Black Mountain Campground

Star4.65
154 reviews
50 Black Mountain Campground Road, Burnsville, NC 28714, USA
Great Hiking

Quick Facts

3,040 ft

Price

$28 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

Open season: April 1...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Find Outdoors site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Black Mountain Campground
$28.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly rates vary by site type, ranging from $28 for non-electric tent sites to $35 for electric hookups during peak season (April 15–October 30,...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$28.00
Hookup Site Fee$35.00
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
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
828-675-5616Judy@cfaia.org
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.65

Top-Rated

Based on 154 reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomshikingfriendly

Some mention

cell service

"Reviews for Black Mountain Campground vary widely, with many praising the natural beauty, well-maintained facilities, and hiking opportunities. Some criticisms focus on inconsistent campground management and cell service limitations."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

50 Black Mountain Campground Road, Burnsville, NC 28714, USA

Black Mountain Campground

50 Black Mountain Campground Road, Burnsville, NC 28714, USA

Driving directionsFrom Asheville, North Carolina, take I-26 west to exit 9 onto 19 east towards Burnsville. Follow 19 to Micaville and turn right onto Highway 80. Continue south approximately 12-14 miles to Mount Mitchell Golf Course. Turn right on South Toe River Road and follow signs to Black Mountain Campground.
Road access is paved initially but transitions into gravel closer to the campground. Seasonal closures may apply, and the road features tight switchbacks and steep inclines, making it challenging for large rigs. Reviewers frequently mention rough road conditions near the campground, with reduced driving speeds required.
Nearby places
Burnsville (~30 minutes, 15 miles)
Asheville (~60 minutes, 38 miles)
Marion (~50 minutes, 29 miles)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies at Mount Mitchell Golf Course (~5 miles south of campground), which includes gas stations and convenience stores. Additional options available in Burnsville (~30 minutes, 15 miles).

Best Time to Camp at Black Mountain Campground

The mountain's moods shift dramatically with the seasons, creating a dynamic camping experience year-round. Spring arrives with a whisper of warmth as temperatures dance between 29°F and 44°F, while autumn paints the landscape in brilliant golds and crimsons under similarly crisp conditions. Summer brings gentle relief from the lowland heat, though afternoon showers often roll through like clockwork, filling the air with the sweet scent of rain-washed pine. Pack layers and rain gear—the mountain weather here writes its own rules.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Busy in summer; good for swimming but heavy rains can raise the river and affect conditions.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Fall is popular; reviewers highlight outstanding foliage and scenic beauty in autumn.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in NC

Spring is popular with reviewers; mild temps and scenery make it an appealing season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed outside Apr 15–Oct 30; winter stays not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 15, 2025 – October 30, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season: April 15, 2025 – October 30, 2025; closed outside these dates.
  • Current Alerts: River sites may close due to flood damage as experienced during TS Fred. Visitors should verify availability before booking.

About Black Mountain Campground

Nestled along the crystal-clear waters of the South Toe River, Black Mountain Campground beckons adventurers to experience the raw beauty of North Carolina's high country. Whether you prefer the simplicity of primitive camping or the convenience of electric hookups, this beloved basecamp puts you at the doorstep of Mount Mitchell—the crown jewel of the eastern United States. Days here unfold with endless possibilities: cast a line for native trout in the rushing river, explore mountain trails that lead to breathtaking vistas, or simply lose yourself in the winding scenic drives that reveal the Appalachians' ancient secrets.
Black Mountain Campground offers a mix of primitive and electric campsites. The focus is on tent camping, with limited spots for RVs. Group camping is not explicitly mentioned.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out at 12 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 consecutive nights per visit.

Amenities available

Showers
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers diverse activities, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Adjacent to the South Toe River, visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing. Trails cater to various skill levels—from a leisurely half-mile forest walk to a challenging 5.6-mile hike to Mt. Mitchell.
HikingThe campground is a hiker's paradise with numerous trails, including the trailhead to Mt. Mitchell. One user stated, "Perfect campground to hike to Mount Mitchell. The trailhead starts in the campground and is well marked all the way to the top." Shorter trails to waterfalls and along the river are also available.
FishingFishing in the South Toe River is a popular activity. A reviewer noted, "The beautiful South Toe River runs right through the campground, offering excellent fishing opportunities."
SwimmingSwimming and wading in the South Toe River are available, with designated spots for kids and families. One reviewer highlighted, "There’s a river that’s perfect for kids wading and a larger swimming hole too."
Wildlife viewingLocated in a bear sanctuary, the campground offers wildlife viewing opportunities. Bears are frequently observed, and users are advised to store food securely. One reviewer noted, "Do be careful of bears; we had the pleasure of seeing a mom with two cubs."
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity reported; visitors should secure food in vehicles. Flooding occasionally impacts river sites. Steep terrain may challenge inexperienced hikers.
Active AlertsRiver sites may close due to flood damage as experienced during TS Fred. Visitors should verify availability before booking.

Weather at Black Mountain Campground

Reviews

4.7
154 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Black Mountain Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Black Mountain Campground vary widely, with many praising the natural beauty, well-maintained facilities, and hiking opportunities. Some criticisms focus on inconsistent campground management and cell service limitations.
Review Summaries
Based on 154 reviews

What Campers Love

Commonly mentioned positives include clean facilities, friendly hosts, excellent hiking trails, and a serene setting by the South Toe River. One user remarked, "Wonderful campground, well-maintained,...
Show more
Based on 154 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback centers on specific campground hosts' behavior, inconsistent rule enforcement, and occasional lapses in cleanliness. Some users noted management issues, such as favoritism or...
Show more
Based on 154 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend preparing for the lack of cell service, bringing bear-proof storage, and reserving in advance due to high demand. One camper advised, "Make sure you follow the directions given by...
Show more
Based on 154 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are the most popular seasons, with reviewers highlighting the area's beauty during these times. Summer is also busy, but one user noted, "Heavy rainfall during summer can raise the...
Show more
Based on 154 reviews

Camper Quotes

"It’s a beautiful campground with friendly hosts and clean bathrooms." "No cell service at all, so plan to unplug." "The trailhead to Mt. Mitchell starts right in the campground, which is perfect for...
Show more
Based on 154 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 023 is repeatedly mentioned positively for its size and proximity to the river. Site 009 has mixed reviews due to its closeness to restrooms. Sites along the river are praised for their scenic...
Show more
Based on 154 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews are available.
Based on 154 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but users are reminded to keep dogs on leashes. One reviewer noted, "The family next to me had three dogs, which barked all night."
Based on 154 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Black Mountain Campground? 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
National Forests in North Carolina
Black Mountain Campground