Best Camping in and near Mount Mitchell State Park

100% (9 reviews)

Sweeping views and challenging hikes define North Carolina’s first state park.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Mount Mitchell State Park

98%

(2195)

Starlight Hills

18 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Bostic, NC

Our Spa is now available for booking! We are a constantly evolving location. Our goal is to provide a genuine secluded camping experience immersed in nature in a mountainous forest with privacy and well spaced out, secluded camp sites. We also have minimal light pollution, so our skies are beautiful for viewing the stars. We offer trails through natural wooded habitat with hidden gems of nature. Wildlife viewing throughout. There are feed locations to increase viewing opportunities. A creek on the property is lovely for walking. Centered between Charlotte and Asheville we are within your reach! We offer primitive tent camping, Glamping Tents and a Cabin. Glamping and cabin have a private Mountain View, fire pit area, Queen bed, Night Stand (built in phone charger), Desk area, interior and exterior lighting, heater and fan (powered by solar system). As a part of Starlight Hills Campground you have access to filtered drinking water, common overlook (w/ BBQ pits & picnic tables), trails, bathroom and showers. Welcome to bring all your furry family members ❤️. Please Note: 2 Wheel Dr. vehicles can access all of our sites. Gravel/ Dirt road up hill.

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(137)

Asheville Area Luxury Solo RV'ing

1 site · RV1 acre · Fletcher, NC

Asheville Area Luxury Dwellings offers a gated year round solo RV site with full hook ups, firewood, kindling, bike wash or pet wash station, and trash service provided by your host in the nightly rate. ADDITIONALLY, you can enhance your stay by adding any of the FIVE EXTRA AMENITIES before checking out. Extras which are available for a one time fee are onsite which include a partially covered lighted outdoor shelter with a grill, bar sink, bar stools, and infrared heater above the couch to warm up on those chilly nights. This outdoor covered porch can be added to your stay in the extras sections if you so choose. The hot tub and outdoor shower are also available for rent for a one time charge under the extras section. Working remotely? Add wifi in the extras section. Rv'ing with a friend? No problem, you can add one additional RV to your booking. Our site can accommodate two large rigs. If these items are not needed then you can still use the site only at the nightly price. Remember, your nightly rate includes a bike wash or pet wash station to clean up after a day of exploring the Asheville area, firewood, kindling, and trash service are always included in your nightly price. 0ur site is only 10 miles to downtown Asheville and 8 miles to the Biltmore Estate. Come relax by the outdoor fire pit and listen to the sound of the natural spring flowing down the mountain. Come enjoy our RV site in beautiful Asheville Area. We are glad to offer a one of a kind private mountainous solo RV site.

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(74)

Cold Spring Basecamp

6 sites · Lodging, Tents38 acres · Flat Rock, NC

Cold Spring Basecamp is the perfect spot to launch your adventure. Located in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Whether camping, glamping or high in a treehouse (coming soon), Cold Spring Basecamp is the jumping off point for biking, hiking, paddling, zip lining, waterfalls or just enjoy our beautiful 38 acre property with mountain bike trails, hiking trails, beautiful creeks, waterfalls and endless relaxation potential. Three rustic and historic cabins recently rehabbed, but keeping all the old charm. One open wall lets in lots of light and the old wood accents the walls, kitchen, eating area, and bunk beds (with queen on the bottom and twin up top). Cook over the stone fire pit or on cast iron pots and pan on the propane stove. Full equipped kitchen for all your needs, including French press, and tea pot. Relax under the solar lights and charge your devices using our solar powered charging station. Campsites are all nestled in the woods and next to the creek and are all spacious and private. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring with grill for cooking over the fire. Additionally a water filter is provided for purifying drinking water from the creek. Launch your adventure from Cold Spring or stay on the property to enjoy the mountain bike trails, hike to the waterfall and cliffs or relax in the meadow. Minutes to the world class trails of Ride Rock Creek Bike Park and beautiful Lake Summit, just down the road from Ride Kanuga Bike Park and the world famous Green River, with class I-V rapids. We are at the back door of 86 miles of trails and dozens of famous waterfalls in Dupont State Forest. The steep, fast and fun Gorge Zipline is located in the quaint town of Saluda, along with shops and great restaurants. The shops and restaurants of Flat Rock and just up the hill and a bit further is the thriving town on Hendersonville, apple country and many of the areas wineries.

