For those who want to experience Jonas Ridge, but still want the creature comforts of home, consider glamping for your trip. Find all the best glamping sites for your Jonas Ridge, North Carolina camping adventure with The Dyrt. These scenic and easy to access North Carolina glamping locations are perfect for any adventurer.
Escape to Spacious Skies Bear Den, your gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains, located within the stunning Pisgah National Forest. Choose from fully equipped RV sites, rustic tent spots, or cozy cabins for your perfect stay. Hike scenic trails to hidden waterfalls, explore playgrounds, the rec hall, or relax by the swimming lake. Conveniently located near Milepost 324.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Bear Den offers easy access to breathtaking views at the Bear Den Overlook and endless mountain adventures. With full hook-up sites, water/electric options, and cabin rentals, we cater to every camper. Enjoy modern comforts like a camp store, bathhouses, and laundry facilities, ensuring a perfect blend of nature and convenience. Book now and experience your unforgettable Blue Ridge Mountain adventure!
$25 - $999 / night
Located along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway in the lush green expanses of North Carolina, Julian Price Campground is a top destination for boating, hiking, fishing and more. Whether it's for a family camping excursion or a peaceful getaway, this campground has something for everyone. Some campsites at this facility are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Status of these sites is not available online.
Canoe rentals are available at Price Lake, and other types of non-motorized boats are permitted. Fishing is also available at the lake, with a dock provided.Price Lake Trail offers a refreshing hike around the edge of the water, and the Boone Fork, Green Knob and Tanawha Trails are just a few of the trails that are conveniently accessed through the campground. Hebron Falls: A small waterfall accessed from the Boone Fork Trail. The Cascades: A beautiful waterfall accessed by the easy 1-mile loop Cascades Trail. A great hike for children. Moses Cone Flat Top Manor: A historic estate house (currently undergoing restoration) once owned by the Cone family. The grounds offer 25 miles of carriage roads to hike. Tours of the home are available. Currently houses the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Wildlife viewing is also popular as campers have a good chance of spotting bears, grouse, turkeys, owls, hawks and more.
Julian Price Campground is adjacent to Price Lake, a pristine body of water that sparkles against the backdrop of rolling Carolina hills. The surrounding forest offers hemlock, white pine, oak, hickory and birch trees, along with a colorful assortment of wildflowers in the spring and an array of vivid orange and red foliage displays in autumn. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic byway that follows the high crests of the central and southern Appalachians for 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.
The beautiful town of Blowing Rock, located just 20 minutes away on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offers fine dining, shopping and more.
$30 / night
Located in a dense pine canopy, within hiking distance of Linville Gorge, and along the famous Blue Ridge Parkway, Linville Falls Campground is an ideal location for your next family camping excursion. Linville River, which winds beside the campground, is stocked for fishing, and the location is central to many area attractions including the Linville Falls waterfall, which has three waterfall overlooks in a one-mile hike.
The Linville Falls area is a hiker's paradise, and the campground provides easy access to several trails that allow visitors to experience the stunning scenery and abundant wildlife. Once at the Linville Gorge, visitors can hike more challenging trails down to the river, where fishing for trout is a popular pastime.Linville Falls is another must-see, carrying water from the river over several layers of falls, ending in a spectacular 45-foot waterfall pouring into the sparkling riverbed below. Duggers Creek Falls: accessible from the Linville Falls Visitor Center on a small loop trail. See views of the falls from the foot bridge. These are native brook trout waters (fishing regulations apply). Lost Cove Cliff Overlook: view Brown Mountain and see the Brown Mountain Lights--a natural occurrence which is believed to be caused by natural gases. A good spot to view hawks and peregrine falcons in the spring and fall.
Linville Gorge is a vast designated Wilderness area that sits on 11,786 acres of rolling hills and thick forest. The gorge surrounds the Linville River, which is located some 1,400 feet below the ridge, creating a stunning canyon that has earned the nickname "The Grand Canyon of North Carolina."The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic byway with plenty of natural attractions and recreational opportunities for visitors. Aside from natural features, the parkway is also a cross-section of Appalachian mountain history. Stretching almost 500 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains through North Carolina and Virginia, it encompasses some of the oldest historical sites of both pre-historic and early European settlements.The surrounding forest offers hemlock, white pine, oaks, hickory and birch trees, along with a colorful assortment of wildflowers in the spring and an epic array of orange and red shades of leaves in the autumn.
