Panoramic mountain views, mineral waters, and historic hikes bring campers to Hot Springs.
The only known natural hot spring in North Carolina gave rise to the city of Hot Springs, which has become a resort town rife with privately owned spas, lodging rentals, and lots of camping and outdoor recreation. Hot Springs sits near the Appalachian Trail, a popular destination for long-distance hikers, and the French Broad River, believed to be one of the oldest rivers in the world. Head deeper into nature with a trip to Pisgah National Forest for mile-high peaks and dispersed camping. Lake James State Park offers lakeside campgrounds for water enthusiasts. And Mount Mitchell State Park offers backpacking campsites next to the highest point of elevation east of the Mississippi River.
With over 500,000 acres of forested slopes, waterfalls, and mile-high peaks, Pisgah National Forest is a camper’s delight. Head out on multi-use trails for biking and horseback riding to rock climbing opportunities. Or go tubing, fishing, or swimming in the streams and rivers flowing through the forest park. On-site RV and tent campsites provide access to potable water and dump stations, while dispersed, primitive camping options in the wilderness are also available. For a bit of luxury, reserve a private furnished cabin or tiny house under the trees.
A popular destination on the Catawba River system, Lake James State Park welcomes campers to paddle-in and backpack-in primitive campsites for an immersive lake experience. Wake up and go boating, swimming, jet skiing and fishing. Then hike on pet-friendly trails like Holly Discovery Trail or Overmountain Victory Trail to see more of the park. For those looking for more traditional options, lakeside campsites for tents and RVs are also available with potable waters and hot showers.
Mount Mitchell State Park has two claims to fame—it was the very first state park in North Carolina and the mountain for which it’s named happens to be the highest point of elevation east of the Mississippi River. Campers can access the park in May through November via the Blue Ridge Mountains Parkway, or hike the Mountains-to-Sea state trails connected to Pisgah National Forest. Other peaks in the park like Mount Hallback, Mount Craig, Big Tom, and Balsam Cone have 360-degree panoramic views and are lined with Fraser fir forests. All campsites are walk-in backpacking sites with grills and picnic tables, but private campgrounds for RVs with full hookups are also nearby.
Hot Springs is in a mountain valley, which brings cooler temperatures in summer and offers protection from winter storms, resulting in a comfortable temperate climate year-round. Daily high temperatures are around 85°F in summer months, while winters stay between 33°F and 53°F. Since Hot Springs sits near the Appalachian Trail and Blue Ridge Mountains, summer is a very popular time for campers who want to hike on the trails and enjoy the mountain wilderness.