroom.
Not all sites offer hot showers or flush toilets so please do ask before booking.
Type of glamping
I recommend to zero in on your glamping site based on the type of glamping you are looking for.
For example, families with kids should book large cabins with fun activities.
Couples can opt for a cozy yurt, bell tents or dome tents with open sky views for stargazing.
There are luxury tents available as well with comfortable beds and cooling or heating options.
Then you need to ask yourself the minimum luxuries that you need.
So, make a list of all the facilities and amenities that are bare minimum for you and enquire with the glamping site if those are available.
Just keep in mind though that you are not booking a hotel room. It is still camping and you are within a forest.
Another question you should ask is the distance between two tents or cabins. Some may want privacy and be all alone.
Others traveling in groups may want tents close to each other. This is another aspect you need to keep in mind before booking.
Activities
Some glamping sites offer a wide array of activities to keep you entertained.
Others rely on you to use your time to get close to nature.
Book based on your preference. Ask, do you want to indulge in hiking, biking, fishing or any other similar activities.
Picnic Tables and other amenities
The most common question people ask while glamping is the availability of picnic tables.
You should enquire whether your chosen site has extra chairs and a picnic table available.
If not, carry a folding table with you if possible.
Similarly, ask for other amenities and whatever is not available, carry with you.
This is where you should stay for the best glamping in Asheville, NC
We have covered the best locations for glamping in Asheville, NC, now let us come to the all-important question.
Where exactly do you stay? Who are the service providers?
Once again there are a plethora of options available and for that reason, I have narrowed down to the best ones in each area so that there are no confusions.
You can experience the best glamping in Asheville, NC with any of these places.
Mandala Springs Eco Retreat
Location: Blue Ridge Parkway
Distance from Asheville: Approximately 25 miles – 30-minute drive.
Mandala Springs Eco Retreat is located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway and is a fantastic eco-retreat for you to unwind.
The surrounding area which comprises of the Pisgah National Forest offers a number of hiking options perfect for all outdoor enthusiasts.
Interestingly, there is a chocolate factory in the premises and a wellness center offering private massages. The trout stream is a great bonus and most lodging options are near it.
Accommodations at Mandala Springs Eco Retreat include:
- Streamside Tiny House
- Yurt on Trout Stream
- Waystone Yome (cross between a yurt and a dome).
The tiny house is what you should choose if you want a full kitchen, heating as well as cooling options and a shower room.
The Yurt on Trout Stream comes with a queen bed while the Waystone Yome comprises of a queen mattress. The Yurt also has a kitchenette with a wood stove.
Mandala Springs Eco Retreat also organizes community activities and has a natural swimming hole a short walk away from the lodging.
Carolina Jewel Tree House Castle
Location: Reems Creek Valley, Blue Ridge Mountains
Distance from Asheville: Approximately 14 miles – 18-minute drive.
If you are looking for the best luxury treehouse for glamping in Asheville, NC, look no further.
In fact, this is no ordinary treehouse, it is a tree castle!
This two-story luxury tree castle with a sizeable private deck is great for families or couples looking for the perfect romantic hideaway in the wilderness of Blue Ridge Mountains.
This custom-built tree house sleeps 4 and comes with every amenity you could think of. These include but not limited to:
- Fully equipped kitchen with microwave, freezer, refrigerator, gas stove, grill, coffee maker, dishes and utensils.
- Full bathrooms with essential toiletries and option for outdoor showers.
- Air conditioning, central heating and fireplace.
- Wi-fi facilities.
- One queen bed + one sofa bed.
- Beautiful, wooded décor both inside and outside the tree house on your private patio.
For a great luxury tree house experience, this is one of the best places to stay near Asheville.
Asheville Glamping
Location: Various sites near Asheville within the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Distance from Asheville: Since they have multiple locations, the distance varies but the nearest ones start at a short 10-minute drive.
Asheville Glamping is one of the few glamping service providers in the state that offer a huge choice not just in the type of accommodation you want but the location as well.
To maintain complete privacy of their guests, they disclose the exact location only to those booking.
Asheville Glamping is a great option for large families with young kids. This is thanks to their slide domes that can sleep either 6 or 8 depending upon the one you book.
As the name of the accommodation suggests, it come with an actual slide within the dome that itself has a height of about 20 feet at the center.
