Camping and Hiking in Pisgah National Forest in Asheville, North Carolina near Biltmore Estate
Updated May 29, 2025
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Camping in Pisgah National Forest
Nestled in western North Carolina, Pisgah National Forest comes alive in the fall with its changing leaves in vibrant reds, oranges, and golds that blanket the landscape. Camping here you can explore hundreds of miles of scenic trails that wind through dense hardwood forests, view cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking mountain peaks that provide beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With its ever-changing landscape, this provides a place for anyone looking for outdoor adventures, peace, and a display of nature’s seasonal views. (Pronounced Pizz-guh)
Whenever we travel in our camper van, I always try and find free boondocking locations to camp at to save money. While we were visiting Biltmore Estate, I was able to find a camping spot in Pisgah National Forest. We traveled down Avery Creek Road and found several spots along this gravel road to camp at. Since we were coming later in the day, we had to drive a while to find a spot to camp as this is a popular road to camp at and although there were several spots along this road to camp at, they were not all the designated spots per the National Forest guidelines so camping at them is at your own risk.
Cost: FREE up to 14 days in a 30-day period.
Amenities: Spots marked for camping did have fire pits, parking area and tent pad. No other amenities. Hiking trails nearby.
APPS: iOverlander (Bennett Gap, Avery Creek Road)(Maxwell Cove), The Dyrt (Avery Creek Roadside Camping), Free Roam (Pisgah NF dispersed roadside camping)
GPS: 35.34753, -82.78328 beginning of road, 35.32162, -82.77553 end of road. You can start from either end to look for camping along this route. There are a couple roads for camping off of route 276.
Cell: Yes, Verizon
Camping details for Pisgah National Forest can be found online.
Below is the location we camped at on Avery Creek Road. There are multiple places to camp within this National Forest. Check out the link above to see more boondocking locations.
Roadside Camping in Pisgah National Forest
Along this road, you will see the sign below indicating where you can camp. Again, many people were camping in areas not clearly marked as a legal camping spot so camp at your own risk.
Camping must-haves
Avery Camp Road canopy of trees
Avery Creek Road is a long gravel road that is absolutely beautiful in the fall with the changing of the leaves. Arrive during the day for a better chance to find a camping spot.
Boondocking
The spot we chose was not a legal camping spot, meaning there was no tent camping sign, but no one bothered us. We arrived at night, and every other spot was full, so we had to drive a while to find a spot. This area fills up quickly so plan to get there early if you can.
We camped here in the month of October, and it was quiet at night and there was no one near us while we camped.
Pisgah National Forest activities
There are many outdoor activities to enjoy while visiting Pisgah National Forest.
Biking is allowed on most roads and designated trails
Hiking with more than 1,700 miles of trails
Camping and cabins
OHV riding on four different trail systems
Picnics
Water activities
Fishing with fishing license and hunting
Rock climbing, rappelling, ice climbing and mountaineering, some restrictions apply
Horseback riding
Blue Ridge Parkway
Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic routes in America, especially in the fall with the everchanging color of the leaves. As you drive along the winding path, you will find panoramic displays of autumn colors. The Parkway provides access to some of Pisgah National Forests most iconic trailheads and waterfalls, but also numerous overlooks that you can pull off to soak in the magnificent views. Blue Ridge Parkway is 469 miles long, stretching from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.
Sliding Rock Recreation Area
Sliding Rock is a 60-foot natural water slide that ends in a pool that is 8-10 feet deep. This area is open every day of the year, but lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day. We visited Sliding Rock Recreation Area during the fall, and it was free to visit. When no lifeguard is on duty, swim at your own risk although the water will be cold. No restrooms on site.
Address: 7851 Pisgah Hwy, Pisgah Forest, North Carolina
Fees: $5 per person during Memorial Day to Labor Day
Hours: 9am to 6pm daily. When the parking lot is full, it will be closed until there are open spots available.
Warning: during the time when lifeguards are on duty, if you cannot swim, you are not allowed to slide. The water is fast moving, and safety is top priority.
Looking Glass Falls
Looking Glass Falls, located in Pisgah Forest, is easy to access and can be viewed from the road. In order to view the 60-foot waterfall up close, it requires you to descend down several flights of wooden stairs. At the bottom, you will find large boulders to walk across where you can find the best view of the falls. From here you can spend time viewing the falls or walking around the area. Be careful of slippery large rocks you will walk across to access the falls. I wear my Teva sandals to easily walk around in areas that may be wet.
Parking is located on the side of the road near the falls entrance.
Mount Pisgah Trail
This trail begins in the parking lot and is 1.6 miles to the summit (3.2-miles round trip). The trail is fairly easy in the begging with a slight incline but towards the end it becomes more difficult with steep areas and multiple boulders to climb over. At the top of the summit, you will find plenty of area to walk around on the wooden patio and view the French Broad River Valley and Shining Rock Wilderness. Although the view is beautiful in the fall with the leaves changing colors, I don’t think this is a hike I would do again. I didn’t think it was worth the hike.
Address: 4076 Blue Ridge Parkway, Canton, North Carolina
Parking: There are three parking lots in this area, drive past the first two and see if there is availability at the third lot before you park. The third lot is closest to Mount Pisgah trail head. The first lot has a picnic area for your use, and the second lot is where you will find the Buck Springs Gap overlook.
Other hiking trails in Pisgah Forest
Buck Springs Trail - 1.1-mile trail from Mount Pisgah Inn and the Buck Spring Gap Parking Area
Laurel Mountain Trail - a 7.4-mile moderate trail
Pilot Rock Trail - a moderate trail
Shut-in Trail - a 16.3-mile trail
Frying Pan Trail - a moderate to 2.1-mile strenuous hike
Biltmore Estate in Asheville
We stayed in Pisgah National Forest after visiting Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. The distance to Biltmore Estate is 1 hour from our camping location on Avery Creek Road. Read more about our Ultimate One Day Guide to Visiting Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. I highly recommend you visit Biltmore Estate and tour this magnificent mansion.
Leaving you with colorful memories
Pisgah National Forest is home to an abundance of stunning landscapes, offering countless beautiful areas to explore. Families can enjoy multiple outdoor activities that cater to various interests, ranging from exhilarating hiking trails to serene camping spots surrounded by nature. I recommend finding a place to camp and spend a few days here so you can hike the trails and take your time enjoying this forest. I highly recommend you come in the fall to see the beauty this area has to offer with its changing of the leaves, and I would definitely camp here again.
Enjoy your journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US. You can find me dreaming up our next epic vacation or outside exploring natural landscapes. I am a fearless roadtripper who isn’t afraid to explore new and off the path adventures.
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