Lake Powhatan

Star4.54
1.2K reviews
375 Wesley Branch Road, Asheville, NC 28806, USA
Family FriendlyGreat HikingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

2,200 ft

Price

$35 - $130/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Open March 22, 2025,...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Lake Powhatan
$35.00 - $130.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees are seasonal and vary from $35 to $130 depending on site type, utilities, and seasonality. Additional charges for weekends ($5-$10 extra). Users...
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Standard Site Fee$37.00
Hookup Site Fee$52.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
828-577-7278
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What Campers Say

4.54

Top-Rated

Based on 1.2K reviews

199 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersrestroomsspacious

Some mention

expensive

"Lake Powhatan receives overwhelmingly positive reviews for its clean facilities, scenic beauty, and helpful staff. Visitors appreciate the privacy of the sites and the variety of activities available. Common complaints include limited cell service, occasional noise from inconsiderate campers, and the high price of firewood."

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Campground Map

375 Wesley Branch Road, Asheville, NC 28806, USA

Lake Powhatan

375 Wesley Branch Road, Asheville, NC 28806, USA

Driving directionsFrom 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.
From user reviews and official sources, access to the campground is via a moderately narrow, winding road through a residential area. Low-hanging tree branches have been noted in some reviews (e.g., 'Wesley branch road had some low hanging branches,' user review). This may require caution for larger RVs and trailers.
Nearby places
Asheville (10 minutes by car). Additional nearby cities or population centers are not explicitly mentioned.
Nearby supplies
Groceries and essential supplies available at Ingles grocery store nearby. Additional details from user reviews suggest other retail locations accessible within a 10-15 minute drive.

Best Time to Camp at Lake Powhatan

Experience the full drama of Appalachian seasons at Lake Powhatan, where winter brings crystalline mornings with temperatures dipping below freezing—though you'll find comfort in the campground's heated bathrooms that guests consistently praise. Spring and fall paint the mountains in spectacular colors under perfectly mild conditions, while summer offers warm days ideal for lake activities. Be prepared for the region's signature mountain rains, which can be heavy but only add to the lush, verdant character of this forest haven.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak for beach and trails; very popular but can be crowded at the beach.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Quieter stays and excellent foliage make fall a standout season per reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring offers good trail access and pleasant weather as the park reopens for peak season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5
Top 22% in NC

Peaceful winter camping with heated restrooms, though colder and fewer activities; campground open.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: March 22 to November 15, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open March 22, 2025, to December 31, 2025.

About Lake Powhatan

Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, Lake Powhatan beckons outdoor enthusiasts with an array of camping experiences that suit every comfort level. Whether you're seeking the luxury of a glamping tent, the convenience of full RV hookups, or the authentic simplicity of traditional tent camping, this heavily wooded sanctuary delivers. Just a stone's throw from vibrant Asheville, the campground serves as your gateway to adventure—from morning hikes on mountain trails to afternoon fishing expeditions, all crowned by breathtaking drives along the legendary Blue Ridge Parkway.
Lake Powhatan accommodates various camping styles, from primitive tent sites to modern glamping and RV camping with full hookups. The four loops—Lakeside, Big John, Bent Creek, and Hard Times—offer unique features to suit different preferences.
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Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2PM
Check-out
12 Noon
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights during a rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Lake Powhatan offers a host of recreational activities for nature enthusiasts and families. Visitors can enjoy a sandy swimming beach, trout fishing in the lake, and hiking or mountain biking on nearby trails. The campground's close proximity to Asheville also allows for cultural and recreational opportunities.
HikingThe campground is surrounded by a network of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels. Trails connect to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the NC Arboretum. Visitors enjoy scenic views, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. Some reviewers found trail markings insufficient and recommend downloading maps beforehand.
FishingTrout fishing is available in Lake Powhatan and the nearby French Broad River. Some visitors noted limited success but appreciated the serene setting.
SwimmingThe sandy swimming beach at Lake Powhatan is a favorite among families. However, some guests mentioned that the beach area can be small and crowded during peak times, with occasional reports of goose droppings.
BikingMountain biking trails around Lake Powhatan are highly regarded. Trails cater to both beginners and experienced riders. The campground's proximity to the NC Arboretum provides additional biking opportunities.
Wildlife viewingThe campground's wooded setting offers ample opportunities for wildlife viewing, including birds, small mammals, and occasional bear sightings. Visitors are reminded to store food securely to avoid attracting wildlife.
Beach activitiesThe small sandy beach at Lake Powhatan is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and picnics. Some visitors noted that the area could benefit from maintenance to address issues such as goose droppings.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBlack bears are frequent; strict food storage rules enforced. Some reviews highlight poison ivy and slippery trails as minor hazards.

Weather at Lake Powhatan

Reviews

4.5
1.2K reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Lake Powhatan is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Lake Powhatan receives overwhelmingly positive reviews for its clean facilities, scenic beauty, and helpful staff. Visitors appreciate the privacy of the sites and the variety of activities available. Common complaints include limited cell service, occasional noise from inconsiderate campers, and the high price of firewood.
Review Summaries
Based on 1179 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviewers praise the campground's cleanliness, spacious and private sites, and proximity to Asheville and outdoor attractions. Additional highlights include well-maintained restrooms and...
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Based on 1179 reviews

Common Concerns

Visitors often mention the lack of cell service, especially for Verizon users. Others noted occasional overcrowding at the beach, high firewood prices, and insufficient restroom facilities during...
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Based on 1179 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring heavy-duty tent stakes for gravel sites. - Purchase firewood offsite to save money. - Download trail maps in advance due to poor cell service. - Choose sites in the Lakeside Loop for full...
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Based on 1179 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During the summer, the campground is popular for its beach and trails but can become crowded. Fall offers quieter stays with beautiful foliage. Winter camping is peaceful, with heated restrooms and...
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Based on 1179 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The cleanest bathrooms I've ever seen at a campground!" "Loved the spacious sites and proximity to Asheville." "Trails are great for hiking and biking, but download maps in advance." "The staff were...
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Based on 1179 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites in the Hard Times Loop are noted for their seclusion, while the Lakeside Loop offers full hookups and spacious sites. Specific site reviews highlight the privacy of sites like 045 and 055 and...
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Based on 1179 reviews

Accessibility Features

Visitors with mobility challenges mentioned the paved paths and well-maintained trails as helpful. However, some sites and trails are hilly, which may pose difficulties.
Based on 1179 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome but must be leashed. Dogs are not allowed on the beach. Reviewers appreciated the pet-friendly atmosphere but advised caution on trails due to wildlife.
Based on 1179 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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