Carolina Hemlocks Rec Area
Open for the 2026 season (April through October). The fishing pier day use area remains closed due to storm damage. Pavilion electricity is non-functional. Sites available via Recreation.gov or first-come, first-served.
High Wind Warning issued October 10 at 5:24PM EDT until October 11 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC
* WHAT...For the High Wind Warning at elevations above 3500 feet, southeast winds 10 to 25 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. For the Wind Advisory in effect below 3500 feet, southeast winds 5 to 20 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. * WHERE...Most of the mountains of western North Carolina, from Graham and Macon counties northeast to Mitchell County. * WHEN...Until 8 AM EDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines especially in higher elevations. Widespread power outages are expected in higher elevations. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects, and may cause a few tree limbs to fall and cause isolated power outages in lower elevations.
Flood Watch issued October 10 at 4:02PM EDT until October 11 at 2:00PM EDT by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...In Northeast Georgia, the following counties: Elbert, Franklin, Habersham, Hart, Rabun and Stephens. In western North Carolina, the following counties: Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Haywood, Henderson, Macon, Mitchell, Jackson, Transylvania and Yancey. In Upstate South Carolina, the following counties: Abbeville, Anderson, Central Greenville, Greater Oconee, Greater Pickens, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, Spartanburg, and Oconee. * WHEN...Through Sunday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Low-water crossings may be flooded. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - As Isaias weakens and moves northward into the lower Ohio Valley, periods of rain will continue. While rainfall rates may decrease in some areas this evening, short bursts of heavy rain are possible through tonight. By Sunday morning, total accumulations of generally 5 to 8 inches are expected along the southeast-facing Blue Ridge Escarpment, with 2 to 5 inches elsewhere in the watch area. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Wind Advisory issued October 10 at 5:24PM EDT until October 11 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC
* WHAT...For the High Wind Warning at elevations above 3500 feet, southeast winds 10 to 25 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. For the Wind Advisory in effect below 3500 feet, southeast winds 5 to 20 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. * WHERE...Most of the mountains of western North Carolina, from Graham and Macon counties northeast to Mitchell County. * WHEN...Until 8 AM EDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines especially in higher elevations. Widespread power outages are expected in higher elevations. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects, and may cause a few tree limbs to fall and cause isolated power outages in lower elevations.
About
Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area sits in the scenic mountains of Pisgah National Forest at 2,900 feet elevation, adjacent to the South Toe River. The campground provides 31 primitive campsites shaded by an abundance of hemlock and hardwood trees. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, tent pad, lantern post, and fire ring with grill. Modern bathhouses with hot showers and flush toilets serve the campground. The South Toe River is the main attraction, offering swimming holes, tubing, and fishing for trout and smallmouth bass. Visitors can explore the surrounding forest on the one-mile Carolina Hemlock Trail or take a more strenuous 3.8-mile hike. The area is located within a bear sanctuary, requiring proper food storage in containers or locked vehicles. The campground operates from mid-April through October. Sites accommodate vehicles up to 30 feet but there are no hookups. Firewood, ice, and merchandise are available for purchase on site. Generator use is limited to four hours daily between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Cell service is limited but texting may work.
Directions
From Asheville, take I-26 west to exit 9 onto US-19 east toward Burnsville. Follow US-19 to Micaville and turn right onto Highway 80. Follow Highway 80 south approximately 8 miles to Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | Yes |
| Price | $28 - $70 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 35ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 35ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| carolinahemlocks@cfaia.org | |
| Phone | +1 (828) 675-5509 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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