Camping
Park Maps and Brochures:
Upcoming Events:
On June 27, Duke Energy will begin repairing the Toxaway River pedestrian bridge located on the Foothills Trail between the Laurel Fork and Cane Brake trail heads. While the upgrades and repairs are underway, the bridge may experience temporary closures during daylight hours. Known full day (approx. 8am – 4pm) bridge closures will be posted below. Additionally, the bridge will be limited to no more than 20 people crossing at one time. The upgrades and repairs to the bridge are scheduled to be complete by the end of September.
Last updated on: Thursday, June 27, 2019A section of the Auger Hole trail is closed to all traffic until further notice due to a massive landslide that has taken out all access not only to the public but to park staff.
The Auger Hole is open from the parking lot at Frozen Creek Entrance to where the Wintergreen trail breaks off Auger Hole Trail to the right. From that point on to Turkeypen Gap, the trail is closed and will remain closed until the trail is fixed.
The trail closure will be lengthy as park staff are evaluating and developing options to resolve the closure. For more information or updates call the park office at (828) 966-9099.
Last updated on: Thursday, May 9, 2019
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT AMENITIES:
Not all campsites have identical amenities. Read the campsite information on the reservations website to see photos of campsites; check availability and fees; find out whether a specific site is wheelchair accessible, has access to water, bathouses or pit toilets, or has electric hookup; and learn other important information.
Backpack camping
Gorges State Park offers primitive backcountry camping in a spectacular natural environment. A favorite park for backpackers who are looking to get away from the beaten trail, campers will find solitude after the strenuous hike.
Primitive camping is available from the Frozen Creek Access Area and the Grassy Ridge Access Area. There are six designated backpack sites along the Foothills Trail near the southern boundary of Gorges State Park. These sites are free of charge and are available on a first-come-first-served basis. They are not reservable. Access to the Foothills Trail at Gorges State Park is at the Frozen Creek parking lot. Follow the square yellow markers on the Cane Brake Trail.
Primitive camping can also be found at Raymond Fisher Campground. There are eight designated sites with fire rings, picnic tables and lantern hooks. A pit privy is also available. Access to the Raymond Fisher Camp Area is at the Grassy Ridge parking lot. Follow the blue circle markers on the Raymond Fisher Trail for 1.5 miles. While camping, visitors can enjoy the scenery and peaceful nature of the small Ray Fisher pond located within the camping area. These sites are available only by reservation (with a fee).
NOTE – Gate access for campers:
Park gates are closed and locked at posted closing times for your protection. There will be no exiting or entering the gates after the closing time. All visitors who are not spending the night need to be out by closing time. If you leave the park and do not return before closing time, you will not be able to re-enter. Check with the park office during office hours for the after-hours emergency phone number.
976 Grassy Ridge Road
Sapphire, NC 28774
828-966-9099
gorges@ncparks.gov
GPS: 35.096000, -82.951000
General Park Hours
7am to 9pm
Picnic Areas
8am to 7:30pm
Visitor Center
Monday - Sunday
9am to 5pm