Carolina Hemlocks

Opening and closing dates, available services, weather conditions, and campground access may change during the season. Visitors should check current site information before traveling, particularly near the beginning or end of the operating season.

Entry, Reservations & Parking

Overnight camping requires a campsite fee. Camping reservations are made through Recreation.gov and cannot be created or changed by calling or emailing the FIND Outdoors office. Some first-come, first-served campsites may also be available, depending on occupancy.

Campers should review their selected campsite carefully before arriving. Campsites vary in driveway length, vehicle capacity, equipment limits, and layout, so visitors traveling with an RV or trailer should make sure their reserved site can accommodate their equipment.

Day-use visitors should park only in designated areas and follow posted signs when entering the recreation area.
Check-In & Check-Out

Campground check-in begins at 2:00 PM, and campers must check out by 12:00 PM on the day of departure.

Visitors should have their reservation information available when arriving and should confirm their campsite number, equipment limits, and any special instructions before setting up camp.

Cell service is limited in the surrounding area, so downloading reservation details before traveling is recommended.

Campground Facilities
Carolina Hemlocks provides campground facilities designed to support both overnight and day-use visitors.

Amenities include bathhouses with showers, restrooms with flush toilets, campsites with picnic tables and campfire rings, and access to the South Toe River. A large picnic pavilion is also available for group use and can be reserved in advance.

Facilities and services may vary during the operating season because of maintenance, weather, or other site conditions.

Day Use & River Recreation

Visitors do not need to stay overnight to enjoy Carolina Hemlocks. Day-use visitors can spend time swimming, fishing, tubing, picnicking, and relaxing along the South Toe River.

River conditions can change with rainfall, weather, and water levels. Visitors should use caution around the water and rocks, supervise children closely, and choose activities appropriate for current conditions and their experience.

Floats and inflatables are permitted in designated swimming areas, but visitors should be considerate of other swimmers. Glass containers and pets are not permitted on beaches or within designated swimming areas.

Pets

Pets are welcome at Carolina Hemlocks, including within picnic areas, as long as they are kept under control and their owners follow all campground rules.

Pets are not permitted in restroom/bathhouse facilities or within day-use designated swimming areas and beaches. Visitors are responsible for cleaning up after their animals and should prevent pets from disturbing other campers, wildlife, or natural resources. 

Service animals are permitted in accordance with applicable law.

Campfires & Generators

Campfires are permitted at campsites where designated fire rings are provided, subject to current fire restrictions.

Visitors should never leave a fire unattended and should make sure all flames and coals are completely extinguished before leaving the campsite or going to sleep. Always check for current fire restrictions before starting a fire.

Generators may be operated for up to four hours per day between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM. Visitors should operate generators responsibly and be considerate of neighboring campsites.

Bear Country & Wildlife

Carolina Hemlocks is located within a bear sanctuary and visitors should take food storage seriously.

Keep food, coolers, trash, toiletries, and other scented items secured when they are not being used. Recreation.gov advises visitors to keep food out of sight in secure containers or locked inside a hard-sided vehicle, use the provided trash containers, and remove food from the area after eating.

Never feed bears or other wildlife. Observe animals from a safe distance, keep children and pets close, and avoid leaving food or trash unattended around your campsite.

Campground Rules & Outdoor Stewardship

Help protect Carolina Hemlocks and Pisgah National Forest by using established campsites and recreation areas, disposing of trash properly, respecting neighboring campers, and following posted campground rules.

Do not damage trees, vegetation, riverbanks, campsites, or other natural features. Keep shared facilities clean, stay within designated recreation areas, and follow Leave No Trace principles throughout your visit.

Visitors are encouraged to review the official Carolina Hemlocks campground map and rules before arriving.

→ View Carolina Hemlocks Campground Map & Rules

Cell Service & Navigation

Cell service is limited around Carolina Hemlocks and may be unreliable throughout portions of the surrounding Pisgah National Forest.
Before arriving, save directions, campground information, reservation details, and any maps you may need during your stay. Downloading an offline map or bringing a printed copy of the campground map can be helpful.

What to Bring

• Camping equipment appropriate for your reserved site
• Reservation details and campsite information
• Food and drinking water
• Secure containers for food and scented items
• Weather-appropriate clothing and layers
• Rain gear
• Comfortable outdoor footwear
• Sunscreen and insect protection
• Towels and river recreation gear if swimming or tubing
• Fishing equipment and any required licenses if fishing
• Flashlights or headlamps
• Firewood or cooking supplies as needed
• Leash and waste bags if bringing a dog
• Saved directions and campground maps

Weather, river conditions, campground rules, and operating information can change. Visitors should check current FIND Outdoors information and their Recreation.gov reservation details before traveling.