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Not afraid of heights? Then how about a cliff-side perch for your RV overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains.
We had a wonderful camping experience at Campfire Lodgings, just north of downtown Asheville, NC. This privately owned campground is located at the top of Goldview Knob, and is worth the steep climb to get there. The owners have thoughtfully provided encouraging signs along the way to keep you moving, like “Just a little further” and “Ya made it!” But do take the time to unhook your towed vehicle before you ascend their gravel road.
Campfire Lodgings offers about 17 RV sites with hookups, multiple tent camping sites, plus yurt and cabin rentals. There are five “premium” RV sites that have direct mountain views, and are certainly worth the extra money. The ever-changeable Blue Ridge Mountains, smoky and mysterious, are on full display from these sites and way down below you can see the French Broad River rolling along in the valley.
The RV sites are clean concrete pads, each outfitted with a quality picnic table and custom fire ring. The ambiance of the whole property is sweet and tidy. Numerous hiking trails are offered, and there’s a large, well-kept bath house centrally located. Management is on-site and proved very helpful in providing tourist info and directions.
A short distance away is the fabulous Biltmore Estate. Called “America’s Castle”, this 8000 acre property can easily occupy you for a couple of days. We took several guided tours, and were most impressed with the Legacy of the Land bus tour which shuttled us around the grounds with a very knowledgeable guide. Stop for a nosh at The Stables or the one of the two restaurants in the Winery complex, all offering large and varied menus. A full wine shop sells delightful vintages from the Biltmore’s own vineyard, and you can sample each of them in the Wine Tasting Room.
Downtown Asheville is also worth a day or two of site-seeing. Historic buildings, art galleries and boutiques, and a dizzying choice of restaurants make this an enjoyable day’s outing. There’s usually a festival or event happening downtown, and you can always be entertained by a bevy of street musicians and performers as you shop the local stores.
So hitch up your courage and camp on a mountaintop. And enjoy the many splendors of Asheville, NC!
Websites:
http://www.campfirelodgings.com
http://www.exploreasheville.com
June 30, 2023
