Canoes and paddleboards will not be available to rent on July 10-14 and 17-19 due to a staff shortage. Grandfather Mountain Mount Mitchell State Park: Home | NC State Parks Hiking: Pisgah National Forest offers some of the region's best hiking trails. Located in Transylvania County near the tripoint where North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia meet, Gorges State Park sports plunging waterfalls, rugged river (Distances from downtown Asheville are shown in parenthesis. Within an hours drive of downtown Asheville, its possible to visit two national parks, two national forests, and numerous state parks. A lock icon or https:// means youve safely connected to the official website. North Carolina NC State Parks Campsites at both Catawba River and Paddy's Creek accesses provide an opportunity to spend the night by the lake, with some sites accessible only by paddling. To learn more, view our full privacy policy. The southern section of the Pisgah National Forest is only a few miles away, and its fully stocked with some of the best North Carolina waterfalls, amazing hikes, and the Cradle of Forestry. Asheville is an ideal hub from the mountains of North Carolina offering easy access to numerous state and national parks. There are roughly 35. The park is free to enter, and there are endless trails throughout the area, perfect for hiking and mountain biking. There are no fees required to access Mount Mitchell State Park for day use. Secure websites use HTTPS certificates. The areas earliest settlers are said to have established a community here as early as the 1770s. Gorges State Park READ MORE: The Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in North Carolina. This RV park offers a peaceful place to camp, surrounded by 12 acres of dense woodlands and gentle streams. Of all the I-95 exits in North Carolina, Wilson is the only one that offers an amazing whirligig park (Exit 116). Comprised of over 500,000 acres, the Pisgah is primarily a hardwood forest with whitewater rivers, waterfalls and hundreds of miles of trails. Visitors come from all over the country to mountain bike, fish, hike and recreate here, and its really special to provide a welcoming home setting where they can be fully immersedboth day and nightin the heart of it all. From natural wonders to historic attractions, these are just a fewhighlights of Pisgah National Forest. Find the best campgrounds & rv parks near Biltmore Forest, North Carolina. See reviews, photos, directions, phone numbers and more for the best State Parks in Asheville, NC. Location:New Hanover County, 12 miles south of Wilmington, You can find:Sugarloaf Dune, Venus flytraps, brown pelicans, and river otters, Highlights:full-service marina; full-hookup RV camping; easy trails; boating and fishing on Intracoastal Waterway and Cape Fear River, Location: CumberlandCounty, 13 miles northwest of Fayetteville, At the park, you can find: longleaf pine trees, red-cockaded woodpeckers and Pine Barrens tree frogs, Highlights at this access: the Rockefeller House; serene trails; fishing at the millpond; historic structures, Location: CumberlandCounty, 10 miles north of Fayetteville, At the park, you can find: longleaf pine trees, red-cockaded woodpeckers, and Pine Barrens tree frogs, Highlights at this access:hiking, biking or horseback riding through longleaf pine forests; fishing at Carvers Creek and ponds, Location:Rutherford County, 25 miles southeast of Asheville, At the park, you can find:peregrine falcons, rock gnome lichen, green salamanders, lampshade spiders, and white irisette, Highlights at this access:the Chimney; elevator inside a mountain; Hickory Nut Falls; scenic views along strenuous trails; paid admission, Location:Buncombe County, 28 miles southeast of Asheville, At the park, you can find:peregrine falcons, rock gnome lichen, green salamanders, lampshade spiders and white irisette, Highlights at this access:Eagle Rock; overlook outcropping; hiking and biking through rugged mountain terrain; rock climbing; free limited parking, Location:Rutherford County, 27 miles southeast of Asheville, Highlights at this access:hiking through large boulder fields; bouldering and rock climbing; Rumbling Bald Mountain; free access, Location:Wayne County, 15 miles southeast of Goldsboro, You can find:the 90-foot bluffs rising above the Neuse River and eastern fox squirrels, Highlights:hiking through longleaf restoration areas and along creeks; swimming lake with boat rentals; full hook-up RV camping; paddling on the Neuse River, Location: Cleveland County, 38 miles west of Charlotte, At the park, you can find:a wide variety of bird species from small songbirds to red-tailed hawks and turkey vultures, Highlights at this access: long hikes; bouldering; connects to Kings Mountain State Park and Kings Mountain National Military Park, Location: Gaston County, 30 miles west of Charlotte, Highlights at this access: Crowders Mountain overlook;steep, challenging hikes; scenic views; rock climbing, Location:Gaston County, 32 miles west of Charlotte, Highlights at this access:the Pinnacle overlook; easy to strenuous hikes; lake; visitor center; backpack camping, Location:Camden County, at North Carolina's northeast