Linville Caverns, a privately maintained cave just south of Linville Falls, offers guided tours year-round.
$30 - $45 / night
Black Mountain Campground sits in the shadow of Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak in the eastern U.S. and borders the South Toe River. Black Mountain is a mecca for the outdoor enthusiast.
With the South Toe River located adjacent to the campground, visitors will have no shortage of things to do, including picnicking, day hiking, scenic driving and trout fishing. Hikers will be pleased with a variety of trails from which to choose, including a leisurely half-mile walk through the forest or a challenging 5.6-mile hike to Mt. Mitchell.
The campground sits at an elevation of 3,040 feet. The 6,684-foot Mt. Mitchell towers over the area, with several other high peaks of the Black Mountains nearby. This lush Appalachian forest is rich with wildlife, plants and scenery.
Groups can easily head out for a day of scenic driving along Blue Ridge Parkway or hiking in Mount Mitchell State Park.
$28 - $56 / night
Blue Bear Mountain Camp offers year round camping experiences for every type of outdoor enthusiast. Car accessible tent and RV sites in a natural setting. Hike in sites for those looking for a little more adventure and privacy. Stargazer Domes and Cabin rentals for guests wanting a rustic, mountain getaway while staying in comfort. Located just 8 miles north of Boone, NC on over 150 acres of pristine mountain land, miles of hiking trails, a trout pond and spacious low density sites allow the guest to get away from it all in a rustic, remote setting. In the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. At 4,000 feet elevation, come enjoy cool mountain breezes and mild temperatures. Blue Bear Mountain is a scenic location for large events such as weddings, corporate events and family reunions. Come Get away from it all at Blue Bear Mountain!
$25 - $136 / night
On the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, 1,084 acre Green Mountain Park is a beautiful RV campground in the quaint little city of Lenoir, North Carolina. The area around our Thousand Trails Green Mountain Park is home to some of the best shopping in the county. The surrounding region offers exciting adventures for everyone. There are four ski resorts located within 50 miles of Green Mountain Park and several historic sites to enjoy. Plus, don't miss out on exploring the beautiful mountain caves. Make Green Mountain Park your Blue Ridge Mountain getaway! Green Mountain Park - A Blue Ridge Mountain getaway Whether you're planning a retreat for the whole family, a group of friends or a getaway for two, there's no shortage of unique activities to explore at Green Mountain Park. Plan activities upon arrival or visit this page before your departure to plan ahead. Looking for more? Our friendly staff can fill you in on all of the great ways to make your stay a memorable experience.
Mount Mitchell State Park Family camping (camping near Charlotte)
The nine-site family campground is open from May 1 to October 31 with full facilities. Each site is equipped with a grill and picnic table. Restrooms for use during warm seasons are located nearby. Showers and hot water are not provided.
Pack-in camping
Campers may leave vehicles in the park overnight to backpack into the Pisgah National Forest. Visitors who leave their vehicles in the park must register on the forms provided at the trailheads near the parking area or at the park office. Leave the form on the dashboard of your car. Mount Mitchell offers a choice of trails from which to enjoy the nearby alpine woodlands.
Ready to Reserve
It's not uncommon to encounter black bears at Mount Mitchell State Park, particularly in warm weather months.
Grandfather Campground is open here all year, so come and visit during the summer and the ski season. We have 30 and 50 amp full hookup sites, tent sites, and several types of cabin rentals. We are located close to Grandfather Mountain, Blowing Rock, Boone, and Banner Elk.
$35 - $42 / night
Scout
If youre into a bit of glamping. This place works! Good for kids - rootbeer float nights, outdoor movies with marshmellow pits, crerks to splash in. Full bathhouses, laundry & eben a gameroom. My kids loved the tire swings & animals!
Owners were helpful & the campground is close to many hiking trails & Blue Ridge.
Traveler
Hi! I’m Michelle and the proud owner of a side of a mountain in the Appalachian mountains! I’m in the process of building 4 cabins and one glamping tent. I’ve decided to open the property to campers that like camping off grid with a tent that want to be part of this area at an affordable price. Find your own spot in the mountain, there are plenty!
