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Mountain Top Cabins on Private Land

Hosted by Lisa · Hot Springs, North Carolina
5 sites · Tent, Lodging · 500 acres
99%
·
245 reviews
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Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Staff verified
Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.
Lisa is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
We offer guests an off-grid and authentic Appalachian experience at our hike-in cabins and campsites located on 500 private acres atop the Newfound Mountains in Western North Carolina! Our Trailhead is located 45 minutes west of Asheville, NC and our hike-in trail is 2 miles long with 1,250 feet of elevation gain. The hike-in trail utilizes an old forest service road which follows a creek providing verdant landscapes and soothing sounds as you make your way up the mountain to our cabins and campsites. We have two antique Appalachian cabins on-site and two campsites available. Our cabins and campsites are priced per person and can be reserved individually or collectively through an entire property buyout. A hearty and healthy breakfast is served each morning in our Main Lodge and is included and you'll never pay a cleaning fee on this mountain because we believe in Southern hospitality! Our Main Lodge (Cabin #1) has a huge front porch with spectacular views, a nicely appointed off-grid kitchen, full bathroom with hot shower and an upstairs loft that sleeps up to 10. Our on-site host/s stay downstairs in the Main Lodge in private bedrooms so they can keep the home fires burning, tend the garden, cook breakfasts, clean the cabins and ensure all your needs are taken care of during your stay. Guests in our Upper Cabin (Cabin #2) enjoy a wooded and secluded setting in a rustic cabin that sleeps up to 6. The downstairs area features an open floorpan with a queen size bed, off-grid kitchen, dining area and the loft upstairs sleeps up to 4 people. Cabin #2 also features a full bathroom with and a tree-house like view from the front porch! Our cabin adjacent camp space features two spectacular campsites and is located 100’ from our Main Lodge. Camp 1 and Camp 2 both measure 12’x15’ and feature a soft grassy surface surrounded by natural boulder walls. Both campsites sit beside our neighboring property owned by the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy and feature a long-range mountain views. Guests at our campsites are welcomed to breakfast daily and have full access to the restroom facilities in the Main Lodge.

Select a site

Tent-only sites

2 sites
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Camp 1

100%
(13)
Tent site · Sleeps 4
Camp 1 sits on the first tier of our cabin adjacent camp space which is located 100’ downhill from the Main Lodge (Cabin 1). Camp 1 measures 12 feet by 15 feet, is gently graded for drainage and comfort. It features a soft grassy surface and is surrounded by natural boulder walls. This site features a long-range mountain view over our lower meadow and sits beside our neighboring property with the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. Camp 1 accommodates up to 4 people and all guests have access to the bathroom in the Main Cabin. To reserve Camp 1 we request $50 for up to two people with an additional $25 per guest. If your group size is bigger than four we request that your group books both Camp 1 and Camp 2 to accommodate your group of up to 8 people. Camping equipment is not included with our campsites. Guests should come fully prepared to sleep outdoors in variable weather conditions and should come equipped with their own tent/s, sleep system/s (sleeping pad, sleeping bag, camp pillow), camp cooking setups, headlamp/s and or outdoor lighting and appropriate outdoor clothing including warm layers and rain jackets. A hearty and healthy breakfast is served in the Main Cabin every morning and is included with your stay. *Our facility requires a 2 mile walk on our Hike-In Trail which gains 1,250' in elevation.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
Showers
No picnic table
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Camp 2

100%
(6)
Tent site · Sleeps 4
Camp 2 sits on the upper tier of our cabin adjacent camp space which is located 100’ downhill from the Main Lodge (Cabin 1). Camp 2 measures 12 feet by 15 feet, is gently graded for drainage and comfort. It features a soft grassy surface and is surrounded by natural boulder walls. This site features a long-range mountain view over our lower meadow and sits beside our neighboring property with the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. Camp 2 accommodates up to 4 people and all guests have access to the bathroom in the Main Cabin. To reserve Camp 2 we request $50 for up to two people with an additional $25 per guest. If your group size is bigger than four we request that your group books both Camp 1 and Camp 2 to accommodate your group of up to 8 people. Camping equipment is not included with our campsites. Guests should come fully prepared to sleep outdoors in variable weather conditions and should come equipped with their own tent/s, sleep system/s (sleeping pad, sleeping bag, camp pillow), camp cooking setups, headlamp/s and or outdoor lighting and appropriate outdoor clothing including warm layers and rain jackets. A hearty and healthy breakfast is served in the Main Cabin every morning and is included with your stay. *Our facility requires a 2 mile walk on our Hike-In Trail which gains 1,250' in elevation.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
Showers
No picnic table

