About Carolina Hemlocks Rec Area
Number of accommodations: 20
Nearby Activities & Attractions
Fishing
Hiking
Swimming
Tubing
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Rates, Sites & Availability
20 Sites Available
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20 Sites Available
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Reviews (296)
What Guests Are Saying
Carolina Hemlocks Rec Area offers clean and spacious campsites, friendly and accommodating staff, and beautiful river access for activities like swimming and tubing. While some areas are affected by road noise and lingering effects from Hurricane Helene, the overall experience is positive, with well-maintained facilities and a picturesque setting. Many visitors express a desire to return, highlighting the campground's charm and family-friendly atmosphere.
What Guests Are Saying
Carolina Hemlocks Rec Area offers clean and spacious campsites, friendly and accommodating staff, and beautiful river access for activities like swimming and tubing. While some areas are affected by road noise and lingering effects from Hurricane Helene, the overall experience is positive, with well-maintained facilities and a picturesque setting. Many visitors express a desire to return, highlighting the campground's charm and family-friendly atmosphere.
Review Summary
Sheryl H
August 24, 2022
Beautiful and scenic by the river…
Sheryl H
August 24, 2022
Beautiful and scenic by the river…
David S
VerifiedAugust 3, 2022 • Stayed at: 03, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
The best camping trip ever.
David S
VerifiedAugust 3, 2022 • Stayed at: 03, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
The best camping trip ever.
Judy E
VerifiedJuly 18, 2022 • Stayed at: 02, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
The day use people are ruining the camping experience! We were there when port a John’s we’re being used the day use people filled them up in one day and you could smell them from camp sites. Not to mention it was so unsanitary. We left early because it was so unsanitary! Still waiting to see if we can get a refund! People walking through the camp sites that aren’t even camping was so not called for! I would not recommend this place now at all! We have camped here for years and now it is just so sad and not worth coming there anymore! I not sure we will ever be back at this point unless things change!
Judy E
VerifiedJuly 18, 2022 • Stayed at: 02, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
The day use people are ruining the camping experience! We were there when port a John’s we’re being used the day use people filled them up in one day and you could smell them from camp sites. Not to mention it was so unsanitary. We left early because it was so unsanitary! Still waiting to see if we can get a refund! People walking through the camp sites that aren’t even camping was so not called for! I would not recommend this place now at all! We have camped here for years and now it is just so sad and not worth coming there anymore! I not sure we will ever be back at this point unless things change!
Christine M
July 8, 2022
Normally a great area but the water wasn't working and local management couldn't handle the situation. They should have closed the area.
Christine M
July 8, 2022
Normally a great area but the water wasn't working and local management couldn't handle the situation. They should have closed the area.
Maili P
VerifiedJune 25, 2022 • Stayed at: 03, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
Campground is appropriately named as magnificent Hemlocks with their lovely arching branches fill this shaded campground. The river passing along the outer edge provides the peaceful sounds of flowing water. There are several access points to the river throughout the campground, with 1 providing a deep swimming hole. Apparently, this is not a secret, so don't expect to have it to yourself (Unless you're there at 6am).
There are 2 individual toilets and 2 individual showers for the women and the same for the men. This is nice that you don't have to wait for someone to finish showering to use the toilet. But during my visit, NONE of the toilets were working and there was no one around to tell in the evening when I arrived and saw that every single toilet was stopped up! Gratefully- they had put out porta johns in the campground on the opposite side of the road. Although, I had to figure that out on my own, No one told me there was another half of the campground across the street. I expect the toilet issue was an isolated event and they are normally working just fine.
There is a local gas station a few miles up the road on the way to the Parkway, but it's EXPENSIVE!
Maili P
VerifiedJune 25, 2022 • Stayed at: 03, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
Campground is appropriately named as magnificent Hemlocks with their lovely arching branches fill this shaded campground. The river passing along the outer edge provides the peaceful sounds of flowing water. There are several access points to the river throughout the campground, with 1 providing a deep swimming hole. Apparently, this is not a secret, so don't expect to have it to yourself (Unless you're there at 6am).
There are 2 individual toilets and 2 individual showers for the women and the same for the men. This is nice that you don't have to wait for someone to finish showering to use the toilet. But during my visit, NONE of the toilets were working and there was no one around to tell in the evening when I arrived and saw that every single toilet was stopped up! Gratefully- they had put out porta johns in the campground on the opposite side of the road. Although, I had to figure that out on my own, No one told me there was another half of the campground across the street. I expect the toilet issue was an isolated event and they are normally working just fine.
There is a local gas station a few miles up the road on the way to the Parkway, but it's EXPENSIVE!
Location Carolina Hemlocks Rec Area
Address:
8516 Highway 80 South
Burnsville, NC, 28714
United States
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 miles to the Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area.
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.
Latitude & Longitude: 35.8044 / -82.2044
Elevation: 842 feet
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Last updated: June 12, 2026