Can you reserve a site at North Mills River?

Yes, North Mills River is reservable through Recreation.gov.

How many campsites does North Mills River have?

29 sites in total, of which 25 can be booked.

What is the maximum RV length at North Mills River?

35 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.

Are pets allowed at North Mills River?

Yes, pets are allowed at North Mills River.

Are campfires allowed at North Mills River?

Campfires are allowed at North Mills River. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

North Mills River, North Carolina — 25 sites, fees and cancellation alerts

Overview

North Mills River Campground is a rustic mountain getaway in Pisgah National Forest in western North Carolina. Located just outside the popular city of Asheville, the campground provides access to a variety of cultural and natural attractions, including an arboretum, the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, and numerous hiking, fishing, and mountain biking opportunities.

Winter Operations (November 16, 2025 - March 20, 2026):

During winter months, this facility operates with limited services:

No running water
No electricity
Pit toilets only

Sites 1-13 are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $15 per night (14-day stay limit). Sites 14-26 are closed during winter. Payment by cash or check must be placed in the fee tube within 30 minutes of arrival. Winter sites cannot be reserved online.

Recreation

The forest is known for its hiking and mountain biking trails, several of which are near the campground. Mills River offers excellent trout fishing, as well as tubing and swimming, which are kid-friendly favorite activities. Visitors wishing to learn more about the area can attend educational programs during the summer.

Facilities

This is a relatively small facility with campsites organized into two loops on opposite sides of the river. Sites are mostly shaded and lie within a short distance of the water.

The facility provides picnic tables, tent pads, lantern posts and campfire rings with grills, in addition to restrooms with hot showers and flush toilets. Campers can purchase firewood and fire starter on-site.

Natural Features

The campground is situated in the Appalachian Mountains at an elevation of 2,200 feet. The surrounding land boasts mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls and slopes densely forested with hardwoods. The group camping area is adjacent to the beautiful, shallow waters of the Mills River.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (828) 577-4167.

Nearby Attractions

Several natural and cultural attractions are within close proximity to the campground. Sliding Rock, Looking Glass Falls and the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway are among the most popular sites. The small town of Brevard offers various amenities and services, and visitors can take a trip to Asheville to visit art galleries, music venues, shops and restaurants.

The facts

Season: Year-round, Limited services, November-March — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
25 bookable sites
29 sites in total, including non-bookable
1 accessible site
Vehicles up to 35 ft
Up to 30 people per site
Loops: NORT, NORTH MILLS RIVER, S&P

Site types

20 Standard Nonelectric
4 Management
3 Tent Only Nonelectric
1 Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
1 RV Electric

Amenities

Water hookups
Campfires allowed
Picnic tables
Grills
Shade
Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, sewer hookups, fire pits.

Book on Recreation.gov

29 campsites at North Mills River

Accessible only

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Max rig	People
001	NORT	Management	Back In	Gravel	30 ft	8
002	NORT	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	18 ft	8
003	NORT	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	35 ft	8
004	NORT	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	35 ft	8
005	NORT	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	18 ft	8
006	NORT	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	30 ft	8	♿
007	NORT	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8
008	NORT	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	20 ft	8
009	NORT	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	20 ft	8
010	NORT	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	32 ft	8
011	NORT	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	20 ft	8
012	NORT	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	35 ft	8
013	NORT	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	35 ft	8
014	NORT	Rv Electric	Back In	Gravel	28 ft	8	🐾
015	NORT	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	20 ft	8
016	NORT	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	18 ft	8	🐾
017	NORT	Tent Only Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	18 ft	8	🐾
018	NORT	Tent Only Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	20 ft	8
019	NORT	Tent Only Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	20 ft	8
020	NORT	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	35 ft	16
021	NORT	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	18 ft	8	🐾
022	NORT	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	18 ft	16	🐾
023	NORT	Management	Back In	Gravel	30 ft	8
024	NORT	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	18 ft	16	🐾
025	NORT	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	18 ft	8	🐾
026	NORT	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	18 ft	8	🐾
Group Site	NORTH MILLS RIVER	Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric	—	—	—	30
Electric, S&P	S&P	Management	Back In	Gravel	18 ft	8	🐾
Standard Nonelectric, S&P	S&P	Management	Back In	Gravel	18 ft	8

Getting there

From Asheville, take U.S. Highway 280 west to North Mills River Road. Follow North Mills River Road to the campground.

35.40722, -82.64583 · 35°24'26.0"N 82°38'45.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 83°F in Jul, down to 48°F in Jan.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	48	51	58	67	74	80	83	82	77	68	58	50
Low °F	27	29	35	42	51	59	63	62	56	44	34	30
Precip in	4.4	3.6	4.0	4.3	4.2	4.8	5.3	4.7	4.4	3.5	3.9	4.4

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 5.1 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Common questions about North Mills River

Can you reserve a site at North Mills River?: Yes, North Mills River is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does North Mills River have?: 29 sites in total, of which 25 can be booked.
What is the maximum RV length at North Mills River?: 35 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at North Mills River?: Yes, pets are allowed at North Mills River.
Does North Mills River have hookups?: Water.
Are campfires allowed at North Mills River?: Campfires are allowed at North Mills River. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

North Mills River also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by North Mills River's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

Standard Campsite: $30 Group Campsite: $40 Day Use: $5 per vehicle or $30 season pass.

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near North Mills River

Wash Creek Horse Camp 1.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
Lake Powhatan Glamping 5.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Lake Powhatan 5.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Wolf Ford Horse Camp 5.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
Mount Pisgah Campground 6.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Pink Beds Picnic Shelter 8.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
White Pine South Group Camp 9.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
Davidson River 9.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
Sycamore Flats Picnic Shelter 9.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
Wolf Ford Horse Camp 5.6 mi · Facility
Cradle of Forestry In America Heritage Site 8.4 mi · Facility
Black Mountain / South Toe River Area 9.6 mi · Facility

Contact

Phone (828) 552-8040
Book Recreation.gov

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

North Mills River