Near RAD (River Arts District) Bike Path | Wild Camping

August 18th, 2023 by ironyontherocks

Closed. No signage but police showed up and cleared everyone out this morning. They said it’s “your responsibility to know local ordinances, and it’s illegal to sleep in your vehicle in the state of North Carolina whether there’s signage saying so or not.” They said locals had been complaining. 🤷🏻‍♀️

March 31st, 2023 by randysharong

There are no signs posted at this time that you are not allowed to park overnight. I wonder if it is seasonal.
There were three of us vans that parked overnight and no issues.
We could heat the music from the Guitar Bar across the street and one train at 2:00 am but but overall a great place to spend the night.

Watch out for the huge pothole in the middle of the lot. It could do damage.

November 10th, 2022 by chantale.rondeau64

We slept here 3 nights and everything was perfect. It is a little bit noisy but it is free and accross a bike path in the urban art district.

October 13th, 2022 by mirthbark

This is generally a safe spot although I will caution that there is a huge homeless encampment under the nearby I-240 bridge, where there are often crimes related to people in desperate situations (theft, assaults, sexual assault and opioid abuse)
My caution would be to use general common sense about locking unattended vehicles and leaving not valuables in plain sight. I live and work in this neighborhood and interact with Asheville police often. They really don’t care about people parking here overnight as long as they are not causing problems.

September 28th, 2022 by 919amelia

Signs say no overnight parking and the lot was empty at 10:30 pm. There are other nearby spots with no signs.

July 30th, 2022 by elizabethpayne45

Signs everywhere that state no overnight parking. Still seeing plenty of camper vans, etc parked in various lots. Not sure how enforced as there are a handful of lots in the area. Seems to be plenty of alternatives.

June 1st, 2022 by solscher

We stayed here last night. There were about 10 other vans RV's Van's and cars. it was not over crowded but full. It's a nice quiet spot next to a river. We did hear the train a few times but no big deal. Definitely a good spot.

May 15th, 2022 by adventuresofbobvance

Awesome spot in Asheville! As described - parking lot near the river. There’s a nice over sidewalk by the river that leads to restaurants and bars within walking distance. Very quiet at night, some noise during the day from street traffic and people using the sidewalk. We’ve stayed here for 2 nights so far with no issue. There have been over campervans parked overnight as well. Enough cell signal on AT&T and Verizon to work using our hotspots. Definitely recommend!!

May 13th, 2022 by josikytle

Flat, quiet clean spaces on river. Opposite bars and restaurants. Tons of various rigs. Safe and great location.

March 23rd, 2022 by cailiekafura

Awesome spot on the French Broad River! Right next to the bike path and public bathrooms are about a 5-10 minute walk away. Bigger potholes when it rains but there are two concrete spots that could hold a few vehicles. 2 other vans were there and it felt safe enough in my opinion. Across the street from cotton mill studio!

February 22nd, 2022 by hare_s

Great spot! In river. Gravel but only 1 pot hole. Spots for about 10 vehicles. 6 of us here last night. Pretty quiet.

January 25th, 2022 by chrisco617

Looks to be an old overflow lot for boaters as there's another parking lot with a boat ramp about 100 yards away, as well as a low grade (slope) and wide set of stairs down to the river only about 20 yards from there lot. Really great spot for those looking to do some kayaking.

There were a few other vans when I stayed last night, no interaction with anyone else as I came in pretty late. overnight no issues. Fair amount of pedestrian foot traffic during the day as a walking path follows the river and butts right up to the lot.

September 12th, 2021 by ljairey

stealth mode. minor road noises but undisturbed all night.

April 29th, 2021 by bfeldman63

We stayed in a gravel paved area inside the RAD (river arts district) of Asheville. Great location just next to greenway bike path along river bank. Good access to arts district and local amenities - bars food trucks etc. You need a stealth kind of setup, no one came to bother us. No signs of “no camping” or “no overnight”. The area is more industrial but converted to arts and studios. Some road noise and distant rail for good measure. Good find.