Black Mountain Campground/Briar Bottom Group Campground

Hello, fellow North Carolinians and mountain lovers! If you cherish the crisp mountain air, the sound of a rushing river, and the challenge of a rewarding hike, then Black Mountain Campground and its adjacent Briar Bottom Group Campground hold a special place in the hearts of many who explore our state's majestic western region. This article is crafted to give you a clear, engaging, and factual overview of these cherished camping destinations, helping you understand their unique appeal and what to expect when planning your next adventure. Please note, as of current information, these campgrounds are undergoing recovery from significant flood damage and are closed until further notice. Always check their official status before planning a visit.

Nestled in the breathtaking Pisgah National Forest, in the shadow of Mount Mitchell – the highest peak east of the Mississippi River – Black Mountain Campground offers a traditional camping experience that has captivated families for decades. Briar Bottom Group Campground, designed for larger gatherings, complements this, providing ample space for groups to enjoy the natural splendor together. These campgrounds are a testament to the raw beauty of the Southern Appalachians, a place where rivers, towering trees, and a network of trails invite you to reconnect with nature.

We'll delve into their serene location, outline the available services (when operational), highlight the remarkable features that draw visitors back year after year, provide essential contact information, and finally, explain why these campgrounds are particularly suitable for locals seeking an authentic mountain escape in our beloved North Carolina. The sentiments shared by long-time campers, expressing how this place "holds my heart in its rivers and trees," truly capture the enduring appeal of Black Mountain.

Black Mountain Campground and Briar Bottom Group Campground are located at 50 Black Mountain Campground Rd, Burnsville, NC 28714, USA. This address places them deep within the Pisgah National Forest, specifically in the Appalachian Ranger District, at an elevation of 3,040 feet. Their setting at the base of the towering 6,684-foot Mount Mitchell, surrounded by other high peaks of the Black Mountains, provides a dramatic and truly immersive mountain experience.

Access to the campgrounds is typically via a scenic drive. From Asheville, North Carolina, you would take I-26 west to exit 9, then onto US 19 East towards Burnsville. Follow US 19 to Micaville, turn right onto Highway 80, and continue south for approximately 12-14 miles to the Mount Mitchell Golf Course. Turn right onto South Toe River Road, and follow the signs to Black Mountain Campground. Briar Bottom Group Campground is accessed through the main gate of Black Mountain Campground, further enhancing its secluded feel for groups.

While nestled in a remote, lush Appalachian forest, the campgrounds are within a reasonable driving distance from larger towns like Burnsville (approximately 12 miles away) and Spruce Pine (approximately 16 miles away), where essential supplies can be found. Furthermore, they are only about an hour's drive from Asheville, making them an accessible mountain escape for many North Carolina residents. The journey itself is part of the experience, winding through beautiful mountain roads and alongside the South Toe River.

Black Mountain Campground and Briar Bottom Group Campground, operated by FIND Outdoors, offer a range of services designed to provide a comfortable yet rustic camping experience in the national forest. While the campgrounds are currently closed due to flood damage (as of available information, expected to be closed for the 2025 season), when operational, here's what campers can typically expect:

• Individual Campsites: Black Mountain Campground offers 37 primitive campsites, with a limited number (3) featuring electric hookups. Each site is equipped with picnic tables, tent pads, lantern posts, and campfire rings with grills.
• Group Campsites: Briar Bottom Group Campground features six separate, tent-only group campsites. Each site can accommodate up to 30 people and includes individual parking spurs, flush toilets, and the option to use showers at the adjacent Black Mountain Campground.
• Flush Toilets and Hot Showers: Both campgrounds provide access to modern restrooms with flush toilets. Black Mountain Campground notably offers hot showers, a welcome amenity after a day of hiking.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available.
• Camp Store: A small supply store is usually on-site, offering convenience items such as firewood (crucial, as transporting firewood across state lines is illegal and can introduce pests), ice, and souvenirs. (A review specifically misses the ice cream!)
• Campground Host: A campground host is typically available to assist visitors and provide information.
• Trash Cans: Designated trash receptacles are provided.
• Reservations: Reservations for Black Mountain Campground can be made through Recreation.gov, while Briar Bottom Group Campground reservations are also handled through Recreation.gov. It's advisable to reserve well in advance due to the popularity of these sites.
• Access Gate: The main gate at Black Mountain Campground operates with specific hours (closed 10 PM - 7 AM), requiring campers to plan their arrival accordingly.

