Pisgah National Forest
Waterfalls, balds and endless hardwoods make Pisgah a hammock playground near Asheville. Check the current camping orders before you go and bring a bear canister for the high country.
Yes in many areas, but camping is banned at Graveyard Fields and limited to designated sites in parts of the Pisgah Ranger District.
- Camping is prohibited in the Graveyard Fields vicinity.
- On the Pisgah Ranger District, a current order limits camping to designated sites and bans camping within 1,000 feet of open roads. Check whether the order has been renewed.
- Bear resistant canisters are required for overnight camping at Graveyard Fields vicinity, Shining Rock Wilderness, Black Balsam and Sam's Knob areas.
- We found no hammock specific rule from the Forest Service. Use wide, tree friendly straps.
Rules change. Confirm with the land manager or campground host before you hang.
Hammockability breakdown
Ticks and gnats in spring and summer. Higher balds are breezier with fewer bugs.
Humid summers with afternoon storms. High elevations get cold and windy fast.
- Art Loeb Trail
- Looking Glass Rock Trail
- Black Balsam Knob via Art Loeb Trail
- Davidson River Campground
- Lake Powhatan Recreation Area
- North Mills River Campground
What to bring
Gear picks that suit a hang at Pisgah National Forest.
If you like Pisgah National Forest, try
Likely yes, since campsites list hammocks as permitted equipment, but the park has no published hammock rule, so use wide straps and stay inside your site.
Yes, hammocks are officially permitted as long as you use straps that do not damage the trees.
Yes, hammocks are allowed in campsites and designated backcountry sites with tree saver straps, but never in or on shelters.