Black Mountain & Briar Bottom Campground
Know Before You Go
Plan Your Visit
A little planning can help you make the most of your visit to Black Mountain & Briar Bottom Campground. Before you arrive, review campground operating information, reservation details, fees, pet guidelines, river conditions, and campground rules so your group knows what to expect.
Whether you are staying overnight or visiting for the day, these quick details can help you prepare for the mountain setting, South Toe River recreation, and a smoother visit from arrival to departure.
Hours & Season
Black Mountain Campground operates seasonally from April through October. During the operating season, the campground is open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
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
Amenities include showers, flush toilets, campsites with picnic tables and campfire rings, and access to the South Toe River.
Pets
Pets are welcome as long as they are kept under control and their owners follow all campground rules. 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
Black Mountain Campground is located within a bear sanctuary, and visitors should take food storage seriously.
Keep food, coolers, trash, toiletries, and other scented items secured when not in use. 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 Black Mountain Campground and Pisgah National Forest by using established campsites and recreation areas, disposing of trash properly, respecting neighboring campers, and following posted campground rules.
Visitors are encouraged to review the official Carolina Hemlocks campground map and rules before arriving.
Cell Service & Navigation
Cell service is limited around Black Mountain 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.