Map showing campground location near Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina

Camper submitted image from Maple Camp Bald

Maple Camp Bald

Reaching Maple Camp Bald requires a hike of roughly 6 miles along the Buncombe Horse Range Trail (Trail 191), starting from a small parking lot near Carolina Hemlocks Campground, with an alternate approach from the Mount Mitchell side. No cell service should be expected at the site. Reviewers report 3 to 4 camping areas, two of which can fit multiple tents, plus fire rings on-site. Water is not available at camp itself, though a source sits approximately 0.4 miles away. Campers who want a drive-in alternative can look at Mount Mitchell State Park Campground, accessible from the same general area, or browse camping near Pisgah National Forest for additional options across the forest.

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Map & DirectionsMaple Camp Bald is located in North Carolina near Pisgah National Forest

Public Campground

Coordinates

35.78233901 N
82.24484467 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Access

Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Group
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

Firewood Available
Phone Service
Drinking Water
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Visit Website

Drive Time

1 hr 45 min from Asheville, NC
2 hrs 1 min from Johnson City, TN
2 hrs 17 min from Kingsport, TN

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Maple Camp Bald

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

5.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Justin Z.

Guide

Reviewed Nov. 13, 2020

Fabulous

This amazing campsite it at the base of Big Tom. It’s a moderate hike to and from the campsite with great views. There’s fire rings and lots of sites to choose from. I recommend packing in enough water for your stay because there is not a water source at the site. Also no cell service.

Month of VisitOctober

(4) View All

Francis C.

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 28, 2020

Phenomenal view to the East of Mount Mitchell

It’s a 6 mile hike up Maple Camp Ridge on trail 191 (Buncombe Horse Range) starting from a small parking lot close to Carolina Hemlocks Campground. (Can also be accessed from the Mount Mitchel side). 0.4 miles from the bald is a nice water source. There are 3-4 areas to set up camp, two of them could accommodate multiple tents. An amazing spot to admire sunrises if the weather cooperates.

John L.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 29, 2019

What a view!

A bit of a hike, but a great spot! A little below where we set up camp, we found a natural spring for water and theres a decent amount of firewood around. We parked at the top of Mt. Mitchell and took the Ridgeline trail, eventually turning onto the Big Tom Gap Trail and then a left onto the Buncombe Horse Trail. Instead of taking the Big Tom Gap Trail back, we stayed on the Buncombe Horse Trail and it was worth it to do the full loop. The final ascent to back to the parking lot at the peak of Mt. Mitchell was brutal on the lungs and legs! Do not have a heavy pack! We got lucky with great weather in early March. Having followed the weather for a bit after going, I think I’d be planning for April if we did it again.

(4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Bald Mountain Camp located?

Maple Camp Bald is located at the base of Big Tom mountain in North Carolina. It can be accessed via two main routes: a 6-mile hike up Maple Camp Ridge on trail 191 (Buncombe Horse Range) starting from a small parking lot near Carolina Hemlocks Campground, or from the Mount Mitchell side. Some hikers access it by parking at the top of Mt. Mitchell and taking the Ridgeline trail, eventually turning onto the Big Tom Gap Trail and then onto the Buncombe Horse Range Trail.

Are there maple trees at Bald Mountain Camp?

While the name suggests the presence of maple trees, specific tree species aren't detailed in information about the campground. The site is described as a bald, which typically refers to a mountain summit or ridge that is naturally devoid of trees or has sparse vegetation. The camping area itself has enough trees in the vicinity to provide firewood for campers. A natural spring for water can be found a little below the main camping area, about 0.4 miles from the bald. It's advisable to pack in sufficient water as the water source isn't directly at the campsite.

What activities are available at Bald Mountain Camp?

Maple Camp Bald offers excellent hiking opportunities along beautiful ridge trails with great views. Camping is the primary activity, with 3-4 distinct areas to set up camp. The moderate hiking trails in the area are perfect for day hikes and exploring the surrounding mountain terrain. Nature observation, stargazing, and photography are popular due to the scenic mountain setting. For those interested in backcountry experiences, the remote location provides a peaceful retreat away from crowds.

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