- Pisgah National Forest
The best camping in Pisgah National Forest, NC
97% (157)
One of Pisgah's gems is Richland Balsam, the highest peak on the Blue Ridge Parkway at 6,410 feet.
Camper favorites near Pisgah National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
Snag sold-out campsites.
Get notified the instant a national park campsite becomes available, for free.
See the best spots in one place.
Explore 500K+ public lands, RV resorts, and private sites you won't find anywhere else.
Book with confidence.
Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Stories from the community
K
Kasia and Devin
1 week ago
With pets
We traveled as a family of 4 and two dogs and we had a wonderful time at Ocean Blue cabin. Exceptional host and cabin was amazing. We had everything and more to has such a great time. Hiking trail on the property was perfect for our young kids. We took it twice and met friendly cows on top of the hill. Hot tub was a perfect spot for after hike and evening watching the stars! We will definitely come back and bring friends with us!
See more
M
Michael
2 weeks ago
With kids
Evan’s place is perfect. It represents Hipcamp and what it was and is supposed to be. A unique glamping experience with everything you need. It’s also near the parkway so the stars and views are amazing
See more
C
Caroline
2 weeks ago
16 ft car
We had such a great stay! The shower was perfectly warm, the stars were beautiful, and the cidery that Chrissy and Tony built truly made our whole experience. They offer a bunch of fun cider flavors and a communal fire pit where everyone can relax together. We sat around for a long time just sipping and listening to stories by the fire. It was exactly what we needed!
See more
Stephanie
2 weeks ago
Tent
We loved the site! Absolutely stunning sunset and it was quite easy access. I would 100% stay here again!
See more
C
Chase
2 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
Rebecca was wonderful, and the space was convenient and cool. The pond spot was very nice.
See more
A
Angela
2 weeks ago
With pets
Awesome little spot for a weekend getaway. Directions to the site were easy to follow. Super cozy and felt very private. Loved making coffee in the morning and playing fetch with our pup off the deck. Temperature inside the cabin stayed nice and comfortable. Really appreciated the packing recommendations as well. Small camping lantern was all the light we needed but definitely necessary after dark as the portapotty and outdoor shower are down the hill. Thank you again for creating a lovely accommodation!
See more
M
Montana
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Hidden Spring
We absolutely loved our stay at Antoinette and Larry’s place! We could not have asked for a better spot. They provided unlimited firewood, fresh cookies, ice, butter, and even a space heater was ready for us where we slept. We cooked over the fire, but there’s also a grill with propane.
I always bring my camp kitchen stuff with me, but there’s no need for it here. They have every you need, including a s’mores kit and a sink to wash all the dishes.
Getting to know the chickens was also a highlight! We loved everything about it and it’s in our top spots for places to stay in this area now ❤️
See more
L
Larry
3 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Bee Our Guest
This is a really amazing spot. Everything was perfect, and the location is very private; there is no one else anywhere close to the dome, but it is still only a short drive into town. Jeremy was super communicative and I would definitely stay here again.
See more
J
JEREMY
3 weeks ago
With pets
My wife and I loved staying in the Green cabin. The fire pit and hot tub were the best. The cabin was great. The bed was comfortable. The shower had good hot water. The first night we made steaks over a campfire with baked potatoes from the air fryer. The second night we made hot dogs and roasted marshmallows on the campfire. It was a beautiful drive from Knoxville. It was about as close to perfect as you can get. Thank you for the firewood, and thank you for having us.
See more
J
Jessica
3 weeks ago
4 nights at The Honey Hut
The Honey Hut is so very cozy and beautiful! The experience was the perfect combo of rustic and comfort, even a little bit luxe. It’s just gorgeous there, and having the outdoor kitchen right on the side of the hut is such a level-up to the camping experience!
See more
Rusty
3 weeks ago
Tent
The arena site was perfect. Incredible sunset views. Campsite was easy to access and flat. Becky was incredible kind and helpful. Will 100% be back soon.
