North Mills River
NORTH MILLS RIVER
Part of National Forests in North Carolina
Overview
North Mills River Campground is a rustic mountain getaway in Pisgah National Forest in western North Carolina. Located just outside the popular city of Asheville, the campground provides access to a variety of cultural and natural attractions, including an arboretum, the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, and numerous hiking, fishing, and mountain biking opportunities.
Winter Operations (November 16, 2025 - March 20, 2026):
During winter months, this facility operates with limited services:
No running water
No electricity
Pit toilets only
Sites 1-13 are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $15 per night (14-day stay limit). Sites 14-26 are closed during winter. Payment by cash or check must be placed in the fee tube within 30 minutes of arrival. Winter sites cannot be reserved online.
Facilities
This is a relatively small facility with campsites organized into two loops on opposite sides of the river. Sites are mostly shaded and lie within a short distance of the water.The facility provides picnic tables, tent pads, lantern posts and campfire rings with grills, in addition to restrooms with hot showers and flush toilets. Campers can purchase firewood and fire starter on-site.
Natural Features
The campground is situated in the Appalachian Mountains at an elevation of 2,200 feet. The surrounding land boasts mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls and slopes densely forested with hardwoods. The group camping area is adjacent to the beautiful, shallow waters of the Mills River.Recreation
The forest is known for its hiking and mountain biking trails, several of which are near the campground. Mills River offers excellent trout fishing, as well as tubing and swimming, which are kid-friendly favorite activities. Visitors wishing to learn more about the area can attend educational programs during the summer.Nearby Attractions
Several natural and cultural attractions are within close proximity to the campground. Sliding Rock, Looking Glass Falls and the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway are among the most popular sites. The small town of Brevard offers various amenities and services, and visitors can take a trip to Asheville to visit art galleries, music venues, shops and restaurants.Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (828) 577-4167.Important Notices
Check-in required: All guests must check in with the campground host before setting up their campsite. Hosts are on-site March 20 - November 15.
Campsite rules: Tents must be placed on gravel tent pads. Limit of 2 tents and 2 vehicles per site. Additional vehicles are $5 per vehicle (collected on-site).
Pets allowed: Dogs must be kept on leash at all times during your stay.
Bear country: North Mills River is located in black bear territory. All food, toiletries, and scented items must be stored in a vehicle, camper, or provided bear box when you are away from your campsite. Failure to comply may result in removal from the facility for public safety reasons.
Availability: Reservations are strongly recommended for weekends and holidays, as availability is extremely limited during peak times.
Year-round access: Open year-round with full services March 20 - November 15. Winter operations (November 16 - March 20) feature walk-up sites only with limited services (no running water, no electricity, pit toilets only).
Firewood: Don't move firewood! Protect our forests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.
Contact information: Campground staff are located at the manager's site from March 20 - November 15. From November 16 - March 20, the site is managed remotely. Call 828-577-4167 for assistance or 911 for emergencies.
This campground is managed by Naventure.
Available Activities
- Swimming Site - Swimming Site
- Water Sports - Water Sports
- Hiking - Hiking
- Fishing - Fishing
- Camping - Camping
Directions
From Asheville, take U.S. Highway 280 west to North Mills River Road. Follow North Mills River Road to the campground.
Contact Information
Phone: (828) 552-8040
5289 N. MILLS RIVER ROADMILLS RIVER, NC 28742
Rental Options
Available Campsites
- Site 006, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 011, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 024, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 019, Loop NORT, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 022, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 014, Loop NORT, Type Rv Electric
- Site 012, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 015, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site Group Site, Loop NORTH MILLS RIVER, Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
- Site 013, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 025, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 018, Loop NORT, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 021, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 020, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 017, Loop NORT, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 016, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 026, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
