Briar Bottom Group Campground

Hidden amongst the lush woods of the Pisgah National Forest, at the base of Mount Mitchell by the South Toe River, you will find the Briar Bottom Group Campground. The tent-only campground is just a bone's throw away from Burnsville, and ruffly an hour from Asheville, North Carolina. With incredible scenery and countless activities to enjoy, Briar Bottom is the ideal location for a family adventure, an outdoor reunion with friends, or just a weekend trip with your buddies and their fur-children.

This hidden gem offers six group camping sites at $65 per night, each of which can house up to 50 people at a time. It is situated adjacent to Black Mountain Campground, with which it shares some of its amenities, including hot showers and flush toilets. Visitors will also find plenty of firewood, sheltered picnic tables, group fire rings, and potable water on-site. 

Since the campground sits by a river, it is a prime location for fishing enthusiasts, as well as those interested in swimming or tubing. Let your pooch splash in the creeks and rivers as you birdwatch or fly fish. If you prefer breaking a sweat on the trails with your four-pawed fitness buddy, the Hemlock Nature Trail will guarantee you get not only a decent amount of exercise but also some pawsitively picture-perfect views of the southern Appalachians along the way. Plus, if you want a challenge, the highest peak in North Carolina -- the top of Mount Mitchell State Park -- is just under six miles from the campground. Both locations will offer plenty of sniff-worthy stops along the way! Whether you decide to spend your time hiking or driving down the Blue Ridge Parkway (which is just under five miles away!), you will find picturesque vistas everywhere you go in this part of North Carolina.

Since bear encounters are common in the area, make sure to store your food properly and dispose of your trash in the designated bear-proof containers. If you are new to camping, feel free to ask for help from the incredibly accommodating and helpful on-site host at Briar Bottom Group Campground, who will gladly share their safety tips and tricks.