See more
E
Ethan
November 2025
1 night at Pink Fox Cove Cabin
We loved our stay at the Pink Fox cove cabin! Wonderful views coming up the mountain and on the property. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys small cabins!
See more
K
Kelly
November 2025
3 nights at Outercamp, Blue Ridge Falls Retreat
I can’t say enough about how great this place is! The property is beautiful, and also secure. I felt safe being there. The different sites are far enough from one another that you don’t feel like you’re there with anyone or on top of each other. The yurt itself (I stayed in the Gnome) was clean and well kept, had every thing I could need or want. It was comfortable and felt very cozy on the chilly nights. Sitting on the deck for breakfast and dinner was perfect. The view is beyond words! Having utensils, propane heat, electricity for basics like charging electronics, and everything I need for cooking was perfect. Add on top of that the little additional things like games, towels, a little rechargeable and portable lamp, and cleaning supplies, this place was perfect! Even if I never left the property it was an amazing vacation with great hiking and a beautiful serene escape. My dogs both loved being able to explore off leash and I never felt like they were unsafe. I’m already planning my trip back next fall with my entire family!
See more
S
Summer
November 2025
With pets
Beautiful spot! Everything was there that you need. Loved the full size hot tub.
See moreA
Alex
November 2025
2 nights at Pink Fox Cove Cabin
We loved the tiny cabin! My partner and I didn’t feel cramped, it feels much bigger on the inside. Perfect location - it was quiet, scenic, and convenient to get to. Great amenities as well - we loved getting to use the fire pit and hot tub, especially after a long day of hiking. Highly recommended!
See more
S
Sheryl
November 2025
20 ft travel trailer
With pets
We were actually in Site 5. David greeted us soon after we arrived. Everything was wonderful.
See moreT
Travis
November 2025
1 night at Bee Our Guest
What an awesome setup! The views of sunrise and sunset are magical. The spot had all the things you could need within reason while considering that you are still off the grid. The owners gave great advice for local hikes. We would absolutely come back.
See more
J
Jade
November 2025
With pets
We had such a great time visiting the summit cabin, and it was equipped with everything you would typically need on a camping trip! Hans was very nice and brought all of our things to the cabin, and we hiked the steep but beautiful trail up to the summit. We brought our two dogs that absolutely loved running around the property, and we even explored the trails in the woods behind the cabin and they were endless. We went on a chilly weekend, and were so surprised at how warm the gas units inside got to warm up the cabin! Such a beautiful cabin, and we cannot wait to come back again.
See more
L
Lindsey
November 2025
With pets
We spent Halloween weekend at Jeremy and Terra's mountaintop glamper and it was incredible! The mountain views were stunning everyday, even with the rain our first day and the privacy was outstanding! Close enough to town if you need anything and far enough away to be and feel secluded. The glamper was perfect and cozy and I loved sitting in bed and enjoying what I called "nature's TV" out the front of the glamper. We could not have had or asked for a better experience in what was our first vacation in 2 years. Even our German Shepherd had a wonderful time.
Jeremy and Terra are outstanding hosts, made us feel at home, and checked in with us in the morning to make sure we had everything we needed! They made sure the glamper was stocked and clean! We highly recommend staying with them and we will most definitely be going back!
One caution, if going while raining or during the winter months, you definitely want a 4WD or AWD as the gravel up to the mountain is a little steep and can be a little difficult with any kind of precipitation. Our little Nissan Versa stick-shift wasn't happy about the climb lol.
See more
M
Mindy
October 2025
22 ft Class B
Inner Wolf Retreat was a lovely and peaceful spot we booked for a brief overnight stay. Even though it rained, we were able to walk the grounds and listen to the stream on the property. It was lovely.
Our host was kind and welcomed us in person. She showed what we needed to know, and offered fresh, filtered water from a spigot for our drinking water, and the best hot shower on our trip!
We're traveling in our class b van.
