U.S. National Forest Campground Guide

Pisgah National Forest

North Carolina



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CAMPGROUND NAME: Black Mountain

VISIT DATE: 04/21/1996

UPDATE DATE:  8/22/2020

STATE: North Carolina

REGION: Southern

RANGER DISTRICT: Appalachian

NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Busick

RESERVATIONS: 1-877-444-6777 or make on-line reservation

DIRECTIONS:
From Busick, NC, take State Rt. 80 north 0.7 miles to campground sign at South 
Toe River Rd.(Forest Rt. 472 and State Rt. 1205).  Bear left onto South Toe Rd. 
and go 2.5 miles to campground.

GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 3,000 ft.  

The campground is located in the shadow of Mt. Mitchell, the highest 
mountain in the east at 6,684 ft.  Accessing this mountain from the 
campground can be accomplished via Forest Rt. 472, a scenic but steep
and curvy drive.  From within the campground take a right on Rt. 472 
and drive up to the Blue Ridge Parkway (NOT for RVs).  Take a right
on the Parkway and proceed several miles to the Mt. Mitchell
State Park and the mountain.  Great views of the Black Mountains
and several trails.

Large football-size sports area.  Horseshoes, volleyball,
frisbee, etc.

SEASONS
Open Seasonal: Yes
Open All Year: No

Seasonal Comment:
Open April 15 through October 31

RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $22 per day - single
$44 per day - double
$28 per day - single with electric hookup
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14

CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 2
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 46
   
   Total Sites: 48

Tent Pads: Yes
Open Sites: No
Wooded Sites: Yes

No. Tables on Sites: 48
No. Grilles on Sites: 48
Equestrian Camping: No

RV INFORMATION
No. Full Hookups (includes waste): 0
No. Water and Electric Only: 0
No. Water Only: 0
No. Electric Only: 2

No. RV Pull Throughs: 2
Waste Station: Yes
Potable Water at Waste Station: No 
Largest Parking Apron Size: 11.5' X 84'

Comments:
Combination grassy/gravel aprons; many wider than largest apron
size above.  Some sites are reverse angle; not suitable for
trailers. Waste station located at Neil's Information Center
about a mile from campground.

BATH AND SHOWER FACILITIES
Vaults: No
Flush Toilets: Yes
Hot Showers: Yes

Comments:
A fee is charged for showers.

OTHER FACILITIES
Playground: No
Public Phone: No
No. Water Spigots (non-site): 7
  No. Threaded: 0
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: No

WATER SPORTS - None

Comments:
Stream wading

HIKING
Devil's Den Forest Walk - 0.5 mile
Mt. Mitchell Trail - 5.6 miles
Lost Cove Ridge Trail - 3.3 miles

FISHING
Trout

CAMPGROUND NAME: Carolina Hemlock VISIT DATE: 04/18/1996 UPDATE DATE: 8/22/2020 STATE: North Carolina REGION: Southern RANGER DISTRICT: Appalachian NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Busick RESERVATIONS: 1-877-444-6777 or make on-line reservation DIRECTIONS: From Busick, NC, take State Rt. 80 north 3.8 miles to campground on both sides of road. GENERAL COMMENTS: The elevation is 2,800 ft. There are two unnamed loops on both sides of State Rt. 80. One loop meanders over a hillside while the other is next to the floatable South Toe River. As the campground name suggests, there are a lot of hemlock but the many deciduous trees provide nice fall colors and the Rhododendruns good privacy for some campsites. While the campground has many examples of stonework, the most impressive are the riverside swim area and day-use pavillion. The hillside loop has the longer, wider parking aprons with better privacy. The riverside loop has tent-only campsites at the river's edge. And, this lower loop is more accessible for RVs. The hillside or upper loop, however, finds parking aprons at reverse angle, which are not suitable for travel trailers. A lantern pole is located at each campsite. Float tubes are available for rent at the campground and firewood is also available for a fee. A Kids Fishing Derby is held annually the first Saturday in June; confirm with the ranger district office. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques. SEASONS Open Seasonal: Yes Open All Year: No Seasonal Comment: Open April 15 through October 31 RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED Rate: $22 per day Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14 CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION No. RV Sites: 0 No. Tent Sites: 3 No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 34 Total Sites: 37 Tent Pads: Yes Open Sites: No Wooded Sites: Yes No. Tables on Sites: 37 No. Grilles on Sites: 37 Equestrian Camping: No RV INFORMATION Hookups: None No. RV Pull Throughs: 4 Waste Station: No Average Parking Apron Size: 10' X 58' Comments: The parking aprons are paved. BATH AND SHOWER FACILITIES Vaults: No Flush Toilets: Yes Hot Showers: Yes Comments: Spigots located within Campground circle - not accessible by vehicle. OTHER FACILITIES Playground: No Public Phone: No No. Water Spigots (non-site): 5 No. Threaded: 0 Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: No WATER SPORTS Wading, swimming area, and tubbing in South Toe River. HIKING Carolina Hemlock Trail #1003 (circuit - foot) - 1 mile FISHING Rainbow and Brown trout and Smallmouth bass