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(1328)

Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents95 acres · Waynesville, NC

Voted 2nd in NC!! We are a Mangalitsa farm in The Smoky Mountains of western NC. The entire property is oriented toward private farmland views, a half mile of river and surrounding mountains. It's really quite remarkable to be so accessible yet feel so remote! Come swim, fish, cook and play! Check out www.smokymtnriverranch.com for more information. PLEASE NOTE, our rate is based on the number of vehicles in your group. The first vehicle is included in the nightly rate and admits 4 campers. WE CHARGE FOR ADDITIONAL CARS. The charge will be added to your booking once you select the number of vehicles at checkout. Please note that each additional car admits four campers. For EXAMPLE, 2 cars = 8 campers total. If you only have two cars but more than eight people, YOU MUST select the "Extra Person" Extra for each night they are camping. Please select these extras at checkout. If you have questions about this PLEASE message me prior to booking. Our 95-acre farm was once owned by the Davis family who predominantly raised dairy cattle. We now raise the wooly Mangalitsa pig and sell to the best chefs and restaurants. We sell our pork at the farm too! All of our campsites are next to running water except the two hilltop sites. Two porta-potties are on the farm and private porta-potties are available for rent. Groups of eight or more are required to rent a porta potty should you not bring your own toilet system with you. We do not allow the use of our small wooded areas as toilets. Please review the Extras options as we offer river lifts, firewood and dog stays; thank you! Quiet hours are from 10pm to 9am. Checking in before 5 pm is requested. Later times may be available with prior arrangements. Our farm is very dark and navigating at night is difficult. Please contact Catherine directly so you can be checked in safely and accommodate your schedule. NO CHECK-INS AFTER DARK. We are 1 mile off of I 40, 17 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, 15 min. to Maggie Valley, 10 min to the Elk at Cataloochee, 25 min to Cataloochee ski area, 10 min to Lake Junaluska and 15 min to downtown Waynesville. Asheville is 20 miles to our East.

96%

(26)

Turkey Creek Oasis

6 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Leicester, NC

STATUS REPORT: totally intact after hurricane. No damage and the land is not flooded. Even RVs can drive to the creek. Attention RV and van-lifers, here's your safe haven! Introducing a brand-new listing, and I'm seeking your assistance in navigating the ins and outs of hosting. Located just 25 minutes from downtown Asheville, this property sits in a rural, fertile valley, offering breathtaking views to the north and south. Encompassing a total of 23 acres, 5 of which are nearly flat and ideal for parking/camping, while the remainder provides excellent hiking opportunities. A charming bubbling creek, a storage barn suitable for construction or running a business, and the promise of future hydro-power with solar and a battery bank by the creek add to the property's appeal. For those parking near the main house, a 120v extension cord is available for power and internet access. Alternatively, if you prefer to park by the creek, please note that there is currently no power, internet, or water available in that area, though plans are underway for hydro-power with solar and a battery bank. IMPORTANT NOTE: heavy rains turn this area into a mess, it can be tricky to get in and out after a big rain. You are welcome to park at the top by the barn and walk down with a tent, but your RV could get stuck, so keep that in mind. Anticipate future offerings with RV power hookups. Presently, the amenities are somewhat rustic, serving as a trial to gauge interest. Composting outhouse is available now!. Rainwater and shallow well water are provided. Looking for a place to park your vehicle while you convert it into your home on wheels? Happy to set that up with power, water, and even a barn in which to work. Feel free to reach out with any questions or suggestions; your input is appreciated!

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(205)

Creek side

4 sites · Lodging, Tents18 acres · Hot Springs, NC

Picturesque meadow on what once was a tobacco farm. All campsites are waterfront along the year round babbling creek. Stocked with trout three times a year. Property located very close to Max Patch for hiking or just to watch the amazing sunset. Each site comes with a fireplace, picnic table and charcoal bbq. Porto potty and outdoor shower on property.

100%

(5)

Firefly Food Forest

3 sites · Lodging20 acres · Weaverville, NC

Soak under the stars in our spring water hot tub. Swim laps in our spring water pool. Fall asleep to the sound of crickets and wake to the sound of birds. Camp out in one of our tiny glamping cabin, your camper van or tent in a hidden 20-acre food forest 15 minutes from Asheville. Your hosts, Brad and Sara, live in the middle of the forest, which is hidden away from our neighbors at the end of our road, up a long-gated driveway. Each campsite has its own firepit.

