Hubs and I went to the mountain camping a couple of weeks ago so we could see the leaves falling (and they were actually falling all weekend). We decided to stay near Asheville so I started researching campgrounds near the area when I found one that was close to hiking trails and had a decent size campground in the "real mountain wilderness" without getting crazy. Crazy being no bathrooms- I have to have a bathhouse.
Catawba Falls Campground is 30 minutes east of Asheville in the tiny town called Old Fort, walking distance to the Catawba falls hiking trails and falls. We chose the primitive site which allowed for your campsite with a pre-built fire put that you simply put wood in and light yourself (they sell wood but so does the little gas station up the street for a better deal). The primitive site though had no running water, no electricity but was what we wanted to have the true experience.
The campground is nothing special but again, it is what we were going for. We checked in after having trouble finding the office but were greeted by one of the kind family members who runs the grounds. He wasn't super helpful by explaining everything such as where we go to our site, where the bathhouse was, where we park, etc but after I asked a bunch of questions he led us to our site.
The good new is that we parked on one side of a little walking bridge and then he carried out gear and tent across the pedestrian bridge to our site. We were away from everyone which was super fun and a bit scary at night (there are signs all around Old Fort that warn you about bears). It gets super dark in the primitive side but again, what we wanted. We had our two dogs with us so it was nice to be isolated for that reason too.
The bathhouse was decently cleaned. Of course I would wear by shower flops in any public situation. It is a short walk from any camp site. The staff are super accomodating. Whenever we need anything, i.e. air to pump up our air mattress, directions, advice on how to avoid the bears from coming anywhere remotely close to our site, they were very helpful!
If you are looking for a no frills camping experience, this is your place. There is definitely nothing special about this campground other than just that...nothing special or fancy- a true getaway. read more