CAMPGROUND NAME: Curtis Creek VISIT DATE: 10/06/2004 UPDATE DATE: 8/22/2020 STATE: North Carolina REGION: Southern RANGER DISTRICT: Grandfather NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Old Fort RESERVATIONS: 1-877-444-6777 or make on-line reservation DIRECTIONS: From Old Fort, NC, take State Rt. 70 east 0.2 miles to campground sign (Curtis Creek Rd./State Rt. 1227). Turn left onto Curtis Creek Rd. and go 4.7 miles to campground. GENERAL COMMENTS: The elevation is 1,900 ft. The campground straddles Forest Rt. 482 for about a mile along Curtis Creek. It is located in the first tract of National Forest land purchased in 1911. This predominantly tent-only campground features grand old deciduous and conifer trees, the fast-flowing Curtis Creek, and a wilderness experience without some of the inconveniences. Except for a cluster of sites that accomodate both tents and RVs in a grass field, the dispersed feeling campsites are nestled in dense woods. Curtis Creek is located in a rich mountain hardwood forest. The campground is about 7 miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Privacy between these campsites is excellent. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques. SEASONS Open Seasonal: Yes Open All Year: No Seasonal Comment: Open April 1 through October 31 RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED Rate: $10 per day Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14 CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION No. RV Sites: 0 No. Tent Sites: 15 No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV):9 Total Sites: 24 Tent Pads: Yes Open Sites: Yes Wooded Sites: Yes No. Tables on Sites: 24 No. Grilles on Sites: 24 Equestrian Camping: No RV INFORMATION Hookups: None No. RV Pull Throughs: 0 Waste Station: No Average Parking Apron Size: 15' X 40' Comments: The interior road is paved and parking aprons are paved. FACILITIES Vaults: Yes Flush Toilets: No Hot Showers: No Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes Public Phone: No Playground: No No. Water Spigots (non-site): 2 No. Threaded: 0 Comments: Water spigots are handpumps. WATER SPORTS - None HIKING - Yes FISHING Rainbow trout

CAMPGROUND NAME: Davidson River VISIT DATE: 04/19/1996 UPDATE DATE: 8/22/2020 STATE: North Carolina REGION: Southern RANGER DISTRICT: Pisgah NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Brevard RESERVATIONS: 1-877-444-6777 or make on-line reservation DIRECTIONS: In Brevard, NC, at intersection of US Rts. 64 and 276 and State Rt. 280, take Rt. 276 north 1.1 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground. GENERAL COMMENTS: The elevation is 2,200 ft. The campground, stretching out along Davidson River, has eight loops - Sycamore, Apple Tree, Dogwood, Hemlock, Riverbend, Poplar, Laurel, and White Oak (and a connection spur). Some campsite, designated as premium, back up onto Davidson River. Although it has large hemlock trees, Sycamore Loop is the most open and has the majority of the sites with electric hook-ups, also. Hemlock and Poplar Loops have the best privacy and thick canopies. Riverbend Loop features huge Rhododendruns and an informal river swim area. A large level field exists between Hemlock and Dogwood Loops. Shade is provided by a pleasant mixture of hardwoods and conifers giving campground a spectular color display during Fall season. Rhododendrun and Dogwood enhance Spring foliage. Firewood is available for a fee. This is a nice family campground with lots to offer including day trips to the Blue Ridge Parkway where spectacular views of North Carolina are possible. Also available are bike and horse rentals and interpretive programs. SEASONS Open Seasonal: No Open All Year: Yes RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED Rate: $24 per day - single $48 per day - double NOTE: There is an additional $6 per day surcharge for electric and an additional $9 per day surcharge for water and sewer (neither is subject to Senior/Access discount). Full hookup sites available only if not occupied by a host. Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14 CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION No. RV Sites: 0 No. Tent Sites: 0 No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 160 Total Sites: 160 Tent Pads: Yes Open Sites: No Wooded Sites: Yes No. Tables on Sites: 160 No. Grilles on Sites: 160 Equestrian Camping: No RV INFORMATION No. Full Hookups (includes waste): 12 No. Water and Electric Only: 0 No. Water Only: 0 No. Electric Only: 14 No. RV Pull Throughs: 13 Waste Station: Yes Potable Water at Waste Station: Yes Average Parking Apron Size: 10' X 60' Comments: All aprons are paved and campground accommodates any size RV. Full hookup sites available only if not occupied by a host. BATH AND SHOWER FACILITIES Vaults: No Flush Toilets: Yes Hot Showers: Yes Comments: Wheelchair friendly showers found in Sycamore and Riverbend Loops. OTHER FACILITIES Playground: No Public Phone: Yes No. Water Spigots (non-site): 16 No. Threaded: 12 Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes WATER SPORTS - None HIKING Art Loeb Trail (foot) - 12.3 miles North Slope Trail (foot) - 3.7 miles Exercise Trail (foot) - 1.5 miles FISHING Trout.

