Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area sits at approximately 1,900 feet elevation on the South Toe River, providing visitors with moderate temperatures even during summer months. Most glamping sites near Linville Falls operate from April through October when the Blue Ridge Parkway remains fully accessible, though some locations offer extended season accommodations. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing at night, requiring appropriate cold-weather gear.
What to do
Tubing the South Toe River: Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area offers excellent river access with designated put-in spots. "There is a swimming hole and a fishing hole, both well-maintained. About a 30 minute drive from Mount Mitchell, and it's a beautiful drive on the parkway," notes one Carolina Hemlocks visitor.
Hiking to SetRock Falls: Black Mountain Campground provides direct access to this waterfall trail directly on campground property. A visitor explains, "There are a couple of potable water sources on the property. There is easy access to multiple sightseeing areas. Great place to go and camp."
Fishing at Buck Hill: The campground features a dedicated fishing pond and creek access. A camper reports, "There is a little bit of everything here. Mountain location meets all the view requirements to include the rushing stream as you come in. Add a little creek through the middle and a fishing pond; what more do you need?"
Visit Grandfather Vineyard: Located just 5 minutes from Grandfather Campground, this winery offers tastings and live music. "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!"
What campers like
Clean shower facilities: Steele Creek Park receives consistent praise for their bathroom maintenance. "The bathrooms are very clean and nice! I would definitely recommend this campground!" mentions a satisfied visitor at Steele Creek Park & Campground.
Reliable wifi connectivity: Buck Hill Campground offers exceptional internet service according to campers. "The WiFi is A++, can you say streaming?! 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."
Family-friendly activities: Honey Bear Campground organizes regular events for children. "The campground had several family activities like a haunted trail and trick or treating for the kiddos. The staff were fantastic, helpful, and kind. There's a cafe of sorts in the center that has a coffee bar, TV, and tables for playing games on," notes a reviewer at Honey Bear Campground.
Knowledgeable staff: Many campgrounds have hosts who provide information about local trails and attractions. "The Rangers on staff are great. There are no showers on site, but there are flushable toilets. There are a couple of potable water sources on the property. There is easy access to multiple sightseeing areas."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds in the area have spotty coverage. At Black Mountain Campground, a camper noted, "There is no cell service on T-Mobile or Verizon inside the camp. BUT, let's say you have a Verizon phone, and you really really need to talk to someone - walk down the main access road toward the junction with your phone on. Pass up all three of the private residences on the right, and you'll finally come to a stand of three trees growing together - you get two bars of Verizon in this exact spot."
Road noise considerations: Some sites may experience traffic sounds. "If your site is not by the river, you run the risk of being near Hwy 80. I can confirm that Hwy 80 is used 24x7 -- it's not terrible, but it's not Silent Night either."
Campground navigation: Several locations have unmarked entrances or unusual check-in procedures. "The check-in office is in a weird, poorly signed place that we actually found accidentally when walking to the swimming hole in the river. It's behind the bathroom and shower building."
Seasonal water levels: River activities depend on recent rainfall. "We stayed for two nights, a little away from the main camp area but was kinda glad for it. Had a great spot tucked into the woods near the water. Great path to skip rocks and just enjoy."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Steele Creek Park features dedicated children's play areas. "We had the best weekend at Steele Creek! We went the 3rd weekend in October and the fall leaf color was gorgeous! The close proximity to Linville Falls, Blowing Rock and the Blue Ridge Parkway was perfect."
Kid-friendly swimming: The South Toe River at Carolina Hemlocks has shallow areas perfect for children. "Right by the river, which makes for wonderful sleeping at night. There is a swimming hole and a fishing hole, both well-maintained."
Organized activities: During summer and holiday weekends, check for scheduled events. "They have a great little coffee shop. A fish pond and creek are available to explore, so boredom isn't an option. There are some issues with night noise from neighboring sites, but a really good overall experience."
Glamping options for beginners: Luxury tent accommodations near Linville Falls provide an easier introduction to outdoor stays. At Outercamp, Hoot Owl Ridge, a first-time visitor shared, "I don't have a lot of experience camping but I will say I had no trouble acclimating to a stay in the gnomes yome for the weekend. Evan has thought of everything you would need for your stay."
Tips from RVers
Bridge access: Some campgrounds have narrow entrance bridges that may challenge larger rigs. "When you turn into the campground, you will cross a narrow 1-lane bridge across Watagua Creek. The office is located around a circle and there are several sites backed up against the creek."
Uneven sites: Bring leveling equipment as many pads have natural slopes. "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!)"
Cable hookups: Several full-service sites include television connections. "All sites with hook ups also included cable hook ups. All the sites are gravel and most sites are wooded with lots of shade. The sites are a little sloped, so have leveling equipment ready."
