North Carolina Campgrounds, Recreation Areas, & Visitor Centers
FIND adventures for the entire family at a National Forest Visitor Center or Campground and Recreation site.
From recreation and camping to visitors centers and gift shops — we provide access for everyone to FIND Outdoors. Facilities are located on National Forest lands and operated by FIND Outdoors under Special Use Permit through the USDA Forest Service.
Carolina Hemlocks Campground & Recreation Area
Carolina Hemlocks Campground is a scenic riverside campground in the Appalachian District of Pisgah National Forest. Enjoy swimming, fishing, tubing, hiking, and picnicking along the South Toe River. Tent and RV campsites are available, including several with scenic river views. The campground is conveniently located near Mount Mitchell State Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, making it ideal for weekend getaways, family vacations, or a peaceful mountain retreat.
Cliffside Lake & Van Hook Glade
Escape to Carolina Hemlocks Campground in the Appalachian District of Pisgah National Forest. Enjoy riverside tent or RV camping, swimming, fishing, tubing, and hiking near Mount Mitchell and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Perfect for a family getaway or peaceful mountain retreat near Asheville, NC.
Cradle of Forestry
Visit the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah National Forest along the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. Explore historic Biltmore Forest School buildings, climb aboard a 1914 Climax logging train engine, enjoy interactive exhibits in the Discovery Center, and join programs and events that bring history and nature to life.
Pisgah Visitor Center Gift Shop
The Pisgah Visitor Center Gift Shop, located at the Pisgah Ranger Station on Highway 276, is the perfect first stop for your NC mountain adventure. Browse a variety of camping items, forest-themed products, souvenirs, hats, t-shirts, and stuffed animals. Local gifts and crafts are also available, making it easy to find something for everyone.
North Carolina Events & Programs
National Public Lands Day at The Cradle of Forestry
September 26, 2026
Cradle of Forestry
Give Back
Our story is rooted in education about the forest. Our passion is to help people become inspired. Our goal is to help people connect with nature. Our drive is to help people learn through discovery. Through forest-inspired nature discovery, we help people FIND Outdoors.