Established Camping
Mount Pisgah Campground
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
If you would like to learn more about volunteer campground host opportunities at the Blue Ridge Parkway, visit <a href="https://www.volunteer.gov/s/global-search/blue%20ridge%20parkway" rel="nofollow">volunteer.gov</a>.
About
National Park Service
Blue Ridge Parkway
Overview
One of the most popular of the Parkway's campgrounds, Mount Pisgah Campground is perched in the rolling mountains of western North Carolina on the southernmost end of the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. Surrounded by dense hardwood forests at an elevation of 4980 feet, it offers shady, cool respite from the summer heat. Whichever end of the day appeals, spectacular sunrise and sunset panoramic views can be enjoyed from nearby overlooks. Several popular hiking trails, ranging from moderate to strenuous, are accessible from the campground. Drenched in history, this area was once part of the holdings of George Vanderbilt and the site of his hunting camp house, Buck Springs (no longer standing), is close by.
Recreation
Several popular hiking trails, ranging from moderate to difficult, are easily accessible from the campground. The Frying Pan Trail leads adventurers 1.6 miles (2.6 km) south to the Fire Tower at Frying Pan Mountain. Hiking north on the trail you'll arrive at the Pisgah Inn and from there, the Buck Spring Trail leads visitors through the thick hardwood forest and along rocky terrain to the Mt. Pisgah Parking Area. From the parking area it is a 1.6 mile (2.6 km) uphill trek to the top of Mt. Pisgah. The Shut-In Trail is the original route from the Biltmore Estate to the Buck Spring Lodge, and heads north along the Blue Ridge Parkway toward Asheville. The Buck Spring Lodge was a mountain getaway for George Vanderbilt, owner of the famous Biltmore Estate. The North Carolina Mountains to Sea Trail follows both the Buck Spring and Shut-In Trails, and connects to trails in Pisgah National Forest.
Facilities
Several popular hiking trails, ranging from moderate to difficult, are easily accessible from the campground. The Frying Pan Trail leads adventurers 1.6 miles (2.6 km) south to the Fire Tower at Frying Pan Mountain. Hiking north on the trail you'll arrive at the Pisgah Inn and from there, the Buck Spring Trail leads visitors through the thick hardwood forest and along rocky terrain to the Mt. Pisgah Parking Area. From the parking area it is a 1.6 mile (2.6 km) uphill trek to the top of Mt. Pisgah. The Shut-In Trail is the original route from the Biltmore Estate to the Buck Spring Lodge, and heads north along the Blue Ridge Parkway toward Asheville. The Buck Spring Lodge was a mountain getaway for George Vanderbilt, owner of the famous Biltmore Estate. The North Carolina Mountains to Sea Trail follows both the Buck Spring and Shut-In Trails, and connects to trails in Pisgah National Forest.
Natural Features
Mount Pisgah is part of the Appalachian Mountain Range, an area of the country with scenery that never disappoints, whether blanketed in wildflowers in the spring or bursting with red, orange, and yellow hues in the fall. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic byway that follows the high crests of the central and southern Appalachians for 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. At an elevation of 4,980 feet (1,518 m), Mount Pisgah offers moderate to cool temperatures during camping seasons.
Nearby Attractions
The beautiful Pisgah Inn is located adjacent to the campground and offers a restaurant and country store. Additionally, historic Asheville, North Carolina is about 20 miles away, offering grocery stores, fuel and medical facilities.
Location
Mount Pisgah Campground is located in North Carolina
Directions
From Interstate 40 west, take exit 47 and turn south onto Highway 191. Stay in the right hand lane and turn south again onto the Blue Ridge Parkway at the North Carolina Arboretum; enjoy the amazing views and nine tunnels along the Blue Ridge Parkway for 15 miles (24 km). You will pass the Mt. Pisgah Parking Area, the Country Store and the Pisgah Inn on the left. The campground is on the right immediately after the Pisgah Inn. From Waynesville, North Carolina, take Highway 276 for about 22 miles to The Blue Ridge Parkway. Turn north onto the parkway and continue four miles to the campground on the left.