Lodging

3 sites
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Cabin 2

98%
(174)
Cabin · Sleeps 6 · 2 bedrooms · 5 beds · 1 toilet
Our Upper Cabin (Cabin #2) is located about 100yds up the hill from the Main Lodge in a secluded, wooded setting. It is a dovetail-style antique log cabin from the Tennessee-Kentucky border that was originally built in the late 1800’s and relocated to the mountain in the early 2000’s. The first floor features an open floor plan with a kitchenette, wood stove, couch, and queen size bed. There is also a full bathroom on the main floor and a loft upstairs which can sleep up to 4 people. Outside there is a campfire pit, and an idyllic front porch that seamlessly blends into the forest. Guests staying in Cabin 2 also have access to our main lodge amenities.
Hike-in access only
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
Showers
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Cabin 1

99%
(122)
Cabin · Sleeps 10 · 2 bedrooms · 1 toilet
Cabin 1, also known as our Main Lodge, is nestled in the Saddle between Big and Little Sandy Mush Balds at an elevation of 5,000 feet. It was originally built in the 1800’s in Douglas Lake, Tennessee and moved to the mountain in the early 2000's by our founder, Doc Adler, who reconstructed the cantilever barn style structure into not only a cabin, but an homage to the Appalachian history, culture and people that he loved so dearly. The main floor features a cozy den with library, dining area, and kitchen complete with a wood and gas stove and a full bathroom with propane water heater. The loft upstairs can accommodate up to 10 people. The front porch is spacious with ample seating, a porch swing, and one of the most iconic views in Western North Carolina!
Hike-in access only
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
Showers
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
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Entire Property

100%
(4)
Cabin · Sleeps 15 · 2 bedrooms · 15 beds · 2 toilets
Welcome to our stunning Appalachian cabins, a perfect retreat for your group of up to 16 people! Immerse yourself in the off-grid beauty of the Newfound Mountains in Western North Carolina as you indulge in an authentic Appalachian experience at our hike-in cabins on 500 private acres. FAQ Are day campers included in the total guest count, or does it only apply to overnight guests? All campers, whether they are staying overnight or not, must be included in the reservation. Can additional guests be added after the initial booking? Yes, you can modify your trip to add more guests through the Hipcamp app, but you cannot exceed the maximum capacity. Located just 45 minutes west of Asheville, NC, our trailhead awaits, beckoning you to embark on a memorable 2-mile journey with a 1,350 feet elevation gain. Feel the thrill of the hike as you go to our secluded cabins, where tranquillity and natural splendor await. Our on-site host, who stays in a private room downstairs in Cabin #1, will communicate with you before your trip to dial in your logistics and will be there to ensure your stay is a memorable one. Aside from keeping the home fires burning and the property in shape, our host prepares a healthy and hearty breakfast each morning which is included in your stay! Once you arrive, embrace the magic of wood stoves and campfires, allowing you to gather around and share stories. For your comfort and convenience, we provide flush toilets in both cabins so your group can experience rustic charm without sacrificing modern amenities. Additionally, spring-fed potable water is readily available, ensuring your hydration needs are met throughout your stay. The Main Lodge is also outfitted with a solar-powered charging station for your phones and electronics. To enhance your stay, we offer a shower with hot water in the Main Lodge, allowing you to refresh after a day of exploring. You'll find all the necessary cooking equipment in our communal area, including a stovetop and oven, solar-powered fridge, cookware, cooking utensils, dishware, cutlery, basic seasoning, and oils. Cleaning up is a breeze with our designated sink or other dishwashing station, making meal preparation a seamless and enjoyable experience. Escape the ordinary and embrace the beauty of Appalachia at our hike-in cabins. Whether you're seeking a rejuvenating retreat or an adventurous getaway, our property provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable experience. Book your stay today and create lasting memories in the Newfound Mountains of Western North Carolina!
Hike-in access only
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers

Reviews

99% Recommend322 ratings · 245 reviews
The campsite offers a scenic and rewarding getaway with stunning views from the top of the bald, perfect for immersing in nature. Guests frequently mention the welcoming and helpful hosts, Lisa and Doug, who enhance the experience with delicious breakfasts and great hospitality. While the hike to the cabin is steep and challenging, the effort is often deemed worthwhile for the breathtaking scenery and peaceful atmosphere. However, it's important to note that the trek may be tough for inexperienced hikers, and basic accommodations highlight a rustic, off-grid experience.
Summary AI-generated from real reviews
Recommends
· September 2026
Tent ·
Camp 2
A beautiful camping/backpacking experience. We went with friends and their 6 year old. Great introduction to backpacking. The bald is beautiful and the access to the cabin and bathroom is so nice.
Recommends
· September 2026
This side of Heaven
Cabin 2
10 out of 10!!! Booking our repeat stay now! Firewood included. Ice and charging station available. Beautiful fresh prepared breakfast by Doug! Doug is the absolute best!!
Recommends
· September 2026
Good times!
Group trip ·
Cabin 2
Great place to escape and relax. Our group had a really great time. The views at the top of the bald were incredible. The hosts were friendly and the food was good!
Recommends
· September 2026
Camping with our kiddos!
Group trip ·
Cabin 1
We absolutely loved our time at the cabin! Lisa and Doug are wonderful hosts who make you feel like family. The view is wonderful and the cabin is too. We enjoyed hiking to the balds and campfire at night. This a a secluded gem where you can really pull back from the world for a few days. The hike in is a steady slog of a long uphill but worth it. We can’t wait to go again!
Recommends
· September 2026
Tent ·
Camp 1
Beautiful place and they were so accommodating! This is our second time and we plan on going back!
Recommends
· September 2026
Tent ·
Camp 2
I loved camping here! Stayed for two nights and it was wonderful. The hosts were so helpful and nice! Additional bonus: the breakfast was delicious!
Recommends
· September 2026
Group trip ·
Cabin 2
We love camping on the mountain! So peaceful. We have been in the past and will go again. Its steep going up but doable and worth it!
Recommends
· August 2026
Cabin 2
We’re so thankful to Lisa for sharing this very special place with us. We spent the weekend in cabin #2 with our 8 month old and Doug took great care of us—he cooked incredible breakfasts both mornings and made sure we always had a hot cup of coffee to sip on while soaking in the views from the front porch. We’re already planning our next trip!
Mixed feelings
· August 2026
Not for the unexperience hiker
Cabin 2
This hike up the mountain is NOT for first timers, this is for very fit and highly experienced hikers. It is steep and to me, treacherous. I had to quit and go back down and the host, Lisa gave me and my daughter a ride up the next day. Once up there the company of the hosts was fantastic. Not much to do but take in the scenery and hike up to one of the "Balds". Doug was super handy with starting our fire in cabin 2. I do hope one day they will make a road to go up for us unexperienced hikers. It is a really beautiful place to see and experience. Thank you to Lisa and Doug.
Recommends
· August 2026
Incomparable experience
Tent ·
Camp 2
My best friend and I camped for one night and we didn’t want to leave. This is a beautiful place and a wonderful experience. Doug and Lucy the cat made it unforgettable, we will be back to see them!
Recommends
· August 2026
With kids ·
Cabin 2
This place is very special - highly recommend. Views are stunning and the breakfast delicious
Recommends
· July 2026
Wonderful girls weekend!
Group trip ·
Cabin 2
Our girls trip was a huge success! Lisa and doug took amazing care of us! The hike into the property is a steep 2 miles well marked gravel/dirt road. Our accommodations were a private rustic and very clean cabin with our own private bath with shower. The food was wonderful, definitely sign up for the dinners! 2 nights was perfect to enjoy the hikes, relax, play games and enjoy the amazing views. I’ll be back in the fall if I’m lucky!
Recommends
· July 2026
Camping in the clouds
Entire Property
Thank you Lisa and Doug for being amazing hosts to Girls Who Hike North Carolina. See you next year!
Recommends
· July 2026
29th Anniversary
Cabin 2
Everything is beautiful. We stayed at the 2nd cabin. It's roughing it only a little. I'm used to tents. Doug makes a great breakfast and took care of us. Lucy the cat was fun as we have cats at home. We want to go back sometime and bring our kids.
Recommends
· July 2026
Smokey Mountain Solitude
Cabin 2
We had such a peaceful and memorable stay at Cabin 2! The hike up was challenging but incredibly rewarding, and the views made every step worth it. It was so quiet and relaxing up there. We highly recommend hiking up to Big Bald for both sunrise and sunset. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking. The breakfast each morning was delicious, with plenty of fresh and healthy options. We loved our stay and hope to come back in the fall to experience the changing leaves!
