Coulda sworn there were old threads on this...only one about the fire from the search.

I know I went out there a really long time ago, and stayed a campground with a good lookout over a cliff. Not a whole lot of info as to whether this place is actually it or even has a view of the falls so maybe someone could offer any insight or suggestions for where to camp out there.

http://www.recreation.gov/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=74042

8/2/2010 3:39:26 PM

My girlfriend is from Spruce Pine which is right near there. We went out to the gorge the last time we went up to see her family. Not sure about campgrounds around there though

8/2/2010 3:40:49 PM

Are you looking for a campground? or looking for a campsite in the gorge (ie backpacking)?

I know that you can also find campsites on the side of the Forest Service roads along each rim of the gorge if you were looking to do some car camping.

8/2/2010 3:50:38 PM

just did 12 miles in linville back in late march

8/2/2010 4:00:56 PM

When I did the Gorge, we car-camped on the upper edge of the Gorge, then did about a 13-mile day hike into the gorge, down the river, and then back out.

'Twas fucking amazing. One of the best hikes in North Carolina if you ask me.

I like the day hiking option because all you bring with you is water, food and a knife. Fishing pole too if you're an angler.

8/2/2010 4:03:14 PM

I don't remember exactly where, but I used to stay at some campground that was a short walk from some good climbing spots, and there was some really fun bouldering right down from the parking lot. Anyone familiar with the area who climbs should know what I'm talking about. Sorry I'm not much help.

8/2/2010 4:04:17 PM

We're looking for a car camping site...this mountains excursion is mostly going to be a road trip for my gf whose been begging to see as much as possible during our time off even though we both like backpacking. Raleigh->Linville->bryson city for white water "kayak"->asheville b/c woman wants to see it -> Cashiers, NC for waterfall sights -> chimney rock -> Carowinds for kicks and giggles -> home (raleigh). So if anyone's got suggestions for those places (and we are willing to deviate from the plan) clue me in.

I'm quite jealous of quagmire's trip and would love to do that in the future...you got a trail name or two so I can check out the map next time I'm in REI?

Terd - If you know of a particular service road with a view, would you mind letting me know?

From what I can tell, most people park on the East side to start hikes and look out over the ridge. Anyone ever notice a gate on this place...we'd like to go out there at night for some star gazing.

8/2/2010 9:36:20 PM

I guess by Forest Rd I meant Kistler Memorial Highway (Its showing up as old NC 105 on google maps?) But its the road that runs along the western rim. There are just some pull-offs on it that you can camp at and I think its first come - first served. I think some may have some decent views. If your hiking down that side of the trail I recommend Babel Tower.

8/2/2010 10:12:30 PM

http://www.linvillegorge.net/linvillewaypointmap.html

Here's a good map. We entered at Devil's Hole, followed the Gorge Trail, and then hiked up and out at Spence Ridge Trail Head. There are a bunch of places to camp, just off the mountain road, right around Spence Ridge Trail Head. This is also fairly close (driving distance) to Table Rock, which is a short, two-hour roundtrip hike.

To camp in the Linville Gorge area:

Quote :

"Permits are required for camping only on weekends and holidays during the period May 1 through October 31. Permits will not be required during the period November 1 through April 30."

http://ncnatural.com/Resources/Adventure/Gorge/Camping.html

Hope that helps. I'm going to have to go back soon, so these resources were a good reminder.

8/3/2010 9:18:06 AM

Sweet! Thanks for all the help!

8/3/2010 11:16:34 AM