Address
Milepost 408.8 Blue Ridge Parkway
NC
Coordinates
35.4027778 N
82.7566667 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiAvailable
- VerizonAvailable
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- WiFi
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Rustic but all the necessities
I stayed in Loop B at spot B01 and it was great for tent camping. It's a secluded space- though you do get some road noise and can hear people walking the road. Still, it was never bothersome. Large tent pad, fire ring, good picnic table, and later hanger. Plus, something I wish all bear country spots provided- a spacious lockbox for your food goods. Loop B is mostly for vans and smaller campers- not all spots have a tent pad or even room for a small dome tent; but I researched the space beforehand and chose it for not having any neighbors too close. Bathrooms were fine, though the shower(only one at the bathroom in Loop B), was almost painful. Guess no one will take long showers there. Still, it was fine for what it was. I did have a bear walk through my camp my last night there while I was in bed but he looked around and left. Tons of birds and some very friendly bunnies as well! There's a nice store nearby and the Pisgah Inn is also across the street should you feel like dining out or treating yourself to sleeping off the ground one night. Rangers were all friendly and the camp hosts were friendly enough.
- (5) View All
Mt Pisgah, an old favorite
No hookup, but bathhouse and hot shower. Mountain top NPS campground with great restaurant and unbelievable view.
- (4) View All
Beautiful, Rustic Campground
This campground is conveniently located along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The drive from Asheville is stunning, taking you through several tunnels. It’s a short drive to many popular hikes, including Graveyard Fields and Black Balsam Knob. Pisgah Inn is across the street, along with the camp store, which stays busy and offers many items and souvenirs. Bears were active in the campground while we were there, and the campground staff were diligent in insuring guests did not leave food out. We never saw a bear, but the campers across from us did. The campground is VERY quiet and many of the spaces were rather private. Some sites are very uneven, resulting in some rather interesting on the fly engineering by other campers, including putting firewood under the scissor jacks on their camper. Our site was a tight fit (A13) for even our small 17’ A-Frame pop up and truck. The campground loop road is narrow, which made backing our camper in a bit more difficult than places with a wider lane. It was nice that all sites had a paved parking area. The A loop bathhouse was clean but a bit in need of reservation. I’m sure it was lack of research on my end, but I didn’t realize that not all bath houses had showers. There also wasn’t a dish washing station, which would have been nice since there isn’t water hookups. Camping here really feels like just that- camping. Bare bones, beautiful, and peaceful.
Nice little campground but very tight camp spots
Nice campground, staff was friendly, amenities are as advertised. The only thing I didn't care for was how close the campsites are, virtually no privacy and the campground was pretty busy during my stay.
If you get a tent spot you will not have access to anything on your car like an awning or rooftop tent so its not the most convenient in that regard.
Location is really great during the summer since its higher elevation and cooler. You are also right on the blue ridge parkway with a number of beautiful overlook spots at your disposal.
Overall great spot if you don't mind crowded on top of each other spots.
We love this place!
We’ve been coming here for years. First as tent campers, now with a RV and it’s always a joy. Simple sites, cool temps with high elevation, quiet and well managed. Bathrooms are updated too. Not much cell service, no electricity, no worries.
Dispersed Camping Spot
Pull in spot on the corner of the forest road near a creek. Space for one vehicle. Not compatible with big rigs or travel trailers.
Magical place!
It was foggy and cold when we arrived mid September. When the fog cleared there were amazing views across the street from the campground. Site are spaced out and nice. Short walk to the Inn and restaurant down the street and to trails.
Amazing views a short hike away
These campsites are very secluded for a state/national campground and quite enjoyable in that manner. A short hike up from the campground are amazing views of the Blue Ridge along with Mt. Pisgah Inn. A section of the MST is also a short hike away. The campsite host was very friendly!
Great location, a little run down
Great location to all the hikes we planned on doing, looked like there were long term campers there that were nosy. Campsites are nice and spread out, however. Definitely recommend going during a busier season with a group of people. Went in beginning of October.
Could use some maintenance
There was plenty of poison ivy in various locations of our campsite, restroom had walls torn out, bugs, generally run down. It was an ok experience in a great area, but definitely needs some work. (2018)
High Elevation camping
Even though we live at 2500’ in the Smoky Mountains, the temps this summer have been brutal. We decided to escape the heat and head for one of the “cooler” campgrounds in western North Carolina for a weekend. Mt Pisgah Campground is at an elevation of roughly 5300’. When we arrived at 2:00 the temperature was a wonderful 72. There were only 3 sites left and we ended up with an RV site which was ok since we took our van which we sometimes sleep in. There are 3 loops and each loop is designated for either tent, tent or van, or RV. There are no hookups. Hikers can leave from the campground on the Mt. Pisgah Trail which will take you to the summit in approximately 5 miles. Across the street from the campground is the Mt Pisgah Inn and Restaurant as well as a small camp store. Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the campground sites are available through reservations with a number of sites available on a first come, first serve basis as well. RV sites are small and on top of each other. Tent sites are laid out with some more private than others. The campground is a great place to base out of for day hikes along the Blue Ridge Parkway or a really nice quiet place to sit around, read a book and enjoy nature’s air conditioning.
