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The best camping in North Carolina with swimming

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Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping in the United States! If you're looking to combine your love for swimming with the beauty of North Carolina, we've got you covered. With over 1900 options in North Carolina that offer swimming, you're sure to find the perfect spot to dive in and cool off. Whether you prefer a lakeside retreat, a riverfront oasis, or a coastal getaway, we have something for everyone. Get ready to make a splash at campsites like Smoky Mountain Mangalitsa Farm (388 reviews), The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms (288 reviews), and Black River Camping Ventures (217 reviews). And with popular amenities like campfires, pet-friendly sites, and potable water, you can enjoy your swimming adventure in comfort. Plus, with prices as low as $10 per night and an average price of $40 per night, you can make a splash without breaking the bank. So pack your swimsuit and get ready to explore the best swimming spots in North Carolina with Hipcamp!

98% (14.2K) 4,648 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in North Carolina

TangleWood Creekside Campsites

1. TangleWood Creekside Campsites

98%
(750)
Marion, NC · 26 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
!!NEW BATH HOUSE!! Private, climate-controlled bathrooms each consist of hot/cold shower, sink with spacious vanity, and toilet. *6 new, 11 total Safari Tents (multiple layouts sleep 2-5)* LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! North of Marion, NC and just south of Linville, TangleWood Creekside Campsites offers something for everyone: primitive campsites, Safari Tents, a Little Log Cabin and a Tiny House with a wood-fired hot tub. 95% of our wooded sites are situated immediately beside a clear mountain stream and all are just minutes from the regions most famous local attractions for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The following are but a few of our favorite things to do within a short drive: visit Linville Falls, Caverns, Gorge and/or Winery; cruise the Blue Ridge parkway; pick apples at the Orchard at Altapss; tube/kayak down the Catawba river; hike beautiful Tom’s Creek Falls or Crabtree Falls; cross Grandfather Mountains mile high bridge and explore the nearby towns of Spruce Pines or Little Switzerland. The scenic drives to Asheville, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, Sugar and Beech mountains make them each wonderful day-trip destinations as well. We are happy to supply a comprehensive list upon request (including distance, drive time and links with directions) but there is also plenty of exploring to do right at here on site where nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts are encouraged to explore, on foot or mountain-bike, anywhere within our 170 acres (or the adjoining 250 acres owned by the US Forestry Service off our North Western border) and are likely to catch glimpses of turkey, beaver, deer, fox, eastern box turtle and the many species of songbird and raptor.
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Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

2. Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

99%
(1604)
Waynesville, NC · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Voted #1 in NC and Top 50 in the USA!! We are a Mangalitsa farm in The Smoky Mountains of western NC. The entire property is oriented toward private farmland views, a half mile of river and surrounding mountains. It's really quite remarkable to be so accessible yet feel so remote! Come swim, fish, cook and play! PLEASE NOTE, our rate is based on the number of vehicles in your group. The first vehicle is included in the nightly rate and admits 4 campers. WE CHARGE FOR ADDITIONAL CARS. The charge will be added to your booking once you select the number of vehicles at checkout. Please note that each additional car admits four campers. For EXAMPLE, 2 cars = 8 campers total. If you only have two cars but more than eight people, YOU MUST select the "Extra Person" Extra for each night they are camping. Please select these extras at checkout. If you have questions about this PLEASE message me prior to booking. Our 95-acre farm was once owned by the Davis family who predominantly raised dairy cattle. We now raise the wooly Mangalitsa pig and sell to the best chefs and restaurants. We sell our pork at the farm too! All of our campsites are next to running water except the two hilltop sites. Two porta-potties are on the farm and private porta-potties are available for rent. Groups of eight or more are required to rent a porta potty should you not bring your own toilet system with you. We do not allow the use of our small wooded areas as toilets. No porta potties are provided b/tw Dec 15 and March 15 Please contact us in advance regarding paying for firewood ($7/5 pieces), dogs ($15 each), day vehicle visitors ($30), private farm tour ($15/person) and/or a private porta potty ($120). thank you! Quiet hours are from 10pm to 9am. Checking in before 5 pm is requested. Later times may be available with prior arrangements. Our farm is very dark and navigating at night is difficult. Contact Catherine directly so you can be checked in safely and accommodate your schedule. LIMITED CHECK-INS AFTER DARK. We are 1 mile off of I 40, 17 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, 15 min. to Maggie Valley, 10 min to the Elk at Cataloochee, 25 min to Cataloochee ski area, 10 min to Lake Junaluska and 15 min to downtown Waynesville. Asheville is 20 miles to our East.
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At the Ridge Camp-Riverside Escapes

