Carolina Hemlocks

Camp Along the South Toe River

Camping is one of the best ways to experience Carolina Hemlocks. The campground offers tent and RV campsites beneath a shaded forest canopy, with several sites located near the South Toe River.

Spend the evening around your campsite, listen to the river as you wind down for the night, and wake up surrounded by Pisgah National Forest.

Campsites vary in size, layout, and equipment limits, so visitors should review their reservation details before arriving and choose a site that fits their camping setup.

Swim in the South Toe River

The South Toe River is one of the main attractions at Carolina Hemlocks and provides opportunities to cool off during warmer months.

Visitors can enjoy swimming in designated recreation areas while taking in the surrounding forest and mountain setting. River depth, current, temperature, and other conditions can change with weather and rainfall, so visitors should use caution and supervise children closely around the water.

Glass containers and pets are not permitted within designated swimming areas.

Go Tubing on the River

Tubing is another popular way to enjoy the South Toe River during warmer weather.

Bring your own tube or appropriate river float and enjoy time on the water while taking in the forested scenery surrounding Carolina Hemlocks.

River conditions can change quickly after rain, so visitors should consider current water levels, weather, and their own experience before entering the river.

Go Fishing

Anglers can spend time fishing along the South Toe River, where opportunities include trout and smallmouth bass.

Find a quiet spot along the water, enjoy the surrounding forest, and spend a morning or afternoon fishing during your visit.

Anyone planning to fish should review current North Carolina fishing license requirements, seasons, limits, and regulations before arriving.

Enjoy a Picnic in the Forest

Carolina Hemlocks offers picnic areas where visitors can relax, share a meal, and spend time beneath the trees near the South Toe River.

A large picnic pavilion is also available for groups and can be reserved in advance. The pavilion can provide a convenient gathering place for family outings, group picnics, and other permitted activities.

Visitors should keep picnic areas clean, secure food and trash, and follow any current fire or wildlife restrictions.

Relax by the River

Not every visit needs to be packed with activities. Carolina Hemlocks is also a place to slow down and enjoy the surrounding forest.

Find a comfortable spot near the river, listen to the water, read at your campsite, take photos, or simply enjoy time outdoors with family and friends.
The shaded forest and river setting make Carolina Hemlocks a peaceful place to spend a few hours or an entire camping trip.

Look for Wildlife and Seasonal Scenery

Pisgah National Forest is home to a wide variety of wildlife, birds, insects, and native plants. Visitors may also notice changing scenery throughout the operating season, from fresh spring growth and summer greenery to early fall color in the surrounding mountains.

Bring binoculars for casual bird watching, take time to photograph the forest and river, and enjoy the changing landscape throughout your visit.

Wildlife should always be viewed from a safe distance. Carolina Hemlocks is located within bear country, so visitors should never feed wildlife and should keep food, trash, coolers, and other scented items properly secured.

Join a Program or Seasonal Event

FIND Outdoors offers programs and seasonal activities at Carolina Hemlocks during portions of the camping season.

Depending on the date of your visit, programs may include wildlife presentations, children’s activities, nature-based learning, educational programs, or other special experiences.

Programming changes throughout the year, so visitors should review the current event calendar before arriving. Some activities may require advance registration, tickets, or additional information.

Explore Nearby Hiking Opportunities

Carolina Hemlocks can also serve as a starting point for exploring hiking opportunities throughout the surrounding Pisgah National Forest and Blue Ridge Mountains.

While there are no designated hiking trails beginning within the campground itself, visitors can find additional trail systems and outdoor recreation within driving distance of the recreation area.

Before heading out, review the route, trail difficulty, weather, available daylight, and current conditions for the area you plan to explore.

Continue Your Mountain Adventure

Carolina Hemlocks is conveniently located near several well-known mountain destinations, making it easy to include the campground in a larger Western North Carolina trip.

Visitors can continue exploring Mount Mitchell State Park, travel along the Blue Ridge Parkway, visit nearby Burnsville, or discover additional trails, scenic drives, waterfalls, and public recreation areas throughout Pisgah National Forest.

Carolina Hemlocks is more than a place to set up camp. It is a place to swim in a mountain river, spend time beneath the trees, enjoy outdoor recreation with family and friends, and experience the natural setting of the South Toe River and surrounding Pisgah National Forest.

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