Mount Mitchell State Park

About

Mount Mitchell State Park campground provides a unique high-elevation camping experience at North Carolina's first state park, established in 1915. Located near the 6,684-foot summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, the campground offers 9 walk-in backpack sites designed for tent camping only. Each site accommodates up to 6 people and includes a 10x10 tent pad, picnic table, grill, and bear-proof storage container. The campground operates seasonally from May 1 through October 31 due to harsh winter conditions at this elevation. Amenities include potable water faucets and pit toilets, but there are no showers or bathhouses. Firewood is available for purchase at $11 per bundle, and gathering wood is prohibited. The park experiences frequent bear activity, making proper food storage in the provided containers mandatory. Access to the park requires driving the Blue Ridge Parkway from the Asheville side only. Visitors should note there are no gas stations between Asheville and the park. The park gates lock at posted times with no re-entry after closing. For those seeking to explore beyond camping, the park offers hiking trails to the summit observation tower and stunning panoramic views of the Black Mountains.

Directions

From Asheville, take the Blue Ridge Parkway north approximately 30 miles to Milepost 355.4. Turn onto NC Highway 128 and follow it 5 miles to the park. The park is accessible from the Asheville side of the Blue Ridge Parkway only. Note: There are no gas stations between Asheville and the park.