Campground

North Mills River

National Forests in North Carolina
Near Horse Shoe, North Carolina

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.

Recreation Sites

  • Standard Nonelectric
  • Management
  • Tent Only Nonelectric
  • Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
  • Rv Electric
  • Overnight

Activities

  • Swimming Site
  • Water Sports
  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Camping

Amenities

  • Campfire Rings
  • Flush Toilets
  • Grills
  • Picnic Tables
  • Accessibility
  • Accessible Occupant Message
  • Electric Hookups
  • Water (Seasonal)
  • Grills/Fire Ring
  • Picnic Table
  • Water Hookup

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.

Getting Here

Latitude
35° 24' 25.9999" N
Longitude
82° 38' 44.9999" W
From Asheville, take U.S. Highway 280 west to North Mills River Road. Follow North Mills River Road to the campground.

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.

    • Contact Information

    5289 N. MILLS RIVER ROAD
    MILLS RIVER, NC 28742

    For facility specific information, please call (828) 577-4167.

    Additional Information