Avery Creek Roadside Camping

I am going to preface this review by saying that giving it five stars, three stars, or one star really depends on what you expect from a campground. It might be five stars if you are looking for a real wilderness getaway. However, it might be a one star if you are looking for modern amenities with electric, water, and sewer hookups. For me personally, I rate it as five stars, but I know that people looking for a campground wonder how it can be five stars when it does not have hookups or Wi-Fi. Of all the designated primitive camping areas I have been to, this one seems to be one of the most popular, and for good reason. The Avery Creek Roadside camping sites have raised gravel pads, sturdy fire rings, and lantern hangers. Most designated primitive areas do not have such“luxury.” To get to the sites, you have to turn onto a gravel national forest road and drive for about half a mile before you get to the first campsite. The road continues for quite a way, and you can find several designated sites along the road. I was surprised that there were quite a few campers since it was in December. It is a good thing there are a lot of campsites. One of the best things about camping in this area is that there is so much to do within a short driving distance. For example, three miles down the road there is one of my favorite waterfalls. It isn’t very tall, but it has a lot of volume and is a beautiful waterfall. Five miles from the campsites, there is Sliding Rock, which opens during the warmer months and is very popular. Nine miles away is the Cradle of Forestry in America, and in my unbiased opinion, I think everybody needs to visit there at least once. The campsite itself provided a pleasant stay. You can hear the creek all night long, and you are at least four or five miles from a town. It doesn’t seem like a long distance, but it is far enough that you don’t hear the sounds of traffic. Fly fishing for trout is a popular activity, as well as hiking. There is an abundance of hiking trails nearby, including the Art Loeb Trail, Avery Creek Trail, Andy Cove Nature Trail, and lots more. The Blue Ridge Parkway is also only twelve and a half miles away. The area is also a popular horseback riding area with stables down the road. Unlike another camping area I had reviewed earlier this year, horse manure did not seem to be a problem. There are no bathrooms, except at the group camping area, which has to be reserved. The only water is from the creek, so be prepared and take lots of water or a water filtration system. Overall, Avery Creek is fantastic if you want to get away from civilization. There are no amenities such as swimming pool, game room, etc., but it is an outstanding place for people who just love the outdoors.

Great Place for Dispersed Camping

Just a remote site with a parking spot and gravel tent pad along a nice creek off the unpacked road! All spots were full in December.
There is a fire ring and lantern hook. The sites were clearly marked. Must pack out all trash. See pictures for rules and details. Note there is no restroom or pit toilet in the area.

Great for what we needed

Perfect primitive camping spots. There are streams near bottom of the mountain and the road does loop all the way around. The second entrance is about 9 miles from the first on the main road (276) which is right before cradle of forestry. We decided to go to the top. Water does run off from the top so we were able to collect clean clear bathing water.. We stayed for about 7 days. the first weekend was noisy with partners but after that was very quiet. A ranger makes his rounds every day. Watch out for flash floods if at the bottom. No toilets but plenty of seclusion. About 10 miles from main town with everything you need. Follow rules - bury poop. Pack in and out all trash. 

There are active bears. Bears are most active about 1 hour before sunset and sunrise. We had a teenage size bear and his mom visit our camp every morning about 530am. They disappear with full light. You can hear the youngin' begin his calls around each of these times.  Sounds almost like an owl the first time you hear it and baby bears cry sound like human baby cries. Please follow rules on signs. No toiletries, trash, food of any kind or anything smelly in your tent leave it all in your car (locked) because the bears will come investigate. 

Plenty to do around hear. Tubing is close. There are hiking trails which lead to a central location called "club gap" ( we took the wrong route and hiked 9 miles). There is a beautiful waterfall (Looking Glass). Fly fishing 🎣 was popular and you can swim in the clear cold mountain waters.

❤💙

Great location off of easy gravel road. Limited spots available. Camping locations marked with signs. Fire pit, parking spot and tent pad at each location. 