Guide
This is a really chill spot near Boone. We stayed in one of the tipis, and it was an awesome glamping experience
The bathrooms were clean.
Everyone staying here was really nice and chill. It feels a little hippie which is neat.
If you’re pulling a camper, the road would be a little rough, but I look forward to bringing our camper here sometime.
Traveler
This was our family's first time glamping, and we were totally impressed. For all you novice campers and newbie nature explores out there, you have nothing to worry about. They provide all basic essentials - head lamps, towels, firewood with a solo stove, cooking utensils and a grill, and LED biolite lanterns as well for modern ammenities while in a natural environment. In short, we'd consider moving there is they'd let us. ha.
LegendVery secluded- you are in the woods, not far from a home on the private property, but feels secluded. Take the many winding mountain roads up to this site. Make sure you bring what you need bc a trip to the store would be a hassle (minimum 20 min drive each way down winding mountain roads). The cocoon is not suspended as high as we thought in pictures. Inside the cocoon is pretty standard and equipped with just about as much as a tent, plus an electrical wire running to it through a hole in the canvas. Pretty cool place but do not expect glamping- more like secluded tent camping with a twist.
Legend
Jake from the Dyrt here! I had the opportunity to talk with Kimberly about her amazing farm and she is looking forward to welcoming more campers to stay in this great area of North Carolina. Check out the farm and please post some pictures and a review on The Dyrt about about your experience!
Scout
Spacious Skies Bear Den in North Carolina offers an ideal blend of relaxation and adventure for families. With clean facilities, friendly staff, and activities for all ages, it's perfect for camping enthusiasts. While roasting marshmallows, you might even envision levels from Geometry Dash as you unwind by the fire. Explore stunning hiking trails and nearby attractions, ensuring a memorable outdoor experience by the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Scout
My stay in the yurt was an amazing experience! Waking up to the Blue Ridge Mountains in the morning over a nice cup of Juan Valdez is unmatched!! The trail to the waterfall and peacefulness in the air is something I will come back to visit for years!
Guide
This campground was dreamy! The ambiance is perfect, the streamside campsite was music to our ears, the bathrooms immaculate and the yurts looked pretty great too! I could stay forever. We visited Chinney Rock and Linville Falls during our stay and they were both amazing sights to see.
Legend
Julian Price Park is a beautiful campground just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. We enjoy this campground on the weekends throughout the fall and spring as it is less occupied. Reservations can be made on-line or walk up to the small building in the front of the loop. The campsites are separated into several loops. One loop is closer to the lake, the other loop has more availability and quite a range of campsites.
Bathrooms are available here (upgrades coming soon!) as well as drinking water.
Guide
Be prepared for an encyclopedia of reading all the rules. I found the yurts and cabins to be way too close together for any type of privacy. Maybe they have it set up that way for big groups to come in at once? But it was so noisy with kids and dogs echoing in the valley, and we could even hear the neighboring cabins talking while sitting around their campfire. I suppose if I was there with a group of close friends it would be okay but it seems with all the land they have that they could have given each person more privacy in their spaces. One more thing that may help is we hiked all of the trails and noticed in several places there were 3-4 inch protrusions where small trees where cut down but not cut all the way back to the ground and I almost sprained my ankle. They all did spray paint some of the roots and had the trails nice and cleared but the exposed ends of the small trees throughout the trail are a real hazard. I’m super fit and have good eyesight and hike a lot so I was able to dodge many of them but I’m sure the kids and the older adults may get hurt. Other than the close proximity of the cabins/yurts/RVs and the exposed tree stubs I think they have a great concept (for large group events) and we enjoyed our stay. One more thing the shower handle falls off in the small yurt.
