Can You Camp At Chimney Rock State Park?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

The cost for a single day ticket is

$17 per adult and $8 per youth (ages 5-15)

. Children under 5 are free. However, for less than the cost of two days of admission, consider purchasing an annual pass that gets you into the Park for a whole year and also gives you discounts to other local attractions.

Is Chimney Rock Open?


The Park is open

! The elevator is operational. Ticket Plaza hours are 8:30am to 5:30pm. Guests can hike until 7.

Is camping allowed in Nantahala National Forest?

Nantahala District 828-524-6441. To limit impact ,

dispersed camping is only al- lowed at designated sites in these areas on the Nantahala National Forest

: along Snowbird and Santeetlah Creeks and around Santeetlah Lake in the Cheoah Ranger District; and along the Tellico River in the Tusquitee Ranger District.

Is dispersed camping allowed in North Carolina?


Primitive dispersed camping is allowed except in those areas posted “No Camping” or a developed campground or day-use area

. Find sites along most Forest Service roads and trails.

Do you have to pay to hike Chimney Rock?


Admission is charged at the principal Chimney Rock Access, though the nearby Rumbling Bald Climbing Access is admission-free

and offers one of the park’s six trails.

Can you swim at Chimney Rock?

Its unrivaled beauty is just the beginning of what you’ll find here.

Take a boat tour of the Lake, play on the beach, swim

, hike, mountain bike, climb a shear rock face, fish, boat, kayak or just relax.

Can I camp anywhere in Pisgah National forest?


Camping is allowed anywhere on National Forest property, except within 500′ of a road or in a designated closed area

. Good campsites can be found along many trails in the area, especially those in the South Mills River section, for possible backpacking loops.

Can you camp in Pisgah National forest?


The National Forests in North Carolina have a policy which allows for campers to occupy a roadside campsite for a maximum of 14 days out of a 30 day period

.

Can you car camp in Pisgah National forest?

Within the Pisgah Ranger District

there are 65 disbursed roadside camping sites that are available on a first come – first serve basis

. These campsites are located alongside gravel roads throughout the district and include a parking area, tent pad, and fire ring. Toilet facilities and drinking water are not available.

How long should you spend at Chimney Rock?

Depending on how many of the trails you do and whether you go all the way to the summit of Chimney Rock, plan on spending anywhere from

one to four hours

. I highly recommend including the waterfalls in your hike!

How long does it take to do Chimney Rock?

For the average adult, it takes about

25 minutes

to walk up the 499-step Outcroppings trail to reach the Chimney.

Is Chimney Rock privately owned?

At that time,

the Chimney Rock Access was owned by a private company

. On May 21, 2007, the 1000-acre Chimney Rock Park was purchased by the state of North Carolina for $24 million from the Morse family, and Hickory Nut Gorge State Park became Chimney Rock State Park.

Can you car camp in North Carolina?

If you want car camping with a bit of solitude,

look for a spot on Forest Road 1206, more commonly known as Yellow Gap Road

. The Yellow Gap winds from the North Mills River Recreation Area to the Davidson River Recreation Area, connecting two of the most popular recreation destinations in North Carolina.

Where can you overland in North Carolina?

  • Brown Mountain Trail System.
  • Daniel TR 390.
  • Badin Lake Complex.
  • Musterground Trail.
  • Wash Creek Road.
  • Bent Creek Road.
  • Rockhouse Creek Road.
  • Jocassee Gorges.

What is the meaning of Boondocking?

Sometimes referred to as “dry camping,” boondocking is

any time you camp in your RV without water, sewer, or electrical connections

. That can take the form of parking your rig deep in the backcountry or pulling over at a highway rest stop.

Is Chimney Rock a hard hike?

Chimney Rock reaches a maximum elevation of 1419 ft and Wolf Rock has an elevation of 1401 ft.

This loop is the most strenuous trail in our park as the trail is steep, narrow and at times can be slippery

. The actual trail at times can be hard to identify so follow the map closely.

Is the elevator working at Chimney Rock?

After a long and slow recovery process,

Chimney Rock’s elevator is once again fully operational and available for public use

.

How long are the trails at Chimney Rock State Park?

Rumbling Bald Trail: This

1.5-mile

loop trail in Chimney Rock State Park has a separate parking area about 2 miles from the main Chimney Rock entrance.

Is Lake Lure nice?

If near in Western North Carolina, Lake Lure is

definitely worth a side trip

. Lovely, quaint with friendly people and not a great deal of activities or retail, but awesome views.

Is Chimney Rock State Park worth it?


Much safer than 10 years ago

. There is an admission fee to this spectacular rock structure but they invest the money into improvements. Went here 10 years ago prior to children and the improvements they made are impressive. But plan on climbing some stairs to appreciate the spectacular views.

What is the historical significance of Chimney Rock?


During 1800’s, Chimney Rock served as the most noted landmark along the Oregon, California and Mormon Trails

. As the emigrants passed by this rock, most of them noted in their diaries or journals that they were glad to see that they are going the right direction and it spired to the heavens.

Can you drink alcohol in Pisgah National forest?


Picnicking and drinking alcohol are prohibited

.

Where can I camp for free in Pisgah National forest?

To limit impact, dispersed camping is only allowed at designated sites in these areas on the Pisgah National Forest: Pisgah Ranger District along the following corridors: Cathy’s Creek, Courthouse Creek, Wash Creek, Headwaters, Yellow Gap and Avery Creek; in corridors along Big Ivy Road, Cold Springs Creek and River …

Is there any BLM land in North Carolina?


Boondocking is legal across North Carolina at several designated areas within the Croatan, Nantahala, Pisgah, and Uwharrie National Forests

. As long as you do not encamp near trailheads and follow all regulations related to fire safety (especially in summer), you’re usually good to go.

Is Wilson Creek NC Open?

Operational Hours: Open daily during the season Restroom: Flush Operated By: Caldwell County, NC
Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.