Catawba Falls Campground & Glamping is a family-operated outdoor accommodation at 4095 Catawba Falls Campground Road in Old Fort, McDowell County, North Carolina, situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains approximately 17 miles east of Asheville. The campground is adjacent to the trailhead of the Catawba Falls Trail, a 1.5-mile (one-way) U.S. Forest Service path through a forested gorge leading to one of the most photographed waterfalls in Western North Carolina — a two-tiered cascade dropping approximately 100 feet into a rocky plunge pool.
The campground offers three accommodation formats. Tent sites at approximately $30 per night provide cleared areas with fire pits in a wooded setting. RV sites with water and electrical hookups at approximately $50 per night accommodate vehicles up to 45 feet in length. Glamping cabins — the premium option at approximately $90 to $120 per night — are furnished structures with climate control, beds, and basic cooking facilities, providing a meaningful comfort upgrade for visitors who want proximity to the falls without providing their own camping equipment.
The property is pet-friendly across all accommodation types, with standard leash requirements on trails and in the campground. Fire pits at tent sites provide the classic campfire experience; firewood may be available for purchase on-site or at nearby Old Fort stores. The campground does not operate a restaurant or general store, so visitors should provision fully in Old Fort (two miles) or Marion (six miles) before arrival.
Old Fort is at the base of the Swannanoa Gap, historically significant as the passage used by Cherokee and early European settlers crossing the Blue Ridge. Chimney Rock State Park and Lake Lure are 25 miles south, and the Blue Ridge Parkway is accessible at Ridgecrest to the northwest. The campground is popular year-round but sees heaviest use on summer weekends and during fall foliage season in October.
Room types
- Tent sites ($30/night)
- RV sites ($50/night)
- Glamping cabins ($90-120/night)
Amenities
- Tent sites
- RV hookups
- Glamping cabins
- Trail to Catawba Falls waterfall
- Fire pits
- Pet-friendly
Location
4095 Catawba Falls Campground Rd, Old Fort, NC 28762
35.6413, -82.2237 View on map
Highlights
- On-site trailhead for Catawba Falls — a 100-foot two-tiered waterfall in the Blue Ridge foothills
- Three accommodation types: tent sites, RV hookups, and furnished glamping cabins
- Budget-friendly base 17 miles east of Asheville with direct national forest trail access
- Pet-friendly across all site types with campfire pits and fire rings at tent sites
- Close to Chimney Rock State Park, Lake Lure, and Blue Ridge Parkway access
Tips for visiting
- The Catawba Falls Trail is a one-way 1.5-mile walk with moderate terrain; allow two to three hours round trip including time at the waterfall
- Provision fully in Old Fort or Marion before arrival — the campground has no on-site store or restaurant
- Summer weekends and October foliage season fill the campground; reserve glamping cabins four to six weeks ahead
- Bring bear-safe food storage — black bears are present in the McDowell County foothills and should not be attracted to campsites
- The campground access road is narrow; large RVs should verify current road conditions with the campground before arriving
Accessibility
Catawba Falls Campground has limited accessibility features. RV sites are largely flat and accessible for those with mobility limitations. The Catawba Falls Trail involves uneven terrain, creek crossings, and elevation gain that make it challenging for wheelchair users. Glamping cabins are on level ground but may have steps at the entrance; contact the campground for specific cabin accessibility details.
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Frequently asked questions
How long is the hike to Catawba Falls?
The Catawba Falls Trail from the campground trailhead is approximately 1.5 miles one-way to the upper falls, with a round-trip distance of about three miles. The trail has moderate elevation gain through a forested gorge and is accessible to most hikers with average fitness. Allow two to three hours for the full round trip.
Do the glamping cabins have electricity and beds?
Yes, the glamping cabins at Catawba Falls Campground are furnished with beds and include climate control and basic cooking facilities. They represent a significant comfort upgrade over tent camping while maintaining proximity to the Catawba Falls trailhead.
Is swimming allowed at Catawba Falls?
Swimming in the plunge pools at Catawba Falls is not recommended and may be restricted seasonally due to safety concerns. The waterfall's power and flash-flood potential in the gorge make unsupervised swimming dangerous; visitors should observe the falls from designated viewing areas.
What is the nearest town to the campground?
Old Fort is approximately two miles from the campground and has restaurants, a small grocery option, and basic supplies. Marion, about six miles away, offers additional shopping and dining. Asheville is 17 miles west via I-40.