Crabtree Falls Campground

4.48

111 reviews

Milepost 339.5 Blue Ridge Parkway

Quick Facts

3,747 ft

Price

$8 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

81 campsites

Season

Open season is liste...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Blue Ridge Parkway site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

3,747 ft

Price

$8 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

81 campsites

Season

Open season is liste...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Blue Ridge Parkway site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Crabtree Falls Campground

$8.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $8 (reservation fee) to $30 for a campsite, with additional charges for late cancellations or modifications as described below.

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

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

828-675-5444

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What Campers Say

4.48

Recommended

Based on 111 reviews

153 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanstaffwell-maintained

Some mention

noise

"User reviews generally describe Crabtree Falls Campground as a beautiful, serene location with convenient access to Crabtree Falls and other attractions along the Blue Ridge Parkway. However, maintenance issues with restrooms and campground facilities are recurring themes."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Milepost 339.5 Blue Ridge Parkway

Crabtree Falls Campground

Milepost 339.5 Blue Ridge Parkway

Driving directionsFrom Asheville, take the Blue Ridge Parkway north about 40 miles to Milepost 339.5.

The campground is accessible via the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is a paved scenic byway. There are no noted seasonal closures or terrain issues mentioned for this specific location.

Nearby places

Spruce Pine (approximately 15 miles north)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are available in Spruce Pine, which has a Walmart, restaurants, and other stores.

Best Time to Camp at Crabtree Falls Campground

October transforms this mountain haven into a painter's palette of crimson, gold, and amber as fall foliage reaches its magnificent peak. During this magical season, days warm to a pleasant 70°F while crisp nights dip to around 30°F—perfect for cozy campfires and stargazing. Thanks to the generous elevation, summer temperatures remain refreshingly cool compared to the valleys below, creating an ideal escape when lowland heat becomes oppressive. Pack layers and prepare for mountain weather that changes as dramatically as the views.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Reviewers found July cool and mostly empty, making summer pleasant despite being in-season months.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Mid-October peak foliage draws visitors; reviewers highlight spectacular fall colors and peak activity.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring wildflowers and crabapple blossoms are noted; pleasant weather and floral displays.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground open May–October; winter season closed/unlisted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Mid-October is considered peak season for foliage and visitor activity.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season is listed as May-October for reservations.

About Crabtree Falls Campground

Tucked away in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Crabtree Falls Campground emerges as a sanctuary for those seeking respite from the modern world. This tranquil retreat beckons with its perfect blend of accessibility and seclusion, where reserved sites guarantee your spot in paradise while walk-up options welcome spontaneous adventurers. Just steps from your campsite, the renowned Crabtree Falls trail promises cascading water and mountain vistas. Each site comes thoughtfully equipped with fire rings for evening gatherings, sturdy picnic tables for outdoor meals, and the convenience of flush toilets—ensuring comfort doesn't take a backseat to adventure.

Crabtree Falls Campground accommodates both tent and RV camping. It offers a blend of reservable and first-come, first-served sites. The campground is ideal for campers seeking a rustic experience close to nature.

Historical SignificanceYour campground serves as a gateway to the storied Blue Ridge Parkway, where every mile tells a tale of American heritage. Venture to the nearby Orchard at Altapass, where generations of mountain culture come alive through music, storytelling, and heirloom apples. Revolutionary War history echoes through these ancient hills, with historical sites dotting the landscape like breadcrumbs through time. Here, you're not just camping—you're stepping into the living history of Appalachia.

Weather and SeasonsOctober transforms this mountain haven into a painter's palette of crimson, gold, and amber as fall foliage reaches its magnificent peak. During this magical season, days warm to a pleasant 70°F while crisp nights dip to around 30°F—perfect for cozy campfires and stargazing. Thanks to the generous elevation, summer temperatures remain refreshingly cool compared to the valleys below, creating an ideal escape when lowland heat becomes oppressive. Pack layers and prepare for mountain weather that changes as dramatically as the views.

ElevationPerched high in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the campground's lofty position gifts visitors with naturally air-conditioned summers and crisp, invigorating mornings year-round. This elevated sanctuary sits at a height where clouds often drift through the trees like ghostly visitors, and the air carries that distinctive mountain freshness that city dwellers dream about. The altitude creates its own microclimate, keeping temperatures notably cooler than the surrounding lowlands.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a landscape where ancient hardwood forests create cathedral-like canopies overhead, and meadows burst with seasonal wildflowers that would make any botanist swoon. The campground takes its name from the wild crabapple trees that once dominated these slopes, their spring blossoms creating clouds of pink and white. Today, massive rhododendron thickets frame hiking paths, while towering oaks and maples provide shade and shelter. Keep your camera ready—white-tailed deer browse peacefully at dawn and dusk, while the haunting calls of coyotes remind you that wilderness still reigns here.