Excellent stay on the BRP
Older campground and some of the sites and amenities show that age. But the sites are generally spaced well and people using it seem to all value quiet. Hike and bike is challenging. But the small Looking Glass River and the Davidson are near by for fine “technical” fly fishing. And the West Fork is down the other side of the Parkway.
A must do if traveling to Asheville
Campground was well laid out. There was little walkways that cut through to the bathrooms and camp store. There was a tent camp only section which made for a quiet and relaxing stay. Trails connected to the campground were great and it was short drive to the swimming holes and overlooks. If you are traveling to Asheville, staying a night or two on Mt. Pisgah is well worth it!
- (4) View All
Nice
Nice and quiet campground. Hot Showers!!!
Great Site/Friendly Rangers
First of all, the location is awesome. You descend into the campground directly from the Blue Ridge Parkway, which provides for a beautiful drive to the site. All of the campsites provide plenty of privacy, and plenty of trees for hammock camping (if you’re in to that). We were able to fit three, two-person backpacking tents onto one tent pad, so space shouldn’t be much of an issue. Be aware that you cannot set up tents on the grass, which isn’t all that uncommon. There are plenty of first come, first serve spots available, but you should be there before 4:00 PM (sometimes earlier) if you’re hoping to snag one. I’d personally recommend reserving a spot on Reservation.Org to be safe. The rangers were friendly and helpful, and provided great suggestions for weekend activities. If you are meeting friends there and driving multiple cars, keep in mind that you can only have two vehicles at the site, but you can park any extras across the street at the Pisgah Inn (100 yards down the road). Plenty of things to do around the site including hiking Mt Pisgah, Frying Pan Lookout, and Black Balsam. Firewood is available across the street at the general store (parking lot of the Inn) until 8:00, which is convenient if you forget something (like I did). Kudos to you if you’ve read this far into this marathon review, but I would definitely camp here again.
Bad timing
We came into this campground during a very bad storm, actually hurricane. Our stay was cold, very windy and wet! It was a very nice place and campsite was fairly secluded. There was a steel box to secure food and wood. Not very big, but nice. No electricity. We left b/c of storm after first night.
Great experience
This was our first time camping at the site. Very well kept, clean and quiet (except for a couple of dogs that kept going at it). Site was semi-secluded and perfect for our truck tent. Nice restrooms and showers close by. Picnic table and fire ring provided along with a secure food lockup container. Plenty of trails nearby along with the Pisgah Inn right across the street. We will be back!
- (4) View All
Beautiful piece of nature.
Camped here with a friend and our dogs over the weekend. The campground is right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway so you hear all the traffic. It didn't bother us at all. The campsites are very spacious and private. For some you can make a reservation, some you just show up. Its just a little bit odd, that some campsites have space for just one vehicle. But I heard you can park a second one across the street at the Pisgah Inn. There are also hiking trails nearby. Unfortunately it was very foggy when we stayed so we couldn't enjoy the view in the morning. We would definitely camp here again. It's just a beautiful piece of nature and the park rangers were very nice
- (6) View All
Best on the Blue Ridge
Spacious sites arranged for privacy. Over 5000 ft in elevation which means cool nights in Summer. Shower in one bathroom. Trees all around for privacy. Drinking water located not far from any site. Been staying here for over 30 years and love the privacy and access to many hiking trails. Bears occasionally enter campground but I have never had trouble with the. Keep all food secure in bear box provided at each site. Rangers patrol often so have always felt secure.
A clean beautiful campground with fresh clean air and very peaceful.
Good clean facilities. Nice spacious campsites for tent camping and RV's. No hookup but a good dump station. Both back in and pull through sites. At 5,000 plus ft it was cool enough that we didn't need AC. Just open the windows and let the fresh mountain air blow through. Will return next year and probably stay for a month.