border with Virginia, You can find:the Great Dismal Swamp and Canal, Atlantic white cedar trees, Hessel's hairstreak, Highlights:flat, easy trails for hiking and biking; bike rentals; unique swamp environment, Location: Watauga County, 11 miles north of Boone, You can find:Gray's lily, trailing wolfsbane, large purple-fringed orchid, and flame azalea, Highlights: the summit, offering views from one of the highest peaks in the high country; cross country skiing and snowshoeing on ungroomed trail; backpack and zone camping, Location:Orange County, 8 miles northwest of downtown Durham, At the park, you can find:a shallow, rocky river corridor combined with upland forests; the endangered Carolina madtom, Highlights at this access:remnants of the old Cabe Mill, quarry, rocky area of the river, Location:Durham County, 8 miles northwest of downtown Durham, Highlights at this access:Bobbitt Hole; Pea Creek; backpack camping; picnic areas; paddling access, Location:Orange County, 11 miles northwest of downtown Durham, Highlights at this access: the Cascades; swinging bridge; Piper-Cox House; backpack and group camping; park office, ReserveAmerica website or call 1-877-722-6762. Though it doesnt have any RV hookups or showers, it does offer a lot of seclusion, plus luxuries like fresh drinking water and flush toilets. ATV Trails in North Carolina Spruce Pine NC is 50 miles northeast of Asheville, and 8 miles north of the unique tourist town of Little Switzerland. Elk Knob State Park is unique among the mountainous NC State Parks, in that it strives to stay open during the winter to offer both cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Remember that waterfalls and rocky summits can be dangerous. Some recreation areas may have their own hours. Asheville Please check Virginia state parks , North Carolina state parks , and the US Forest Service for additional camping options. Download the free Blue Ridge Parkway Travel Planner for your smart phone. In addition to a great Davidson River swimming hole, there are dozens of waterfalls within a few minutes of the campground, amazing hiking trails nearby, and quick access to Brevard. No matter which part of this growing Blue Ridge mountain town you choose to visit, there will be ample Asheville campsites to choose from. Deluxe Camping Near Asheville NC. WebMarina Visitor center Exhibits Concession stand Facility rentals Rentals concessionaire nearby Carolina Beach State Park Location: New Hanover County, 12 miles south of Blue Ridge Parkway Distance From Asheville: Two hours 36 minutes (167 miles) via I-40 E & I-77 N. Believe it or not the Blue Ridge Parkway is the most visited WebMarina Visitor center Exhibits Concession stand Facility rentals Rentals concessionaire nearby Carolina Beach State Park Location: New Hanover County, 12 miles south of Wilmington You can find: Sugarloaf Dune, Venus flytraps, brown pelicans, and river otters A strenuous hike takes you to the top for near 360-degree views. Skatepark at Foundation and RAD Riverwalk are staples in the River Arts District, ensconcing visitors in vibrant street art, youthful vibes, and crafty culture. State Park Cabins in Asheville, NC Grandfather Mountain is an iconic peak 75 miles north of Asheville, N.C. just off of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Western North Carolina. National Park Service RV camping & Fun Hikes near Asheville, North Carolina | Chimney Rock State Park [ Episode 15 ], Camping near Asheville NC | Fulltime RV Living | RV Shakedown Part II, Lake Powhatan Campground , Asheville NC | Pisgah National Forest, Rv Camping Near North Cascades National Park, Camping Near Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, First Come First Serve Camping Joshua Tree, Best Camping Spots In Rocky Mountain National Park. It will open for the summer at 11 a.m. on WebLocated in Rutherford county 25 miles southeast of Asheville, Chimney Rock State Park offers some of North Carolina's most dramatic mountain scenery, overlooking Hickory Take a trip back in time with local historians to learn how our thriving mountain town came to be, and about the amazing people who helped shape it along the way. Website (828) 251-4049. The four national forests in North Carolina offer a wide variety of campsites, with an array of amenities, in scenic locations. READ MORE:The 15 Best Pisgah National Forest Waterfalls to Explore, Blue Ridge ParkwayMilepost 339.5 828-675-5444. Blue Ridge Parkway South Mountains State Park. You can also avail of the parks tent sites with amenities such as an amphitheater and picnic shelters for a pleasant, family-friendly camping experience. WebNational & State Parks. The final trail, Maple Run Trail, was still under construction as of our deadline. Regardless of what the campground has to offer, staying in a place like this is just fun. A visit to any of these stunning state parks near Asheville might just become your perfect weekend trip. More than a hundred years laterwhen George Vanderbilt constructed Biltmore in the 1890s, Vanderbiltsought to create a forest reserve as part of the estate. Asheville Glamping is where the notion of roughing it really is more or less left behind. The park also has the countrys highest suspension footbridge, positioned above sea level, that offers 360-degree panoramic views of the mountains below. Though the campsites are close together the campground deserves 5 stars. It is a huge RV park located between Interstate 40 and 240. Because of its exceptional ecological diversity, the park has been designated as a United Nations International Biosphere Reserve. Or, rent a canoe, paddleboard, or kayak to explore the pristine waters that fill Lake James. The group helps provide funding for Junior Ranger and Youth in Parks Environmental Education programs, as well as grants for state parks projects. Gift Shop, Campground, Concession Stand, and Restrooms at the Summit and Park Office are ALL Open. Most events are free, though some may require pre-registration. Hikes range from easy to strenuous. Fees are charged for camping, certain event permits, and facility reservations. Campers can bring pets along to this campground, and theres also access to WiFi if you need to keep in touch with folks at home. Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site. The Lake Powhatan Campground is located in a special area of thePisgah National Forest in southern Asheville, near the NC Arboretum, Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Biltmore Estate. Mount Mitchell State For a small-town feel, West Jefferson is 25 miles away and has a charming historic downtown area. The nearby Cosby Creek is ideal for outdoor adventures, with kayaking and fishing possible here. Wilderness Cove Campground and Orchard Lake Campground are two great options for camping, and Pisgah National Forest offers several other campgrounds nearby. Pisgah National Forest (pronounced PIZ-guh) is located in Western North Carolina, both to the north and south of Asheville. Furnished yurts and charmingcabins in Asheville are also available here. All rights reserved. Mount Mitchell State Park does not provide shuttle services or transportation for hikers. Equestrian camping is available with trailer parking and barn to complement 33 miles of bridle trails. Nearly 100,000 acres of the forest near Asheville was once part of Biltmore Estate, the site of America's Largest Home. Mama Gerties Hideaway Campground. With activities like hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and kayaking, theres always something fun and exciting to do around the city. The surrounding area is also full of North Carolina waterfalls, high mountain peaks, and dense forests. The menu features shared plates like East Coast oysters and deviled crab dip, in addition to Southern-inspired salads, sandwiches, and whole flounder with salsa verde and chili mayo. Open year-round, with 24-hour gate access, Open from May 1 to September 30, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, Top:Lake James and the Blue Ridge mountains, C. Marimpietri, Gallery:Foggy lake and pier in autumn, staff photo | Paddy's Creek bridge, K. Bischof | View of lake from Long Arm paddle-in campsites, C. Peek | Bicyclists on the bike trails, C. Peek | Early morning at the swim beach at Paddy's Creek access, K. Bischof, 2229 Lake James State Park RoadNebo, NC 28761, An official website of the State of North Carolina. Backcountry-style recreation is a hallmark of the park, from backpacking to horseback riding. 2. The park also offers access and overnight parking for campers who are backpacking into the Pisgah National Forest. While the city boasts an exciting blend of hip coffee shops, breweries, and notable restaurants, its the outdoor activities that make it so unique. Over 19 million Bear Creek RV Park and Campground Map. Located in Burke County 55 miles east of Asheville, South Mountains State Park is situated at the crossroads of the Appalachian Mountains and the Foothills to provide the ultimate backcountry experience. Littering is prohibited; Facility Use Fees: Use fees for the site are $17 for the State Park and $3 from Reserve America for the processing fee. For general information, please call 919-707-9300 or email us at state.parks@ncparks.gov. And if you enjoy bird watching, this state park is home to 200 kinds of birds and will quickly become one of your favorites. For this guide, weve listed these national parks in North Carolina in alphabetical order. 1615 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1615 NC State Parks Black History at North Carolina State Parks, Visitors with limited mobility or disabilities, Trailer and RV sites (some with electric, water, and sewer hookups). WebThese accesses are not managed by N.C. State Parks. Use ourAsheville Hike Finderto easily filter by distance from downtown, trail length and difficulty level. The Inn at Crestwood Resort & Spa offers an onsite restaurant, spa, and indoor pool. National Parks near Asheville NC You can call the ranger station if you have additional questions about facilities and activities. Parks near Leicester - Find Parks near Leicester NC. Whatever your adventure may be, Lake James is best enjoyed from May to September when the weather is warm and the days are long. Parks With such a scenic view, you cant help but make several stops to appreciate the landscape. By continuing to use our site you agree to our, Fall Forecast and