Mile High Campground

We arrived two days ago and it was chilly. Beautiful sunset that we could sit and watch by our campfire. It’s late June and it gets bloody cold every night. Plan to stay warm. I met the owner and camp host. They were awesomely cool. This campground is primitive. If that’s not your thing you might not be happy. If you like it a little primitive and beautiful then this is your place. We bought a little buddy heater for our tent and since have really enjoyed this place. It’s on my list of best tent sites in the world.

We decided to try this campground because of its elevation of 5400 feet, which makes for coolness even in August. We arrived and quickly got to our site. The hosts are very friendly and helpful. We bought firewood and it was delivered to our site for us. No ice on site, so come prepared. The campground is a bit rustic, with plywood toilet and shower buildings, but the facilities were relatively clean. The sites are wooded with some having spectacular views. We were told that these sites often book a year in advance. Most sites are well separated and the woods offer shade and some privacy.

The Mountains to Sea Trail passes through the campground, and other hiking trails in the Balsam area of the Smokies are a short drive away. We most enjoyed the remoteness and the chance to just relax at the campground. There was occasional noise from someone’s generator but they have restrictions on using these after 7:00. Overall it was very quiet. There are no hookups but it accommodates smaller RVs. We saw a couple of 5th wheels as well.

We’ve already booked a site with a view for next year and look forward to returning.

At first we didn't know what we were getting into. It was remote and rustic. Maneuvering was very tight up on that hill. Rustic is a great word to describe this campground. The toilets were flush,and both the toilets and showers were in sort of plywood shacks. Our site was very private, and had a view. Being the last site available, it was not the best view. The camp host and owner were very accommodating. We learned to appreciate the beauty, coolness, and peacefulness around. We plan to stay longer next time.

Mile high campground sits atop a ridge at 5400' giving you cool days even in the summer.
No hookups but has flush toilets and a hot shower house. You can fill your domestic water tank up at faucets throughout the campground. The upper loop sites all have a view, sites 21,22,23,tt,too have the best views. Elk show up at the field in front of the office. Access for trailers and small rv's. The owner and camphost are a pleasure to deal with. Best cell reception at office. Bathrooms and shower house are more or less a shack, not very clean but usable. It has been known to snow in July here so bring some warm clothing and a rain jacket. Its about 20 minutes from Maggie Valley which has most things you'll need.