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(173)

Barnhill Mountain in Fletcher, NC

2 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Hoopers Creek, NC

My wife and I moved to the area, from Boone, in the spring of 2014. Our dream was to own a house, preferably a cabin, on top of a mountain with long range views and a gradual winding road to the top. Living in Boone, this dream was definitely out of reach. When we began our search for a new home in the Asheville area, we discovered that the more affordable homes were in fact on the mountains. Perfect! In general I always have a pretty positive outlook on what’s possible, however, I was skeptical that we would ever find our dream home. As Jeannie began her Zillow browsing adventures, one particular cabin with acreage, that was outside of our budget continued to pop up. Jeannie would delete it and then it would come back. At some point the price began to drop, and drop, and drop. On our way back into town one weekend after attending a wedding, I convinced Jeannie to drive by the cabin just because we had the time. Immediately we fell in love and reached out to our realtor buddy. It was more of a shot in the dark but it couldn’t hurt, right? We held our breath for the next month totally expecting someone to get it under contract before us or the sellers not accepting our offer. It had already been reduced significantly so we knew our chances of a lowball offer were slim. We offered the most that we could get a loan for. They accepted! I still get anxious thinking back to that month, October 2014. Many years and two children later, here we are, just as excited everyday to make the long trek up our mountain as we were that August of 2014, and now we are happy to offer a similar experience to you, without having to buy the place. Never stop dreaming! Hope to see you soon, cheers! Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent in the grass on the tip top of the mountain or park your camper in the flat gravel spot with a fire pit just below the top with beautiful views overlooking Cane Creek. In the fall and winter enjoy 360 degree views and in the summer enjoy the shade and cool breeze while relaxing & snacking on wild wine berries and black raspberries. What you will not find is light pollution, traffic, and a desire to leave the mountain. Fall asleep to the calls of the hoot owl and wake up to the knocking of the wood pecker. If & when you decide to explore the area, be sure to checkout Hickory Nut Gap farm just 7.9 miles away & Whistle Hop Brewery 7.7 miles away. Turgua brewery just down on Cane Creek road is only 6.2 miles from camp. Cane Creek Valley Farm as well as the Cane Creek Community swimming pool is also at the base of camp just in case the kids need a dip of ice cream or a dip in the pool. Justus Apple Orchard is only 10 miles down the mountain towards Hendersonville. We love taking our kids there. We are only 15 miles from downtown Asheville & Hendersonville, and 22 miles from Lake Lure. The site backs up to over 100 acres of forest for a truly wilderness feel just outside of town. *Please message me proof of Military Service to receive your 25% discount code. We support our troops and their families.

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(1346)

Dark Ridge Hide Out (Adults Only)

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Elk Park, NC

"Adults only" doesn't mean anything other than just "no children", so as to preserve the natural peace and quiet, and assurance that there won't be loud and unruly children on the property. Inquiries and booking requests received after 9: pm may not be answered until the next morning. Dark Ridge Hide Out, is a 20 acre parcel in the Blue Ridge Mountain's on the back side of the Beech Mt Ski Resort in a secluded quiet and safe community with less than a dozen homes in a one mile radius. Away from light and sound pollution. Except for an occasional passing vehicle "and often none at all from 10pm to 6am" all you will hear is the sound of the creek which runs through the lower section by the RV sites, cricket's and frogs at the nearby fish pond and only the light from the moon and star's in the clear mountain sky and fire flies. It is my home place with a tobacco barn and a big combination cattle/tobacco barn built almost entirely just by my Mom and Dad in early 1940"s. My parents and grand parents lived off of the land here and raised cash crops like cabbage, corn and tobacco, we also raised sugar cane and made molasses, we had free range chickens, as many as 50 honey bee hives and over 50 head of cattle, two or three hog's and of course a horse. There was four main fields; two for cow pasture, one meadow to grow hay "now Christmas trees" and the main one on my part where all crops were grown is where the camp sites are. I grew up helping with the crops and other farm chores, one was to go to the pasture and bring the milk cows in and do the milking every day before and after school, feed the hogs and chickens, gather the egg's, let the chickens out in the morning and close the chicken house in the evening to protect them from critters like opossums, raccoons and wildcats. This is where I grew up, my dad grew up and, near where my mother and both of my grandparents grew up. My house was built in 1905 the same year my dad was born. The campsites are on my 20 acre section section of the original 82 acres with the house and barns, the remainder went to my brother but now is out of the family. The section of Elk River with the Compression Falls "45 ft high" and Twisting Falls which is part of Pisgah National Forest is less than two miles from here, and an old logging road going around the mountain above the river for about three miles to another Falls "Elk River Falls, 65 ft high" is a great place to hike or mountain bike. You will be free to explore and hike any part of my property except the house and out building's. The pond's are full of Trout and Blue Gill fish that are like pet's they love little pieces of bread. You can feed the fish but no fishing.

