Pisgah National Forest

Facility · North Carolina ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Pisgah National Forest (NF) · Open Access

3,307 ft
Elevation

The Pisgah National Forest is a land of mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls, and heavily forested slopes. Comprised of over 500,000 acres, the Pisgah is primarily a hardwood forest with whitewater rivers, waterfalls and hundreds of miles of trails. This national forest is home of the first tract of land purchased under the Weeks Act of 1911 which led to the creation of the national forests in the eastern United States. It is also home of the first school of forestry in the United States, now preserved at the Cradle of Forestry in America historic site, and boasts two of the first designated wilderness areas in the east. The Pisgah, Grandfather and Appalachian Ranger Districts are scattered along the eastern edge of the mountains of western North Carolina and offer visitors a variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation and enjoying the natural beauty of the mountains.

Camping and Day-use Information

Enjoy camping or a picnic at one of the many day-use areas. A list of camping and day-use areas in the Pisgah National Forest can be found here 

Recreation Maps

Nantahala & Pisgah National Forest Maps

Directions to Frequently Requested Places

NC Arobretum and Bent Creek Area

Blue Ridge Parkway South

Blue Ridge Parkway North

Pisgah Ranger District

Cradle of Forestry

Cradle of Forestry (Scenic Route)

The Biltmore House

Mt. Mitchell

Be Safe

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. Always remember, your safety is your responsibility.

Waterfall Safety for the Summer.

Getting there

35.76619, -82.36545 · 35°45'58.3"N 82°21'55.6"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in3.83.34.64.23.94.24.94.34.42.43.33.8

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 3.8 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Pisgah National Forest

Can you reserve a site at Pisgah National Forest?
No. Pisgah National Forest is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Pisgah National Forest

Comments

Contact

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

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.