Scout
While it is close to a highway it is far enough away not to hear it but convenient to many places to visit including Asheville, The Blue Ridge Parkway and many national Forests and Parks. It is situated on a small river which makes a wonderful backdrop noise to the experience and your sleep. A short not overly strenuous hike to beautiful Catawba Falls to enjoy the beauty of the North Carolina mountains. The staff is helpful and the facilities are more than adequate. Highly recommend this campsite
Legend
We camped at the Wagoner access with our dogs over the weekend. The campground is very beautiful. You have to walk in but the park provides little carts and wheelbarrows. The sites and the bathhouse are very well maintained. The park host, Tom Keller, was just fantastic. Really helpful and super nice. There are also 2 beautiful hiking trails starting at the campground. I would definitely camp here again even if I have to say there are much more scenic places in this part of North Carolina.
Scout
Truly a dog-oriented campground, there are tons of activities and plenty of room to roam for the dogs.
No camper? No problem. They have campers, yurts and tiny cabins for rent.
Everyone is extremely nice and the grounds and facilities (bathrooms, laundry, dog wash, etc) are very clean.
TravelerStayed here for the weekend and Emberglow hosted a 5K. It was a great time. Great family campground. All camping sites are gravel so make sure you have some leveling blocks. They also have yurts and tree houses that look like a blast as well. Definitely will be back.
Legend
Ashley here with The Dyrt. I love the flooring in this yurt!! With a comfortable queen bed and full shower and bathroom, this truly provides a perfect place to relax after a day of exploring. Look up at the stars while you drift to off to sleep. Book your stay today and leave them some love!
GuideThis was our first visit to this campground and we loved it! We were in the area for a golf tournament. Sites are spacious and fairly level. There are options for folks who don’t have an RV: yurts, tiny houses, vintage trailers, and small cabins. Staff is very friendly and there’s lots for kids to do. There was a food truck on Friday night and a band on Saturday night.
LegendLOVE !!! 4 Paws Kingdom. The owners are a hoot and have some awesome originality and PR skills! Went here for a Sisters son The Fly event, though I had heard of it before. You can rent a camper, cabin or yurt or bring your camper. BEST of all, all have a fenced in yard for your pup! Then there’s the multiple fenced dog areas. Our favorite was the double pond area. The Boys Loved it! Lake Lure is nearby and Chimney Rock, the whole area if excellent for hiking, shopping and whatever else you want to do.
TravelerFrom the moment we arrived at the campground the manager "Larry" ( a workamper) signed us in, show us our site on Wagging Tail Dr. We arrived on their opening weekend the Owners provided BBQ meal and live music "Jose Wales" band. It was a wonderful time. As for the "Dog Retreat part - 18 acres of wonder open areas fenced in to keep you furry friends from running away, there is agility park, puppy park, the main dog park, a private park (single or you can invite), a Lure run, a Ball Park, and a Pond for those watery dogs.
Price for Fire wood - a little expensive and 10 lbs of Ice was reasonable. There are fully fenced sites, a couple of sites with a fenced area. The larges rig I saw in there was a Solitude at 38 ft.
Over all, if you want the peace and quiet in the North Carolina foot hills with your furry friend and have a good time. This is the place to be.
One other note: It is the only park in NC that is a dedicated dog campground.
GuideReally beautiful spot. It's one small loop with around 30 sites, as well as 3 luxury yurts. Very level w/ nice gravel, fire pits & picnic tables. A nice big creek runs behind most of the campsites. There's a playground for the kids and a little fenced in dog park, too (it even has a nice dog wash station!). Beautifully landscaped with lots of flowers, bird feeders and little white lights at night. The bathhouse was clean and there's a nice picnic shelter. The camp store has basic necessities (even local, fresh eggs). Blue Ridge Parkway isn't far. We recommend the hike to Crabtree Falls! Only con is that the sites are very close together.
