Sites & Rates
Average nightly rates20 total sites
RV Sites
17 sites
Tent Sites
3 sites
About Carolina Hemlocks Rec Area
Number of accommodations: 20
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Fishing
Hiking
Swimming
Tubing
Year-round
Fishing
Hiking
Spring
Tubing
Summer
Swimming
Tubing
Fall
Tubing
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Water and Hygiene
- Restrooms
- Showers
On Site Services
- General Store
Water Access
- Lake Access
- River Access
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
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Rates, Sites & Availability
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Site Details
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20 Sites Available
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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.
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
Logan S
VerifiedJuly 13, 2026 • Stayed at: 12, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
I’ve been coming here for over 20 years. It’s always a great family friendly place. They have done their best cleaning up after Hurricane Helene and was a great trip as always!
Michael H
VerifiedJuly 12, 2026 • Stayed at: 07, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
Always a great time!!!
Site 7 is a bit tight for tent camping but very doable!
We used a "6person" and a "2 person"
for 7 people total.
Showers and flush toilets in great shape.
Ryan D
VerifiedJuly 12, 2026 • Stayed at: 03, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
If people picked up after themselves this place could be beautiful. And I'm sure fall,winter and early spring ,this place is top notch. Literally the only issue I had all weekend was the trash that the other people (gun toting folks that I had to run off from my site at check in time) left behind. It was hundreds of cigarette butts,candy wrappers,food trash,hair products, clumps of hair and various splashes of condiments on the picnic table. Also what appeared to be a smoldering shoe in the fire pit.
It was july4th weekend so it was packed. Still no excuse to leave your trash in a national forest campground. I spent all weekend picking up behind people,it just started at out campsite. There should be a litter police, giving out 1k$ tickets for every speck of trash you leave. Also please dont take glass bottles to the river bank where kids run around barefoot. Ill come be the campground litter police for 24$ an hour and a permanent spot. Also, nobody needs a gun on their waist at a family campground,NOBODY. I dont care what the open carry laws say, you look absolutely foolish. And we burying the trash leavers on the culbert ridge trail,lets goooo!
Beautiful place, obnoxious humans will get this place shut down.
Elisa G
VerifiedJuly 12, 2026 • Stayed at: 05, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
Love it
Tom S
VerifiedJuly 9, 2026 • Stayed at: 12, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
We had a great time camping here. The bathrooms and showers were clean. Visited some golf courses in the area. recommend Silver Creek Golf Club. Unfortunately , Mount Mitchell golf course was closed due to hurricane damage. The swimming at the camp ground was awesome. Recommend Pig and Grits Restaurant in Burnsville for breakfast. We will be back, Loved it.
Sabrina J
VerifiedJuly 3, 2026 • Stayed at: 02, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
Had a great time with family and friends. The hostess were great. My family and I have been going here since I was a little girl and I turn 60 this year.
Suzanne W
VerifiedJune 28, 2026 • Stayed at: 34, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
We travel to the area every year from Florida. We just retired and purchased a camper. Carolina Hemlocks was the first place we wanted to stay. It is one of the most beautiful settings to camp. The bathrooms were super clean and great showers. If there were sites with hookups, we’d be there for extended stays. Hoping the Blue Ridge Parkway to Mount Mitchell, which was shut down due to Hurricane Helene, opens back up soon. We love the Burnsville area!
Crystal C
VerifiedJune 21, 2026 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
Always an amazing experience! From check in to check out! Staff was awesome and super helpful. Site clean and plenty of space. Bathrooms and showers clean. Swimming area is excellent and the grandkids loved tubing and jumping from the rocks! No better place to spend a week tent camping. Kiddos were not ready to go home. Absolutely beautiful area!
Michael O
VerifiedJune 16, 2026 • Stayed at: 12, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
Helpful staff
Andrew B
VerifiedJune 13, 2026 • Stayed at: 13, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
Such a great spot! Waterhole perfection!
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.
Elevation: 842 feet
14 mi drive to downtown Burnsville (about 21 min)
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: September 7, 2026