Carolina Hemlocks Rec Area

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

Sites & Rates

Average nightly rates

20 total sites

RV Sites

17 sites

Tent Sites

3 sites

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.

Number of accommodations: 20

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? Let us know

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
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 02, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 03, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 04, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 05, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 06, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA RV
No Hookups
Price not available
07, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA Tent
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
🚐 08, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 09, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 12, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 13, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA RV
No Hookups
Price not available
28, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA Tent
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
🚐 29, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 30, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 31, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 32, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 33, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 34, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA RV
No Hookups
Price not available
35, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA Tent
8 guests · Pet Friendly
Price not available
🚐 36, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA RV
No Hookups
Price not available

Reviews (327)

What Guests Are Saying

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.

Review Summary

4.3
327 reviews
5
61.2%
200
4
20.8%
68
3
9.5%
31
2
4.9%
16
1
3.7%
12

Steven M

Verified

October 29, 2021 Stayed at: 03, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA

3

The area is nice and it’s very close to Mt. Michell which was my hiking objective. The facilities were clean and in working order. Being right next to the river was an added bonus. The lower rating is due to the proximity of each camping spot. It felt very crowded and there was zero privacy. There may have been a couple of spots you could setup to feel a little more isolated but in general I felt too close to everyone. For this reason it wouldn’t be my first choice for camping the next time I’m in the area.

Steven M

Verified

October 29, 2021 Stayed at: 03, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA

3

The area is nice and it’s very close to Mt. Michell which was my hiking objective. The facilities were clean and in working order. Being right next to the river was an added bonus. The lower rating is due to the proximity of each camping spot. It felt very crowded and there was zero privacy. There may have been a couple of spots you could setup to feel a little more isolated but in general I felt too close to everyone. For this reason it wouldn’t be my first choice for camping the next time I’m in the area.

Joey W

Verified

November 3, 2021 Stayed at: 06, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA

5

Carolina Hemlocks Recreation area is the most naturally beautiful campground at which I have stayed. There are a lot of trees, and the South Toe River is amazing. I did have the opportunity to catch some Trout in the river along the campground. The staff was very friendly and helpful. We will definitely stay at Carolina Hemlocks again!

Joey W

Verified

November 3, 2021 Stayed at: 06, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA

5

Carolina Hemlocks Recreation area is the most naturally beautiful campground at which I have stayed. There are a lot of trees, and the South Toe River is amazing. I did have the opportunity to catch some Trout in the river along the campground. The staff was very friendly and helpful. We will definitely stay at Carolina Hemlocks again!

Sally R

Verified

April 25, 2022 Stayed at: 13, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA

5

Awesome place to camp and bring the entire family

Sally R

Verified

April 25, 2022 Stayed at: 13, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA

5

Awesome place to camp and bring the entire family

Jacob L

Verified

May 1, 2022 Stayed at: 13, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA

5

Had great weather with a beautiful site. Campground was clean and the host in the area friendly and attentive. Beat spit I’ve been to in a while.

jill c

Verified

May 1, 2022 Stayed at: 02, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA

5

Always a great experience. My only suggestion is to add paper towels in the bathrooms.

Jacob L

Verified

May 1, 2022 Stayed at: 13, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA

5

Had great weather with a beautiful site. Campground was clean and the host in the area friendly and attentive. Beat spit I’ve been to in a while.

jill c

Verified

May 1, 2022 Stayed at: 02, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA

5

Always a great experience. My only suggestion is to add paper towels in the bathrooms.

Location Carolina Hemlocks Rec Area

Address:
8516 Highway 80 South
Burnsville, NC, 28714
United States

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.

Elevation: 842 feet

Distance to downtown

14 mi drive to downtown Burnsville (about 21 min)

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: September 7, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service