Making s’mores ’round the campfire. Hiking past waterfalls and sneaking into swimming holes. Telling ghost stories in the bunkhouse at night. Memories are made at the dozens of summer camps in Western North Carolina, near Asheville. But why should kids have all the fun? Here’s how to plan a summer camp-themed group trip, with activity, dining and lodging info; you’ll have to come up with your own pranks.
Key Information:
- A summer camp-style group trip in Western North Carolina is a casual vacation focused on outdoor activities, regional comfort foods and lodging with gathering spots like fire pits, libraries and lounges.
- Things to do in the region include mountain hiking, biking, boat tours and unusual, Instagrammable animal encounters.
- Accommodations range from mountain inns to luxury glamping tents. Choose one that fits your group’s needs and budget.
When I’m with people reminiscing about their childhood sleepaway camp trips, I get jealous. My summers were spent in the yard of my local elementary school, sprawled on hot asphalt, scribbling yet another chalk art design. On the plus side? Don’t challenge me to jacks; I’ll destroy you. But I never developed a love of the great outdoors that camp kids have. Can you canoe? I can’t, but wish I could.
My wish came true on a recent trip to Western North Carolina, where camp culture reigns. I got to try all the fun summer stuff – camp, hike, tell ghost stories – without having to climb into a bunk bed. Got a troop? Here’s how to plan a friend trip in the mountain counties near Asheville.
Editor’s note: The writer was hosted.
Earn Your Merit Badge
Plan several land and water-based activities for your camp trip. Include some that are slightly challenging. Camp kids spend their summers learning important outdoor skills: how to tie knots, start and safely extinguish campfires and read trail blazes, for example. By learning something new together, your friend trip will be even more memorable.
Here are some great camp-themed activities to try in Western North Carolina.
On Water
Water soothes and water destroys. The duality of its power is evident in Western North Carolina, a region ravaged by Hurricane Helene in 2024. The recovery effort has been swift, even in heavily impacted Lake Lure. New bridges and roads have replaced those swept away by the 30-foot surge of the Rocky Broad River. And the lake’s been emptied of debris and refilled for the 2026 summer season kickoff on Memorial Day. In other Western North Carolina towns like Hendersonville, Brevard and Franklin, there’s little to no visual evidence of storm damage.
Water-based adventures range from a leisurely boat trip to pulse-pounding rafting rides. Base your choices on your friends’ physical abilities and willingness to risk it for the biscuit.
Water-Based Activities in Western NC
- Rent a pontoon boat at Lakes End Marina for a leisurely cruise on Lake Nantahala.
- Go for a waterfall hike.
- Take the icy plunge down Sliding Rock in Pisgah National Forest, near Brevard.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Guests at Tuxedo Falls can access five waterfalls on the private 3/4-mile loop trail.
On Land
A trip to Chimney Rock State Park for panoramic views of the Hickory Nut Gorge is a must. It’s easy to access via an elevator that takes you to the top of the 315-foot stone spire. For the more adventurous, there are several trails, graded by difficulty from easy to moderate-strenous.
I hadn’t ridden a bike in 20 years. But, with the encouragement of Summer Stipe, one of the owners of Venture Ecusta bike rentals, I hopped on, wobbled a bit, then rode six miles along the Ecusta Trail. The multi-use greenway, intended to connect Hendersonville and Brevard along a former rail line, is planned to span 19 miles.
Remember to keep in mind your group’s interest in the great outdoors when planning your land-based activities. If they’re more into merch than mushroom foraging, trek through the boutiques and galleries in downtown Brevard and Hendersonville.
Choose Your Camp Mascot
Schedule an animal encounter during your Western North Carolina trip because every camp needs a mascot. You and your friends will have a hard time picking your favorite cuddly critter. Sadly, I didn’t glimpse one of the region’s many black bears. My colleague did – strolling through downtown Asheville!
