U.S. National Forest Campground Guide

Pisgah National Forest

North Carolina



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UPDATEREVIEW
1 review, Avg. Rating: Excellent
CAMPGROUND NAME: Black Mountain

VISIT DATE: 04/21/1996

UPDATE DATE:  2/18/2025

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 30

NOTE: 1/21/2025 - Black Mountain campground will be closed the entire 
2025 season due to extensive storm damage from Hurricane Helene. Contact 
ranger district for status. 

RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $28 per day - single, no hookups
$35 per day - single w/ electric hookups
$56 per day - double

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: 3

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

UPDATEREVIEW
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CAMPGROUND NAME: Carolina Hemlock

VISIT DATE: 04/18/1996

UPDATE DATE:  2/18/2025

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 1 through October 30

NOTE: 1/21/2025 - Campground will open April 1 pending 
emergency repairs to campground are completed. Contact 
ranger district office for status. 

RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $28 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

UPDATEREVIEW
1 review, Avg. Rating: Good
CAMPGROUND NAME: Curtis Creek

VISIT DATE: 10/06/2004

UPDATE DATE: 2/18/2025

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 March 31 through December 31

NOTE: 2/13/2025 - This location is closed until further notice due to significant 
impacts from Hurricane Helene. The Forest Service is hoping to be able to reopen 
at some point in 2025. Contact ranger district office for the latest information.

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

UPDATEREVIEW
1 review, Avg. Rating: Excellent
CAMPGROUND NAME: Davidson River

VISIT DATE: 04/19/1996

UPDATE DATE: 1/22/2025

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: $35 per day - single, no hookups
$43 per day - single w/ electric hookups
$70 per day - double

NOTE: Senior discount does not apply to electric surcharge
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.

UPDATEREVIEW
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CAMPGROUND NAME: Harmon Den Horse Camp

VISIT DATE: 10/04/2004

UPDATE DATE:  2/18/2025

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
NOTE: Reservations only. No walk-ups / first come - first served.

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

UPDATEREVIEW
2 reviews, Avg. Rating: Excellent
CAMPGROUND NAME: Lake Powhatan

VISIT DATE: 04/19/1996

UPDATE DATE: 1/22/2025

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: Yes

Seasonal Comment:
Limited services November 1 through March 1

RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $35 per day - single, no hookups
$43 per day - single w/ electric hookups
$49 per day - single w/ full hookups
$70 per day - double
NOTE: Discount does not apply to hookup fees.

NOTE: Reservations required March 23 through November 15  

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

UPDATEREVIEW
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CAMPGROUND NAME: Mortimer

VISIT DATE: 04/18/1996

UPDATE DATE:  2/18/2025

STATE: North Carolina

REGION: Southern

RANGER DISTRICT: Grandfather

NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Lenoir

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

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 March 31 through November 3

RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $20 per day - single
$40 per day - double
NOTE: Campground is reservations only.
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.

UPDATEREVIEW
1 review, Avg. Rating: Good
CAMPGROUND NAME: North Mills River

VISIT DATE: 04/19/1996

UPDATE DATE: 2/18/2025

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
$31 per day - single, no hookups
$46 per day - single w/ elctric hookups
$62 per day - double

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
No. Full Hookups (includes waste): 0
No. Water and Electric Only: 0
No. Water Only: 0
No. Electric Only: 1
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

UPDATEREVIEW
1 review, Avg. Rating: Excellent
CAMPGROUND NAME: Rocky Bluff

VISIT DATE: 04/20/1996

UPDATE DATE: 2/18/2025

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 May 27 through September 4

NOTE: 2/13/2025 - Rocky Bluff campground is closed until further notice due 
to significant impacts from Hurricane Helene. Contact ranger district office 
for latest information.

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

UPDATEREVIEW
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CAMPGROUND NAME: Wolf Ford Horse Camp

VISIT DATE: 03/14/2019

UPDATE DATE: 2/18/2025

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-40 and I-26, take I-26 east 
1.8 miles to Exit 33 (State Rt. 191).  Take exit ramp to traffic 
light.  Turn left onto State Rt. 191 South and go 9.8 miles to 
N. Mills River Rd. (Rt. 1345) Turn right onto N. Mills Rd. and go 
13.5 miles to campground on left.

NOTE:  N. Mills River Rd (Rt. 1345) becomes Yellow Gap Rd once 
in the Pisgah National Forest.

GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 3,300 feet.

This little single loop campground winds through a stand of mixed 
trees typical of the Southeast.  Mature maples, oaks, poplars, birch 
and pines provide good shade. Although pleasant all year, the 
campground is especially lovely in the spring with the bright fall 
foliage of autumn.  Once part of the Vanderbilt estate, the campground 
is a good base camp from which to discover and explore the nearby 
sights and attractions such as nearby Looking Glass Falls, Blue Ridge 
Parkway, Twin Falls, as well as Cradle of Forestry Museum and Visitor 
Center. The only horse facilitates provided are hi-lines.  The use 
of portable corrals are discouraged.  Although designated a horse 
camp, all campers are welcomed.

SEASONS
Open Seasonal: Yes
Open All Year: No

Seasonal Comment:
Open March 22 through November 15

RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $15 per day - single
$30 per day - double
NOTE: Reservations required before arrival. Gated access. Code provided 
with reservation confirmation.
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14

CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 0
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 11
   
   Total Sites: 11

Tent Pads: Yes
Open Sites: Yes
Wooded Sites: Yes

No. Tables on Sites: 11
No. Grilles on Sites: 11
Equestrian Camping: Yes

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

No. RV Pull Throughs: 0
Waste Station: No
Potable Water at Waste Station: No 
Average Parking Apron Size: Any Size RV

Comments:
The parking aprons are gravel.  Potable water is available at Pink 
Beds Picnic Area, 3.7 miles south of campground on U.S. Hwy 276.

FACILITIES
Vaults: Yes
Flush Toilets: No
Hot Showers: No
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: No

Public Phone: No
Playground: No
No. Water Spigots (non-site): 0
  No. Threaded: 0

Comments:
None

WATER SPORTS - None

HIKING
Hiking: Yes

Comments:
A connector trail leads to a 50-mile network of foot, horse and 
mountain bike trails.

FISHING	
Fishing: No




Fred and Suzi Dow