Camping near Spruce Pine ranges from primitive sites near mountain peaks to riverside campgrounds with fishing access. Located at an elevation of approximately 2,500 feet, this section of the Blue Ridge Mountains experiences significant temperature variations throughout the year, with summer highs rarely exceeding 85°F and winter nights often dropping below freezing. The area's granite outcroppings and diverse forest ecosystems create natural windbreaks at many campsites, particularly useful during spring and fall when temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night aren't uncommon.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: 2-3 miles roundtrip. The Roaring Fork Falls trail near Spacious Skies Bear Den offers a relatively easy hike to a cascading waterfall. As one camper noted, "One of the hiking trails leads to a waterfall. Close to an apple orchid, which is so cool to visit (they're dog friendly) and not too far of a drive from the Linville Falls."
Trout fishing: NC license required. The South Toe River at Black Mountain Campground provides excellent fishing opportunities. "We hiked up there early in the morning and it was fantastic. I would recommend this campground to anybody who enjoys nature and hiking," shares a visitor who appreciated the combination of camping and outdoor activities.
Stargazing: Clear nights only. Mount Mitchell State Park offers exceptional dark sky viewing from its elevation of 6,684 feet. A camper reported, "Our first night on this trip, the sky was clear and we could see the milky way! We left home and the temperate was well into the high 90's, however the temperate on top of the mountain never came above 62!"
What campers like
Mountain views at sunset: 360-degree panoramas. At Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping, the ridge provides exceptional vistas. According to one visitor: "The sites are pretty spread out but there are a few within shouting distance. Some sites are right off of the road which could get annoying from all the traffic of people going to the hiking trails nearby."
Riverside camping: Prime sites fill quickly. Campers consistently rate waterfront sites among their favorites. A camper at Linville Falls Campground noted: "I visited in July 2024. This is a great older campground. It has been well taken care of over the years. The Rangers on staff are great. There are no showers on site, but there are flushable toilets."
Clean facilities: Regularly maintained. Even at more remote campgrounds, campers frequently mention well-maintained bathrooms. A visitor to Linville Gorge Wilderness commented: "This was a really clean, well respected area. I liked to see that most other campers were clearly doing their part to Leave no Trace."
What you should know
Road conditions: AWD recommended. Many forest roads leading to dispersed camping areas deteriorate after rainfall. A camper at Linville Gorge Wilderness advised: "We drove up on a Saturday and it wasn't too crowded, definitely people around but plenty of open campsites. There were a couple of good washouts in the road, so 4WD or AWD would be recommended but maybe not required."
Seasonal permit requirements: Weekends/holidays. From May through October, permits are required for certain areas. For Table Rock Campsites, a reviewer clarified: "You'll need to get a permit from the Grandfather Ranger District if camping in peak season on the weekend (check their website for dates)."
Elevation-based temperature drops: 3°F per 1,000 feet. Pack layers regardless of season. At Mount Mitchell State Park, one camper warned: "Wind gusts easily get into the double digits, and if you aren't prepared for that, it can be alarming, especially while tent camping."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple age ranges. Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. A visitor to Roan Mountain State Park shared: "Our loop was very private and shaded. The campground is very well maintained, and the bathroom was spotless. The staff, rangers and volunteers, were super friendly."
Accessible waterfall trails: Under 1 mile. Families with young children appreciate the shorter hiking options. A camper at Crabtree Falls Campground noted: "We decided to do the loop, rather than hiking back up the rocky path after the kids were tired from playing in the water. The trial was easier on the second half of the loop, as it was dirt rather than rock."
Swimming holes: Natural cooling spots. Many campgrounds feature safe areas for water play. A visitor to Black Mountain Campground explained: "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."
Tips from RVers
Maximum length restrictions: 30 feet or less. Many campgrounds in the area have limited space for larger rigs. At Mountain River Family Campground, a camper noted: "Clean, extremely well maintained and the owners were amazing. We stayed in two sites 11 and 46. Both were clean, level, full hookups with easy access."
Dump station availability: Limited locations. Plan ahead for waste disposal as not all campgrounds offer this amenity. A Crabtree Falls Campground visitor mentioned: "There are three loops in this campground: one for RVs (but no hookups), and two for tents/vans. We drove around the tent/van loop, which was much more sparsely occupied, but not all of the pads were level."
Winter closures: Limited options. Many campgrounds along the Blue Ridge Parkway close completely from November through April. As noted for Crabtree Falls Campground: "At this one, there was someone to greet and check us in at 4 pm, which was welcome especially as it was mere days before the campground closed for the season."