Weekly Fall Color Report, Cradle of Forestry in America historic site, Bent Creek Experimental Forest/Lake Powhatan, Request a Website Listing & Partner Account. About Americas State Parks | Contact Us | Americas State Parks Blog. Picnicking: There are numerous picnic areas, picnic tables and picnic sheltersthroughout Pisgah National Forest. WebAbout the Park. Mitchell (the tallest mountain east of the Colorado Rockies). by Jonathon Engels; leadimage by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett. The Restaurant Remains CLOSED and May Not Open Till Later in the Year. Camping near Asheville NC | Fulltime RV Living | RV Shakedown Part II. The forests around Crabtree Falls have lots of wildflowers, including an impressive amount of crabapple trees that bloom in spring. For the last several years they have lived just off the BRP near Elkin, Southwest Virginia, and the NC High Country. Asheville DuPont State Forest. Length: 1.3 mi Est. From November to March, open Mondays to Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. From April to October, open daily, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Blue Ridge Parkway. Park staff lead regularly scheduled interpretive programs that allow the public to gain perspective into what makes North Carolina state parks naturally wonderfully. Bat Cave. Located in Waynesville NC, the Cataloochee Campground is an official Great Smoky Mountains National Park campground (the parks closest campsites to Asheville NC). Parks near Asheville Learning opportunities are available for all ages. Featured along this 15-mile stretch are top attractions including Looking Glass Falls, Moore Cove Falls, Sliding Rock natural waterslide andthe Cradle of Forestry historic site. Lake Lure Beach and Water Park, Rutherford County. At an hour away from the city, Lake James has 6,812 acres of clear waters and beautiful scenery. The restaurant phone is currently out of service. Lake James State Park: Home | NC State Parks - North Carolina Access to Wi-Fi and cable are both free. ), Pisgah Ranger District (South of Asheville), Appalachian and Grandfather Ranger Districts (Northwest and northeast of Asheville). River Parks Please contact the park at gorges@ncparks.gov or (828) 966-9099 to learn more. The 427-acre Located in Transylvania County near the tripoint where North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia meet, Gorges State Park sports plunging waterfalls, rugged river gorges, and sheer rock precipices. DuPont Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park, 5320 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA. Montford Urban Treehouse. The glampingdomes will sleep anywhere from 2 to 8 people. WebA variety of opportunities are available for park attendants, lifeguards, office assistants, naturalists, maintenance, and grounds keepers. Asheville Keep reading for the top Asheville parks and gardens as well as a few brief mentions of State and National Parks near Asheville. Botanical Gardens At Asheville | 151 W T. Weaver Boulevard, Asheville, NC 28804. The famous Biltmore Estate WebDirections Gorges State Park is located in Transylvania County and joins the North Carolina/South Carolina state line. Cookies are used for measurement, ads and optimization. WebFor reservations, call 877-444-6777, 877-833-6777, or visit www.recreation.gov. Location: 280 State Park Road, Apex, NC 27523. This list also includes great Pisgah National Forest hikes. If youre looking for a resort-like setting, this is the best camping in the NC mountains. Amenities include a pool, game room, dog park, walking trail, and an onsite camp store. To learn more, view our full privacy policy. READ MORE:The 10 Best Campgrounds in the North Carolina Mountains, 2708 Highway 70 East, Swannanoa NC 828-686-3121. Recreational opportunities here include swimming, hiking, mountain biking, and trout fishing. Parks Government Offices. Its located a mere 13 miles from all that Downtown Asheville has to offer. This beautiful North Carolina state park is about 45 to 50 minutes from Asheville. Much of what is now Pisgah National Forest was once home to the Cherokee. Recommended Reading: Rv Camping Northern California Coast. The Appalachian Ranger District includes the area northwest of Asheville along the North Carolina/Tennessee state line and the area northeastof Asheville that includes Mount Mitchell. So families will have no trouble keeping their children content, and there might even be time to venture over to Asheville to check out the city. Mitchell. The Peaks of Otter Lodge is located twenty miles north of Roanoke, VA at Milepost 86. Location: 522 Park Office Ln, Kings Mountain, NC 28086. Scenic Drives: The Blue Ridge Parkway , America's favorite scenic drive, travels through large parts of Pisgah National Forest to the north and south of Asheville. All hosted affiliate links follow our editorial & privacy policies. For more information on the position and how to apply, please visit our Jobs page. Youll feel miles away from everything, while remaining an easy drive away from all the action. 3. Grandfather Mountain. There are also full bathroom and shower facilities. 