Mount Mitchell State Park

Star4.37
53 reviews
2388 State Hwy 128, Burnsville, North Carolina, 28714, United States

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Null

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Get Directions
Mount Mitchell State Park
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Null
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Reserve America
Provider
8286754611Null
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.37

Recommended

Based on 53 reviews

49 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocation

"User reviews provide mixed sentiments about Mount Mitchell's camping experience. Some highlight the unique high-elevation environment and well-maintained facilities. Others critique strict alcohol policies and ranger behavior."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

2388 State Hwy 128, Burnsville, North Carolina, 28714, United States

Mount Mitchell State Park

2388 State Hwy 128, Burnsville, North Carolina, 28714, United States

Driving directionsBlue Ridge Parkway mile marker 355 to NC 128.
There is no explicit mention of road types or seasonal closures, but the front gate is locked at posted closing times, restricting entry or exit after hours.
Nearby places
Asheville, NC
Marion, NC
Burnsville, NC (45 minutes to 1 hour travel time).
Nearby supplies
Null

Best Time to Camp at Mount Mitchell State Park

At Mount Mitchell, Mother Nature writes her own rules. While the valleys below swelter in 90-degree heat, this lofty refuge rarely breaks 70 degrees, earning praise from visitors like Michael Wise who marvel at the dramatic temperature difference. October transforms the mountaintop into a moody wonderland where temperatures dance between 35 and 60 degrees. Be prepared for sudden rain showers and gusty winds that sweep across the peak—they're part of the mountain's wild charm and ever-changing personality.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Site 'rarely breaks 70°F' and is praised as a cool refuge from valley heat.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Cool conditions and views likely make fall pleasant; specific foliage/season notes are limited.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Variable spring weather is implied; descriptions don't detail spring-specific highlights.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Visitors report cold, rainy conditions; no winter access/operations details provided.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Null
  • Current Alerts: Null

About Mount Mitchell State Park

Perched atop the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, Mount Mitchell State Park invites adventurers to camp among the clouds. Nine intimate walk-in tent sites nestle within an enchanting forest of fragrant balsam firs, where soft carpets of emerald moss cushion your footsteps. This isn't just camping—it's an escape to a cooler, quieter world above the everyday.
Mount Mitchell features a walk-in campground with nine tent-only sites. Reviews highlight the uniqueness of camping at over 6,000 feet elevation. Sites are described as requiring reservations months in advance.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Mount Mitchell State Park offers a variety of recreational activities, predominantly centered around its unique mountainous environment. Hiking is a standout activity, with trails leading to the summit and other scenic areas. Wildlife viewing is also popular, and opportunities for fishing are available but not detailed extensively. Weather conditions play a significant role in shaping the experience, with unpredictable rain and cooler temperatures making preparation essential.
HikingThe park features hiking trails, including paths leading to the summit observation tower. A user review notes that this hike can be strenuous, despite being only 0.6 miles long.
FishingFishing opportunities are mentioned, particularly at nearby rivers, but specific details about fish species and regulations are absent.
Wildlife viewingOpportunities for wildlife viewing exist but are not elaborated upon in the source materials.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Mount Mitchell is notoriously wet and even garden-variety thunderstorms at this elevation can bring a lot of wind and very heavy rain." - User Review (Michael Wise). There is also guidance on bear safety.
Active AlertsNull
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage Required"The bear bins are very large—maybe 4’w, 3’h, 3’d. More than enough space for our two-day trip." - User Review (Esther Sumner).

Weather at Mount Mitchell State Park

Reviews

4.4
53 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Mount Mitchell State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews provide mixed sentiments about Mount Mitchell's camping experience. Some highlight the unique high-elevation environment and well-maintained facilities. Others critique strict alcohol policies and ranger behavior.
Review Summaries
Based on 53 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the cleanliness and maintenance of the campground, the unique high-elevation location, and amenities like flush toilets and fire pits. One user described the campground as 'a...
Show more
Based on 53 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints center around strict enforcement of alcohol bans, ranger conduct, and worn-out campsite amenities. One user noted feeling 'stalked' by rangers, while others mention the necessity of...
Show more
Based on 53 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from users include dressing warmly due to unpredictable weather, bringing a tent with a full rain fly, reserving sites well in advance, and preparing for strenuous hikes.
Based on 53 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Weather plays a critical role, with rainy and windy conditions frequently mentioned. Some users report clear skies and starry nights, while others describe cold and wet experiences.
Based on 53 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Mount Mitchell is notoriously wet and even garden variety thunderstorms at this elevation can bring a lot of wind and heavy rain.' 2. 'This campground is a gem... surrounded by balsam firs and...
Show more
Based on 53 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Users provide specific campsite recommendations: Site #1 is sheltered from wind, while sites #5, #6, and #9 offer views but less wind protection.
Based on 53 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility may be challenging due to steep stairs required to reach campsites.
Based on 53 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and one reviewer praised the camp manager for providing treats for dogs.
Based on 53 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Mount Mitchell State Park? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in North Carolina

Campgrounds
Mount Mitchell State Park