Complete Guide to the Best Campsites Near Pisgah National Forest; Frontcountry, Backcountry, and Dispersed Campsites
Pisgah National Forest, NC - Photo Credit: Aaron Clinard
Wintertime may not leave you feeling inspired to get outdoors to go hiking or camping, but it's the perfect time to start planning trips for the warmer months! Pathloom is here to help - Use our All-in-One outdoor adventure travel planning app to discover new hiking trails leading to new developed and dispersed campsites throughout the entire country! Click the link to join thousands in our open BETA testing today!
Pisgah National Forest is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. It’s a great alternative to the often-overcrowded Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as it’s just an hour east. Spanning over 500,000 acres of land, this National Forest offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, and serves as a great alternative to help avoid the crowds at nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From camping and hiking to fishing and biking, there are plenty of ways to explore the beauty of Pisgah National Forest.
The forest is just 30 minutes from Asheville, NC, and provides easy access to the city’s many attractions and scenic views. With diverse landscapes ranging from lush green forests to cascading waterfalls, it's easy to see why so many people flock to this destination every year. Whether looking for a peaceful escape or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, Pisgah National Forest has something for everyone!
This guide will cover the best frontcountry campsites near Pisgah National Forest, with a few bonus backcountry and dispersed sites. Read on to learn everything you need about campsites in Pisgah National Forest before your trip!
Best Frontcountry / Developed Campgrounds Near Pisgah National Forest:
Campground Name | Season | Fees | # of Sites | Location | Reservations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apr - Oct | $100/ group / night | 6 | 21 miles from Pisgah Forest via NC-80 N | ||
Apr - Aug | $10-20/ night | 13 | 30 miles from Pisgah Forest via US 276 S | ||
Apr - Oct | $28/ night | 41 | 15 miles from Pisgah Forest via NC-80 N | Walk-in | |
Year Round | $40/ night | 1 | 30 miles from Pisgah Forest via US 276 S | ||
May - Sep | $15/ night | 19 | 39 miles from Pisgah Forest via US-25 S | ||
Year Round | $28-44/ night | 27 | 29 miles from Pisgah Forest via NC 280 W | Walk-in | |
Feb - Nov | $32/ night | 62 | 31 miles from Pisgah Forest via I-26 W | Walk-in | |
Year Round | $55/ night | 1 | 17 miles from Pisgah Forest via US-64 W | ||
Mar - Oct | $20/ night | 17 | 18 miles from Pisgah Forest via NC-90 E | ||
Year Round | $22-44/ night | 43 | 4 miles from Pisgah Forest via State Rd |
Best For Nature Lovers: Briar Bottom Group Campground
Photo Credit - Adisa F
With easy access to nearby amenities, along with breathtaking views and plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, the Briar Bottom Group Campground is the ideal destination for any group of outdoor enthusiasts. The campground features spacious campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, and a range of recreational activities to explore. Consider trying fishing, swimming, and boating, or check out one of many hiking trails in the area.
Best For Families: Wolf Ford Roadside Campground
Photo Credit: Wes Hicks
Located near the Mills River, this campground offers a variety of amenities, including access to fishing, swimming, and hiking trails. The Wolf Ford Roadside Campground also features a playground and picnic area for families with children to enjoy. Convenient amenities like bathrooms and grills are available on-site, and it’s a stone’s throw away from tons of water activities.
Best For Scenery: Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area and Campground
Photo Credit: Natalie Runnerstrom
This campground is located within Pisgah National Forest and is home to a diverse range of plant and animal life, as well as numerous streams and waterfalls to discover. You can hike the nearby trails and explore the area's natural beauty, from Upper Creek to Shining Rock Wilderness. The campground is also close to the Blue Ridge Parkway for additional hiking and sightseeing opportunities.
We recommend bringing a bug repellent spray with you to the Carolina Hemlock Recreation Area and Campground— mosquitoes and other insects are quite common during certain seasons!
Best For Horseback Riding: Wash Creek Horse Campground
Photo Credit: Debby Hudson
Wash Creek Horse Campground is an equestrian dream. There are horse corrals, tie-outs, and a wash rack for horses. The campground is on a gravel road accessible by vehicles with horse trailers. There are tons of scenic trails in the area for horseback riding, and the nearby Wash Creek Wildlife Area is an excellent spot for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
Best For Views: Rocky Bluff Campground
Photo Credit: Sarah Parlier
As the name suggests, this campground is situated on a rocky bluff deep in the wilderness, providing visitors with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and trees. The campground supports both tent and RV camping. You can enjoy fishing in the nearby river, or watch various species of birds during your trip to Rocky Bluff Campground. We recommend the Vancliff Loop Trail for a stunning vantage point.