Traveler
This campground has one of the best overlook areas I’ve seen. I could sit for hours and stare at the mountains and the French Broad River. Well-worth a stop here just for this. Details: this is a small campground - about 15(?)ish RV sites, plus a few tent sites, some yurts and a rental house. The Premium sites are paved and have fantastic long-range views. The downside to these is that they get the full brunt of the afternoon sun - not a huge downside in winter but absolutely a consideration during the summer! The gravel Deluxe sites are shaded and slightly larger. They’re only a few seconds walk to the community overlook area, which is equipped with seating. The yurts are down a hill and in the woods, so excellent for privacy. The tent sites aren’t the best, in my opinion, and are the furthest from the small (and dated) bathhouse. I don’t think I would choose to tent camp here. They are expanding and adding another dozen rv sites - though I haven’t heard if they also plan to add another bathhouse or expand what they currently have. The wifi works okay, but we stuck to using our hotspot. T-mobile signal was adequate, ATT signal less so. The campground location is very good - 15 min drive will get you into Montfort or downtown Asheville - or into Weaverville in the other direction. It’s also close by the River District. Head over to High Five Riverside Dr to get great coffee or a beer and sit at a table next to the French Broad while you drink it. If you have dogs, there’s a little dog bar down the road called Wag Bar - it was some nice off-leash time for our dogs. An important note: the campground is at the top of a small Knob, so the road up is steep and a little curvy - it is gravel and narrow, so they ask you not to arrive until after 2p in order to ensure that arriving rigs don’t meet up with departing rigs on the road - when that happens, one rig driver will be really unhappy when they have to back up on that road. There is not enough room for two RVs to pass! This was our 3rd trip, and we will return again. We love the peace and quiet and natural feel.
LegendThe views from this campground are spectacular! If you can get a site along the edge of the drop off, you will be able to witness a beautiful setting. It is a small campground and fairly remote, but it does have a variety of accommodations for such a small campground. What surprised me most is that it even has yurts. The tent sites are rather primitive, but it is only a short walk from the tent site to the bath house.
My favorite place at the campground is an outdoor area overlooking the French Broad River. There are picnic tables, and if you take your comfortable chair, you could sit there for hours looking at the view. Apparently, there must be Wi-Fi since I saw a man with his computer and earplugs working diligently. There is also an activity field, which can be used for a variety of activities including cornhole.
The bath house has private shower/toilet facilities, but the shower was a little too small. I am not a big guy, but I could only imagine how difficult it might be for somebody who is a lot larger than I am.
There is a store, but you cannot go inside(because of the pandemic, maybe?). Instead, there is a list of supplies on the wall outside the office. Firewood can also be purchased at the campground, especially since the name and their promotional information mentions having campfires.
I would recommend this campground for anybody looking for spectacular views and for anyone who wants to camp some place close to Asheville.
TravelerWe started our RV camping adventures at Mountain Stream, and have been hooked ever since. As the name implies, it's right beside a rocky mountain stream that all the sites back up to. It's a small park, and very well kept by the owners who live on site, Gena and Kevin. The sites are close together, but very level, clean, and with a nice picnic table. Many of the sites now have their own wooden decks overlooking the stream, which is a nice addition. There's a small dog park, and a large grassy area in the center of the park for playing games or catching some rays. They also have a large, very nice picnic shelter with fireplace, grill, and a huge built-in television. Each Saturday evening, Kevin serves up his special home cooked bar-b-que under the shelter at no additional cost, and many campers bring sides to share. It's like having a back yard picnic with friends and family! They've also recently built three yurts, and bought two large campers parked on the non-stream side that can be rented for those who don't have their own camper. Last year they invested heavily in a new wi-fi system that's MUCH improved from the first time we camped there. The bathhouse is clean and adequate, but nothing fancy; we're hoping that this will be next on their list of improvements during the off-season. Cell service is almost non-existent, but you can use the wifi for calls if necessary. There's no playground for kids, so some may see it as little more of an adult campground, but it's still kid friendly with the grassy area and stream to play in. I HIGHLY recommend this campground if you want peace, quiet, and seclusion.
