Camping at Grandfather Mountain Campground is allowed with a permit at 13 backpack camping sites along the trail system, including the Hi-Balsam Shelter.

Reservations are required at Grandfather Mountain camping for all 13 campsites. All campsites must be reserved in advance, which can be made as late as the same day. We recommend making your reservation prior to your park visit, as cellular service is not reliable at the park. A fee is charged for all campsites, and campers must have a reservation code to be able to camp. Camping fees are listed at the bottom of this page.

Upon your arrival, please fill out a camping registration permit at the Profile trailhead or at the kiosk near the Boone Fork parking lot. You must register for a permit on-site, in addition to making your reservation online.

Camping is permitted in the designated areas only, which are identified by signs at the campsites and with a camping icon on the trail map. There is no dispersed camping (camping off a designated site) on the mountain. All camping regulations apply to hammock campers.

All 13 campsites are hike-in backcountry, primitive sites. There is no car camping. There are no facilities. The terrain is rugged and can be challenging. Trailheads are near 3,800 feet in elevation and Calloway Peak reaches 5,946 feet.

Please do not disturb nearby campers. Take care to protect the terrain and plant and animal life.

Grandfather Mountain Campground

Campsite Review:

About 20 minutes from Boone NC, a new parking area and approach trail begin the Profile hike.  This parking area has been in the works for years and we were excited to finally see the new bathhouse and extension of the trail.  

We parked near the bathhouse and filled out our slip (required of all campers and hikers) before climbing grandfather mountain.  Several additional campsites have been added in this area, as well as some being closed due to black bear activity.  

We hiked about 3 miles, past the creek, through rhododendron tunnels and through grassy gatherings of stinging nettles.  Our son told everyone we passed not to touch them, but that they could eat them!  

We made it to the Profile campsite - about a mile from the top, but a great campsite.  There are several great trees for hanging hammocks and two good tent pads sites.  This site also has bear cables for hanging food and items that the bears would deem interesting.  We were only here for half an hour before additional campers joined us.  They entered as loud, cursing college students, but changed their language upon seeing our youngest and were very friendly.  

We enjoy the campfire pit here best as it is surrounded by rocks that block the wind and make a fire possible at this elevation, but this trip ended in a severe thunderstorm and lots and lots of rain which made that impossible this time.  There are no facilities at this campsite - but this is a great intro to backpacking site to use as the hike is reasonable, both in length and elevation.  

Product Review:  

As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test products.  At this campsite, I tested the Mountain House Chicken Noodle Casserole which was delicious!!  https://www.mountainhouse.com/m/product/homestyle-chicken-noodle-casserole.html

We most commonly carry our own dehydrated concoctions or more basic meals, but I was pleasantly surprised by both the texture and taste of the Chicken Noodle Casserole.  2 adults and 1 child shared this meal (listed as 3 servings) and were pleasantly satisfied.  We rehydrated 2 pouches, but ended up eating the second pouch the next morning.  There were lots of vegetables and enough flavor (and salt) to satisfy the post hiking cravings.  Our son was especially pleased with this meal, as he said it tasted like chicken pot pie, one of his favorites!  

We boiled water at the beginning of our hike so we could refill waterbottles before heading up.  We usually hike to the top after setting up camp but with the weather looking chancy, we weren't going to risk hitting the spring.  I carried the rehydrating pouch up in my pack and ate about 2 hours later and it was NOT a mushy mess.  I added exactly 2 cups of water and it was perfect.  I can't stress that enough.  I have eaten so many mushy rehydrated meals on the Appalachian Trail, I nearly expect all freeze-dried meals to do the same.  

I would strongly recommend this meal, especially if you like chicken pot pie!

Ranger Review:  Mountain House Chicken Noodle Casserole at Profile Campsite

We very much enjoyed our stay at the park! Centered right on top of Grandfather mountain, the hiking was incredible! Trails all around and beautiful views of those Blue Ridge mountains - see my pictures for views from the trails. Sites fill up quick, and of course tourists are abound especially during peak weekends (ie: summer through the fall) but overall an enjoyable stay! Facilities are very nice and clean, most of the time. We very much recommend hiking the 3 peaks - MacRae, Attic Window and Calloway. A very hard and challenging trail with cables and ladders but also very rewarding views! You have to give this campground a shot!

Lovely CG - Some of Best Hikes in NC!

This is a tough hike but well worth it! Make sure you factor in every mile may take up to 1 hr so bring plenty of water. It’s one of our favorite places to backpack and we have been and will continue to visit year round. As always pack out what you pack in!

Marvelous mountain views

The profile trail is a great hike but it is 3.6 miles of mostly uphill on rugged terrain. Permits are required on this trail. They are free and available at the trailhead. We also visited the swinging bridge which was a very short and windy hike with great views.

