National Forests in North Carolina
 

Recreation

Tower Viewing Waterfalls Mountain Biking Tent Camping Cabin Camping Picnic Shelter

 

 

The national forests in North Carolina offer a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. From the mountains to the sea, there are many exciting adventures awaiting your visit to these national forests. Please keep in mind that all outdoor recreational activities on the Croatan, Pisgah, Nantahala and Uwharrie national forests, including activities at recreation sites, have inherent risks due to the natural setting in which they occur. We strongly encourage you to visit our regional Outdoor Safety in the South website before planning your trip. This site provides valuable information on weather safety, wildlife safety and much more. Always remember, your safety is your responsibility.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Recreation Conditions Report

 Area Name Status Area Conditions
Ammons Branch Campground Open to Visitor
Appalachian Trail Shelters Open to Visitor The Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.) is open. Trail shelters are available. Hikers are advised to bring a personal tent and face coverings. Shelters might not be frequently maintained at all locations. Dispersed camping is also available. Not all privies are open or maintained. Guidance is available on the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) website for trip planning, hiking safety and COVID-19 precautions.
Appletree Group Campground Open to Visitor
Arrowhead Campground Open to Visitor
Art Lilley Campground Open to Visitor
Badin Lake Campground Open to Visitor
Black Mountain Campground Open to Visitor Lower Loop CLOSED due to flood impacts. Briar Bottom Group Camp OPEN
Black Swamp OHV Trailhead Open to Visitor
Boone Fork Campground Closed to Visitor
Briar Bottom Group Campground Open to Visitor
Cable Cove Recreation Area Open to Visitor
Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area Open to Visitor
Cedar Point Campground Open to Visitor
Cheoah Point Recreation Area Open to Visitor
Coontree Picnic Area Open to Visitor Restrooms currently unavailable.
Cove Creek Group Campground Closed to Visitor Temporarily closed due to flooding impacts.
Curtis Creek Campground Open to Visitor
Davidson River Recreation Area Open to Visitor
Flanners Beach/Neuse River Campground Open to Visitor
Hanging Dog Recreation Area    Hanging Dog Campground will not re-open. For more information see this news release. Day use facilities on Hiwassee Lake remain open.
Harmon Den Area    Opens Memorial Day
Horse Cove Campground Closed to Visitor Closed indefinitely due to a water system issue.
Hurricane Creek Horse & Primitive Campground Open to Visitor
Jackrabbit Mountain Recreation Area Open to Visitor
Kimsey Creek Group Campground Open to Visitor
Kuykendall Group Campground Open to Visitor Only accessible via south Cathey's Creek Rd.
Lake Powhatan Campground Open to Visitor
Looking Glass Falls Scenic Area Open to Visitor Upper viewing platform OPEN. Lower viewing platform CLOSED due to flood impacts.
Mortimer Campground Open to Visitor
Murray Branch Picnic Area Closed to Visitor This area is temporarily closed due to flood impacts
North Mills River Campground Open to Visitor
Oyster Point Campground Open to Visitor
Rattler Ford Campground Open to Visitor
Roan Mountain Closed to Visitor
Rocky Bluff Campground Closed to Visitor
Sliding Rock Recreation Area Closed to Visitor Temporarily closed due to flood impacts.
Standing Indian Campground Open to Visitor
Sunburst Campground Open to Visitor Open March 27th – November 16th
Sycamore Flats Picnic Area Closed to Visitor Temporarily closed due to flood impacts.
Tsali Recreation Area Open to Visitor Campground open for season.
Van Hook Glade Campground Open to Visitor
West Morris Mtn. Campground Open to Visitor
White Pines Group Campground   
Wolf Ford Horse Camp Open to Visitor
Yates Place Open to Visitor

Spotlights

Black Swamp OHV Trailhead

This trail offers eight off-highway-vehicle trail miles for riders. The trail is designated for all-terrain vehicles and trail bikes.  ATVs are defined as having seat to be straddled by the operator and a handlebar for steering, with three, four, or six wheels and under 60 inches in width.

Riding off-highway vehicles at Black Swamp OHV Trail on the Croatan National Forest requires a pass sold only on Recreation.gov.

At the website, search on Black Swamp OHV and select the 1-day pass for $5 or the annual pass for $30.

You don’t need to print a copy of the day pass. You can store the pass on your smart phone or other device and show it to confirm your purchase. If you buy an annual pass, you can print the pass to display on your tow vehicle.

  • Each OHV needs a pass.
  • You must enter the names for each rider and a license plate for each tow vehicle that will be at the trailhead. A state driver’s license must be available to show during a law enforcement compliance check.
  • Passes can be downloaded to each rider’s phone or printed at home and carried on the trail. You can email and text passes to each rider if one person is making purchases for multiple riders.


https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/nfsnc/recreation