Camping in the High Country

BY CARLI JOHNSON

After spending a beautiful day in the High Country, visitors can continue to enjoy the scenery in the moonlight by staying at one of the many campgrounds in the region. Imagine sitting around a campfire with the cool evening air rolling in as the sun sets. The stars creep in, marshmallows roasting, flashlights flicker to find more firewood. There is nothing quite like a night under the stars in the High Country.

Whether campers are packing their gear into the backcountry or pulling their car into a campsite near the lake, the region offers many different camping experiences.

Linville Falls Campground

At Milepost 316.3 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, this campground is central to the Linville Gorge Wilderness. Often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the East, Linville Gorge is formed by the Jonas Ridge on the east and Linville mountains on the west and is bisected by the Linville River. The river drops 2,000 feet into the valley below, creating steep and rugged terrain. Visitors have the opportunity to climb above the treetops for magnificent views or hike down to the waterfalls.

Linville Gorge wilderness offers both backcountry camping as well as RV/car camping. For more information call (828) 765-7818 or visit www.linvillefalls.com.

Buck Hill Campground

Buck Hill has been family owned and operated for more than 50 years.

Nestled in a tranquil valley on 144 acres of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the North Toe River flows through the campground where campers can enjoy a lazy ride down the river or spend the day fishing. If campers are looking for a little more luxury, Buck Hill also has tiny home cabins with full kitchens, bathrooms and more primitive cabins that have electricity but no running water. Call (828) 766-6162 or visit www. buckhillrvcampground.com.