Mount Mitchell State Park

Beneath the towering summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi River, the Mount Mitchell State Park Campground offers an immersive backcountry camping experience ideal for nature enthusiasts seeking solitude, panoramic vistas, and direct access to high-altitude hiking trails. With just nine walk-in campsites located at elevations surpassing 6,500 feet, this campground is a haven of seclusion where the cool mountain air and dramatic Blue Ridge Mountain views reign supreme.

Each campsite is equipped with essentials including a fire pit, bear-proof storage box, picnic table, and tent pad. The rustic facilities include flush toilets during the warmer months, but visitors should note the absence of showers or running water between November and April. Hiking opportunities abound, with the challenging Mount Mitchell Trail and shorter scenic paths leading to the summit's observation deck, which offers breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains. The park’s proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway and unique high-elevation ecosystems, featuring spruce-fir forests and vibrant summer wildflowers, make it a standout for weekend getaways and hiking-focused trips.

Located about 35 miles northeast of Asheville via the Blue Ridge Parkway and NC 128, this seasonal campground operates from May through October and serves as an excellent gateway to Mount Mitchell’s unparalleled hiking trails and Pisgah National Forest’s remote wilderness. Whether you’re here for a quiet retreat, a challenging trek, or simply to bask in the cool mountain atmosphere, Mount Mitchell State Park Campground delivers a truly distinctive outdoor adventure.