LegendJulian Price Campground is part of the Julian Price Memorial Park, which is along the Blue Ridge Parkway in the northern part of North Carolina. I have heard about this park for many years, so I wanted to finally camp there. It is an older park, and it shows. We stayed at site A4, and I chose this site for a few reasons. It was close to the lake, but unfortunately, we couldn’t see the lake from the site. Many of the sites in the A loop are reservable, and they have been reserved for several weeks(maybe months) in advance. They are the best sites as far as seeing the lake and sometimes because they are larger. The worst part I discovered about sites in the A loop is that you can hear traffic from the Blue Ridge Parkway all day long except for two to three hours in the middle of the night(about 1:30 to 4:30). On average, you can count on about twenty-five vehicles every five minutes(I know because I counted). It doesn’t help that the parkway is under construction and the road is gravel, which makes the sounds of vehicles even louder. The restrooms in A loop are old and need updating. There are no showers in A loop. The only showers are between B and D loops, which are on the other side of the Blue Ridge Parkway. On the positive side, the showers in a new bath house, and they are private shower/restroom units. We rode through all of the loops to see what the other sites were like, and some of the sites are seldom used if the picnic tables and surrounding vegetation is any indication. Some of the picnic tables are covered in moss. Those were mostly in the sites that were small or sloped. For that reason, it is a good idea to look at the photos on the website for each site before reserving. Many of the sites are walk-in sites and you can set up before the 3:00 time for reservable sites. As far as activities, there is no swimming, but fishing is allowed. There is also a boat ramp, and you can rent canoes, kayaks, and SUPs. The lake is hatchery supported, and I did witness someone catching a fish as we walked along the lake trail. While we were in this area, we saw several small deer, including one that came through our campsite. Our campsite was spacious, and it had a concrete picnic table, a fire ring, a lantern pole, and a tent pad. The tent pad needed some maintenance since the dirt had washed onto it and made it slightly sloped. Not until later did I discover that there was a tall dead tree next to our tent. Only the top part was dead, but it could be a potential danger. The site next to ours was sectioned off because of a dead tree. If you are staying in A loop, I give it two stars, especially since the sites and bath house need maintenance, and because of the road noise. If you are staying in B or D loop, I would give it three or four stars. The sites in E loop are mainly for RVs and have less shade. One section in the A loop also is an open field and has limited shade. Overall, it’s not a bad choice for a campground, but it needs updating. What it has going for it is location. It is along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Cone Memorial Park is down the road, which is a great destination in itself. There are lots of hiking trails and the beauty of the mountains is spectacular.
RangerThis is an absolute top-notch campground. It just opened in the spring of 2020 and I can already tell this is going to be a very popular place.
First, the staff is incredible. Everyone is friendly, helpful, and goes out of their way to make you feel at home. The owner was onsite every day and checked in on us several times.
The camping options are very unique and diverse. They have your typical RV sites (all full hookups) and tent sites, all of which have green space around them. Our site backed up to a beautiful stream with some trees for hammocks and shade. The tent sites are clustered together next to a stream in the woods, providing tons of shade on hot days. Nearby are a few treehouses that you can rent, similar to old school sleep-away camping cabins. Around the corner from the tents are several vintage RVs, many from the 50s, that have been completely renovated with beautiful interiors and modern updates. They each have their own deck, fire pit, and grill. My mom stayed in one of these while we were visiting and loved it! There are also camping pods - basically an igloo shaped cabin that is good for a couple people. Yurts are just up the hill from those, alongside two beautiful tiny homes that are some of the most unique campground rentals I've ever seen. Book these early - we were here in late June and they were already full until October!
The amenities are very nice as well. There is a resort style pool with built in seating almost all the way around. It's next to a pavilion area with picnic tables, corn hole, a community fire pit, outdoor movie screen, and performance stage. Nearby is an inflatable jumping pad and volleyball net. I spoke with the owner and he has plans to add many other game such as bocce ball as well as complete construction on a playground and wooded play area for kids. You can also rent many campground games at the camp store such as spike ball and ladder ball. More hiking trails are being added, and a large dog park made exercising our pup easy.
Oh and the wifi is off the charts for a campground. Total coverage everywhere you go. I was getting 30/30 speeds at my site. I work remote so it was very important to have good internet, and Emberglow did not disappoint here! They obviously invested heavily in a quality network infrastructure and it shows.
The location is nice - off the main roads so you get plenty of peace and quiet, but only 20 minutes to Lake Lure and Chimney Rock. It's easily accessible from Charlotte, Asheville, and Spartanburg, SC.
Every campground owner needs to come take a look at this place. This is what campgrounds should be aiming for - clean, modern, lots of nature, friendly staff, good prices, and fun activities. I was not paid or asked or endorsed in any way to do this review, I simply think this is an awesome place that you should come check out!
Legend
Ranger Review: Primus New Primetech CampFire Utility Sack at Black Mountain Campground, NC.