See moreTop public campgrounds in the park
Stay at a public campground in Pisgah National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds
The best camping in Pisgah National Forest, NC guide
Overview
About
Find unlimited recreation opportunities in this gorgeous hardwood forest once the property of George W. Vanderbilt. Whitewater rivers and waterfalls offer some of the most dramatic scenery in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This 500,000+-acre forest was the first tract of land purchased under the Weeks Act of 1911. Pisgah became the first National Forest in the eastern United States in 1916.
Pisgah is home to the first school of forestry in the U.S., now preserved at the Cradle of Forestry. The forest's rivers and streams provide excellent trout fishing, boating and whitewater sports. The high mountain peaks and deep gorges thrill rock climbers and mountain bikers. 1,000+ miles of trails provide lifetimes of options.
Camping facilities range from full-service RV sites to primitive. Plentiful day-use areas offer the perfect picnic pit stop. Must do: Hike Looking Glass Rock Trail. This striking domed-mountain landmark near Brevard offers jaw-dropping views from the steep-sided summit.
97%
157 ratings · 30 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
Beautiful spot. Will definitely be back !
A
Ally V.
6 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
Beautiful area! Nice and spacious campsite with lots to see and do nearby. Amazing spot for stargazing!
S
Scarlette K.
2 reviews
August 2022
This camping area has been closed for years. You can walk in, but it's gated off and overgrown. Not maintained by the state or anyone anymore.
Michelle W.
5 years on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· April 2022
This is a reserved camp area only. And only reserved through rec dot gov. USFS.
Not 13 not 12 but only 10 sites. Horse trails are rough. Several trails for hiking biking. No water at campground. Very small creek near. Vault toilet. Quite campground. Rangers come by regularly.
B
Brian C.
3 reviews
Recommends
· March 2021
Just got back from an amazing camping trip at Lake Powhatan. We had 2 tents and a couple of hammocks. Site #50 was PERFECT for us. It was close to fill water jugs and a short walk to the bathroom/shower area. Hiking and Mountain Bike trails were right at the site. We went on a few 5k hikes, but if you are a biker, THIS is the place for you. The campground was super clean and had firewood for purchase (cash only). Grocery was less than 10 minutes, and downtown Asheville was just a bit more up the road. Cell service was non existent, but we weren't there to be on our phones. Highly Recommend!!
Jeannie W.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2019
Online reservations move fast. I am not sure how fast their drive up spots move but this is a popular spot. Car camping is allowed. Great facilities. Feels like the glamping of camping. Love this place.
Megan C.
3 reviews
Recommends
· January 2019
Low hanging trees can be dangerous in a large RV
Nicholas M.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· December 2018
It is certainly in the woods!
P
Pat A.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2018
Quiet hours are after 10pm and they mean it.
Great clean campground with plenty of forest
Duncan C.
8 years on Hipcamp
November 2018
I hosted a group camp for photographers last weekend and had a wonderful time. Fantastic spot. No wonder it is always booked out. I shall return.
Duncan C.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2018
FYI, there is a creek crossing to get to the campsite. Small vehicles be warned!
P
Philip T.
6 reviews
Recommends
· September 2018
Quiet, nice facilities.
Michael S.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2018
Nice amenities and campground staff. Great activities for kids and entire family during peak season. Fantastic location if visiting the area waterfalls.
C
Courtney C.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2018
Plenty of beautiful Backcountry sites along the creeks that crisscross the trails at lower elevations.
Derek T.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2018
The roadside campsites near Wiseman's View Overlook afford some of the best car camping east of the Rockies! Make sure and scout your site early in the summer, as they fill up fast.
Derek T.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2018
The perfect free campsite to spend the night before a sunrise summit hike up Max Patch!
Jacob R.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2017
Pick a spot on the river!
Stephanie O.
6 reviews
Recommends
· August 2017
You will cross a small river to get to this, can be pretty high when it rains a lot making it impassible.
Jay K.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2017
Look up info on the alien sightings here for some extra fun :)
L
Leah A.