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Jake's Farm

5 sites · Lodging, Tents11 acres · Candler, NC

Jake's Farm is an 11 acre organic farm producing vegetables, small fruits, medicinal herbs and tea ingredients. We began our venture in 1997 and added campsites and treehouses in 2015. The farm is conveniently located 8 miles from West Asheville, 11 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway and 15 miles from Asheville Regional Airport. We have power, water, internet and have put in place a 50% discount until Nov 30 to assist recovery from Helene. ZNP4NS2K is the code for the discount

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(263)

Above the Fray Glamping, Black Mtn.

6 sites · Lodging11 acres · Black Mountain, NC

The views are hypnotic and look down and out over the continental divide. Good morning sun and sunsets can be seen in the same spot. Your car is parked within feet of your deck so Car Campers and experienced campers can enjoy. Designed with campers and dogs in mind. The deck is large (384 square feet) with a tin roof. Some roofs are full size, some 2/3rds and some 1/3rd, depending on what one wants for tent size or sun exposure. (See pictures of each site/deck) Each deck has sun and rain curtains for helping keep comfortable in normal weather. Dogs enjoy a two gate system so quests and dogs can be leash free and away from the road. All dog owners know to pick up after their pets. The human Private Porta John is cleaned weekly. Lights and electrical is 110V (3 prongs) for YOUR coffee pots, electric grills, mattress inflators, crockpots, electric blankets fans, etc. I do not provide any electrical appliances, other than counter area lighting and low level string lights so one can see the night sky. Many of my campers will "Pay it Forward" and leave coffee pots, hot plates, fans and such, so count yourself lucky to find a deck with them. I provide chairs, 5 gallons of fresh water in containers, fickle solar shower and pop up changing room along with an assortment of camping supplies from dog bowls to antimicrobial wipes. I provide various size garbage bags to manage your garbage. Your parking area is next to the deck. Black Mountain’s tasty restaurants are 4 miles away and All Trails is a great app for finding trails suited for your interest. Be respectful to the place and please be friendly to the people you meet. Learn more about this land: Private Glamping Decks with a view that pictures do not do justice. Private decks on a dead-end gravel road mean hopefully the sounds will only be of nature. The conveniences of electricity, porta john, water, chairs, table, roof, cleaning supplies, rain curtains, and astounding views have my Glampers coming back often. Designed with Dogs in mind with a two-gate system and no need for a leash when on the deck. Obnoxious, barking dogs are not welcome, so bring only controlled and well socialized dogs. Help me keep it dog friendly. Never block the road with a park car.

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Blowing Rock TreePod & Geodome