Black Mountain Campground and Briar Bottom Group Campground are renowned for their exceptional natural beauty and the wealth of outdoor activities they facilitate. These are the highlights that make them so beloved by campers:

• Proximity to Mount Mitchell: Situated at the base of Mount Mitchell, guests have direct access to the challenging 5.7-mile Mount Mitchell Trail, which climbs 3,200 feet to the summit, offering an unparalleled hiking experience to the highest point in the Eastern US.
• South Toe River Access: The campgrounds border the South Toe River, providing excellent opportunities for swimming, tubing, and especially trout fishing. The river is designated catch-and-release with artificial flies and single hooks near the campground, transitioning to "wild trout waters" farther upstream.
• Abundant Hiking Trails: Beyond Mount Mitchell, a variety of other trails are accessible, including the steep Lost Cove Ridge Trail to Green Knob Lookout Tower, and the easy, scenic Devil's Den Trail loop, offering diverse hiking experiences for all skill levels.
• Cascading Waterfalls: Several beautiful waterfalls are within easy reach, such as Setrock Creek Falls (a short 0.25-mile trail from the group campground gate) and Roaring Fork Falls (a 0.7-mile easy hike).
• Natural Beauty and Wildlife: The lush Appalachian forest teems with wildlife, plants, and stunning scenery, providing excellent opportunities for nature viewing and photography.
• Amphitheater Programs: During the summer months, the Black Mountain Campground amphitheater often hosts interpretive programs, children's activities, and guided walks focused on local wildlife and wildflowers.
• Briar Bottom Bicycle Trail: A 1.2-mile bicycle trail starts at the group campground gate, following the South Toe River and looping around the group campground, ideal for a leisurely ride.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Reviews consistently highlight the family-oriented nature of the campgrounds, with many visitors returning year after year, emphasizing the sense of tradition and fond memories created.
• Secluded Group Camping: Briar Bottom offers large, well-spaced sites ideal for family reunions, scout troops, or other large gatherings, providing a private group experience.

For inquiries, updates on campground status (especially important due to current closures), and reservations for Black Mountain Campground and Briar Bottom Group Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: 50 Black Mountain Campground Rd, Burnsville, NC 28714, USA

Phone: (828) 675-5616

Mobile Phone: +1 828-675-5616

For reservations, it is crucial to use the National Recreation Reservation System, either by calling toll-free or visiting their website:

Reservations: 1-877-444-6777 or www.recreation.gov

Given the current closure due to hurricane/flooding damage, it is highly recommended to check the official National Forests in North Carolina website or Recreation.gov for the most up-to-date information on reopening dates and conditions before planning any trip. Local phone lines may not always have the most current information regarding park-wide closures.

For residents of North Carolina, Black Mountain Campground and Briar Bottom Group Campground are more than just places to camp; they are cherished family traditions and essential gateways to experiencing the pinnacle of our state's natural beauty. Their suitability for locals is multifaceted, deeply rooted in accessibility, the quality of the experience, and the profound sense of connection many feel to this special place.

Firstly, the location within the Pisgah National Forest, at the foot of Mount Mitchell, means that an unparalleled mountain adventure is just a drive away for many North Carolinians. This easy access to world-class hiking, pristine trout fishing in the South Toe River, and stunning waterfalls makes it an ideal spot for weekend getaways or longer vacations without the need for extensive travel. It allows us to truly embrace and appreciate the diverse landscapes that define our home state.

Secondly, the quality of the camping experience, with relatively modern amenities like hot showers and flush toilets in a national forest setting, strikes a perfect balance between rugged outdoor immersion and comfort. The existence of dedicated group sites at Briar Bottom is also a huge plus for North Carolina families and friends looking to gather and make memories together in a natural setting. The heartfelt reviews from long-time campers, mourning its temporary closure and fondly recalling "rivers and trees" and even the "ice cream," speak volumes about the deep emotional ties locals have to this campground. It represents generations of outdoor enjoyment and tradition.

While currently impacted by natural events, the enduring appeal and historical significance of Black Mountain Campground underscore its importance as a treasured local asset. Its eventual reopening will undoubtedly be met with enthusiasm, allowing more North Carolinians to create their own cherished memories in this magnificent corner of our state.

Black Mountain Campground/Briar Bottom Group Campground

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