The Scenic North Carolina Mountain Town That Has Fully Banned RV Parks And Campgrounds
Waynesville, North Carolina is a picturesque town sitting in between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Known as the "Gateway to the Smokies," it is located about 30 miles southwest of Asheville and 150 miles west of Charlotte. Over the years, it has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike looking to escape the bustling city and enjoy the great outdoors. While Waynesville has become a popular spot to explore, dine, and shop, there is one thing that people cannot do.
In 2020, local decision-makers unanimously voted to ban campgrounds and RV parks within the town limits. The decision was made after rumblings surfaced that an RV park could possibly get developed near a beloved country club. The group ultimately ruled that RV parks and campgrounds would not be a good match for Waynesville, and a ban was officially declared.
While there are no RV parks or campgrounds within the town limits, there are a plethora of available options for visitors looking to choose those types of accommodations outside of city limits. Tourists who want to stay in town can choose from several hotels, motels, vacation rentals, and bed and breakfasts. Although there are no RV parks or campgrounds in Waynesville, visitors can still experience its unique charm.
Why Waynesville doesn't allow RV parks or campgrounds
The idyllic mountain town with a population of roughly 10,000 residents didn't always have campground concerns. However, that changed when some locals heard an RV park was scoping out the land near the local country club. Shortly afterward, the town's zoning administrator, planning board, and aldermen gathered to discuss a possible solution. The aldermen eventually ruled that the nature of campgrounds and RV parks didn't feel appropriate in residential areas, according to The Mountaineer, Waynesville's local news site. The leaders also pointed out that they hadn't received an influx of requests for campground or RV parks in previous years, so there was clearly no significant demand for one.
For outdoorsy visitors looking to explore the Waynesville area with an RV or tent, there are still plenty of available options just outside of town. There are a plethora of campgrounds and RV parks that lie just a few miles outside of Waynesville, with Lake Junaluska Campground being the closest at just 3 miles away. Alternative options include Riverhouse RV Resort(7 miles), Winngray Campground(8 miles), Pride RV Resort (10 miles), and Creekwood Farm RV Park (10 miles), Moonshine Creek Campground (10 miles), and the Pisgah View RV Park (30 miles). Most have bathrooms, showers, play areas, swimming pools, dog parks, and other amenities. Some of the campgrounds that rest on winding rivers even offer their own adventures, such as fishing and boating. If you're willing to go even further afield, there's an award-winning and spacious riverside campground an hour away near Gatlinburg.
Where to stay and what to do in Waynesville, North Carolina
People looking for an authentic outdoor experience in Waynesville shouldn't get discouraged by the town's ban on RV parks and campgrounds. Since the primary reason the town created the rule was to protect its natural beauty and serenity, there are still plenty of places where people can stay and still feel one with nature.
The Oak Park Inn is a quaint motel with a southern touch located in downtown Waynesville on Main Street. Just a few blocks away lies Andon-Reid Inn Bed & Breakfast, a historic property with a rustic modern cabin feel. Some other accommodation options include the Waynesville Inn and Golf Club, the Best Western Smoky Mountain Inn, Love Lane Bed & Breakfast, and the Yellow House. For a serene retreat an hour from Waynesville, visit this picturesque lake at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Regardless of where travelers choose to stay, there is a wide variety of activities they can do while staying in Waynesville. Just east in the Great Smoky Mountains, hikers can take on the short but steep Clingman's Dome trail to Kuwohi, one of the highest peaks in the U.S. After a day spent exploring the landmark, guests can relax and unwind in Waynesville by dining at casual or fine-dining restaurants, sipping local brews, and shopping at one-of-a-kind boutiques. Waynesville also prides itself on the arts and entertainment scene, as the town is also home to the Shelton House Museum and Haywood Arts Regional Theatre (HART).