The slide dome that sleeps 6, comes with a private indoor bathroom as well as private hot tub.
Each dome comes with comfortable beds, air conditioning, refrigerator and a propane grill.
For couples and solo-glampers, you have options of several types of domes, a safari tent, bell tent, cozy cabin, tree house and a whole lot more.
There are pet friendly glamping options as well.
The choices are quite extensive and many of their cabins are like a proper tiny home with several amenities.
Pisgah Glamping
Location: Pisgah National Forest – Lake Powhatan Campground
Distance from Asheville: Approximately 11 miles – 15-minute drive.
With Pisgah Glamping, you have the ability to stay within Pisgah National Forest in a superb canvas tent offering a queen bed with comfortable linens and a small cot.
They also offer a large picnic table, fire ring with grill and access to several outdoor activities such as the Lake Powhatan beach, fishing pier, Brent Creek hiking and biking trail.
Bathrooms are shared with the Lake Powhatan campground but come with hot showers.
The main reason to pick Pisgah Glamping is to get unfiltered access to the gorgeous Pisgah National Forest.
It is simply a nature-lover’s paradise and the nature-trails will leave you in awe of the extraordinary mountainous landscape just a short drive from downtown Asheville.
Smoky Mountain Glamping
Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Waynesville
Distance from Asheville: Approximately 33 miles – 40-minute drive.
Smoky Mountain Glamping, situated in the town of Waynesville is the place to be if you want to go glamping at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The Great Smoky Mountains are one of the most ecologically rich and diverse regions in North Carolina and is perfect for exploring, hiking and simply soaking in the great rainforest.
Smoky Mountain Glamping offers brilliant canvas tent lodging options that come with what they call luxury bedding.
You also have a private fire pit, private toilet and outdoor shower. Tents also have bath robes, towels, soaps, fresh water and Kuju coffee.
For cooking, you get a propane grill and all the cooking essentials including firewood.
They provide flash lights, wood stove, battery pack electricity and a tiki torch with fuel which is a good touch.
Springmaid Mountain
Location: Blue Ridge Parkway, North Toe River
Distance from Asheville: Approximately 56 miles – 1 hour 10-minute drive.
Springmaid Mountain is an outstanding 400-acre property on the North Toe River offering brilliant forest trails as well as river side tranquility.
You get accommodation options ranging from fully furnished 1 bedroom cabins to all the way to 5 bedroom cabins. Each of these are located at a secluded location with a private deck.
Being fully furnished, you can expect full kitchen facilities with microwaves and refrigerators, private bathrooms, comfortable beds and also flat screen televisions with dish network.
Each cabin is like a cozy home in the woods and some of them are pet friendly as well.
One of the key reasons to stay at Springmaid Mountain is their horseback riding facilities along with fantastic ride trails. You can also go hiking, fishing or indulge in camp activities depending upon season.
This is a great place for both outdoor recreation and finding your inner peace at the nature-rich forest.
Paint Rock Farm
Location: Hot Springs, near French Broad River
Distance from Asheville: Approximately 43 miles – 55-minute drive.
Paint Rock Farm is a wonderful 162-acre property at Hot Springs offering glamping cabins with tasteful décor.
Their queen-sized beds come with memory foam mattress and each cabin includes private decks, fire pit and a picnic table.
Apart from the 10 glamping cabins, there is one tiny home which has a larger area and comes with a kitchenette. There are lotus bell tents as well but those are available only for special occasions.
I like that Paint Rock Farm has a barn that has been delightfully converted into a place for indoor games and quiet reading spaces.
Paint Rock Farm’s location is it’s real USP with the Pisgah National Forest as well as French Broad River at its borders. So, you can imagine the kind of nature-walks, treks and hiking trails you can experience at the site.
If you are interested, you can check out the organic hemp farm on the property that produces all kinds of CBD wellness products.
Final thoughts on glamping in Asheville
Glamping has always been popular in Asheville, North Carolina but in recent years it has become a rage with travelers from all across the country.
When I speak of finding your nirvana, I just can’t think of anything better than the billion year old Blue Ridge Mountains with Appalachian Temperate Rainforest.
The unique eco-rich landscape that it creates, speaks to your inner being like not too many places can do.
I do hope you shall experience the best glamping in Asheville, NC and connect to a part of yourself that lets you feel the bliss inside.
