START WITH HEART
Western North Carolina weathered a rough stretch after Hurricane Helene swept through the Blue Ridge last year—flooded trails, downed parkway sections, and long clean‑up hours for local crews. Thanks to relentless community work, most roads and recreation corridors are open again, and businesses are eager to welcome visitors. Spring and early summer bring 70 ° days, rhododendron blooms, and freshly repaired trail tread: an ideal time to support Asheville as it moves forward.
WHY ASHEVILLE?
For this guide we’re headed to one of our favorite southern cities, Asheville, NC. We love Asheville for all the reasons we love our home base in Colorado. Located on the banks of the French Broad River — the third oldest river in the world — and within an hour drive of the Great Smoky Mountains, Pisgah National Forest, and Mount Mitchell State Park, Asheville offers some of the best hiking, mountain biking, rafting and paddling east of the Mississippi. In addition to epic outdoor recreation, Asheville is situated along some of the most scenic drives in the east and is home to some of our favorite breweries and restaurants and one of the largest arts districts in the country. This guide will give you everything you need to know to make the most of a van life visit to Asheville, including where to park for the night, what to do, where to eat and drink, and more.
WHERE TO SLEEP
Free and Dispersed Camping and Parking
Craggy Dome Overlook Parking (above) – Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway about 45 minutes north of Asheville, this is a parking area and overlook popular with van lifers that offers beautiful views and cool temps due to the higher elevation.
Bad Fork Valley Overlook (above) – Another stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway about 30 minutes south of Asheville, this overlook parking area is another popular spot for van lifers.
Pisgah National Forest – There are numerous dispersed camping options in the Pisgah National Forest. Dispersed camping is only allowed in designated areas marked with a tent symbol. You can find a full list of locations here. The dispersed camping option closest to town is Black Mountain.
Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrels are common in the region and offer overnight parking in their parking lots for RVs, cars and vans.
Walmart
Most Walmarts offer overnight parking for vans and RVs in their parking lots. We recommend calling the specific locations ahead of time to confirm.
Established Campgrounds
Pisgah National Forest – There are several developed campground options in the Pisgah National Forest, just a short drive from downtown Asheville. The closest options are Black Mountain Campground, Lake Powhatan Campground, and North Mills River Campgound. You can find these and other established campground locations on this map.
Mama Gertie’s Hideaway Campground – Just 15 minutes east of Asheville, this is one of the closest campground options. It is a little pricier than we are used to at $60 / night, but they do offer hot showers and laundry.
WHAT TO DO
Asheville Van Life Rally
Meet the Van‑Life Crowd
Keep your finger on Asheville’s rolling‑door scene by following Asheville Nomads on Facebook and Instagram (@ashevillenomads). The community posts weekly meet‑ups—everything from trailhead coffee circles and parkway sunset convoys to DIY build nights—so you can sync your visit with the latest gatherings
Mountain Bike in the Pisgah National Forest
Asheville is a well known hub for mountain biking thanks in large part to its proximity to the Pisgah National Forest. If you’re looking to ride something close to downtown Asheville head to Bent Creek, a 30-mile trail system less than half an hour from town. If you’re willing to venture a little farther, head about 45 minutes south and ride Black Mountain, arguably the classic Pisgah trail system. When you’re done riding, make sure to stop in at The Hub and Pisgah Tavern, conveniently located near the trailhead.
Clingman’s Dome, NPS Photo
Drive and Hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
While the southwestern boundary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is about an hour from Asheville, to get to the heart of the park you’ll have to drive 2-3 hours. The Smokies are the most visited national park in the US and home to the oldest mountain range in the world — The Appalachian Mountains. You could spend a week in the park and not see everything worth seeing, but if you are short on time, we recommend visiting Clingman’s Dome — the highest point in the park, the highest point in Tennessee, and the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi. The road to Clingman’s Dome is seven miles long and open March through December. If you visit during the winter months (or are looking to stretch your legs) you can hike The Appalachian Trail from Newfound Gap to Clingman’s Dome (7 miles each way). For a shorter option during the summer months, hike from Clingman’s Dome to Andrew’s Bald (3.6 miles round trip).
Mount Mitchell
Road Bike Mount Mitchell
This ride is not for the faint of heart, but if you’re a cyclist, it is a must. Mount Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi, rising from just above sea level to 6,684 feet. All the huffing and puffing is worth it for the view from the observation deck at the summit and for the descent on the way back into town. If you start riding in downtown Asheville you will climb nearly 7,500 feet over 63 miles. You can find a route for the road climb here. You can also drive to the summit if you aren’t a cyclist or your legs aren’t feeling up for that amount of type 2 fun.
French Broad River Paddling
Raft or Paddle the French Broad River
The French Broad River cuts through the oldest mountain range in the world and is believed to be the oldest river in the world. It runs directly through Asheville and is a widely popular rafting and paddling destination for both self guided paddlers and professionally guided trips. If you fall into the first category you can find information about paddling the river here. French Broad Outfitters offers kayak, canoe or paddle board rentals as well as guided paddle trips through the heart of Asheville. If you’re more of an adrenaline junkie, check the Nantahala Outdoor Center’s guided whitewater trips.
Visit the River Arts District
The River Arts District (RAD) is one of the largest arts districts in the country and is located along the banks of the French Broad River. You’ll find a wide variety of art studios that provide the district’s 240+ artists with the space to create and show their work. Check out the River Arts District 2021 Studio Guide for more information about studio locations and hours. The RAD is also home to some of the best food and drink in Asheville. We recommend pleb Urban Winery, Vivian, and Rosabee’s, or you can walk across the river to New Belgium Brewing Company’s Asheville HQ, which offers a rotating food truck.
Buxton Hall BBQ
Eat at Buxton Hall BBQ
Buxton Hall BBQ is our favorite place in Asheville to get authentic eastern North Carolina style BBQ, which is cooked low and slow for 18 hours over hardwood coals and seasoned with a vinegar pepper sauce. Buxton Hall gives you a taste of the region both in style and substance, sourcing their ingredients from local farms and ranches.
Drink at Burial Beer Company
Burial Beer Company is known for their wide variety of world-class beers, from IPAs and pale ales to sours and stouts. Burial got its start in Asheville in 2013 with a one barrel operation. Within a year their demand skyrocketed and they added ten barrels to their taproom and have continued to expand since then. Once you get a taste of their beer, you’ll understand why it is in such high demand. In addition to beer, their Asheville taproom offers a limited food menu.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Showers
These gyms offer free trials ranging from a day to several days:
Laundry
Oakley Coin Laundry – Monday-Saturday 8am-10pm
Dutch Girl Coin Laundry – Monday-Sunday 8am-8pm
Fiesta Laundries – Monday-Sunday 8am-10pm
NEED WHEELS DELIVERED?
DM Vans can ship a Lifestyle Vehicle® straight to your Southeast driveway, fully adventure‑ready. Build yours with the Van‑Finder (dmvans.com/van‑finder) and schedule East‑Coast delivery before your next Blue Ridge getaway.
SHARE YOUR BETA
Found a fresh dispersed spot, a post‑ride taco truck, or a hidden swim hole on the French Broad? Drop your tips in the comments so fellow travelers can keep the Asheville stoke flowing.
Everything you need, nothing you don’t—see you on the parkway.