Hunters Camp
Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations or fees required.
Appalachian Ranger District Hurricane Helene Updated Closures
Our staff on the Appalachian Ranger District, in cooperation with partners and volunteers, have made great progress clearing debris and repairing damage from Hurricane Helene on the Pisgah National Forest.
Roan Mountain Fire Restrictions
Fire restrictions are now in effect for the Roan Mountain area of Appalachian Ranger District due to heightened fire danger caused by Hurricane Helene. The fire restriction is in effect on all National Forest System land from Hughes Gap to Doll Flats on the
Pisgah National Forest Driving Safety Alert
Please use caution as you travel in and around the Forest. We have a lot of heavy equipment and repair crews in the area working on roads damaged during Hurricane Helene. Up to 2,000 tons of gravel are being placed EVERY DAY on our Forest Service roads through the summer and fall.
Paint Rock Closure
Effective through May 1, 2035, certain National Forest System lands in the Paint Rock area, located on the Appalachian Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest and the Unaka Ranger District of Cherokee National Forest, will be closed to protect cultural resources.
Grandfather Ranger District Hurricane Helene Updated Closures
The following recreation sites and trails remain closed:McDowell County:
Appalachian Trail Detour- Iron Mountain Gap
The Iron Mountain Gap detour is now in place to route hikers around the final remaining 6 miles of closed section of the Appalachian Trail from about a mile south of the destroyed Cherry Gap Shelter to about a mile north of Iron Mountain Gap (approx. NOBO mile 360.6 to 365.9).
Kings Mountain Point Fishing Pier Closure
The fishing pier at Kings Mountain Point Day Use Area on the Uwharrie National Forest is closed till further notice due to storm damage. The Day Use area remains open and the three smaller accessible fishing platforms are available for public use.
Pisgah Camping Limitations
The following act is prohibited within 1000 feet of a road open to public vehicle travel on the Pisgah Ranger District in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, and Transylvania Counties in North Carolina.
Max Patch Restrictions
Restrictions on camping, fires, animals, aircraft and bicycles in Max Patch area.
About
Hunters Camp, also known as Huskins Branch Hunters Camp, is a free primitive camping area located in the remote Fires Creek Backcountry Area of Nantahala National Forest. Situated at approximately 1,810 feet elevation along Fires Creek Wildlife Road, this campground offers about 5 basic campsites in a peaceful forest setting. The area serves as a popular trailhead for the 25-mile Rim Trail, which climbs the ridge around Fires Creek and passes through several high-elevation balds with scenic vistas. This is a true dispersed camping experience with minimal facilities. A vault toilet is provided, but there is no drinking water available on-site. Campers should bring all necessary water and supplies, and pack out all trash. The campground is open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees or reservations required. The gravel forest road (FR 340) leading to the camp is typically accessible by regular vehicles in good weather, though conditions may vary seasonally. The Fires Creek area is known for excellent trout fishing opportunities and offers a quiet, backcountry camping experience away from crowds. From Hayesville, the camp is reached via Tusquitee Street (SR 1300) for about 4.6 miles, then right on SR 1344 for about 1.1 miles, which becomes FR 340.
Directions
From Hayesville: From Main Street, take Tusquitee Street (SR 1300) for about 4.6 miles. Turn right on SR 1344 and go about 1.1 miles. The road becomes FR 340 (gravel).
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| sm.fs.tusquiteerd@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (828) 837-5152 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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