2 sites · Lodging17 acres · Lenoir, NC

**Hurricane Helene Update** Unlike many areas in Western North Carolina the Blowing Rock and Boone area faired very well. Fortunately, both of our domes did not sustain any damage and are fully operational and never stop hosting Hipcampers. All of the main and secondary roads are fully operational in our area and the businesses and restaurants are fully operational and open at normal business hours. We’d like to welcome you and your closest to enjoy the views at our dome post Helene! ********** The Blowing Rock TreePod and Geodome is only 2.5 miles from Main Street in Blowing Rock, NC and a just a short drive from Boone. Enjoy 100 mile views from your private TreePod or Geodome (both domes have 100 mile views). Relax on the well-appointed deck, complete with an equipped kitchenette, luxurious bathroom, and unique dome featuring a private hot tub, fire table, grill, hammock and comfortable outdoor furniture. Recharge and reconnect with nature as you explore our 20 acres of trails and private pond. ————————————————————— ————————————————————— Experience unforgettable moments at one of the domes of Blowing Rock, where every detail is designed for lasting memories. Enjoy breathtaking 100-mile vistas from the deck, a plush King Bed, and a well-equipped kitchenette paired with a luxurious glamping bathroom. Sleep beneath the stars in comfort, nestled in a King Bed beneath a transparent roof, while the fully functional bathroom offers hot water and a conventional flushing toilet just steps away. This 350-square-foot retreat is complemented by a nearby 300-square-foot bathhouse exclusively for your use. Perched among the trees and carved into the mountainside, the Tripod boasts a deck featuring a hot tub, fire pit, grill, and hammock, inviting relaxation and connection with nature. Built and designed to soak in long range 100 mile views from every angle, the Geodome offers the unique sense of living on the side of a mountain. Lavash in the large deck, see if you can spot Charlotte from the Hot Tub, or lounge in an Adirondack chair by the firepit on cool evenings. Whether indulging in reading, napping, stargazing, or simply soaking in the tranquility, the outdoor furniture and hot tub for each dome provides the perfect vantage points. Keep an eye out for birds and deer as you explore the surrounding 20 acres, including a private pond with fish included for your enjoyment. All of this just minutes to Main Street in Blowing Rock, NC. One of North Carolina's premier mountain towns. OTHER PROPERTY DETAILS LOCATION: We’re located on a 17 acre tract of land with two domes. Both domes can be booked individually or together (please see my other listings in my profile for availability). My goal is always to maximize privacy and I’ve worked hard to create guest seclusion and minimize visibility from the other dome. With that, the domes are separated by 150 feet but are connected via a staircase that has been built into the mountain. If another couple is staying in the other dome during your stay, it is likely that you may hear them during your stay. Finally, our ideal location and close proximity to Blowing Rock is a direct result of our proximity to NC 321. Guests should be aware that they may hear road noise. STEEP MOUNTAIN DRIVEWAY: Please note that the driveway to the TreePod is a mountain road that is ONLY accessible by AWD or 4x4. If you are not comfortable driving on gravel mountain roads, or do not have a 4x4 or AWD, you’re welcome to park at a dedicated space at the top of the driveway and take a 450’ hike to the dome. WINTER WEATHER: In the event of a winter weather during your stay you will be required to park at the top of the driveway regardless of what type of vehicle you arrive in. This does involve a short 350’ walk from that location to the GeoDome door. In general snow fall is light and usually melts the next day. HEATING/COOLING: The Treepod includes both heating and cooling as well as several space heaters and electric blankets. While we make every attempt to create a comfortable environment the domes are not insulated in the same way your home may be and does not heat and cool like a conventional home or apartment. We’ll provide the heated blankets, please bring plenty of warm clothing in the winter. PARKING: Parking is FREE and on Premises but we are only able to accommodate ONE vehicle during your stay. KITCHEN: During the winter months, the kitchen sink may be closed to prevent freezing pipes. If so, water is accessible in the fully functional and heated bathroom. As always, your welcome to use the grill with the supplied grilling tools for cooking. You’ll also find a French coffee press, water kettle, and coffee/creamer/sugar in the event that the Keurig is not available.

The best camping near Mount Mitchell State Park guide

Overview

About

Surrounded by spruce-fir forest, Mount Mitchell’s summit looms 6,684 feet above this North Carolina park, making it the highest point east of the Mississippi. An easy walk to the observation deck lets you take in the views from the top, but the best way to truly appreciate this park is via the extensive hiking trail network. Trails range from short jaunts to the six-mile Mount Mitchell Trail leading to the summit. The nine-site Mount Mitchell Campground is open seasonally, and visitors are also permitted to leave vehicles in the park overnight to backpack into Pisgah National Forest.

Tips for snagging a campsite

As the park has few sites, booking in advance is recommended and can be easily done online or by phone.
The campground is only open from May 1 to October 31, and you can book up to 11 months in advance.
Double check your dates—cancellations incur a fee (on top of a booking fee).

When to go

Mount Mitchell State Park is open year-round (closed on Christmas Day), and Mount Mitchell Campground is open only from May 1 to October 31. Due to its high elevation, summer temperatures tend to be cooler than in nearby Asheville and the surrounding region, typically in the mid 60s, making it ideal for long hikes. Summer is also a great time to see abundant wildflowers and native birds. Winters are chilly, with temperatures typically in the mid-40s, and often feature high winds and rain, and road closures due to snow and ice.

Know before you go

The park has no entrance or parking fees.
Pets are welcome but must be on a leash no longer than six feet. Pets are not allowed in buildings.
Alcohol is prohibited in all North Carolina state parks. This is strictly enforced by rangers.
Secure food and be aware of black bears, particularly in spring and summer.