Horse Shoe, North Carolina · Henderson County · Campground
Overview North Mills River Campground is a rustic mountain getaway in Pisgah National Forest in western North Carolina. Located just outside the popular city of Asheville, the campground provides access to a variety of cultural and natural attractions, including an arboretum, the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, and numerous…
Overview North Mills River Campground is a rustic mountain getaway in Pisgah National Forest in western North Carolina. Located just outside the popular city of Asheville, the campground provides access to a variety of cultural and natural attractions, including an arboretum, the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, and numerous hiking, fishing, and mountain biking opportunities.Winter Operations (November 16, 2025 - March 20, 2026):During winter months, this facility operates with limited services:No running waterNo electricityPit toilets onlySites 1-13 are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $15 per night (14-day stay limit). Sites 14-26 are closed during winter. Payment by cash or check must be placed in the fee tube within 30 minutes of arrival. Winter sites cannot be reserved online.Recreation The forest is known for its hiking and mountain biking trails, several of which are near the campground. Mills River offers excellent trout fishing, as well as tubing and swimming, which are kid-friendly favorite activities. Visitors wishing to learn more about the area can attend educational programs during the summer.Facilities This is a relatively small facility with campsites organized into two loops on opposite sides of the river. Sites are mostly shaded and lie within a short distance of the water. The facility provides picnic tables, tent pads, lantern posts and campfire rings with grills, in addition to restrooms with hot showers and flush toilets. Campers can purchase firewood and fire starter on-site.Natural Features The campground is situated in the Appalachian Mountains at an elevation of 2,200 feet. The surrounding land boasts mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls and slopes densely forested with hardwoods. The group camping area is adjacent to the beautiful, shallow waters of the Mills River. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (828) 577-4167. Nearby Attractions Several natural and cultural attractions are within close proximity t
Photos
North Mills River — Ethan Calloway/Panthertown Investment CompanyNORTH MILLS RIVERNORTH MILLS RIVERNORTH MILLS RIVERNORTH MILLS RIVERNORTH MILLS RIVER
How to Get There
From Asheville, take U.S. Highway 280 west to North Mills River Road. Follow North Mills River Road to the campground.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
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Dry bags for electronics
Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to NORTH MILLS RIVER
Heading to NORTH MILLS RIVER? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for NORTH MILLS RIVER?
No central reservation system listed for NORTH MILLS RIVER. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232380) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at NORTH MILLS RIVER?
NORTH MILLS RIVER has 29 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to NORTH MILLS RIVER?
From Asheville, take U.S. Highway 280 west to North Mills River Road. Follow North Mills River Road to the campground.
