Camping in Graveyard Fields, NC

The Blue Ridge Parkway cuts a scenic path through Pisgah National Forest, providing access to dozens of campgrounds, hiking trails and picnic areas. The high mountain valley known as Graveyard Fields is one of the most attractive hiking spots along the parkway, with miles of trails that meander through dense forests and open meadows. Several camping options are available in the area, ranging from developed RV campgrounds to backcountry tent sites.

  1. Hiking the Graveyard Fields Trail

    • The Graveyard Fields Trail is a 3.2-mile loop that begins at milepost 418.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The trail covers easy terrain and leads to two waterfalls, making it a common stop for travelers along the parkway. Blue trail markers on the trees point the way, and several spur trails offer the option of a longer hike. Several theories exist about how Graveyard Fields got its name, including logging or windstorms that fell trees, leaving fields of stumps that resembled gravestones. Whatever the case may be, the wildfires that swept through the area in the early 1900s removed all traces of anything resembling a graveyard, and partially transformed the landscape from one of dense pine forest to open meadows and gradually recovering woodland. No campground facilities are available at Graveyard Fields, but as with most places in Pisgah National Forest, backcountry tent camping is permitted.

    Backcountry Tent Camping

    • Backcountry camping allows visitors to Graveyard Fields and other areas all over Pisgah National Forest to hike into the woods and camp at just about any suitable site. A few restrictions are in place -- you must steer clear of developed recreation areas and camp at least one-quarter mile from any road or parking lot -- but most of the forest is fair game. You can access the backcountry along hiking trails, including the Graveyard Fields Trail, and spend the night under the stars. No amenities are provided, so you are responsible for carrying all necessary supplies with you, including food and water. Remember that you share the wilderness with wildlife, including black bears.

    Camping On the Parkway

    • The Mount Pisgah Campground is the closest developed camping facility to Graveyard Fields. At milepost 408.6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the campground is about 20 minutes from Graveyard Fields and includes 70 tent campsites and 70 RV sites. No hookups are provided, but each campsite includes a picnic table, campfire ring and access to modern restrooms and showers. Densely wooded and perched at an elevation of 4,980 feet, the Mount Pisgah Campground is the highest campground along the Blue Ridge Parkway and one of the most secluded. The campground is open from March to October, and online reservations are available through Reserve America.

    Davidson River Campground

    • One of many Forest Service campgrounds scattered throughout Pisgah National Forest, the Davidson River Campground is about 30 minutes from Graveyard Fields. The campground includes 161 campsites, all of which are open to both tents and RVs. Sites with electricity are available, and some sites can accommodate motor homes up to 45 feet. Modern restrooms and showers are open to all campers, and each site includes a campfire ring and picnic table. The campground overlooks the banks of the Davidson River, a productive trout stream, and waterfront sites are available. The Davidson River Campground is open year-round, and you can reserve a campsite online through Reserve America. The Forest Service also operates the primitive Sunburst and North Mills River campgrounds, each of which is within an hour of Graveyard Fields.