How much does camping cost at Briar Bottom Group Campground?

Camping fees at Briar Bottom Group Campground range from $125/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Briar Bottom Group Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Briar Bottom Group Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Briar Bottom Group Campground before I book?

Yes! Briar Bottom Group Campground has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Briar Bottom Group Campground?

Briar Bottom Group Campground is open April 15 to October 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Briar Bottom Group Campground?

Yes, Briar Bottom Group Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Briar Bottom Group Campground have?

Briar Bottom Group Campground has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Briar Bottom Group Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Briar Bottom Group Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Briar Bottom Group Campground?

Briar Bottom Group Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Briar Bottom Group Campground?

Popular activities at Briar Bottom Group Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Briar Bottom Group Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Briar Bottom Group Campground?

Fire policies at Briar Bottom Group Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.62

219 reviews

50 BLACK MOUNTAIN CG ROAD, BURNSVILLE, NC 28714, USA

Featured in:Group Camping North Carolina#2 Mountain Camping North Carolina#3 Forest Camping North Carolina +9 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,040 ft

Price

$125/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open April 15 to Oct...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Book on Cradle of Forestry In America Interpretive Association Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,040 ft

Price

$125/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open April 15 to Oct...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Book on Cradle of Forestry In America Interpretive Association Official Website

Get Directions

Briar Bottom Group Campground

$125.00 - $125.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $125.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$125.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

828 675-5616cfaiacamp@citcom.net

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

50 BLACK MOUNTAIN CG ROAD, BURNSVILLE, NC 28714, USA

Briar Bottom Group Campground

50 BLACK MOUNTAIN CG ROAD, BURNSVILLE, NC 28714, USA

Nearby places

Burnsville (approximately 25 miles, 40-minute drive)

Asheville, NC (approximately 45 miles, 1-hour drive)

Driving directionsFrom Asheville, North Carolina, take I-26 west to exit 9 onto 19 east toward 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. Campers must enter through the main gate at Black Mountain Campground to get to Briar Bottom.

Weather at Briar Bottom Group Campground

Current alerts(7)

Campers must enter through Black Mountain Campground to reach this facility
Campground open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; notify campground of late arrivals by calling 828-675-5616
Click here to learn more about the National Forests in North Carolina
No public address systems are allowed

Best Time to Camp at Briar Bottom Group Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliably pleasant weather for group camping at Briar Bottom — daytime highs typically run in the mid-60s to low-80s F, with cool nights in the 40s–50s, perfect for campfires and sleeping comfortably. River swimming, lazy afternoons on the South Toe, early-morning fishing, and access to the highest-elevation trails are at their peak, and all campground facilities are open. Expect busier weekends (especially July–August), so plan midweek stays for more solitude. Peak months: July, August, October, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer recommended: comfortable temps, water access and active trail use.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 15 to October 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 15 to October 30

About Briar Bottom Group Campground

Briar Bottom Group Campground sits in the foothills of National Forests in North Carolina near Burnsville, operated by the Cradle of Forestry In America Interpretive Association. This group-only facility offers flush toilets, hot showers, and access to hiking, fishing, biking, and climbing in a forested setting. The campground operates seasonally during peak months with a 14-day stay limit.

Briar Bottom is a group tent-only campground that caters to large gatherings of up to 30 people per site. No RV or primitive camping accommodations are available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliably pleasant weather for group camping at Briar Bottom — daytime highs typically run in the mid-60s to low-80s F, with cool nights in the 40s–50s, perfect for campfires and sleeping comfortably. River swimming, lazy afternoons on the South Toe, early-morning fishing, and access to the highest-elevation trails are at their peak, and all campground facilities are open. Expect busier weekends (especially July–August), so plan midweek stays for more solitude. Peak months: July, August, October, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation3040 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe South Toe River flows through the valley below the campground, carving through some of the oldest exposed rock on Earth. Dense Appalachian forest surrounds the sites, a mix of hardwoods and evergreens that create what's essentially a temperate rainforest. Mt. Mitchell's 6,684-foot summit rises above the campground as the highest peak east of the Mississippi. Black bears forage through the understory, and the forest floor cycles through wildflowers depending on the season. The setting is genuinely scenic, though reviews note that sites cluster close together in some areas.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground is tent-only with no RV or wheeled camping accommodations allowed. Additional lodging facilities such as cabins or lodges are not available within Briar Bottom Group Campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 50 people per group site.