CAMPGROUND NAME: Harmon Den Horse Camp VISIT DATE: 10/04/2004 UPDATE DATE: 8/22/2020 STATE: North Carolina REGION: Southern RANGER DISTRICT: Appalachian NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Canton RESERVATIONS: 1-877-444-6777 or make on-line reservation DIRECTIONS: In Canton, NC, take I-40 west 23.9 miles to Harmon Den exit (Exit 7). Bear right onto Exit 7 ramp and go to stop sign at end of ramp (Cold Springs Rd.). At stop sign, turn right onto Cold Springs Rd. (Forest Rt. 148) and go 3.7 miles to Harmon Den Horse Camp sign (Forest Rt. 3526). Turn right at sign onto Rt 3526 and go 0.3 miles to campground on left. NOTE: Forest Rt. 148 is a gravel road. GENERAL COMMENTS: The elevation is 2,900 ft. NOTE: The campground is gated. Reservations are required from the Ranger District Office in advance - call 828-622-3202. Secluded and undiscovered, this is a nice little equestrian- designed campground (but non-equestrian campers are welcomed) with campsites including multiple pole stalls and poles for tether lines and/or lantern. The campground stretches up a mountainside with the campsites tucked in among a variety of hardwood trees. Because of thick, wooded middlestory, privacy between campsites is good. There is a horse manure collection site and a watering trough for stock. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques. SEASONS Open Seasonal: Yes Open All Year: No Seasonal Comment: Open May 1 through October 31 RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED Rate: $15 per day Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14 CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION No. RV Sites: 0 No. Tent Sites: 0 No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 10 Total Sites: 10 Tent Pads: Yes Open Sites: Yes Wooded Sites: Yes No. Tables on Sites: 10 No. Grilles on Sites: 10 Equestrian Camping: Yes RV INFORMATION Hookups: No No. RV Pull Throughs: 0 Waste Station: No Average Parking Apron Size: 14' X 62' Comments: The parking aprons are gravel and most are same size. An RV waste station is available for a fee at Hot Springs campground in Hot Springs, NC FACILITIES Vaults: Yes Flush Toilets: No Hot Showers: No Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes Public Phone: No Playground: No No. Water Spigots (non-site): 1 No. Threaded: 0 Comments: The water spigot is a hand pump. WATER SPORTS - None HIKING Seven foot or horse trails are nearby, such as: Buckeye Ridge Trail - 5.4 miles Cherry Creek Trail - 1.6 miles Cold Springs Trail - 3.6 miles FISHING - No