Campground:
Black Mountain Campground in the Pisgah National Forest, is nestled in Burnsville, NC but you must work at it to get there. https://cfaia.org/black-mountain-briar-bottom-campgrounds-in-north-carolina/
The Black Mountain Campground is an extremely popular campground. During season, the summer month weekends and holidays...book your reservations online, because they don't do it by phone when calling the campground. We chanced it, traveling 8 hours from the backwoods of W.VA to this location, in a bit of a panic as they only had two sites available on a Sunday night. Fortunately for us, we captured the last available site. With only 46 sites, it fills up quick.
I'm sure Black Mountain Campground is popular to different folks for different reasons, but the reasons are many!
I'm not a weekend campground camper by choice...I prefer the backwoods primitive sites during those peak times...but I enjoy campgrounds during the week when the rest of the world is hard at work earning a living.
Black Mountain Campground was jam packed on a Sunday night...and initially more noisy than I like, but by 11 p.m., all you could hear were owls and the South Toe River serenading their sweet sounds.
As stated, we landed on the last available site #9, though conveniently located between the water spigot on one side and the showerhouse/restrooms on the other...not only is it the hub of "activity" all hours of the day and night...the lights remain on all night inside the restrooms and shine out glass peak windows into site #9. Plus it was one of the small sites in the campground. Nonetheless, we had a place to lay our heads...and I was grateful.
The site itself, is a tent only site, with gravel parking along the campground loop roadway. The site is elevated above the roadway and grass and outlined by timbers...a fine chip gravel base for both the picnic table/fire ring area and the separate tent pad area (as are most tent sites in this loop). Most of the sites along the river are tent only sites. The tent sites directly along the riverside are all nice... on the second night we pulled up stakes and moved directly across the campground loop road to site #6 on the river...and a much larger site with trees for hammocking...and great views of the river below (about a 8 foot drop).
The hosts do a marvelous job of keeping this campground spotless and attractive. Three different couples work tirelessly to provide a great camping experience for all-comers. There was not a moment that I did not see at least one of them picking up trash, emptying trash containers, scouring showers and restrooms or inquiring if you had need of anything. The showers and restrooms are impeccably clean and supplied...and there are several throughout this small campground. The service they provided was more hospitable than most five star hotels I've been to. May their tribe increase! They'll deliver firewood ($5) to your site by golf cart, they even will collect your site fees as they drive around.
Here are a few reasons I find this campground so popular: Trails...and lots of them...in every direction. You can begin the Mountain to Sea Trail here...the start of the Mt. Mitchell Trail (11.2 roundtrip) begins in the campground with non-campground hikers having a parking lot just across the bridge. Interesting sidenote: non-campground hikers can use the restrooms, but must pay $5 if they desire to utilize the showers. That's fair. There is a nice trail to SetRock Falls, right on the campground property...and several other foot trails to keep you busy and hiking.
Interestingly, the gravel forest road up to the Blue Ridge Parkway, that most people will take to drive to Mt. Mitchell, is lined with several pull-off primitive campsites. Most are situated either on a water source (the South Toe River) or close by where you can access water for filtration and use. No other facilities. Those tenting areas are marked with a brown (mile marke style plastic post) sign with a "tent emblem" at the top. These are free spots, so they fill pretty quick. Note that the gravel road is steep at times and minimally maintained, it is more a forest service road, so washboard and pot holes abound. I might drive your Lexus sedan on it, but I wouldn't drive mine ...if I owned one.
Also note that the trails are just that...trails...heavily traveled trails...so use proper footwear...rocks and roots abound. I'd even recommend trekking poles for sure-footedness and stability.
Another highlight closeby the campground is the Roaring Fork Falls, a short half mile walk back from a side road parking lot. The parking lot is small, so arrive early. The trail is also a forestry service road of some sort, but the trail to the falls is marked by a blue diamond blaze. Its a bit of a root infested scamper, but worth it.
There is a swimming hole on the South Toe River in the campground just beyond the end of the riverside sites. It has a small sandy "beach" area and a neck deep refreshing hole.
The campground office is tiny, but they sell ice cream bars for a buck! Say what?! Its true...I capitalized.
The Black Mountain Campground was a relaxing highlight during our travels, one which I look forward to returning to.
