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.

Facilities

Both RV and tent sites are available at this roomy campground. Modern amenities like flush toilets, drinking water, dump station, and a country store create a comfortable camping experience. Sites come with picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for barbecues and marshmallow roasting. In addition to the 71 sites available for advance reservation, 54 campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The availability of first come, first served sites cannot be tracked through Recreation.gov. These sites must be booked in person at the campground kiosk. Mt. Pisgah campground is oftentimes full each weekend.

Natural Features

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.

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.

Important Notices

• There are showers in Loop B and Loop C. No electric, water, or sewer hook-ups are available.
• All tents must be placed on prepared pads where provided.
• Only one tent is allowed per site unless there is adequate space on the provided tent pad. Sites are for use by parties not to exceed six people unless specifically designated as Group Camping.
• Hammock camping is permitted, but campers must abide by posted regulations.

• Vehicles are to be parked on the pavement of an assigned site or in designated parking areas. A maximum of two vehicles may be parked in each site (i.e. trailer and car, two cars, two motorcycles). Most sites are limited to only one vehicle.

• Generator use is prohibited from 9:00 pm to 8:00 am.

• CAUTION: Bears frequent the area. Be aware! You are required to keep a clean campsite and store all food or scented items in your car or provided food lockers. DO NOT HANG TRASH FROM THE LANTERN POST. All food, cooking utensils, coolers, drinks, any scented items and trash must be properly stored at all times. Food and scented items must be stored in a locked vehicle, camper or site storage locker. Never leave the campsite without properly storing food and scented items. All campers are responsible for proper storage of food and scented items while in the campground. Any violators may be fined or summoned to appear in court for improper storage of food and scented items. All campers are responsible for any violations at their campsite, vehicle, camper and/or site storage locker.

• GPS and mapping devices may not provide accurate directions to Mt. Pisgah Campground.
• Firewood Regulation: Only heat-treated firewood bundled in its original packing and bearing a certification seal from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state department of agriculture may be brought onto the Parkway. Campers may still collect dead and down wood in the immediate vicinity of campgrounds and picnic areas. This rule is strictly enforced!
• Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Available Activities

• Hiking - Hiking
• Interpretive Programs - Interpretive Programs
• Camping - Camping
• Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing
• Star Gazing - Star Gazing
• Birding - Birding
• Guided Interpretive Walks - Guided Interpretive Walks
• Photography - Photography

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.

Contact Information

Phone: 828-648-2644 (MAY - OCTOBER)

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip