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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Site Details
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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
Chris M
VerifiedOctober 11, 2020 • Stayed at: 29, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
I am 56 years old, and have a lifetime of memories from Black Mtn Campground and Carolina Hemlocks. It was nice to get back there. The host families were very nice. Thanks for the great experience!
Chris M
VerifiedOctober 11, 2020 • Stayed at: 29, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
I am 56 years old, and have a lifetime of memories from Black Mtn Campground and Carolina Hemlocks. It was nice to get back there. The host families were very nice. Thanks for the great experience!
Madeleine B
VerifiedOctober 9, 2020 • Stayed at: 32, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
Lovely, tree covered spot along the crystal clear South Toe River with swimming and rafting areas and clean bathrooms. The hosts are very helpful and run a tight ship enforcing rules if necessary so everyone can enjoy a peaceful , clean stay in this beautiful forest. Only one tip right now...the campground wood for sale is green still, so buy some at a store nearby or in Marion before you start climbing up to campground.
Madeleine B
VerifiedOctober 9, 2020 • Stayed at: 32, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
Lovely, tree covered spot along the crystal clear South Toe River with swimming and rafting areas and clean bathrooms. The hosts are very helpful and run a tight ship enforcing rules if necessary so everyone can enjoy a peaceful , clean stay in this beautiful forest. Only one tip right now...the campground wood for sale is green still, so buy some at a store nearby or in Marion before you start climbing up to campground.
Stephanie A
VerifiedSeptember 28, 2020 • Stayed at: 28, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
Great spot, close to so many sites but also has a small trail onsite and the Toe river runs right alongside of the property. Beautiful and serene! Campsites are spacious. Highly recommend this place. Bonus is that it is family and pet friendly.
Stephanie A
VerifiedSeptember 28, 2020 • Stayed at: 28, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
Great spot, close to so many sites but also has a small trail onsite and the Toe river runs right alongside of the property. Beautiful and serene! Campsites are spacious. Highly recommend this place. Bonus is that it is family and pet friendly.
Ann M
VerifiedAugust 16, 2020 • Stayed at: 32, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
Our site was very big and lots of shade. The staff were very helpful and friendly. There was a lot of noise from road traffic, which brought it down a star. We enjoyed tubing on the river in the park. Lots of little rapids, was super fun!
Ann M
VerifiedAugust 16, 2020 • Stayed at: 32, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
Our site was very big and lots of shade. The staff were very helpful and friendly. There was a lot of noise from road traffic, which brought it down a star. We enjoyed tubing on the river in the park. Lots of little rapids, was super fun!
Jennifer R
VerifiedJuly 28, 2020 • Stayed at: 32, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
I have been coming to Carolina Hemlocks for 22 years give or take a few years. In past years we have had very few issues but this year was different. The new Hosts have instituted their own rules and are not following Cradle rules. For example, telling people that there are no first come first serve sites and that all sites are assigned, saving sites for out of town friends and others, telling people that the river closes at 9;00 pm, changing the generator rules as to duration of running time and hours that generators can be used. The lead host was also very rude to me and many others. I went to the office to ask a simple question and was met with a rude, smart reply and no answer to my question. This experience was repeated with others that were camping. The bathrooms were not clean and the campsites were not checked and cleaned between guests. Also maintenance is desperately needed, gravel has been washed away and many campsites have drainage issues that need to be addressed. I hate to see my this special place go downhill from willful neglect. The Cradle needs to step in and get a handle on this before it gets worse.
Jennifer R
VerifiedJuly 28, 2020 • Stayed at: 32, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
I have been coming to Carolina Hemlocks for 22 years give or take a few years. In past years we have had very few issues but this year was different. The new Hosts have instituted their own rules and are not following Cradle rules. For example, telling people that there are no first come first serve sites and that all sites are assigned, saving sites for out of town friends and others, telling people that the river closes at 9;00 pm, changing the generator rules as to duration of running time and hours that generators can be used. The lead host was also very rude to me and many others. I went to the office to ask a simple question and was met with a rude, smart reply and no answer to my question. This experience was repeated with others that were camping. The bathrooms were not clean and the campsites were not checked and cleaned between guests. Also maintenance is desperately needed, gravel has been washed away and many campsites have drainage issues that need to be addressed. I hate to see my this special place go downhill from willful neglect. The Cradle needs to step in and get a handle on this before it gets worse.
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 4, 2026