Camping near Green Mountain, North Carolina ranges from rugged tent sites to upscale outdoor accommodations at elevations between 3,000-6,000 feet. The region experiences significantly cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands, often 10-15°F lower during summer months. Fall brings vibrant foliage from late September through October, making it one of the busiest seasons for glamping in Green Mountain.
What to do
Hiking Mt. Mitchell trail: Access this challenging 11.2-mile roundtrip trail directly from Black Mountain Campground. "From here you can climb 4000ft to the summit of Mt Mitchell. It's a great, challenging hike with many rewards along the way," notes one camper who appreciates the convenient trailhead location.
Fish in the South Toe River: Cast for native trout in the pristine waters running through Carolina Hemlocks Rec Area. "In the summer you can swim and tube down the river. There's also a beautiful 1 mile river walk," explains one visitor. The river provides excellent catch-and-release fishing for beginners.
Stargazing at high elevations: The minimal light pollution at Mount Mitchell State Park Campground creates outstanding night sky viewing. "Our first night on this trip, the sky was clear and we could see the milky way! We left home and the temperature was well into the high 90's, however the temperature on top of the mountain never came above 62," reports one camper who visited in summer.
What campers like
Private riverside sites: Campers consistently praise the water features at Mountain Stream RV Park. "We stayed at a site right on the river and could hear the water flowing the whole time we were there. The streamside campsite was music to our ears," shares one reviewer who appreciated the natural sound machine.
Clean facilities: Despite the remote locations, Linville Falls Campground receives high marks for maintenance. "We camped in mid-September and had a great time. These are the cleanest bathrooms we've ever seen. The on-site store is a life saver and the hosts are very helpful," notes one visitor who was impressed with the upkeep.
Diverse accommodation options: "My two teenage boys and I stayed in a 'Cozy Cabin'. They are bigger than they look in the picture. There is a countertop next to the front door and plenty of room for all of our gear," explains a visitor to Spacious Skies Bear Den, highlighting the variety of lodging beyond traditional tent sites.
What you should know
Weather fluctuations: Mountain elevations create unpredictable conditions. "The night we spent there was cold, windy and miserable. We were in the cloud, with strong winds and rain through the night, with no trees to protect from the wind," cautions a Mount Mitchell camper about the microclimate.
Reservation requirements: "There are only nine, yes, count them...nine tent camping sites. So reservations are a must if you want a site!" warns one visitor about limited availability at certain campgrounds, especially during peak seasons (May-October).
Post-hurricane impacts: "FR 472 is closed at the Golf Course and there are hefty fines if you caught walking beyond the gate. Black Mountain Campground was destroyed by flooding caused by Hurricane Helene," notes a recent visitor, highlighting the importance of checking current conditions before travel.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly playgrounds: "We camped at C13 which was right across from the large playground in November. No noise issues, but it was dark by 6:30pm. May be different in the Summer. My daughter had a blast and we could keep an eye on her while we worked/played at the site," shares a parent who stayed at Spacious Skies Bear Den.
Fishing spots for beginners: "There is a little bit of everything here. Mountain location meets all the view requirements to include the rushing stream as you come in. Plenty to do for kids of all ages with game room, swing set, basketball, corn hole, and a field big enough to throw a frisbee or play catch," explains a camper at Buck Hill Campground.
Off-grid family bonding: "This is a primitive campground. So if your family needs some 'downtime' to disconnect and unwind, find your way to Mt. Mitchell Campground. Explore cooking over a campfire and hiking the trails in the refreshing 60 degree weather. No electricity, no wi-fi, just pure quality time," recommends a family that enjoyed the tech-free environment.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for RV glamping: "The RV Sites are level. You have your choice of open site or one with tree cover. If you are looking for a place to see the leaves changing color this is the place to stay," advises an RVer who visited Buck Hill Campground.
Cell service and connectivity: "Cell service is almost non-existent, but you can use the wifi for calls if necessary. The WiFi is A++, can you say streaming?!" notes a camper who was pleasantly surprised by the connectivity options despite the remote location.
Utility limitations: "No electricity, no wi-fi, just pure quality time," points out a Mount Mitchell camper, reminding RVers to prepare accordingly with alternative power sources for luxury glamping in Green Mountain's more primitive campgrounds.