CAMPGROUND NAME: Lake Powhatan VISIT DATE: 04/19/1996 UPDATE DATE: 8/22/2020 STATE: North Carolina REGION: Southern RANGER DISTRICT: Pisgah NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Asheville RESERVATIONS: 1-877-444-6777 or make on-line reservation DIRECTIONS: In Asheville, NC, at intersection of I-26 and I-40, take I-26 east 1.8 miles to State Rt. 191 (Exit 33). Take exit to traffic light (State Rt. 191). Turn left onto State Rt. 191 South and go 1.9 miles to Lake Powhatan sign. Turn right at sign and go 2.5 miles to campground. GENERAL COMMENTS: The elevation is 2,200 ft. The campground, adjacent to Lake Powhatan, has four loops - Hardtimes, Big John, Bent Creek, and Lakeside. The campsites are tucked in among a mixed forest of deciduous and conifer trees. Well spaced campsites with a thick middlestory makes for good privacy. Although Lakeside is closest loop to the lake, the campsites have no view of it. Convenient to Blue Ridge Parkway and mile upon mile of trails, this campground is good for transient campers, long weekend and vacation campers. Possible day trips are Asheville, Blue Ridge Parkway and Cradle of Forestry Visitor Center. Check the fee board for interpretive programs held during the summer season. Firewood and ice are available for a fee. SEASONS Open Seasonal: Yes Open All Year: No Seasonal Comment: Open March 1 through October 31 RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED Rate: $24 per day - single $30 per day - single with electric $33 per day - single, full hookups $48 per day - double NOTE: Discount applies to the $22.00 rate only. CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION No. RV Sites: 0 No. Tent Sites: 0 No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 98 Total Sites: 98 Tent Pads: Yes Open Sites: Yes Wooded Sites: Yes No. Tables on Sites: 98 No. Grilles on Sites: 98 Equestrian Camping: No RV INFORMATION No. Full Hookups (includes waste): 20 No. Water and Electric Only: 0 No. Water Only: 0 No. Electric Only: 3 No. RV Pull Throughs: 7 Waste Station: Yes Potable Water at Waste Station: Yes Average Parking Apron Size: 12' X 55' Comments: Some parking aprons are gravel, some are paved. The pull-throughs are very big. Full hookup campsites are available only if not occupied by a host. BATH AND SHOWER FACILITIES Vaults: No Flush Toilets: Yes Hot Showers: Yes Comments: The showers are wheelchair friendly. OTHER FACILITIES Playground: No Public Phone: Yes No. Water Spigots (non-site): 16 No. Threaded: 10 Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes WATER SPORTS Lake: Yes Swimming (provided): Yes Sailing: No Boat Ramp: No Boat Carry Down Access: No Power Boating: No Boating (no power): No Water Skiing: No Rafting (whitewater): No Kayaking (whitewater): No Comments: The lake is small with a sandy beach. HIKING All circuit hikes: Deerfield Loop (foot & mountain bike) - 0.75 miles Homestead (foot & mountain bike) - 1 mile Sleepy Gap/Grassy Mountain (foot) - 1.75 miles Pine Tree (foot & mountain bike) - 2 miles Explorer (foot & mountain bike) - 3 miles FISHING Brook, Brown and Rainbow trout

CAMPGROUND NAME: Mortimer VISIT DATE: 04/18/1996 UPDATE DATE: 8/22/2020 STATE: North Carolina REGION: Southern RANGER DISTRICT: Grandfather NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Lenoir RESERVATIONS: No DIRECTIONS: From Lenoir, NC, take State Rt. 90 west 21 miles to a "Y" intersection. Bear right and go 3.1 miles to campground on right. NOTE: State Rt. 90 becomes dirt and single lane after 18.1 miles. GENERAL COMMENTS: The elevation is 1,500 ft. The campground stretches up a hill in the Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River corridor. Campers must cross a low-water bridge to reach the campsites at the rear of campground which are in an open grass field. The rest of the campground has limited shade provided by hemlock, maple, and oak trees with a scattering of rhododendrons. Thorps Creek can be heard throughout but camping on the Creek's flood plain is not permitted. A third section, located on the other side of creek, is comprised of all walk-in tent sites snuggled in among huge rhododendrons. Although once Mortimer Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp F-5, little is left today. At the entrance to campground there is a white maintenance building from this 1930s period. Some CCC foundations remain behind the building. SEASONS Open Seasonal: Yes Open All Year: No Seasonal Comment: Open April 1 through October 31 RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED Rate: $20 per day - single $40 per day - double Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14 CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION No. RV Sites: 0 No. Tent Sites: 5 No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 11 Total Sites: 16 Tent Pads: Yes Open Sites: Yes Wooded Sites: Yes No. Tables on Sites: 16 No. Grilles on Sites: 16 Equestrian Camping: No RV INFORMATION Hookups: No No. RV Pull Throughs: 0 Waste Station: No Average Parking Apron Size: 12' X 45' Comments: Some parking aprons are gravel, others are grass BATH AND SHOWER FACILITIES Vaults: Yes Flush Toilets: Yes Hot Showers: Yes Comments: Showers are wheelchair friendly. OTHER FACILITIES Playground: No Public Phone: No No. Water Spigots (non-site): 2 No. Threaded: 2 Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes WATER SPORTS - None HIKING - Yes Bill Vines trail (foot) connects to Schoolhouse trail (foot) which leads to a network of trails in Wilson Creek area. Thorps Creek trail (foot) - 4.6 miles FISHING Nearby Wilson Creek offers trout fishing.