8 years on Hipcamp
July 2017
Yes the hiking is great, yes the views are spectacular, but the one thing I will recommend (at risk of losing my favorite spot) camp at the top of watchman's view. It won't disappoint with the sunrise views.
Heather N.
8 years on Hipcamp
July 2017
Great spot for camping and fishing. Nice picnic shelter. Creek runs beside camping spots. Small waterfall down the trail at the back of the campground. Across the road is a great beach area for kids to play and swim.
Brandy T.
8 years on Hipcamp
June 2017
Off the beaten path. The campground is perfect for someone who likes true camping. There is a little road noise, but there is also noise from the big rushing creek. The trails are well maintained. The sites are spacious and well layed out. Great river rock walls and steps. A lot of work went into creating this campground. The bathhouse is clean. The creek/river, the hiking trail, the overlook is fantastic. A portion of the campground is closed due to budget cuts, but the beauty of this small campground is well worth the trip. I want everyone to give this campground a chance because it could close completely. The host Art is a kind man who really cares about the future of this campground. He makesthisplacespecial
Jacqueline T.
9 years on Hipcamp
June 2017
We stayed here as a last minute thing and we're very pleasantly surprised! The rate is more than reasonable for what it is. The sites aren't right on top of each other, the stonework dividing them is in good shape, the bathrooms were reasonably bug free and everything worked, the area was marvelously clean! The on site hike was stunning as well. And lastly, I'd highly recommend the diner down the road for breakfast. Great experience, will hopefully be back!
Leah G.
8 years on Hipcamp
May 2017
We just spent Memorial Day weekend at Rocky Bluff Campground. We had a group of 22 people and the camp host was wonderful in helping us to get together, even lending his outdoor carpet for a muddy site so everyone could be together! It's a wonderful place for children to ride their bikes, play in beautiful spring creek, and hike the spring creek trail. We also visited the stunning Max Patch while we were there and enjoyed nearby Hot Springs Spa and the Paint Creek Recreational area. With so much to do both within and near the campground, it's a favorite for us handsdown! The campground has a park like feel, beautiful stone work, and a quiet charm you can't find most places. I highly recommend it!
Shelley B.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2017
The falls are a longer trail then expected. Tell your wife your going or she may panic when your not back for a long time.
Alexander L.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2017
Hit the stair climber beforehand.
E
Edward W.
8 years on Hipcamp
March 2017
Recently completed the 23 mile Linville Gorge Loop at the end of February. It was pretty challenging & took us just under 48 hours to complete. The Loop gives you great views of the Gorge from the top and down inside of it. Finding the trail on day two made things interesting toward the second half of the 13-14 mile day. Amazing camp sites all over. Love the Linville Gorge Wilderness. If you do the loop, be prepared to work more than play or give yourself 3-4 days.
R
Ron B.
8 years on Hipcamp
November 2016
This is one of our favorite local spots. Nice camping spot, quiet and heavily wooded with clean bathhouses. Good hiking and nice little lake for swimming but the beach is a flipping mess w/ Canadian goose poop everywhere. Yuck!
Right off the able Ridge Parkway and The NC Arboretum.
M
Mary C.
9 years on Hipcamp
October 2016
We just stayed here for a few nights and loved it. All area camp sites were booked for the weekend we got lucky they had a cancellation and Robert held it for us until we could drive there. The managers and camp host were so great and friendly we will definitely camp here again. They were constantly driving around keeping a eye on everything and camp host would deliver wood when needed it. Bathrooms and showers were kept very clean. It is nice and tucked in the woods so let your family know you'll be off the grid cause there is absolutely no cell reception.
Carla B.
9 years on Hipcamp
October 2016
Just got back from our camping trip at Lake Powhatan Campground. We had a great time the site was beautiful. The staff were very friendly and helpful and they keep the place nice and tidy. The bathrooms and showers were kept impeccably clean. The lake is nice great place for a relaxing picnic.
Carla B.
9 years on Hipcamp