If ever there was an area set up to accommodate the avid camper, it’s Hot Springs. Located on the Appalachian Trail - the AT runs along a sidewalk through the middle of town -Hot Springs is a prized destination for thru and section hikers with restaurants, libations, the hot springs for which it is named and a laundromat. It’s also got an outfitter - Bluff Mountain - that has one of everything and the best coffee ever. And even though the one local National Forest Service campground, Rocky Bluff, is only open from Memorial Day weekend through September, “Roadside camping is generally allowed beside most gravel roads,” says the NFS. That’s a lot of free camping!
GPS Coordinates: 35.777964, -82.953627
No. of campsites: 19 in Rocky Bluff Campground, open camping beside gravel roads.
No. with hookups (electric and water): None. Potable water found around the campsite.
No. of standard sites: 19
No. of primitive sites: Camping space beside roads.
Reservations: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/264886?tab=campsites
On the hiking front, a favorite loop is to take the AT north out of downtown for a loop over Lover’s Leap, with great views of the French Broad River below. And the French Broad offers great whitewater kayaking, mostly of the Class II & III variety, with one IV just above town. There’s mountain biking, too, on the Laurel River, Mill Ridge and Hot Springs Area trails. And, again, you’re never far from great, fresh-brewed coffee.
Learn more at: https://www.hotspringsnc.org/
Basic Information
Address: Pisgah National Forest, Hot Springs, NC 28743
GPS Coordinates: 35.777964, -82.953627
No. of campsites: 19 in Rocky Bluff Campground, open camping beside gravel roads.
No. with hookups (electric and water): None. Potable water found around the campsite.
No. of standard sites: 19
No. of primitive sites: Camping space beside roads.
Reservations: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/264886?tab=campsites
Cost: $15, free if camping beside roads
Season dates: May 27-Sep 4, year-round for roadside camping.