Beautiful Long Hikes

I loved the area we stayed at in Grandfather Mountain Campground. I've been multiple times throughout the summers and have always enjoyed staying at one of the campsites right by the river. The campsite is always clean and friendly staff are there ready to answer questions on where to hike, eat and about the wildlife that's in this area of Western North Carolina. If you're lucky enough to catch one of the beautiful sunsets, I would recommend sitting in the grassy field (also on option to camp there) and take in the mountains laced with purples and pinks as the sun sets. And of course you'll have to hike grandfather mountain and walk across the swinging bridge. I finally went this last trip and was not disappointed! There is an intense hike that included climbing up latters and leads to beautiful views!  

  

This campground is also close to Boone, NC. It is a cute little town that has a sweet downtown area to walk around in and grab a beer. If you like breakfast food I would highly recommend trying Melanie's. There food is to die for, and also very earth conscious.

Breathtaking views  on top of Grandfather Mountain. 

Well, one mile above the rest. Such a sight to see. Check your tour cd to verify it works before driving away from the gate. It is helpful as you drive through and not all function correctly. Plenty of hiking trails but some close in the winter months. Picnic and play areas. Educational spots for the little ones. Breathtaking views. 

Miles above the rest! 

Grandfather Mountain is simply amazing. The CD given to you at the gate is something we listen to often. 
The visitor center could be a zoo. It is full of educational information and animals. 
The hikes are second to none with gorgeous views. Camp sites are pristine. I wouldn’t go back everyday if I could. 

Favorite N.C. Park!

The sites all throughout Grandfather are pretty awesome but you have to really look into the details for each site as many do not allow for a campfire, so you will want to ensure you have an alternate (approved) cooking system. We enjoy the trails out here. I will say, these are no joke especially with added pack weight so definitely advise only bringing the absolute essentials.

Definitely worth the hikes!

This is the most beautiful hiking trails in the world! A lot of climbing rock slopes and ladders with scenic views from 6000 ft plus elevation. Campground stays packed so make reservations unless you primitive camp in the National Forrest nearby. The Blue Ridge Parkway is rated the # 1 scenic drives in America. Enjoy these pictures, it was raining and very windy so more pictures coming!

Best park in North Carolina

We called and reserved a site last minute, in October! 
This little park is a hidden gem if you like small and quiet.
The positives:
Location: very close to Grandfather Mountain entrance and BRP. 
There are plenty of stores, restaurants, antiques nearby too. 
Cabins and tent sites: There are several cute cabins and lots of tent sites  available, which would make this a great place for a group of campers with different levels of camping tastes. 
Grandfather Vineyard:
We spent a fantastic afternoon 5 minutes away at Grandfather Vineyard, wine tasting, food truck, and live music. Don’t miss trying the flights! 
We came home with 2 excellent bottles of wine, at a great price! 
Pretty views: The campground is tucked into a hillside near a creek with lovely Mountain Views all around.
Hookups: many sites have full hookups.
Price: only $40 per night during a very busy season in the mountains. 

The negatives:
The site: The site was quite un-level side to side, and we couldn’t get our trailer completely level side to side. The site was a bit tough to maneuver into (doable, though!)
Full time residents:
This truly Did not bother us, but some residents did have lots of “stuff” outside their units making it look well lived in. We never saw or heard the folks we were next to, though and it is a quiet place. 
Bath house: We read several reviews that describe the restrooms as “disgusting” but we did not have that experience. We usually camp at State parks where the bathrooms really can be disgusting- The disgusting part is the campers. People use TP as a seat cover, then leave it on the floor, throw away trash in the restroom that should go in the dumpster (which is completely accessible), and are very non-courteous, and take zero responsibility for cleaning up after themselves. 
In my opinion the messiness of the restrooms falls squarely on the campers. 
The restrooms are heated, have 3 nice showers with good water pressure, 4 stalls, and 2 sinks. Fully stocked with TP and paper towels. We’re there a couple of dead bugs in there? Yes….You’re CAMPING people. Quit being spoiled brats! 


Nice little campground!

We knew this place was beautiful based on photos! However, we were completely blown away by this park! The hiking, the views, the bridge, the animal habitat, the list goes on and on… Highly recommend this state park! 

Stunning! 

Anytime I pay more that $40 to park my van for a night I tend to have high expectations. Even though we are “camping” I think the bathrooms should look like they’ve been cleaned on a daily basis. I did not get that feel here.  For the size of camp ground it has nice facilities, laundry and several bathrooms. Didn’t see any children on our visit but they do have corn hole and swing sets available. 

Quiet 

We have stayed here on several occasions mostly in the cold winter months. Super close to the skiing but also has nice variety for fishing in the summer 