General Store
Pet friendly
Restrooms
River Access
Showers
No sites found matching your criteria.
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Site Details
Select a site to view details
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
341 reviews
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
Based on 341 reviews
Showing 341 reviews
January 17, 2020 Stayed at: 31, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
Staff was awesome. They welcomed us and were very flexible when I wanted to change my site. Beautiful spot and great place to camp while exploring the Black Mountains.
Helpful
January 16, 2020 Stayed at: 30, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
I couldn’t find the campsite. The fog was so dense and gps didn’t work. I drove excessive mileage and countless uTurns before i gave up and paid for an unreserved spot at another camp.
Helpful
January 16, 2020 Stayed at: 30, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
I couldn’t find the campsite. The fog was so dense and gps didn’t work. I drove excessive mileage and countless uTurns before i gave up and paid for an unreserved spot at another camp.
Helpful
January 11, 2020 Stayed at: 02, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
Awesome recreation area. Tent sites are a bit smaller and not as private as other parks but the recreation area more than makes up for it. None of the sites are directly on the water but very close access and able to hear the stream at night and early AM. We will go back.
Helpful
January 11, 2020 Stayed at: 02, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
Awesome recreation area. Tent sites are a bit smaller and not as private as other parks but the recreation area more than makes up for it. None of the sites are directly on the water but very close access and able to hear the stream at night and early AM. We will go back.
Helpful
January 10, 2020 Stayed at: 07, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
This is one of our favorite sites to camp in all of NC/VA. People are great. The river is fantastic, the nearby sites are numerous.
Helpful
January 10, 2020 Stayed at: 07, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
This is one of our favorite sites to camp in all of NC/VA. People are great. The river is fantastic, the nearby sites are numerous.
Helpful
December 23, 2019
I went online and made reservations for a half day at a pavillion and paid the half day fee. When we arrived the pavilion had been rented for the whole day. The campground host let us use the "carport" outside of their camper. We didn't have room for everyone to sit and eat and put out our picnic. This is a glitch in your online booking system and the campground host said it has been a problem in the past. We were from out of town and had no where else to go. This situation booking online SERIOUSLY needs to be addressed---we had always had picnics their as children growing up visiting our grandparents. We were very disappointed.
Helpful
December 23, 2019
I went online and made reservations for a half day at a pavillion and paid the half day fee. When we arrived the pavilion had been rented for the whole day. The campground host let us use the "carport" outside of their camper. We didn't have room for everyone to sit and eat and put out our picnic. This is a glitch in your online booking system and the campground host said it has been a problem in the past. We were from out of town and had no where else to go. This situation booking online SERIOUSLY needs to be addressed---we had always had picnics their as children growing up visiting our grandparents. We were very disappointed.
Helpful
December 17, 2019
We had an awesome day planning on next year to thanks
Helpful
8516 Highway 80 South, Burnsville, NC 28714 United States
Elevation: 842 ft
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.
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.
The closest entrance is: Cataloochee Entrance
Approximate drive: 60 mi · over 1 hr (103 min)
Last updated: October 21, 2026
Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Replies within minutes
Population: 2,082
Nearby city: Asheville, NC
Approx. 24 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 2,815 ft
Burnsville, NC
RV Sites
Tent Sites
