Standard (tent/RV)
Tent Cabin
Dispersed
Group
RV Sites
Tent Sites
Equestrian
Fires Allowed
Pets Allowed
Drinking Water
About North Mills River
North Mills River Campground is a rustic mountain getaway in Pisgah National Forest in western North Carolina. Located just outside the popular city of Asheville, the campground provides access to a variety of cultural and natural attractions, including an arboretum, the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and numerous hiking, fishing and mountain biking opportunities.
Recreation
The forest is known for its hiking and mountain biking trails, several of which are near the campground. Mills River offers excellent trout fishing, as well as tubing and swimming, which are kid-friendly favorite activities. Visitors wishing to learn more about the area can attend educational programs during the summer.
Facilities
This is a relatively small facility with campsites organized into two loops on opposite sides of the river. Sites are mostly shaded and lie within a short distance of the water.
The facility provides picnic tables, tent pads, lantern posts and campfire rings with grills, in addition to restrooms with hot showers and flush toilets. Campers can purchase firewood and fire starter on-site.
Natural Features
The campground is situated in the Appalachian Mountains at an elevation of 2,200 feet. The surrounding land boasts mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls and slopes densely forested with hardwoods. The group camping area is adjacent to the beautiful, shallow waters of the Mills River.
Nearby Attractions
Several natural and cultural attractions are within close proximity to the campground. Sliding Rock, Looking Glass Falls and the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway are among the most popular sites. The small town of Brevard offers various amenities and services, and visitors can take a trip to Asheville to visit art galleries, music venues, shops and restaurants.
ADA Access: N
Sites
17
Price
$11.00 - $40.00
Operator
National Forest
Access
Drive In
Walk In
Hike In
Features
ADA Accessible
Alcohol Allowed
Drinking Water
No Electric Hookups
Fires Allowed
Firewood Available
Pets Allowed
Phone Service
Picnic Table
Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Showers
Toilets
Trash Available
Contact
Location
North Mills River is located in North Carolina
Directions
From Asheville, take U.S. Highway 280 west to North Mills River Road. Follow North Mills River Road to the campground.
17 Reviews of North Mills River
Nice and clean with good river and trail access.
Sites are limited and should be reserved in advance.
Rustic and beautiful
Beautiful campground, A little on the crowded side with all the other campers, mtn bikers, and fishermen but a beautiful campground
The Little Gem Where the Blacktop Ends
Just a stone’s throw from the bustle of Asheville, yet secluded enough to forget it all, this little gem is conveniently located at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest.
I went camping here on November 2nd, just after half of the campground closes for the off season. Usually starting at $22 per night, after November 1st the prices get cut in half, so I stayed for $11 (hard to beat)! To pay you fill out a permit envelope, tear off the receipt, include your payment and insert it into a mailbox of sorts. Make sure to bring a writing utensil (I forgot one, but luckily my neighbors let me borrow theirs). You then simply place the receipt portion in the provided zip-lock bag on the number post in front of your site. Check-out time is noon.
Each site comes with a gravel platform for your tent, picnic table, bear box, and a fire pit with a grill top. I opted to set up my backpacking tent in the bed of my pickup, but the site was very clean and well maintained. The host made rounds in the evening and the following morning, and was very approachable and informative, and even gave out weather predictions for the coming days to those who asked. The bathroom facilities may be limited in the off-season due to being unheated, but they were open during my stay, and shower facilities are available during the regular season.
I had a blast enjoying the peace and serenity of the woods, smelling the autumn spice of decaying leaves and campfires, and listening to the babbling river that runs through the center of campground. The other occupants were quite mellow, with no unwanted noise or partying (not that it would be a deal breaker, everyone camps a little differently). In the morning I took a stroll through the recreation area and got to see the group sites; everything was pristine and gorgeous in the gleaming yellow sunlight. My pooch also enjoyed the area, and I was grateful for the free bags to pick up after her.
I would recommend this little spot to anyone looking for a quick getaway from the traffic and humdrum of the nearby townships, as well as visitors to the park. Hiking trails, fishing and hunting opportunities, and scenic waterfalls are all nearby, making the location prime. A big chain grocer is also just a 10 minute drive up the road, making it easy to grab last minute items you may have forgotten. I look forward to returning!
very pretty cg on a pristine river (great trout fishing), convenient to gas
very nice cg, convenient to gas/grocery. a pristine river runs thru it,
with excellent trout fishing. very helpful host, campsites afford privacy (most).
Great place to tent camp!
Great place to go tent camping. There are large flat grassy areas are available with places to build a fire . There is also a clean flowing river right beside the tent camping sites. I thoroughly enjoy bringing my dog and spending time here. Know that there are fees for parking and camping.
Spacious group site near the river
This is a great campground next to the beautiful North Mills River. Hosts were very accommodating and delivered ice and firewood for a cheap price upon request. It rained quite heavily during our stay and the hosts made the rounds to make sure we were all right and if we needed anything. There is a walkway on the far end of the site that leads to the North Mills River, great for fishing, tubing, or just listening to the river babble. The private bathroom included on the group site was clean. The other shower/bathroom building that was a 5 minute walk away was exceptionally clean. The group site had ample parking for our three cars. Site also included 4 picnic tables, bear box to store food, water pump, and a fire pit with removable grill grate. Tons of extra space to play frisbee and other games. The campsite is a 25 minute drive from Pisgah National Forest, where we did some great waterfall and landscape hikes.
Perfect western NC location
This campground has shade and open fields and can get crowded regularly because it is so centrally located in Pisgah national Forest. It is close to Asheville, Brevard, and lovely hiking, swimming, and tubing. Make a reservation though because even though they have some first come first serve sites they fill up quickly.