Groups

The campground has six group sites, each capable of accommodating up to 30 people. Sites are organized in a loop with individual parking spurs.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility features include individual parking spurs and proximity of facilities to campsites, such as restrooms and water sources. Nika Briggs noted, "We stayed at site 8, which was right next to the water supply, a short walk to the restrooms and to river access.

Site SizeCampsites are generous in size, accommodating up to 30 people per site in the group camping area.

PrivacyThe campsites offer moderate privacy, with some reviews indicating clustered arrangements in family-oriented settings. "Camp sites in areas are extremely tight and on top of each other," commented Mary Parker Blackwelder.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites for proximity to amenities such as restrooms or trails. User review highlights: 'Site 8 was near water supply and river access.

Need help booking Briar Bottom Group Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

This is a tent-only campground; no wheeled camping units or RVs permitted

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a diverse range of recreational activities, focusing on hiking, fishing, scenic drives, and field games. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as Mount Mitchell State Park and Blue Ridge Parkway. "Hiking, waterfalls, and fishing, all waking distance," commented Stephen G. The adjacent Black Mountain Campground adds options like volleyball and horseshoes.

Hiking

Climbing

Fishing

Biking

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Trash & RecyclingTrash bins are provided, with strict rules for food storage due to the campground being located within a bear sanctuary. "Keep all food out of sight in containers or locked inside a hard-sided vehicle," as stated in authoritative sources.

Cell CoverageCell phone reception is limited to none at the campground, as noted by multiple reviews including Laura R, who stated, "I have AT&T and had zero service," and Rock Esark remarked, "No cell but who cares." Connectivity may improve at higher elevations.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

219 reviews

Top-Rated

Briar Bottom Group Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's serene environment, good amenities, and proximity to hiking trails. However, occasional issues with privacy and disruptive groups detract from the experience.

Review Summaries

Based on 219 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects frequently mentioned include clean restrooms and showers, friendly staff, and the scenic beauty of the forested surroundings. The campground is praised for its suitability for...

Based on 219 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include disruptions caused by noisy groups, limited privacy at some campsites, and occasional issues with hot water in showers.

Based on 219 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 8 is noted for its proximity to water and restrooms. "We stayed at site 8, which was right next to the water supply, a short walk to the restrooms and to river access." - Nika Briggs.

Based on 219 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring water and food for longer hikes; Mount Mitchell is strenuous and requires preparation. For firewood and ice, visit the general store near the main road. Dog owners should consider protective...

Based on 219 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is highly recommended for camping due to warm conditions and easy access to water activities, although some campers report cold water even in warmer months. Winter reviews are rare, and cold...

Based on 219 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Showers are clean and hot." - Casey Noles. "I love this place, did I say that already." - Casey Noles. "Mt Mitchell Trail is not for beginners." - Laura S.

Based on 219 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is good, with parking spurs and short walks to facilities. "Restrooms conveniently placed throughout the campground." - Mary Parker Blackwelder.

Based on 219 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but dog owners should use protective footwear due to rocky terrain. "Dog-friendly however recommend shoes for your pups if they play hard in the water." - Katie Foxx.

Based on 219 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You're organizing a family reunion or group gathering and want flush toilets, hot showers, and forest surroundings.

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You need reliable cell service, smooth road access, or a campground that enforces quiet hours strictly.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.7

(154)

Black Mountain Campground

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

Black Mountain Campground sits along the South Toe River in the foothills of North Carolina's national forest, operated by Find Outdoors with seasonal access during peak months. The mid-sized facility offers electric hookups, showers, and a dump station for RV campers, plus tent and primitive options for those seeking a quieter experience. Visitors come for hiking access to Mount Mitchell and nearby trails, fishing and swimming in the river, and fall color displays that peak in mid-to-late October.