Recommends
· July 2026
Tent ·
Camp 1
What a place! This site offered the perfect setting to disconnect and immerse ourselves in nature. The views are incredible! The communal cabin is so cozy and welcoming and we loved spending time on the porch, reading, playing games, and hanging with Lucy the cat. Waking up to a home cooked, thoughtfully curated breakfast was also wonderful. The icing on the cake? Spending time with hosts Doug and Lisa who welcomed us like family, shared stories, and knowledge of the area. We will definitely be back.
Recommends
· June 2026
With kids ·
Cabin 2
The perfect cabin for a weekend getaway. Breakfast is always delicious and the views from the bald are beautiful.
Recommends
· June 2026
Cabin 2
This was a perfect remote mountain top get away. Better back light, straight up the mountain the whole way, great hike! Doug was the best host. It was so nice to have someone from the local region with his local knowledge and ways. Didn’t want to leave.
Recommends
· June 2026
Cabin 2
Our second visit, and we love staying at sandymush! We didn't get a sunset this time because of the rain, but that just means we'll be back for more!
Recommends
· June 2026
Group trip ·
Cabin 1
The 2 mile hike up to Lisa's cabin was worth every step. It's so peaceful there.
Recommends
· June 2026
New Tradition @ the Cabins!
With kids ·
Cabin 2
Had a great time again, 2nd year in a row at the Cabin @ Sandy Mush Bald!! 5 of us and one 3 year old - great views, campfires and giggles. Special Thanks to "Uncle Doug" for breakfast and lugging our stuff up and down the mountain. Will be back again of course next year!
Recommends
· May 2026
Group trip ·
Cabin 1
This was my second time visiting. One of my favorite places to visit. Beautiful. The host, Doug is my favorite. I loved sitting around chatting with him. I will be back every year. Thank you for creating a space for people to love.
Recommends
· May 2026
Special place
With kids ·
Cabin 2
This is a special place! Doug was a wonderful host. Everything looks just like the photos. The views are amazing and the cabin perfectly quaint. Loved the community vibe with there being other visitors hanging out in the main space. The hike in is steep!
Recommends
· May 2026
Tent · Group trip ·
Camp 2
This is a special place - It is about the journey not the destination. The views from the top are worth it!
Recommends
· May 2026
Cabin 2
This was probably our favorite trip we've ever done. Our host Doug was amazing and incredibly personable and hospitable. The views were out of this world and only a short hike up from the cabin. The cabin was very cozy and warm from the wood stove the entire night. We will definitely be back!
Recommends
· May 2026
Magical Cabin Weekend
Group trip ·
Cabin 2
Our group of 5 women had an amazing experience! We went opening weekend and stayed for 1 night. Highlights were the hike in, a cozy evening bonfire, the most beautiful sunset view from big bald and a delicious morning breakfast! We stayed in cabin 2. It had one double bed downstairs and 4 single beds in the loft. Fresh, cool spring water in the kitchen and in the adjoining bathroom plus hot water in the shower. Do not miss the short hike up to big bald for sunset. The views are unreal! Lisa, Doug and Booth were welcoming and fabulous hosts. We really enjoyed connecting over the home cooked breakfast which included scrambled eggs with mountain grown ramps. We can’t wait to visit again!!!
Recommends
· November 2025
Off grid sanctuary
Cabin 2
Stayed in Cabin 2 for a night, the hike up was definitely worth it! I would definitely recommend packing light and bringing a sleeping bag and good headlight/flashlight. Doug, the caretaker was soo welcoming and accommodating. For anyone following the coordinates that are sent to you with the directions I would just follow the Google directions under the name of the cabins. The coordinates took me to a private driveway in Google maps. Definitely recommend this place for a nice unplugged time.
Recommends
· October 2025
Cabin 2
The Cabins at Sand Mush Bald is such a special place. The views, company, and details make for a wonderful experience. This was our second trip up and we plan to keep the tradition going!
Recommends
· October 2025
Cabin 2
Loved our stay in cabin 2! The hike in is challenging, but worth it. Doug is a friendly and helpful care keeper. He had the stove in the cabin going upon arrival, provided us extra wood, and made hearty and delicious breakfasts. Views were fantastic. Loved spending time with Lucy the cat. Will definitely return.
Recommends
· October 2025
Cabin 1
The perfect place to unwind and just relax. The cabin has everything you need.

Location

Hot Springs, Madison, North Carolina, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Lisa A.

Joined in April 2018

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