Product Review: Primus New Primetech CampFire Utility Sack
The New Primus Primetech CampFire Utility Sack is an 8 liter watertight, roll-top, rip-stop poly/cotton dream!
I purchased the Primetech CampFire Utility Sack from their website specifically for a backcountry backpacking trip. I figured if Primus' claims of watertightness and durability were accurate, this Utility Sack would be just what I was looking for. At $25, it wasn't going to break the bank if it was a disappointment.
When the Primetech CampFire Utility Sack arrived, I was suspect because it appeared so small in its packaging, so I immediately thought it was neither large enough or tough enough. The spoiler: I was wrong.
The ripstop poly/cotton material is stout and durable. I'd use the term bombproof, but no sooner do you say that...it fails...but I beat this sack up and it still looks new.
Its my favorite backcountry color...black...so it won't show stains with extended use and abuse.
The interior utilizes a heavy waterproof seam sealed coating. Stitching is heavy duty too. The roll-down closure is rimmed with webbing for added durability and a sturdy metal hook closure.
My thoughts of use were several...but main usage for the trip fell into gathering water to cook and filter, away from the water source...and one that perhaps Primus did not consider...a bear bag. Yep! I put five days worth of meals (for 3) and trail snacks...and some scented sundry items...secured the rolltop...ran paracord around the handle and hoisted it high into the air each night (well, except one night where the only trees were small tundra confiers). Not sure if the bears saw or smelled it...but it served the purpose with flying colors. Bonus: because of the CampFire Utility Sack's watertightness...when used as a hung bear bag...the contents remained dry despite the deluge we endured.
An unexpected but delightful use, that I'm sure disclaimers will now follow, because of its watertightness, durability and looped handle...it makes a wonderful buoyancy float when cruising lazy river currents on your back. Of course, I never saw anyone attempt this craziness...um...but it works.
Do realize that 8 liters of water is 16.74 pounds...so you don't want to haul it a long journey, but you could. Even resting the CampFire Utility Sack on the ground when filled, the contents stay contained within...in equal parts the tough exterior material, watertight interior coating and rolldown closure, and a flat bottom. When empty the New Primetech CampFire Utility Sack folds up surprisingly small and flat.
The Primus New Primetech CampFire Utility Sack is a very welcomed addition to my backpacking and campground stable of neccessities.
Guide
Another lovely campground along the BRP, close to Linville Falls and gorge, picnic area and visitor center.
Erwin’s View Trail: Moderate Linville Gorge Trail: Strenuous {amazing view of falls}
Get a map at the visitor’s center.. redundant: the gorge is rather crowded on the weekends.
Check online for road closures when visiting the parkway.
$20 per night
There are 70 sites, some reservable sites and walk ins -and an RV loop {dump station} All sites non electric, generators permitted before quiet hours.
Lovely rangers and camp host that I found to be pleasant and helpful.
Open field sites, with decent sized pads, fire pits & picnic tables. Some of the sites are more secluded, the ones nearest to the parkway road.
Dog friendly for leashed puppers 🐾 Kid Friendly
There are bear lockers, keep food and supplies in the locker and in car at night.
Alcohol is prohibited
No showers but access to clean water and flush toilets.
You may collect dead wood or bring in HEAT TREATED firewood that is certified with a federal seal.
Local stores that sell wood and/or other supplies: Linville Falls Visitor Center/Park store Linville Falls General Store {8896 NC-183, Linville Falls, NC 28647- trinkets, camp supplies, cold drinks, non perishable food, Hunt Brothers Pizza etc} Walmart Supercenter, Spruce Pine, Ingles Food Store, Newland
Nearby Attractions
Linville Falls Linville Gorge “Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians”
Falls Trail - 1.6 mi RT/easy The Gorge Trail - 1.4 mi RT/ strenuous. The Plunge Basin Trail- 1mi RT/ moderate. Leashed dogs permitted 🐾
BRP Linville Canverns Crabtree Falls, Burnsville Grassy Creek Falls NC Gem Museum
The campground is laid out well, spacious, clean and located near awesome trails, falls, look outs and shops and restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Jonas Ridge, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Jonas Ridge, NC is Spacious Skies Bear Den with a 4.8-star rating from 57 reviews.
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