3. At the Ridge Camp-Riverside Escapes

95%
(230)
Balsam Grove, NC · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to At the Ridge Camp – “Simple Mountain Camping” at Its Best. Nestled just seven miles from the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, At the Ridge Camp offers a peaceful escape in the heart of North Carolina’s stunning Pisgah National Forest—also known as the Land of the Waterfalls. We offer 7 cozy camping cabins, 14 spacious tent/RV sites, and two convenient bathhouses to make your stay comfortable. Whether you're here to hike to breathtaking waterfalls, cast a line in a quiet stream, or simply unwind by the campfire under the stars, this is your place to reconnect with nature. And one of our favorite pastimes? Just sitting back and watching the water flow by. Come enjoy the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains—without breaking the bank.
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Full hookups
Nantahala National Forest

4. Nantahala National Forest

95%
(73)
National forest in North Carolina · 438 sites
Discover what the Cherokee call the Land of the Noonday Sun.
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Pisgah National Forest

5. Pisgah National Forest

97%
(158)
National forest in North Carolina · 251 sites
One of Pisgah's gems is Richland Balsam, the highest peak on the Blue Ridge Parkway at 6,410 feet.
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Mojos Off-grid

6. Mojos Off-grid

Glen Alpine, NC · 1 site · Tent, RV
Tucked away in the rolling hills of Appalachia, there is a legend of a place I’d like to share—a well-kept secret away from society and the noise of the city. Mojos Off-Grid Hipcamp escape awaits. Located down the Blue Ridge Highway from Grandfather Mountain, near beautiful Lake James, you’ll find this lovely place where the old hickory tree grows. A hop, skip, and a jump over a creek or two, you’ll settle down around the bend from South Mountains State Park and Game Lands, where you’ll find great horseback riding, waterfall hikes, rock climbing, and of course fishing and hunting. So get ready—there are plenty of activities to fill your dog days. You’ll enjoy the privacy and quiet calm of Mojos Off-Grid Camp as you unwind at the end of an exciting, adventurous trek. There is a whole world out here. Listen to the birds wake you up in the morning while enjoying your coffee. Feel free to walk around as you like; nobody will judge you here—well, maybe only yourself, but that’s nature for you.
Campfires
The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms

7. The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms

99%
(1390)
Yadkinville, NC · 17 sites · Tents, RVs
Update on Fire ban: I spoke with the forest ranger of Yadkin County, and You ARE allowed SMALL campfires for cooking and heating purposes only. No bonfires. Charcoal and propane grills are OK too. Please respect our land by not bringing firewood from off-site and burning it here. We are a working farm that allows camping, not a campground. Our native trees and crops could easily be devastated by outside diseases or pests that are carried in firewood. We offer firewood for sale from our farm (delivered to your site for no additional fee). You do NOT have to purchase it prior to your arrival, and we have large tubs too! Our STORE offers firewood, meats, eggs, Tallow, lard (both rendered right here!), drinks, Amish ice cream and jams/jellies/preserves, hammocks, hammock chairs, smoked dog bones, soaps (made right here), rentals of: cast iron cookware, a tent, Coleman stove, fishing poles, ... and MUCH MORE! Please note that all our sites are reserved with a one vehicle limit. Some sites are large enough to accommodate additional vehicles but each additional vehicle will incur a $10 per night charge. Free parking for additional vehicles is located at the office/store. Looking for a camping experience with a little luxury to boot? Look no further than our Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms! You can drive right up to most sites, weather permitting. You will have access to a fire ring and picnic table (located at each site), firewood for sale on site (please do not bring firewood from off-site), clean well water (located near the pond), the creek to explore, our stocked pond to fish, and wooded trails to hike. Once roamed by Native Americans and now farmed by the same family for over 6 generations, Harmon Creek Farm is a working farm of over 160 acres. Peace, quiet, tranquility and privacy are overflowing along the creek, and hiking throughout the hills on the backside of the farm (and on the other side of the creek) leads to interesting and abundant flora and fauna. The stocked, spring fed pond is 'brimming" with angler challenges🎣 Our cows, pigs, sheep, donkeys, chickens, ducks, geese, rabbits and llamas are all eager to meet you, as are we! We currently have fresh eggs, pork and beef for sale on site as well. Like us on Facebook (Harmon Creek Farms of NC)
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Spruill Conservation Farm

