River
Entrance
CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA 2
CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA 1

Featured amenities

General Store General Store
Pet Friendly Pet Friendly
Restrooms Restrooms
River Access River Access
Showers Showers

About Carolina Hemlocks Rec Area

Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area sits in the scenic mountains of Pisgah National Forest. This is a great place for small to medium-sized groups to swim, fish, tube, hike, camp, picnic and simply relax in the cool shade of the forest.

Available sites

20 total sites

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Fishing

Fishing

Year-round
Hiking

Hiking

Year-round
Swimming

Swimming

Summer
Tubing

Tubing

Spring Summer Fall

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Apr 4 to Oct 31

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

General Store General Store
Pet friendly Pet friendly
Restrooms Restrooms
River Access River Access
Showers Showers
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Restrooms
  • Showers
On Site Services

On Site Services

  • General Store
Water Access

Water Access

  • Lake Access
  • River Access
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

20 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 01, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 02, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 03, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 04, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 05, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 06, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA RV
Pet Friendly · Paved
⛺ 07, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Campfire
🚐 08, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA RV
Pet Friendly · Paved
🚐 09, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 12, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 13, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
⛺ 28, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Campfire
🚐 29, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 30, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 31, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 32, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 33, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 34, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In
⛺ 35, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Full shade
🚐 36, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA RV
Pet Friendly · Paved · Driveway entry: Back-In

Reviews

341 reviews

Summary

AI generated

Carolina Hemlocks Rec Area is praised for its beautiful location near the river, well-maintained facilities, and friendly hosts. Many visitors enjoy the campground's relaxing atmosphere, ample opportunities for swimming and tubing, and the accessibility of nearby trails. While some issues with noise and management have been noted, the overall experience remains positive, with many campers expressing a desire to return.

Based on guest feedback

4.3

Overall rating

Based on 341 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 61.0% (208)
4 stars 21.4% (73)
3 stars 9.4% (32)
2 stars 4.7% (16)
1 star 3.5% (12)

Showing 341 reviews

Cathy D

September 27, 2026

Carolina Hemlock is not good for handicap people, we had a young man in a wheelchair that couldn't go where his brothers went to swim. There was a lot of dead trees that needs to be removed, one was hanging out over the water at the pavilion. Need to get the electricity fix, and the grills need worked on they have holes and are warped. Bathrooms were nasty, I don't think anyone has cleaned them in months.

Helpful

Jim L

Verified

September 26, 2026 Stayed at: 34, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA

Swimming and wading in Toe River was great. Hosts were helpful; bathrooms and showers were clean Over campsite #34 could use some work. Needs stairs from driveway down to main camping area.

Helpful

Stephen S

Verified

September 9, 2026 Stayed at: 13, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA

The sites are nice and spacious, but the campground itself is right next to the road. Tons of construction at this time, so from 7am-9pm all you hear are dump trucks. Wish they would post more pics online. The swim area is great but not advertised very well. Bathrooms need some plumbing updates, but it eventually gets the job done.

Helpful

Hannah M

Verified

September 6, 2026 Stayed at: 32, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA

This campground was fantastic! We had a great time with a group of 16 camping across multiple sites. The campground was clean and the hosts were all very nice. The water access was amazing - great swimming, wading, and exploring access.

We look forward to returning soon!

Helpful

Garret L

Verified

September 4, 2026 Stayed at: 06, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA

The tent site was very big. Although it bordered the river, you couldn't really see the river from the campsite. This site worked great for us with our Gladiator and rooftop tent. It would also work well for a camper van and of course a tent. It may work for you if you have a SMALL trailer. Just better suited for tent, rooftop tent, or van. There are other campsite choices which would be better if you have a trailer.

Not really any hiking trails per se from the campground; however, the little general store is only about 0.4 mi from the campground and is an easy walk down the county road.

The bathrooms and showers were clean with hot water.

Helpful

Marie V

Verified

September 2, 2026 Stayed at: 02, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA

We were in site 7, it fit better with our rig. WHAT an incredible campground. So serene; the water is COLD and so refreshing on a hot afternoon. Excellent, and we will be back!

Helpful

Location & Directions for Carolina Hemlocks Rec Area

8516 Highway 80 South, Burnsville, NC 28714 United States

Elevation: 842 ft

Getting There

From Asheville, North Carolina, take I-26 west to exit 9, onto 19 east toward Burnsville. Follow 19 to Micaville and turn right onto Highway 80. Follow 80 south approximately 8 mi to the Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area.

Nearest town

Burnsville, NC - 14 mi

About 21 min to downtown

Highway access

Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area is accessible via I-26, with exit 9 leading to Highway 19, which connects to State Highway 80. Highway 80 provides direct access to the campground.

Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The closest entrance is: Cataloochee Entrance

Approximate drive: 60 mi · over 1 hr (103 min)

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 21, 2026

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Explore Burnsville, NC

Population: 2,082

Nearby city: Asheville, NC

Approx. 24 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 2,815 ft

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