Carolina Hemlocks Campground

Price does not reflect discount. This is mostly a tent campground and large RVs wouldn't even be able to maneuver the campground roads. Small RVs can fit in a few spots. There are no hookups.

The river is beautiful, and there's a very nice beach. We saw multiple fly fishermen downstream as well. The wooded canopy over the campground is really nice, and there is reasonable distance between campsites.

The campground trail must not have been used in a long time. We tried this short hike, and spots were totally overgrown. There were several trees fallen across the trail as well. Condition is much better along the river's edge, but still very narrow. I reported this to the office, and they passed the buck and showed no interest in getting word to the Forest Service.

My big complaint was traffic noise from the main road (Hwy 80), which wraps around and through the campground. It was excessively loud. The worst part was that this was a weekend, so loud motorcycles were on the road. There was no way to enjoy this beautiful setting with all that constant roaring and noise.

Relaxed here for a week as good cell service for working remotely. Quiet during the week but got louder Fri/Sat of course. $15/night but $7.50 with Access Pass. Burnsville great for eating out and a few good shops. Campground is tidy. Big draw is river- cold and clean, can do tubing. They built a stone pavilion along the side as a sort of beach- built to enjoy being riverside. I stayed on the side across the street from showers and river, it’s pretty small campground overall so don’t fret about getting a spot on the river. Most sites are online Reserved- I got 1 of the ~10 First Come First Served sites. Showers free to campers, they were fine (not the best I’ve used though; no hooks and very small changing bench). I agree there was motorcycle noise about once or twice a day while I was there. You definitely do not feel like you’re “in the middle of nowhere”.

Very friendly and clean camp ground, beautifully located.