Where to Meet the Animals in Western NC
I fell hard for Mr. Potato, a chunky woodchuck in the Animal Discovery Den at Chimney Rock State Park. His friends call him Tater and he predicts both the arrival of spring and the winner of the Super Bowl. I considered kidnapping him because a.) he’s snuggable and b). I could make some money on Polymarket.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and Lincoln biographer Carl Sandburg lived at Connemara, a 264-acre estate, in Flat Rock for 20+ years. His wife, whom he called Paula, established a champion herd of dairy goats. Shortly after the author’s death in 1967, Paula sold Connemara to the National Park Service. Visitors to the site can tour the Sandburg home and meet the goats. A breeding program strives to produce babies each spring for the ultimate cuddle moment.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Due to the 2025 fall US government shutdown, the breeding program was suspended with plans to resume in 2026 for babies in 2027.
Lead a llama on a one-mile hike at Earthshine Lodge. You’ll meet your new woolly friend and learn lots of fun facts from the herd’s owner, Mark English. Did you know llamas poop in unison? By gathering in a designated spot, they keep their grazing areas clean. The hike takes about an hour, including grass-munching pit stops.
Prefer a round of golf to a hike? These aren’t one-trick llamas. They’re trained golf caddies, and you can hire them to carry your clubs at Sherwood Forest Golf Club in Brevard.
Ditch the Mess Hall: Where to Eat in Western North Carolina
The food at sleepaway summer camp, I imagine, is similar to school cafeteria fare. Or prison. I picture campers lined up with plastic trays, awaiting scoops of mystery meat from sour-faced servers.
Your camp-themed group getaway will be decidedly more upscale. Western North Carolina restaurants deliver vintage vibes, views for miles and service with a smile. Summer classics, like burgers and hot dogs, are reimagined and campfire s’mores remain a gooey tradition that I hope to share with my grandchildren one day.
Lake Lure
- Tender pulled pork is a winning sandwich at Chimney Rock Smokehouse, especially topped with ‘slaw and served with a side of creamy mac and cheese. In Lake Lure for the holidays? Don’t miss the restaurant’s Miracle Bar pop-up, featuring thousands of lights, ornaments and themed cocktails.
- When asked what to order at Canoe Kitchen & Bar, our server said the burger was a popular option. She undersold. I was still raving about the Smash Burger, smothered in chipotle aioli, and perfectly salted fries days later.
- Grey Hawk Bar & Gardens is THE place for brunch. Canopied shade from the trees and yellow table umbrellas creates a friendly oasis for sipping a Springtime in London hot tea, flavored with lavender and vanilla. Then dig into the shareable Towering Biscuits & Gravy or, if you want something lighter, the Quintessential Quiche-ettes come with salad greens and fresh fruit.
Flat Rock
- Campfire Grill delivers all the summer vacation feels and yummy food too. Standout apps include the Spinach Queso Skillet, roll-your-own lettuce wraps with crispy pork bites and the Smoked Fish Dip, which was not overwhelmingly fishy like others I’ve tried. Promotions at Campfire Grill, like Cocktails for a Cause, support local charities. One recipient, Camplify, is a not-for-profit that provides leadership development experiences for youth who might not be able to afford traditional summer camps.
Brevard
- You can’t miss the red and white striped awning above the entrance to Rocky’s Grill & Soda Shop. Walk through the door and step back into the 1950s. The beloved diner, open since 1941, has a menu with throwback options; the Cuban sandwich is the Ricky Ricardo and a classic PB and J is The Elementary. A milkshake is a must.
Lake Toxaway
- The Grand Olde Station functions as the unofficial Lake Toxaway museum. The former train depot is home to a historic caboose and a 1940s fire truck. The restaurant walls are covered in photos and memorabilia. It’s a lively gathering spot for locals and folks just passing through. Consider sharing an entrée to reserve room for dessert; the cookie skillets served with ice cream are worth the calories.
- There’s a new Executive Chef at The Restaurant at The Greystone Inn. Donnie Simmons joined the team in February 2026 and he’s infusing the menu with energy, local ingredients and a playful approach. Chef stopped by to wish our group a good morning and we thanked him for creating savory, crisped breakfast potatoes that aren’t an afterthought.
