North Mills River
National Forests in North Carolina
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.
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.
Notifications and Alerts
10/25 UPDATE: This location will reopen Monday 10/28. Thank you for your patience while our team worked to clear debris following Hurricane Helene. We look forward to seeing you.
Need to Know
- Tents must be on the gravel.
Availability is extremely limited during weekends and holidays and it is recommended that visitors reserve other sites ahead of time.
- Open year-round; walk-up sites only and limited services from Nov. to Mar.
Limit 2 tents and 2 vehicles per site; $5 additional vehicle fee collected on-site.
Pets are allowed on-site. Dogs must be kept on-leash for the duration of your stay.
- North Mills River is located in black bear territory. Visitors are expected to keep all smellable items locked away inside a camper, vehicle, or provided bear box whenever they are not on-site. Visitors who do not comply with this rule may be asked to vacate the facility due to an increased risk of public safety.
Campground staff can be found at the managers site from April 1 - November 15. Site is managed remotely from Davidson River Campground from November 16 - March 31. Please call 828-552-8040 for assistance or 911 in the event of an emergency.
This campground is managed by the Naventure .
Click here to learn more about the National Forests in North Carolina
- Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.
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.
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.
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.
Contact Information
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5289 N. MILLS RIVER ROAD MILLS RIVER NC 28742
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: (828) 552-8040
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Asheville, take U.S. Highway 280 west to North Mills River Road. Follow North Mills River Road to the campground.
Available Campsites
- Site 017, Loop NORT, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 013, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 012, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 019, Loop NORT, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 024, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 022, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 025, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 016, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 004, 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 003, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 026, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 018, Loop NORT, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 020, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 011, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 014, Loop NORT, Type Rv Electric
- Site 021, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop NORT, Type Standard Nonelectric