8. Spruill Conservation Farm

100%
(322)
Roper, NC · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
(Note: Fireworks, crackers, sparklers, are not permitted. Also, garbage cannot be burned in the fire pits.) Come and pitch your tent right on the Albemarle Sound! (first photo shows Site #3; all sites include waterfront) Ask us about our annual Fig Festival AUGUST 1-2, 2026. FREE CAMPING FOR VOLUNTEERS. The Spruill Farm belonged to the Spruill Family for over a hundred years and has been set up as conservation easement protected land in '23. It includes hardwood forest, swamp, a beautiful swimming beach* on the Albemarle Sound - one of the largest freshwater sounds in the world-, acres of farmland, vegetable garden and perhaps the largest fig orchard for hundreds of miles around. The purpose of the Spruill Farm is to further environmental research, promote ecological education and sustainable practices, and provide access for the public to the ever-diminishing shoreline experience. Please enjoy the incredible sunsets and woodland views, while respecting the serenity of this unique gem on the inner-banks. Wildlife on the property include Red Fox, River Otter, and 95 species of birds, including Bald Eagles (2 nests on the farm), nesting Osprey, Wood Ducks. Visit the 'Spruill Farm Conservation Project' on inaturalist(dot)org to see all 95 species, and upload any images from your observations. Because it is a nature preserve, please read the guidelines and rules closely if you choose to book with us. *Note: the shoreline changes with the wave action and the seasons. The beach is bigger in winter, smaller in summer. These changes make the Bobby Wilkins shoreline trail so beautiful- always changing. If your expertise and interests coincide with the mission of the Farm, feel free to propose collaborative projects to julia@thepeanutfactory.org
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Hidden River Experience

9. Hidden River Experience

98%
(211)
West Jefferson, NC · 9 sites
Nestled along a full mile of the scenic New River, this quiet, private campground offers a peaceful escape into nature’s calm. Tucked away from the noise of everyday life, the property stretches along gentle river bends, shaded by mature trees and framed by rolling mountains. Campsites are spacious and thoughtfully placed to preserve privacy, giving every guest their own slice of riverfront serenity. Wake to the sound of flowing water, spend your days fishing, paddling, or simply relaxing by the riverbank, and unwind each evening under wide-open skies perfect for stargazing. With its untouched natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and secluded atmosphere, this campground is an ideal retreat for anyone seeking rest, reflection, and a deeper connection to the outdoors.
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Potable water
Uwharrie National Forest

10. Uwharrie National Forest

95%
(33)
National forest in North Carolina · 141 sites
Off-roading with full-size vehicles, hunting, fishing and equestrian are all in this amazing forest!
Electrical hookup
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Campfires
New River State Park

11. New River State Park

100%
(6)
State park in North Carolina · 81 sites
Relax on the river and explore the trails in this North Carolina park.
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Hanging Rock State Park

12. Hanging Rock State Park

100%
(19)
State park in North Carolina · 86 sites
See waterfalls, heavily wooded trails, and towering peaks in this state park.
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Croatan National Forest

13. Croatan National Forest

83%
(12)
National forest in North Carolina · 99 sites
Ever wanted to see a carnivorous Venus flytrap up close and in action? Here's your big chance.
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Appalachian Pond Campground

14. Appalachian Pond Campground

97%
(173)
Waynesville, NC · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Get back to nature at this incredible private campground nestled in the Great Smokey Mountains of Western North Carolina! This tranquil campground offers a peaceful place to unwind while listening to the wonderful sights and sounds of nature at its best! There are 11 unique and cozy campsites to choose from as well as a shower and portable potties. This campground has a pond for fishing and swimming, a creek running along the campsites and is surrounded by the most magnificent and beautiful foliage and wildlife! Prepare to have the most peaceful sleep under the glorious celestial stars of Western North Carolina! *We also have a sink for dishes alongside the shower house as well as a drinkable well water spicket in the back of the campground! *We are also located close to stores for your convenience as well as many nearby attractions! * Please contact us regarding pets before booking… *We recommend checking in before 10 pm…. The property gets really dark and hard to navigate at night without being shown where to go! If for any reason you will be getting here later please inform us upon booking so we can plan for your arrival! *During the months from November to April we cannot guarantee our shower will be operational due to freezing temperatures. However, during warm periods during those months we do have our shower available. If you’re looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of life and return to the simplicity of nature this is your spot! We hope to see you soon!!
Pets
Electrical hookup
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Smoky Mountain Meadows