Nantahala
- Seasonal Lakes End Cafe & Grill serves lunch and dinner at the marina. Weekly specials include an All-You-Can-Eat Friday Fish Fry and Saturday night Prime Rib Dinner. A la carte options that shine are the Smoky Mountain baby back ribs and local trout.
- The cheerful murals sparked a smile that stayed with me as I munched on a wicked hot Nashville Chicken sandwich at 828 Cafe in Franklin. Burritos, bowls and sandwiches are featured at this breakfast/lunch restaurant, which occasionally opens on Fridays for dinner.
No Bunks for You! Where to Stay on a Group Trip
Prefer your camping to include high-thread-count sheets and indoor plumbing? Here are options great for family and friend group getaways in Western North Carolina.
Tuxedo Falls Luxury Camp
I never knew I needed a heated outdoor bathtub until I soaked under the stars at Tuxedo Falls. Owners Lark and Tom Elliott have created a forested retreat near Flat Rock. Comprised of two whimsical treehouses, actually supported by trees, three luxury safari tents and a double cabin, the property is ringed by private waterfall trails for exploring. The Lodge has a full bar and lounging spaces with puzzles, games and crafts. Once you’re here, you won’t want to leave, so purchase dinner meal kits to prep on the outdoor grills and pizza ovens. Eat outside or at the large dining table in The Lodge.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Most of the Tuxedo Falls decor, food and toiletries are sourced locally. Ask for the list of vendors.
The Greystone Inn
My room, one of 30 at The Greystone Inn, was lovely, with a cozy king bed facing the French doors opening to a lake view, fireplace and massive bathroom with a separate shower and tub. The common areas, including the sun-drenched, houseplant-filled lobby, are wonderful places for groups to gather for puzzling and cocktails. Guests at the Inn have access to the amenities at the Lake Toxaway Country Club including tennis, pickleball, outdoor pool and 18-hole championship golf course. Fees for these activities vary; the Inn’s concierge can provide additional information.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Inquire about the availability of Lake Toxaway cruises aboard the Miss Lucy, a mahogany Hacker Craft tour boat, built exclusively for the Inn.
stayNantahala Luxury Yurts
Expect to go off-grid in Nantahala and reconnect with your family and friends in rustic luxe accommodations offered by stayNantahala. They own and manage a wide range of mountain and lakefront/view cabins, including several that sleep 10 or more. If you want something more unusual, try the luxury yurts located along Otter Creek. Each of the four units has two bedrooms, a full bath and complete kitchen with a private outdoor hot tub.
SheBuysTravel Tip: The internet connection was spotty during my stay. I was happy to unplug; if you need reliable WiFi, bring a hotspot recommended for remote location use.
Lake Lure Inn and Spa
The architectural inspiration for the Lake Lure Inn and Spa came from the Mediterranean resorts in Italy’s Lake Como. The hotel opened in 1927, when the dam that created the lake was completed. The rich and famous, including F. Scott Fitzgerald and President Franklin Roosevelt, have stayed here. And so did Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey and the cast of “Dirty Dancing” when the 1987 movie was filming on property and at other Lake Lure locations.
SheBuysTravel Tip: The Inn will close for extensive renovations later this year with plans to reopen for its 100th anniversary season in 2027.
Getting Here
These activities, lodging and dining are located within a two-hour radius of Asheville. You’ll need a vehicle to explore; four-wheel drive is nice, but not necessary. The drives are scenic but winding in sections. If you suffer from motion sickness, pack Dramamine.
SheBuysTravel Tip: If you’re flying out of AVL, the airport is compact with limited snack bar-style food options.
Summer camps developed in Western North Carolina because the mountain weather is cooler than other areas in the South. Pack layers, rain gear, sun protection and insect repellent to enjoy your time outdoors.
Many of the local business owners and tourism reps are locals with significant camp and outdoor experience. They love sharing what they love about Western North Carolina with visitors. And guides are widely available in the region for challenging activities like fly-fishing, whitewater rafting and rock climbing. Contact tourism agencies for reputable professionals.
Western North Carolina is wonderfully wild. Observe posted rules, be aware of your surroundings and practice proper camp etiquette.
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