Carolina Hemlocks Rec Area

National Forests in North Carolina

Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area sits in the scenic mountains of Pisgah National Forest. This is a great place for small to medium-sized groups to swim, fish, tube, hike, camp, picnic and simply relax in the cool shade of the forest.

Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area offers 35 primitive campsites, sites equipped with picnic tables, tent pads, lantern posts and campfire rings with grills. The facility provides hot showers and restrooms with flush toilets. Campers can purchase firewood, ice, tee shirts, souvenirs.

Notifications and Alerts

This location is closed until further notice due to significant impacts from Hurricane Helene. Please continue to monitor this location’s facility page on Recreation.gov for status updates or visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/nfsnc/alerts-notices/?aid=90900 for details. Keep in mind, local personnel may be attending t o this urgent situation and not available to provide updates immediately.

Need to Know

The electricity at the pavilion is currently not working. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Campground open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; notify campground of late arrivals by calling (828) 675-5509.
Generators may be used up to four hours per day between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
First-come, first-served campsites are available.
Cell service is limited, texting might be a possibility.
This facility is located within a bear sanctuary; keep all food out of site in containers or locked inside a hard-sided vehicle, secure trash in provided bins and remove all food from area after eating.
This campground is managed by the Cradle of Forestry In America Interpretive Association
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

As the name suggests, Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area is shaded by a thick hemlock forest with a mix of deciduous trees and rhododendrons. The facility is adjacent to the South Toe River and sits at an elevation of 2,900 feet.

Nearby Attractions

Visitors can enjoy scenic driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway or hiking in Mount Mitchell State Park.

Recreation

The river provides endless hours of fun for families and water enthusiasts, including swimming and tubing. Anglers can also try their luck for trout and smallmouth bass from the shore. Picnickers will enjoy relaxing in the shaded picnic shelter set amidst the deep woods. After eating, visitors can take a leisurely walk along a one-mile trail or get a workout on a 3.8-mile trail.

Contact Information

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8516 HIGHWAY 80 SOUTH BURNSVILLE NC 28714

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 828-675-5509

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

From Asheville, North Carolina, take I-26 west to exit 9, onto 19 east toward Burnsville. Follow 19 to Micaville and turn right onto Highway 80. Follow 80 south approximately 8 miles to the Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area.

Available Campsites

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