Camping at Lake Powhatan Recreation Area: Asheville’s Perfect Outdoor Retreat

Destinations Southeast North Carolina Asheville

Camping at Lake Powhatan Recreation Area: Asheville’s Perfect Outdoor Retreat

Tucked away in the heart of the Bent Creek Experimental Forest and just minutes from downtown Asheville, Lake Powhatan Recreation Area offers a serene escape for campers. This picturesque campground combines the beauty of Pisgah National Forest with the convenience of easy access to hiking trails, mountain biking, and a tranquil lake perfect for swimming and fishing. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a basecamp for outdoor adventures, Lake Powhatan delivers on all fronts.

The campground features a mix of tent, RV, and glamping sites, with amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, flush toilets, and hot showers. For those seeking a touch of luxury, the glamping tents provide comfortable beds and electric lighting. Shady campsites are spread across several loops, each offering privacy and easy access to the lake and trails.

One of the highlights of Lake Powhatan is its proximity to adventure. The Bent Creek trail system offers miles of hiking and mountain biking routes right from your campsite. After a day on the trails, cool off with a swim in Lake Powhatan’s sandy beach area or cast a line for bass, trout, or bluegill. In the evening, relax by your campfire and enjoy the sounds of the forest.

Adventure Guide: Camping at Lake Powhatan Recreation Area

Campground Overview

Location: Bent Creek Experimental Forest, Asheville, NC
Season: Open year-round, though some amenities may be limited in winter
Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall for warm weather and vibrant foliage

Amenities

Sites:
- Tent sites, RV sites with electric hookups, and glamping tents.
- Picnic tables and fire rings at each site.
Facilities:
- Flush toilets, hot showers, and potable water.
- A sandy beach area for swimming and a fishing pier on the lake.
- Dump station for RVs.

Activities

Hiking & Biking:
- Direct access to the Bent Creek trail system, including easy loops and challenging climbs.
Lake Activities:
- Fishing for bass, trout, and bluegill.
- Swimming in a designated area with a sandy beach.
- Kayaking or paddleboarding on calm waters (bring your own gear).
Wildlife Viewing:
- Spot deer, birds, and turtles around the lake and trails.

Tips for Campers

What to Bring:
- Warm layers for cooler nights, especially in spring and fall.
- Fishing gear if you plan to cast a line.
- Bikes for exploring the extensive trail system.
Reservations:
- Book sites in advance at Recreation.gov, especially during peak seasons.
Safety Note:
- Secure all food in your vehicle or bear-proof lockers to avoid attracting wildlife.

Getting There

From Asheville, take I-240 West to I-26 East and exit at NC-191 (Brevard Road). Follow signs for the Bent Creek Recreation Area and Lake Powhatan Campground. Travel time is approximately 20 minutes from downtown Asheville.

Fun Fact

Lake Powhatan’s location in the Bent Creek Experimental Forest means it’s part of one of the oldest research forests in the United States, established in 1925 to study sustainable forestry practices. Today, it serves as a prime example of how conservation and recreation can go hand in hand.

Adventure Map

Asheville Info

No GPX info

Reviews

Sue Davis5 months ago

We love staying here! So close to Asheville and Hendersonville. There are full hookup spots in the lakeside loop. We stayed at 35 which is nice. Bathrooms are private. Hiking is good. Beach is fun and that’s the best place to get phone coverage.

David Brown2 years ago

The campground looks nice, but I have not stayed there. The lake is great! It's small, with numerous spots along the shoreline for fishing. There is a recently rebuilt pier for more fishing. That's just before the dam. You can look over the dam from either side, and swim in the hole below it if you like. This is also another fishing spot. The creek and lake are both Hatchery Supported public waters, and thus have trout to go along with the standard mix. The far side of the lake has a beach that adjoins the limited swimming area. This is a great spot for a day trip, or an entire week/end if you have the time. And don't forget the miles of easily accessible hiking and mountain biking trails. And the forest roads for the gravel grinding set are a good ride.

Nicholas Nocek2 years ago

Cool lake, 5$ entry fee to park. The lake is very muddy about 20 feet off the sandy beach. Bathrooms were clean. The fishing pier was clean and well maintained. Ample parking by the beach, probably 40 spots. The lake is very cold temperatures past 3 ft deep. The top 3ft is very warm in the summer, maybe 70⁰. The bottom of the lake is probably 50⁰. There are many fish in the lake, and it's stocked with trout.

Hiker Shirl3 months ago

This campground is located in the Bent Creek area of Asheville NC in the Pisgah National Forest We had a friend visiting w/ her 3 dogs and we had our 2 dogs. Two campsites were reserved but we were able to park both our camper van and her Mini Winnie RV on the one loop RV campsite. On the extra site we parked the pickup for quick trips to town. She used the electric and we used our solar. If you need electric/ water you must reserve early since those sites go fast! There are also glamping options on the Hard Times loop. Although I didn’t see the interior, on the outside is a large canvas tent with a front porch and chairs. Reservations should be made through recreation.gov. If you have a senior pass for National Parks you can also get the discount @ National forest sites like Lake Powhatan. The staff at this campground is friendly and helpful .

Lacey Reichwald3 years ago

This campground is fabulous. I wish I could give it 10 stars. We stayed in the Big John loop during October. The site was roomy and level, the bathrooms were always clean, and the management team is super nice and helpful. The location is a quick drive to downtown Asheville and just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Lots of hiking and biking trails, a lovely little lake area, lots of wildlife and beautiful plants and fungi, quiet, peaceful… Literally the only challenge was a lack of cell service but in some spots we were able to get a great signal.