Best For Outdoor Activities: North Mills River Campground
Photo Credit: Wes Hicks
North Mills River Campground is found on the banks of the North Mills River, surrounded by Pisgah National Forest. We highly recommend hiking the North Mills River Trail, which winds along the river and offers stunning views of the mountains. The campground also has all the amenities you will need, from fire rings to flush toilets.
Best For Adventure: Lake Powhatan Campground
Photo Credit: F Samuels
Nestled in the heart of the Pisgah National Forest, Lake Powhatan Campground is in the perfect spot to access everything from swimming and fishing in the lake to hiking and mountain biking on the nearby trails. The prime location of this campground near Asheville makes it easy to have an unforgettable adventure! In addition, this campground is equipped with all the dispersed campsite necessities, including fire pits, picnic tables, and restroom facilities.
Best For Groups: White Pines Group Campground
Photo Credit: Zach Plank
This campground is ideal for large groups, families, and organizations, with ample space and privacy. It is located in a secluded and peaceful area surrounded by the forest, giving visitors easy access to the adjacent stream and numerous nearby nature activities.
The White Pines Group Campground is open from May through October and offers group camping sites for tent camping, as well as RV hookups. It also features a group picnic shelter and fire pit, perfect for group meals and gatherings, as well as a playground for kids.
We recommend bringing your own potable water, as the campground may not have a water supply during certain times of the year. Updates on current availability can be found here.
Best For A Secluded Getaway: Mortimer Campground
Photo Credit: Mario Tilley
Mortimer Campground offers a variety of unique amenities to enhance your camping experience, including hot showers and firewood. There’s also a hiking trail that leads to a scenic waterfall.
Mortimer Campground is known for being one of the best tent campsites in the Asheville area, and is quite popular during peak season, so we advise you to reserve your campsite in advance!
Best For Amenities: Davidson River Campground
Photo Credit: Ashley Knedler
Davidson River Campground offers a variety of amenities for a comfortable camping experience, including potable water, hot showers, and picnic tables. The campground has 43 sites available for both tent and RV camping, and it's located in a beautiful area that makes it easy to experience a range of outdoor activities - from fishing and off-roading to hiking, boating, and horseback riding. Keep in mind that fires are allowed on the camping grounds, but only in designated fire rings with a permit.
Backcountry Campsites & Dispersed Campsites
Photo Credit: Ivana Cajina
Victor Road Dispersed
This secluded and peaceful camping spot on Victor Road near Hamrick features drive-in access via Blue Ridge Parkway (FR 5511), making it easy to reach with your vehicle. Available firewood in the forest and pull-through parking spots also make setting up camp and enjoying the wilderness a breeze! Take a short hike from the camping area to reach a nearby creek for fishing and relaxing. This is a first come, first served campsite, so we recommend planning accordingly.
Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
This dispersed camping spot is located along Roses Creek Road and New Ginger Cake Road. It gives nature enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to experience the beauty of the Pisgah National Forest. You can hike, walk into the site, or park right next to it.
Fire rings are available for use, so you can make yourself at home upon arrival. The campsite is pet and ADA-accessible and is surrounded by plenty of open space, making it ideal for those looking for a more secluded and peaceful camping experience.
Plan Your Next Camping Trip near Pisgah National Forest with Pathloom's All-In-One Outdoor Travel Planning App!
Planning a camping trip can be complex, with many options and details to consider. At Pathloom, we understand the importance of making this process as simple and enjoyable as possible. Using our outdoor trip planning app, you'll have access to all the information and tools you need to plan your next adventure. Check out our 'Campsites Near Me' blog posts for helpful guides and recommendations before you head out on your next adventure!
Wintertime may not leave you feeling inspired to get outdoors to go hiking or camping, but it's the perfect time to start planning trips for the warmer months! Pathloom is here to help - Use our All-in-One outdoor adventure travel planning app to discover new hiking trails leading to new developed and dispersed campsites throughout the entire country! Click the link to join thousands in our open BETA testing today!
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