CAMPGROUND NAME: North Mills River VISIT DATE: 04/19/1996 UPDATE DATE: 8/22/2020 STATE: North Carolina REGION: Southern RANGER DISTRICT: Pisgah NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Mills River RESERVATIONS: 1-877-444-6777 or make on-line reservation DIRECTIONS: In Mills River, NC, at the intersection of State Routes 191 and 280, take 191 north .7 miles to State Route 1345 (N. Mills Rd). Turn left onto Rt. 1345 and go 5.1 miles to an intersection at campground's entrance. Turn right into North Loop or left into the campground's South Loop. GENERAL COMMENTS: The elevation is 2,300 ft. The campground is located on either side of North Mills River in a thick forest of deciduous trees and has two loops (North and South) and two unamed spurs. Some campsites have good privacy provided mainly by rhododendron. Tubbing is a popular seaonal sport on the river. The South Loop is more wooded, has campground's only double sites, paved parking aprons, and couple of riverside campsites. The North loop is slightly more sunny with gravel parking aprons and better privacy between campsites. Firewood is available for a fee. SEASONS Open Seasonal: No Open All Year: Yes Seasonal Comment: Services provided April 1 through October 31 RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED $24 per day - single $48 per day - double (no discount is honored on double campsites) Note: Half rate during winter when no potable water is available. Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14 CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION No. RV Sites: 0 No. Tent Sites: 6 No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 24 Total Sites: 30 Tent Pads: Yes Open Sites: Yes Wooded Sites: Yes No Tables on Sites: 30 No. Grilles on Sites: 30 Equestrian Camping: No RV INFORMATION Hookups: None No. RV Pull Throughs: 0 Waste Station: Yes Potable Water at Waste Station: Yes Average Parking Apron Size: 12' X 40' Comments: Some parking aprons are gravel, others are paved. The interior road is narrow and tree-lined. Both of the campground's spurs pose a turn-around challenge for motorhomes and large travel trailers. BATH AND SHOWER FACILITIES Vaults: Yes Flush Toilets: Yes Hot Showers: Yes OTHER FACILITIES Playground: No Public Phone: Yes No. Threaded: 7 Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes WATER SPORTS - None HIKING No FISHING Trout

CAMPGROUND NAME: Rocky Bluff VISIT DATE: 04/20/1996 UPDATE DATE: 8/22/2020 STATE: North Carolina REGION: Southern RANGER DISTRICT: Appalachian NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Hot Springs RESERVATIONS: 1-877-444-6777 or make on-line reservation DIRECTIONS: From Hot Springs, NC, take State Rt. 209 south 1.9 miles to campground on left. GENERAL COMMENTS: The elevation is 1,820. ft. The campground, located near Spring Creek and comprised of two loops, is most unique. The lower loop has a park-like feel, while the upper loop with its many close-growing trees, has more of a wilderness feel. Landscaping for the lower loop is very attractive with manicured grass understory and sculptured miniature hemlock trees. These trees seem to grow no more than 20 feet in height and are clumped at the top like palm trees. Most of the sites in the campground are terraced and built with stone walls. The predominant deciduous trees are maple, oak, and Dogwood. A cemetary is accessed via site 29 and is a reminder of the former residents - the Robert Brooks family. The Appalachian Trail runs through the town of Hot Springs. Be sure to visit Hot Springs to see several historic sights, such as the Mountain Park Hotel. During the First World War, German prisoners were interned there. SEASONS Open Seasonal: Yes Open All Year: No Seasonal Comment: Open Friday before Menorial Day through Tuesday after Labor Day RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED Rate: $15 per day Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14 CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION No. RV Sites: 0 No. Tent Sites: 6 No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 24 Total Sites: 30 Tent Pads: Yes Open Sites: Yes Wooded Sites: Yes No. Tables on Sites: 30 No. Grilles on Sites: 30 Equestrian Camping: No RV INFORMATION Hookups: None No. RV Pull Throughs: 0 Waste Station: No Average Parking Apron Size: 12' X 45' Comments: Some parking aprons are paved, others are gravel. Low-hanging branches could be a problem for high-profile RVs. A few parking aprons have a significant slope. An RV waste station is available for a fee at Hot Spring campground in Hot Springs, NC. BATH AND SHOWER FACILITIES Vaults: No Flush Toilets: Yes Hot Showers: No Comments: The one bathhouse is located in lower loop. OTHER FACILITIES Playground: No Public Phone: No No. Water Spigots (non-site): 3 No. Threaded: 0 Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: No WATER SPORTS - None HIKING Van Cliff Loop Trail (foot) - 2.6 miles Spring Creek Nature Trail (foot) - 1.2 miles Spencer's Overlook Trail (foot) - 0.1 miles FISHING Rainbow Trout




Fred and Suzi Dow