15. Smoky Mountain Meadows

96%
(188)
Bryson City, NC · 34 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
(Please Note: Hipcamp does not have an easy way to add in Pet and Child fees. You will need to go to EXTRAS and add in number of pets ($5/pet/per night) for cabins and/or number of children ($5/child/night) on all sites SEPERATE from adults when making your reservation. IF YOU DO NOT DO THIS, YOU WILL BE CHARGED $10/NIGHT FOR EACH CHILD INSTEAD OF $5. We will no longer be issuing refunds or store credits for the overcharge.) When you enter Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground, you can leave all the “rush-rush” of your daily life behind. You will find yourself in a beautiful valley with quiet green meadows and a bubbling brook encompassing your surroundings. We are almost half-way between Bryson City and the Nantahala Gorge. We have been host to the Carolina Canoe Club's Annual Week of Rivers Event for over 25 years! 2025 Season: March 31 – Oct 31 Rules for the Campground 1. 100 % Refund less credit card processing fee if you cancel before 14 days of your arrival date. 50% Refund if you cancel between 14 and 7 days of your arrival date. No Refund if you cancel within 6 days of your arrival date. 2. CHECK IN: 4 PM. CHECK OUT: 11 AM. 3. QUIET TIME. 10 PM - 8 AM 4. CHECK OUT PROCEDURES. Camp must be broken down by 11 AM on departure day. If you stay past time you could be charged for an additional day. Extension possible with pre-approval. 5. All Overnight Guests Must Pay 6. Trash must be taken to the Green Bins located at the lower corner of the upper field 7. No washing vehicles 8. PETS must be kept on a leash at all times. Please clean up after your pets and do NOT leave them in the campground unattended. 9. Please be respectful of other campers and the property. Disruptive or inappropriate behavior will result in immediate cancellation of your stay and you will be asked to leave the park. 10. We reserve the right to refuse service or ask guests to leave the park at any time and for any reason.
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Full hookups
Black River Camping Ventures

16. Black River Camping Ventures

99%
(1094)
Ivanhoe, NC · 13 sites
Nestled in the heart of southeast North Carolina and conveniently located an hour from Wilmington, Jacksonville and Fayetteville — our 40+ acre family land is situated directly on historic Black River. Well known for its beautiful trees, wildlife and fisheries, Black River is also home to the oldest bald cypress forest in the world, many being alive hundreds of years before Jesus walked the earth. We are the only riverfront camping experience on Black River so we aim to provide you the best views, the most exceptional hospitality (from hosts Lisa and Eric), with hopes that you leave completely happy with our little piece of heaven and wanting to return year after year!
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Mountain Creek Rest

17. Mountain Creek Rest

100%
(294)
Robbinsville, NC · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging
Mountain Creek Rest is a rural, creek side get-a-way in the mountains with 2 beautiful, huge, tent sites and a mini-cabin! Bring your kids & dog! (Registering pets in the "Extras" portion of your registration is required.) It does not have hook ups, power, or running water. You get there on a gravel road with 2wd. 5.5" of clearance is recommended. (google your car) Heartstone tent site is a stunningly beautiful, romantic campsite for 2! There is a large tent pad if you have children! The Diamondstone site is also a unique, beautiful, one-of-a-kind site! It has a beautiful, furnished, shelter cabin which is provided for you instead of using your tent!!! Leave your tent and tent set-up at home! There is room for your tent and your children out front, right beside the creek! Islandsite is an equally beautiful tent site ideally for two, but the 10x12 platform can accommodate a 6-man tent, best for 2 adults and a couple of kids! You won't want to leave, but if you do there are many recreational opportunities in the area such as hiking, biking, rafting, fishing, and more! Stays of 6 days or more get a big discount! Enjoy the fresh, cooler mountain air, and the beautiful, settings! Heartstone is located on a modestly pitched, terraced slope where a divided mountain stream, the tumbling Squally Creek rejoins itself! The sunlight filters down through the forest canopy providing a warm, inviting glow!! There is a 9'-6" x 10' wooden tent platform, and if needed a new, larger tent pad! Islandsite is located at the top of the island where the tumbling Squally Creek divides! Access is provided by the 40' long fallen tree bridge! Islandsite is amazing and very unique! Diamondstone, Heartstone, and Islandsite all feature a picnic table, charcoal grille, and comfort facility. They are all within a short walk from your private parking! Enjoy evenings at the new fire pit area with benches overlooking the fire pit and creek! Explore the island on the 400' island trail, or go downstream to a nice pool for dipping! Contact me for discounts when staying more than 6 nights! The gravel road is uneven, and 5.5" of clearance is recommended. Extra guests are an available option! The property is spacious and there is parking for a second vehicle nearby if needed!
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Winding Stair Campground

