How This North Carolina Town’s Ban On RVs And Camping Will Impact Summer Visitors

Waynesville, North Carolina, a picturesque city nestled between Gatlinburg and Asheville (and is a great Smokies alternative to both), has taken a strong stance by formally banning campgrounds and RV parks inside its limits. This choice displays the group’s want to protect its distinctive character and residential really feel.

Whereas guests can’t camp or park their RVs on the town, Waynesville nonetheless affords loads of lodging choices and out of doors adventures close by, making it an ideal getaway for these looking for mountain appeal minus the expertise of huge campgrounds.

Listed below are the explanation why Waynesville has banned RVs and campgrounds, the way it’s impacting guests, and the place you possibly can keep (plus issues to do and see) when you do resolve to go to, particularly for tenting within the busy summer season season.

Why Doesn’t Waynesville, NC Permit Campgrounds And RV Parks?

In 2020, Waynesville’s city leaders unanimously voted to ban campgrounds and RV parks contained in the city boundaries. This choice was triggered when information emerged {that a} potential RV park growth may happen close to a cherished native nation membership. Involved residents and officers felt such a growth wouldn’t match the peaceable, residential nature of Waynesville.

After discussions with the zoning administrator, planning board, and aldermen, the ban was formalized.

The city, dwelling to about 10,000 residents, had not confronted important strain from campground or RV park proposals earlier than this episode. Officers famous that there was little demand for these services in recent times, making the ban a proactive transfer to keep up Waynesville’s small-town ambiance.

The consensus was clear that campgrounds and RV parks don’t align properly with the city’s imaginative and prescient or zoning insurance policies, particularly close to residential and leisure areas.

However how is the ban affecting guests, particularly in the summertime? The reply is seemingly not that a lot, notably, as officers famous, the demand amongst RVers and campers has not been notably excessive. Naturally, Waynesville’s RV and campground restrictions imply RVers and campers have fewer choices when staying within the city itself.

Nonetheless, there are many lodging decisions inside the city, along with campgrounds and RV parks positioned simply exterior the city’s limits (so campers and RV customers can nonetheless get pleasure from a trip right here by utilizing the services close to Waynesville).

The place To Keep In Waynesville (And Camp Close by)

Although campgrounds and RV parks are off the desk inside Waynesville, lodging choices are plentiful each on the town and simply past its borders. Guests looking for conventional lodging will discover a vary of charming accommodations, cozy motels, historic inns, and alluring mattress and breakfasts.

For a extra private and historic keep, think about the Andon-Reid Inn Bed & Breakfast, Love Lane Bed & Breakfast, or The Yellow House on Plott Creek Road—every providing distinctive appeal and a heat mountain-town really feel. The Best Western Smoky Mountain Inn offers comfy, fashionable facilities, whereas the Waynesville Inn & Golf Club is a full-fledged vacation spot, combining refined hospitality with scenic, top-rated golf.

In the event you’re touring in an RV or planning to camp, you are still in luck. A number of campgrounds and RV parks are positioned simply exterior the city limits. The closest is Lake Junaluska Campground, solely three miles away. Different close by choices embody Riverhouse RV Resort, Cross Creek RV Park, and several other others that supply the whole lot from riverside views to swimming pools, play areas, and canine parks.

Lodging Choices in Waynesville:

• Andon-Reid Inn Mattress & Breakfast
• Love Lane Mattress & Breakfast
• The Yellow Home on Plott Creek Highway
• Finest Western Smoky Mountain Inn
• Waynesville Inn & Golf Membership

Tenting Choices Simply Exterior Waynesville:

• Lake Junaluska Campground
• Riverhouse RV Resort
• Cross Creek RV Park

What Is There To See And Do In Waynesville?

Waynesville is completely positioned for exploring regional hotspots like Asheville and the Biltmore Property to the east, and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and the Smoky Mountains. The Blue Ridge Parkway affords breathtaking drives and scenic overlooks only a quick drive away. However you won’t need to enterprise far – Waynesville itself is an enthralling mountain city full of out of doors journey and small-town appeal and is an underrated gem price contemplating over Asheville’s greater crowds.

Waynesville is the proper launch level for out of doors journey and small-town tradition, due to its location on the foot of the Nice Smoky Mountains and simply off the enduring Blue Ridge Parkway. For close by out of doors enjoyable, Lake Junaluska—simply minutes away—offers a “spiritual” experience with serene waterside strolls, kayaking, and peaceable mountain views.

Again on the town, Waynesville has a vigorous but laid-back appeal. Predominant Road is lined with unbiased boutiques, galleries, and native staples just like the Mast General Store, a beloved clothing store and normal retailer. Foodies will admire the combination of informal cafés, Southern eateries, and farm-to-table eating places—plus a few native breweries serving craft beers in a relaxed mountain setting.

Artwork and tradition are additionally deeply woven into Waynesville’s cloth. The Historic Frog Level district, positioned between Predominant Road and Richland Creek, affords a inventive hub filled with artisan outlets, craft breweries and eating places, vintage shops, and specialty outlets. The Shelton Home, in-built 1875, now hosts the Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts, highlighting the state’s wealthy people artwork heritage.

For reside leisure, catch a present on the Haywood Arts Regional Theater, a revered semi-professional group theater recognized for its year-round productions. And when you’re visiting in summer season, do not miss the Waynesville Summer Street Dances, held as soon as per 30 days on Friday nights in the summertime. These family-friendly group occasions have a good time Appalachian music and dance.

The 2025 Waynesville Summer season Road Dances will likely be held on June 27, July 18, and August 8 from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. on Predominant Road in downtown Waynesville.

Abstract of Issues to See and Do in and Round Waynesville:

• Lake Junaluska
• Native boutiques and galleries
• Mast Common Retailer
• Historic Frog Stage District
• Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts on the Shelton Home
• Haywood Arts Regional Theater
• Waynesville Summer season Road Dances

When Is The Finest Time To Go to Waynesville?

Waynesville’s appeal shines year-round, however the perfect time to go to is dependent upon your pursuits. Fall is very common, as the encircling mountains explode with vibrant shades of crimson, orange, and yellow, drawing leaf-watchers from close to and much. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and gentle climate—ultimate for climbing and having fun with the outside.

Summer season is ideal for festival-goers, river adventures, and exploring the native arts scene. Winter affords a quieter, extra peaceable escape, with occasional snowfall including a magical contact to the mountain panorama.

Waynesville’s ban on campgrounds and RV parks highlights its dedication to preserving the city’s tranquil, residential character. Whilst you gained’t discover conventional campgrounds inside the city, loads of lodging and tenting choices lie simply exterior, permitting guests to get pleasure from Waynesville’s beautiful surroundings, wealthy tradition, and out of doors adventures.

Whether or not staying in a comfortable inn or tenting close by, this scenic North Carolina mountain city affords an unforgettable getaway.