Geological RegionCrabtree Falls Campground claims its place along the magnificent Blue Ridge Parkway, riding the ancient spine of the central and southern Appalachians. These weathered mountains, among the oldest on Earth, showcase nature's patient artistry through rolling ridgelines and deep valleys carved over millions of years. The diverse ecosystem supports everything from delicate trilliums carpeting the forest floor to mighty hardwoods reaching skyward. This geological wonderland offers endless exploration opportunities, where every trail reveals new perspectives on these timeless mountains.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

11:00 AM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive nights allowed are 30.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum guests per site are not to exceed six people unless designated otherwise for group camping.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampground contains loops identified as A and B, with varying site sizes and levels of privacy.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in Availability54 campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. These cannot be reserved online and must be booked in person at the campground kiosk.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled prior to arrival for a $10 fee, plus charges for reservation fees and the first night's stay in case of late cancellation. Late cancellations incur additional penalties, including forfeiture of the first night’s fee.

AccessibilitySome campsites feature accessible grills and picnic tables, but there is limited mention of comprehensive accessibility features in user reviews. One user expressed doubts about the wheelchair accessibility of the bathroom stalls.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, with some being spacious and level, while others are smaller or have uneven ground. Tent pads are available at most sites but may feel small for larger setups.

PrivacyMany campsites lack privacy due to their proximity to each other. Outer loop sites may offer slightly more seclusion. Some users noted frequent foot traffic through their sites.

Total Campsites81 campsites

Recommended SitesOuter loops offer quieter experiences but are closer to vehicle noise from the Parkway during the day. Sites in Loop A are often mentioned for good amenities and peaceful stays.

Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Crabtree Falls Campground offers a range of activities focusing on hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. The nearby Crabtree Falls Trail is a major highlight. Other activities include star gazing, picnicking, and exploring nearby attractions like Mount Mitchell State Park and the Museum of North Carolina Minerals.

HikingThe Crabtree Falls Trail, a 3-mile loop, is considered moderate to strenuous. It features wildflowers, towering trees, and a 70-foot waterfall plunging into a pool. Campers recommend carrying water and taking breaks on the switchbacks. Nearby trails include those in Mount Mitchell State Park and the Orchard Trail, accessible from the Minerals Museum.

Wildlife viewingCampers report seeing deer and owls within the campground. Coyotes have also been mentioned. Wildflowers and rhododendrons attract numerous species, enhancing the experience.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe Museum of North Carolina Minerals offers interactive exhibits on the area's geology and mining history. The Overmountain Victory Trail highlights Revolutionary War history.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears frequent the area, and mosquitoes are a notable problem during warmer months. Poison ivy was noted by some reviewers.

Fire PolicyHeat-treated firewood must be used, or dead/down wood collected nearby. Collecting firewood outside the immediate area and moving it is prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 9:00 PM to 8:00 AM

Emergency ServicesClosest town for emergency services is Spruce Pine, which has grocery stores, restaurants, and other provisions. Specific details regarding hospitals or police stations are not provided.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but users are urged to store food and scented items securely to prevent wildlife encounters, particularly with bears. Bear lockers are available at some sites.

Water FeaturesCrabtree Falls, a 70-foot waterfall, is within walking distance.

Camp HostMentioned occasionally in reviews as friendly and helpful.

Weather at Crabtree Falls Campground

Reviews

4.5

111 reviews

Recommended

Crabtree Falls Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally describe Crabtree Falls Campground as a beautiful, serene location with convenient access to Crabtree Falls and other attractions along the Blue Ridge Parkway. However, maintenance issues with restrooms and campground facilities are recurring themes.

Review Summaries

Based on 111 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the proximity to Crabtree Falls, the peaceful environment, and the helpfulness of staff. Some reviewers highlight the cleanliness of the sites and the well-maintained trails. 'The...

Based on 111 reviews

Common Concerns

Recurring issues include outdated or poorly maintained bathrooms, lack of privacy at campsites, and occasional noise disturbances from other campers. One user mentioned, 'The bathrooms have broken...

Based on 111 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest bringing mosquito repellent, as mosquitoes can be a nuisance during warmer months. Others recommend visiting during weekdays for a quieter experience. A common tip is to hike the...

Based on 111 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Campers frequently visit in fall to enjoy the foliage, and the campground is described as less crowded on weekdays. Peak season brings higher activity, but many sites remain available even then....

Based on 111 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Bathrooms were atrocious.' - Justin Q 2. 'Great access to Crabtree Falls which is fabulous.' - William V 3. 'I selfishly want Crabtree Falls to remain a hidden gem.' - Patrick N

Based on 111 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 81 in Loop B received mixed reviews due to noise disturbances and site proximity, while Site 9 in Loop A was praised for its quiet and shaded location. Multiple users noted that sites on the...

Based on 111 reviews