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?

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

Patricia B

Verified

September 7, 2025 Stayed at: 35, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA

5

We love this campground. It’s beautiful and the campsites are spacious.

Sheryl H

September 3, 2025

4

With the days getting shorter the pavilion would be much better with the electricity repaired. This was an issue before Helene. In general, the location has made great efforts after the storm, including new picnic tables. We’re very thankful they were able to open this summer.

Sheryl H

September 3, 2025

4

With the days getting shorter the pavilion would be much better with the electricity repaired. This was an issue before Helene. In general, the location has made great efforts after the storm, including new picnic tables. We’re very thankful they were able to open this summer.

Daniel M

Verified

August 24, 2025 Stayed at: 03, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA

5

Always a great time at the Hemlocks. Aight was clean when we arrived and staff was friendly

Daniel M

Verified

August 24, 2025 Stayed at: 03, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA

5

Always a great time at the Hemlocks. Aight was clean when we arrived and staff was friendly

Laura N

Verified

August 16, 2025 Stayed at: 32, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA

5

This is a lovely place. It’s natural, functional, and the river is beautiful too. All the staff were nice. All the other campers were quiet and nice. Kids were pulling in trout, so excited. Others were riding rapids. The current was strong for a good workout swimming. Three and four generation families made many of the groups of locals. Hot clean showers. Clean air, clean water.

Laura N

Verified

August 16, 2025 Stayed at: 32, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA

5

This is a lovely place. It’s natural, functional, and the river is beautiful too. All the staff were nice. All the other campers were quiet and nice. Kids were pulling in trout, so excited. Others were riding rapids. The current was strong for a good workout swimming. Three and four generation families made many of the groups of locals. Hot clean showers. Clean air, clean water.

Joe F

Verified

August 6, 2025 Stayed at: 02, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA

5

Beautiful quiet excellent all around experience. There will definitely be a return visit.

Joe F

Verified

August 6, 2025 Stayed at: 02, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA

5

Beautiful quiet excellent all around experience. There will definitely be a return visit.

pamela t

Verified

August 3, 2025 Stayed at: 07, Loop: CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA

4

On a hot summer day, nothing better than playing in the water! Great place to play.

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