The Biltmore Estate, North Carolina
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
As you pull up to the Biltmore Estate in your rental RV, it will feel like you’re in a scene out of an aristocratic film. The extravagant castle-like mansion is perched in the foothills of the Appalachians just outside Asheville and is truly a sight to behold. Its sprawling grounds cover 8,000 acres, and the mansion itself boasts 250 rooms—many of which maintain their historic charm.
The mansion was built in 1895 by a member of the Vanderbilt family—the same family who founded Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. Amazingly, the estate is still privately owned by the Vanderbilt family. Today, visitors flock to Biltmore to view the stately grandeur of the manicured property and appreciate the unique architecture.
Although you can’t see the entire 176,000 square foot house, you’ll have access to plenty of the grandeur of Biltmore. In an effort to increase tourism during the Great Depression, in 1930 the property was opened to the public. Amazing marble fireplaces (of which there are 65), 500-year-old tapestries, and the enormous seven-story banquet hall are just a tiny sneak peek into this historic house.
You have a few options when it comes to exploring the Biltmore house and all include access to the property’s grounds. You can do a self-guided tour, upgrade to an audio guide, or splurge for the ‘exclusive experience.’ This VIP treatment will provide an expert tour guide for an exclusive two-hour tour which provides access to restricted areas based on your personal interests in the house.
The Biltmore Estate features 75 acres of meticulously manicured gardens. You may have heard of Frederick Law Olmstead, the world-renowned landscape architect who designed the grounds. Walk among the numerous reflecting ponds and take in the beauty of each of the unique features including an azalea garden and the walled garden. The nearby conservancy also houses an impressive collection of orchids.
The meandering garden walking paths begin immediately in front of the house and you can easily navigate through each of the unique settings. Tourists love to visit the gardens in the spring as thousands of flowers begin to bloom and again in the fall as the robust reds, oranges, and yellows appear.
Yes, the estate is so large, that there is room for a little village inside of it. Antler Hill Village provides plenty of opportunities to learn more about the history of the house and grounds and have some modern fun as well. The farmyard houses a variety of animals that were important residents in the early days of Biltmore and great hands-on activities for kids are available as well.
Also view various craft demonstrations (including blacksmithing), enjoy live music at the bandstand, and peruse the little shops for a souvenir or two. There are also several dining options, and an obligatory ice cream cone from the creamery is a great way to round out the day. If you wish, there is also a hotel and a luxury inn on the property if you’d like to change things up a bit from staying in your RV.
The grounds also feature a well-known winery. Biltmore produces an array of white and red styles for all different kinds of palettes. From buttery chardonnays to bold cabernets, Biltmore is bound to make something that pleases your taste buds.
Try a nice sampling of their offerings with your complimentary tasting and learn about the winemaking process on a behind-the-scenes tour. Here, you’ll learn about the science of fermentation and the unique advantages and challenges of vineyard management in North Carolina. All tour attendees must be 21 years of age with a valid ID.
The massive estate also offers 22 miles of hiking trails, which is more than a significant number of state and national parks. Take a relaxing walk and enjoy the views of the river, rolling meadows, and lush forests. You’re also likely to encounter a variety of bird species as well, so keep your eyes and ears open.
If you’d like a little more special hiking experience, the estate also offers guided hikes (for an additional fee) that originate from the Outdoor Adventure Center. Each hike has a specific objective such as mindfulness, wildlife viewing, and forestry. Visit the center and determine which hike sounds best for your group.
Asheville can feel a little busy during peak tourism season in the summer. Get away from the hustle and bustle at Buck Creek RV Park up in the town of Marion. A painless 33-mile drive on the interstate will bring you to Biltmore with ease. The campground offers 74 RV campsites on 48 acres of land, so you’ll feel like there’s plenty of space. Choose from either 30- or 50-amp electrical service for your full hookup site. Your group will also enjoy mountain stream frontage with fishing, hiking land, complimentary Wi-Fi, fire rings, and ice cream available for purchase.
One of your closest options to Biltmore is the Asheville Bear Creek RV Park at just a nine-mile drive to the west. There are 90 paved spaces to choose from, either back-in or pull-through, that can accommodate rigs up to 60 feet in length. You’ll enjoy full hookup access with 30- or 50-amp electrical service, showers, laundry, a pool, Wi-Fi, playground, and clubhouse. The campground’s close proximity to the bustling tourist center of downtown Asheville is also a huge plus.
You’ll find Mama Gertie’s Hideaway Campground about 10 miles to the east in Swannanoa. There’s plenty of full hookup sites for your RV and if you opt for a premium spot, you’ll enjoy incredible mountain views. Each site provides campers with a picnic table and fire ring as well as cable television and Wi-Fi access. Unique amenities include an exercise room, easy access to hiking trails, and a well-stocked camp store.
Looking for peace and quiet? If you and your guests are 55 or older, the unique adults-only Lakewood RV Resort is perfect for you. About 25 miles south of Biltmore off of I-26, the campground is nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You’ll love your full hookup site complete with a concrete patio. Guests can also enjoy the fishing pond, heated swimming pool, recreation room, and exercise gym.
Located right on the French Broad River, the same river that passes through Biltmore’s grounds, Wilson’s Riverfront RV Park is just five miles away from the estate. Enjoy campsites locations along the river shore, full hookup access, and plenty of river fun. Go swimming, fishing, tubing, or kayaking with ease. You’re also just five miles from Asheville so hopping into town for other entertainment and a meal is a breeze.
Primarily located in Antler Hill Village and also scattered around the grounds, Biltmore has 15 different food and drink establishments on site. You’ll find quick grab-and-go sandwich stations as well as fine dining establishments with linen tablecloths. A few of the featured restaurants are a café serving Appalachian comfort food, a bistro with pizzas and pastas, a seafood restaurant, a creamery, the wine bar, and a tavern. There’s plenty more so no matter what you’re in the mood for, you can find it on site.
Just head into Asheville. Seriously. More than 300 restaurants in the area feature cuisine from every corner of the globe. As mentioned earlier, seafood and BBQ are the primary feature throughout town. Asheville is also a site for craft beer enthusiasts, with more than 25 breweries in the city alone.
No matter where you stay when visiting the Biltmore Estate, the incredible property will make memories for a lifetime. It’s also a great reason to visit the bustling entertainment hub of Asheville and enjoy the scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Put Biltmore Estate on your list for your RV road trip through North Carolina now!