Clean, Efficient, Bear-Proof, Amazing!
Loved this campground, and so did my kids! Winding through the trees on the little trails to get to the bathroom/shower, running up and down the hills, playing with all the caterpillars they could find! It was a heaven for them! Loved that there was a Bear Box at the site, and bear proof trashcans so nearby - no driving to the entrance of the campground to find the dumpster! Wish we could have stayed and done some of the nearby hiking! will have to make a second trip here!
Nice Campground
Although it has been a couple of years since staying here, I was very pleased with my experience. The campsites are not very expensive and they are a good size. Each site had a "bear trashcan", because Black Bears do live in the area. It had nice restrooms & showers for those who don't like to do the call of nature in nature. There is some good hiking trails nearby and of course, the hike up to Mt. Pisgah is good short, but technical hike. There is also a restaurant nearby that is seasonal, so check the calendar. This is also a nice campground if you are a cyclist, being right on the parkway. It makes for some great riding.
Piece of Heaven on earth
I drive 5 hours 2 to 3 times a year to experience this place. The weather is cool in the summer and cold in the fall. The leaves i. The fall are absolutely beautiful and the sites are arranged well for privacy in most outer sites. We only stay in C or D LOOP B
- (6) View All
Not too far from Asheville & directly off the Blue Ridge Pkwy
FYI: I was tent camping.
First you stop at the offfice and they give you a map that shows you what is already reserved (online) and what might be open on the first come first serve basis.
We drove the loop and some spots had the R for Reserved, some had the tags showing taken and some already had tents up but I didn’t see a tag. I found a good spot that had a nice tent base that wasn’t right next to any others and sent my friend back to the office to secure it (for $20 a night). But then this ranger walks up to tell me that the bathroom that it was a short walk away, was having leaks so it would be a much further walk to an available bathroom and ones that didn’t have a shower. So, we moved again and got D-10. It was a nice spot and not really that far of a walk to the bathrooms. It was not that easy to find a nice spot that wasn’t directly next to another campsite but we came in around 3pm.
Our unit had a nice picnic table, a lantern pole, storage cabinet (for our kitchen supplies - food was stored in my car) and fire pit that has a grill for over the top. It had some only partially burned logs in it and with small twigs and branches that I found, we were able to re-use the old logs and not need additional firewood (we only used the fire for s’mores since I have a propane stove.)
It’s a little bit of a drive from downtown Asheville and you do drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway. Good for scenery and viewing stars along the lookout points as there is little light pollution out here. Theres also a nice waterfall hike less than 10 miles down the road and countless other hiking trails nearby. Bad if you get stuck waiting for traffic while they repave the road and someone who cannot stay at the posted 35mph when you are trying to get somewhere in a timely manner.
All in all, I liked the site and probably would go back to explore more!
- (5) View All
Beautiful Area!
The campsite was a short hike to the lodge which had two stores and a restaurant. The view from the lodge was magnificent but the campsite is tucked away in a wooded site. It was relatively private and quiet.
- (8) View All
This campground is snuggled high in the mountains and was like a dream.
This campground gives way to spectacular views of the Smoky Mountains. The campground was nicely separated giveing each site some privacy from the neighbors. Bear boxes are provided and the restrooms were super clean. In June the Laurel trees are blooming making each campsie alive with beauty. Our family lloved it here.
Quiet Piece of Heaven
Get ready to shed your stress. Camp sites are not on top of one another and it is stunningly quiet here. Great place to set up your hammock and swing the day away.
A must stop while touring the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Secluded Campsites
Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway this campground is built among the rhododendron thickets. Sites are very private. The elevation is high so expect cool temperatures in the hot summer months. It’s also not terribly unusual to be fogged in on Mt. Pisgah. The restrooms do have showers which is fairly unusual in national park campgrounds. The restrooms could use some cosmetic upgrades but they are adequate. This is also bear country so keep your campsite clean and store food in your vehicle. It is typically a very quiet campground.
Mountain top
Nice campground, limited facilities. Beautiful area on Parkway. Across the street from Pisgah In
best campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Great campground! Clean comfort stations and showers. It has the best views in the south with no signs of development. It may be one of the last few areas in the east where all you can see is trees and no development. There are great hiking trails near the campground. The frying pan trail to a US Forest service lookout tower is one of the best. You can also climb to the top of the tower for even better views. One of our favorite places!