2 nights Minimum Stay still apply to cabin rentals at Hanging Rock and Morrow Mountain State Parks Memorial Day July 4th Labor Day. Click on the name of each location for more information. It offers short routes into the city for all of the Asheville attractions, and it has all the info necessary for exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway, French Broad River, and hundreds of excellent hiking trails. Camping - Blue Ridge Parkway (U.S. National Park Service) Please contact the park at gorges@ncparks.gov or (828) 966-9099 to learn more. Located on the UNC-Asheville campus in North Asheville, parking and entrance are free to these public grounds. 1. For more outdoor adventures, there are lots of Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks close by, and the Asheville Botanical Gardens is just 7.7 miles from the rental property! Pisgah National Forest | National State Parks in Asheville, NC Find a visitor center and multiple restroom facilities. The management goals at HSF are to conserve natural resources, provide learning opportunities, and promote sustainable recreation. Treehouse Rentals near Asheville NC Pisgah National Forest Official Website. HOURS: The forest is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Asheville West KOA Campground is another fantastic spot for camping near Asheville NC. The followingother offices are not visitor centers but do provide visitor information:Appalachian Ranger District office (632 Manor Road, Mars Hill, NC) and The Grandfather Ranger District (109 Lawing Drive, Nebo, NC). Nature Research Center, 2nd floor Blue Ridge Parkway. One Lodge Street, Asheville NC 828-225-6398. The campground has hot showers, flush toilets, and a few spots with full RV hookups. Rock Castle Gorge in Rocky Knob at Milepost 167.1.. Basin Cove in Doughton Park at Milepost 244.7.. Old Johns River in Lake Powhatan Campground Pisgah National Forest 375 Wesley Branch Rd, Asheville NC 877-444-6777 Official Website The Lake Powhatan Campground is located in a special area of the Pisgah National Forest in southern Asheville, near the NC Arboretum, Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Biltmore Estate. Catawba Falls is close by, as are lots of popular tourist attractions, including the Biltmore andGrandfather Mountainand Chimney Rock State Parks. Copyright 2023, AmericasStateParks.org. 4. This campground has well over 100 campsites, over half of which are first-come-first serve. Pisgah National Forest was established in 1915 whenthe Vanderbilt familysold the federal government 86,700 acres of forest land. Individual attractions, such as the North Carolina Arboretum and the Cradle of Forestry do require admission. Numerous campgrounds are located in communities, and on state and federal lands, adjacent to the parkway. State parks are great places for birthday parties, reunions, weddings, and more. WebThe state park is one of many state parks that straddle the great Lake Storm Thurmond, which is also known as Clarks Hill Lake. The status of the park is updated regularly on this page; please check here prior to your visit if you are visiting during the winter months. The park is a family-owned campground and can be found to the west of the city. But, did you know that the Asheville parks are just as plentiful and worthwhile too? Most events are free, though some may require pre-registration. 76 miles from Asheville (1 hour 39 minutes) Trail Length: 1.2 miles round trip. They are not permitted inside buildings. North Carolina State Parks To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 720-5964 . Grandfather Peak State Park is home to a beautiful mountain that stands at 5,945 feet and offers hikers challenging terrain along the cliffs along with excellent views of the surrounding area. The Friends of Lake James State Park promotes, supports, and advocates for Lake James State Park through organizing volunteer efforts, educating visitors, hosting events, and fundraising. Each has lots of private amenitiesfridge, fire rings, electricity, outdoor grill, etc.and access to a shared bathhouse. See Deals for Asheville Hotels. North Carolina Select a City. There are no fees required to access Gorges State Park for day use. He named an iconic peak "Mount Pisgah," a reference to the Biblical peak where Moses viewed the promised land. To learn more, view our full privacy policy. Apart from its local, cultural, and historic attractions, the citys easy access to numerous state parks offers the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy picturesque views from the most serene parks. 1. Location: 9872 Highway 105 South, Banner Elk, NC 28604. Mountain bikers enjoy a strenuous 17-mile loop. Please note that the backpacking sites are not within Mount Mitchell State Park property. From hiking trails to scenic drives to main attractions, Pisgah National Forest has it all. The area is known for its incredible vistas and unmatched ecological diversity. The park features 11 trails of varying difficulties, including the strenuous 6.2-mile Ridgeline Trail that allows hikers to travel between two states and the 4.5-mile Crowders Trail that winds along the base of its namesake mountain and takes visitors through rocky terrains adorned with wildflowers and breathtaking views.