Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, Barnardsville sits at approximately 2,200 feet elevation with temperatures typically 5-10 degrees cooler than nearby Asheville. The area's dense forests and proximity to Pisgah National Forest provide campers with exceptional access to hiking trails and waterways. During summer months, overnight temperatures can drop into the 50s even when daytime highs reach the 80s.
What to do
Hiking Mount Mitchell: Access the highest peak east of the Mississippi at Mount Mitchell State Park Campground. "This is the highest elevation east of the Mississippi. Very great views with lots to do. Hiking, camping and more. Great place to watch the sunset and sunrise," notes Justin Z.
Trout fishing: Cast your line in the clear mountain streams at Carolina Hemlocks Rec Area. "The campground is small and comfortable. It is tucked in next to the South Toe River with an excellent swimming hole, rapids for tubing, great trout fishing, and a good launching off point for hikes into the Black Mountains and Mt Mitchell," explains Tommy J.
South Toe River swimming: Cool off in natural swimming holes throughout the area. "There is a swimming hole and a fishing hole, both well-maintained. Campground hosts were very nice. Lots of trees for some cool coverage from the sun," shares Alexis from Carolina Hemlocks.
What campers like
Dark sky stargazing: The elevation and distance from urban areas creates exceptional night sky viewing. "The sky was clear and we could see the milky way!" writes Erin D. about her experience at Mount Mitchell State Park Campground.
Creek-side relaxation: Many sites offer the soothing sounds of nearby water. "I sat in the creek in my camp chair and was more relaxed then I have been in a very long time," explains Kara L. about her stay at Mountain Stream RV Park.
Private decks and platforms: Some campgrounds feature special viewing areas. "The deck over the rushing stream was a perfect place to sip coffee in the mornings and whiskey in the evenings," shares Anthony I. from Mountain Stream RV Park.
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Mountain elevations create unique weather patterns. "Do pay attention to the weather, listed on the state park website. Wind gusts easily get into the double digits, and if you aren't prepared for that, it can be alarming, especially while tent camping," advises Erin D. about Mount Mitchell.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely throughout the region. "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 - well, here's the hint of the day. 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 ta-dah...I don't know how, but you get two bars of Verizon in this exact spot," notes Scott K. from Black Mountain Campground.
Wildlife encounters: Bear activity requires proper food storage. "This campground DOES have bears who visit the campground for food. There are no bear boxes provided... Anything square apparently, so store everything in your car," warns Julia K. about her experience at Campfire Lodgings.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Families with young children should consider campgrounds with play areas. "Bear den was a perfect location for the Blue ridge parkway. Bear den has everything from RV camp sites to a game room. There are private cabins a short walk from the camp sites. Lots of hiking trails, a fishing pond and a real bear den on site off one of the waterfall trails," explains Justin C. about Spacious Skies Bear Den.
Yurt camping for beginners: Yurt camping near Barnardsville, North Carolina provides a comfortable introduction to outdoor stays for families with young children. "Tent camping sites are walk in, down hill, obviously that means hauling your stuff out uphill when you leave. RVers have a great view from the ridge top," notes Robert N. about Campfire Lodgings, which offers yurt options.
River access for play: Children enjoy natural water features. "Pray area that is great for kids from toddlers to teens, area is right by creek so my son 6 year old had a great time exploring," shares Bianca R. about her stay at Catawba Falls Campground.
Tips from RVers
Premium view sites: RV campers should reserve specific sites for optimal scenery. "We had a premium site overlooking the French Broad River and the surrounding valley. It is a clean campground with very nice hosts. The sites we stayed in was plenty spacious. The view made it seem gigantic," advises Jeff G. about Campfire Lodgings.
Site spacing considerations: Some campgrounds offer better separation between sites. "We had plenty of room and great separation from fellow campers. No hookups at our site," notes Ben F. about his experience at Lake Powhatan.
Mountain driving preparation: Access roads to some campgrounds require careful navigation. "Be sure not to get there early- the one way road going up to the campground is steep and I'm not quite sure what would happen if you met another RV!" cautions a reviewer about approaching Campfire Lodgings, a popular destination for yurt camping in Barnardsville, North Carolina.
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