North Carolina / Buncombe County / Pisgah National Forest

Lake Powhatan

Open — Open year-round with limited services from November through March. Gatehouse hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the off-season. Swimming beach operates Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

About

Lake Powhatan Campground is situated in a heavily wooded area on the banks of Lake Powhatan in the Pisgah National Forest, at an elevation of 2,200 feet in the Appalachian Mountains of western North Carolina. The campground offers standard, electric, and full hookup RV sites, as well as 12 glamping tents for those seeking a more comfortable camping experience. All sites include picnic tables, tent pads, lantern hooks, and campfire rings with grills. The campground features a popular sandy swimming beach on Lake Powhatan, which is open Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Personal watercraft are strictly prohibited on the lake to protect the riparian ecosystem. The calm lake waters provide excellent trout fishing opportunities, and the nearby French Broad River offers additional fishing access. The campground borders the 6,000-acre Bent Creek Experimental Forest, which is renowned for its extensive network of mountain biking and hiking trails. Located just 10 minutes from downtown Asheville, Lake Powhatan provides convenient access to urban amenities while maintaining a peaceful forest setting. Nearby attractions include the Blue Ridge Parkway, Sliding Rock, Looking Glass Falls, the NC Arboretum, and the Biltmore Estate. The campground is managed by Naventure and operates year-round, making it an ideal base camp for exploring western North Carolina's natural and cultural destinations.

Directions

From Asheville, take I-26 to exit 33. Go south approximately 2 miles on State Route 191 to the Lake Powhatan Recreation Area sign. Turn right and follow signs to the campground. Address: 375 Wesley Branch Road, Asheville, NC 28806.

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