18. Winding Stair Campground

99%
(217)
Franklin, NC · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Winding Stair Campground sits at an elevation of 3,380 feet, next to the headwaters of the Nantahala River and is surrounded by national forest and undeveloped private land trusts. The stunning mountain views in a remote tucked-away setting make our farm a perfect getaway! Just a 15-minute scenic drive from Franklin in North Carolina, easily accessible off Hwy 64, our campground offers a chance to enjoy nature without being far away from the public amenities of a small but well-equipped town. A few features about our property: - Working farm: Campers are welcome to meet our Icelandic sheep and take a self-guided tour of our farm, along designated pathways. - Security: The campground and farm are fenced in on three sides with the river being the fourth boundary. Personal code to the entrance gate will be given at check in. - Bath House: The restored bathhouse is split into boys’ and girls’ sides. Each side has 2 private showers, 4 flushing toilets, sinks, hot water, and gas heat. - Community Pavilion: The Pavilion is a large 40x30 ft. open sided structure overlooking the Nantahala River. It has an ample fireplace, running water sink, counter space, couches, and table with benches. - Pack Room: Where the adventure begins! A cozy hub where all guests get local information, view maps, and grab some local seasonal groceries. Also available to all campers are washing sinks with hot water, toaster oven and microwave. - Communication: Or rather, lack thereof! There's no cell service on the property so it's a great time to get away from it all. There is limited Wi-Fi available near the Pack Room and an emergency landline available. - Charging: Traveling in an electric vehicle? Recharge for free at our dedicated EV 50amp outlet when you stay at any of our sites. First come, first served. Want to know more about the history of the property? Visit the 'Our Story' section on our website. Learn more about this land:
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Full hookups
Tellurian Family Campground

19. Tellurian Family Campground

98%
(394)
Casar, NC · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Tellurian Family Campground offers conveniently located spacious travel trailer, camper, RV and tent camp sites with incredible views and access to a pristine mountain river. The property consists of 93 acres and 2780 feet (1⁄2 mile) of river frontage on the First Broad River. The First Broad River offers canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and fishing. Smallmouth and freshwater sunfishing is incredible on this stretch of the river and there are also opportunities for mountain river catfish. Tellurian’s scenic location offers stunning vista views of the surrounding countryside, sprawling views of the South Mountain and Cherry Mountain ranges, as well as long range views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The sunsets are amazing and the star lit skies are uninhibited by city lights. One of the few lights that can be seen at night lights up a steeple silhouetted against the mountain ridges. It’s truly a peaceful site. Tellurian is centrally located between Charlotte NC, Asheville NC, and Spartanburg SC in the small town of Casar, NC. We are located in a rural setting in the foothills on the edge of the South Mountains Range, a branch of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Thank you for checking out our place! We are Jud and Amanda Wortman. We have three children – Emma Grace and Baxter (twins) and Elena Jo. As a family, we enjoy canoeing, kayaking and camping. We live 9 miles from Tellurian on a family farm. We have always enjoyed quiet secluded campsites, river floats and sitting by the river. After years of looking all over the mountains for a river property we could call our own, our favorite spot on the river came up for sale. It just so happened it was nearly halfway between where we both grew up. After many sleepless nights worrying if we could succeed or not (it was much larger than properties we had been looking for), we bought it! Our favorite spot on the river was virtually inaccessible by any way other than floating. But after hundreds of hours of hard work, we think we have developed a place where others too can enjoy the things we do about the property. We dream big and Tellurian remains a work in progress, but we feel we have created a place where folks can enjoy the peacefulness of nature, the river and incredible views. Naming our campground proved to be one of the most challenging tasks throughout the process of developing it. After many ideas and brainstorming sessions as a family, we decided to go with Tellurian. We know it’s a bit different; that’s what we like about it. We think our place stands out and, after visiting Tellurian, we think you’ll agree it does too. Tellurian Family Campground tel·lu·ri·an [təˈlo͝orēən] ADJECTIVE: of or inhabiting the earth. NOUN: an inhabitant of the earth.
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Full hookups
The Confluence

20. The Confluence

98%
(241)
Mills River, NC · 4 sites
The Confluence campsite is situated on 21 acres between the north and south forks of Mills River. This serene campsite borders native trout water and an an additional 45 private acres that have been passed down in the Brittain family since the 1790s. The upper and lower meadow provides canoe, kayak and fishing access to South Mills River. Four-wheel drive is needed during rainy weather. (Please respect the privacy of neighboring property across the river.) This very private campground is a five minute drive from Pisgah National Forest and 10 minutes from the Asheville Airport and the Sierra Nevada Brewing company. You can follow signs in the driveway. Stay left all the way up the driveway. After you pass the barn, you will see a small sign and stay left below the cabin. When you come to the field, follow the arrows to the right to your campsite. Four-wheel-drive is required for rainy weather.
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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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