Sunburst Campground
4.3533 reviews8820 Lake Logan Road, Canton, NC 28716
Sunburst Campground
$13.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fees range from $13 to $25 depending on sites. Day-use fee is $2 per person. Firewood is available for $10 per bundle.
About this campground
Deep in the heart of Pisgah National Forest, where towering trees whisper stories of the past, Sunburst Campground awaits with 10 intimate primitive campsites. This former logging camp has transformed into a sanctuary for modern adventurers, where the melodic flow of the West Fork of the Pigeon River provides nature's soundtrack. Here, rustic charm meets untamed wilderness, creating the perfect escape for those seeking authentic outdoor experiences far from the digital world's constant hum.
Sunburst Campground provides primitive camping facilities suitable for tents and RVs without hookups. There are no group or luxury camping options.
Historical SignificanceWhere massive timber once thundered down mountain slopes, campers now find solitude among second-growth forests that tell a story of renewal. This former logging camp stands as a testament to the Pisgah National Forest's remarkable transformation from industrial exploitation to conservation triumph. The campground embodies the region's evolution, where the scars of the logging era have healed into trails that lead modern explorers through one of America's most celebrated conservation success stories.
Weather and SeasonsFrom spring's first wildflower blooms through autumn's grand finale of crimson and gold, Sunburst welcomes visitors with nature's ever-changing canvas. Summer days invite lazy afternoons by the river, though afternoon thunderstorms occasionally roll through the mountains, bringing dramatic skies and the fresh scent of rain-washed forest. As darkness falls, temperatures drop to create perfect sleeping weather under starlit skies. Autumn transforms the campground into a photographer's paradise, with crisp air and a kaleidoscope of fall colors painting the mountainsides.
ElevationPerched at 2,200 feet where mountain air stays crisp and clean, Sunburst Campground offers the perfect balance of accessibility and alpine atmosphere. This sweet-spot elevation delivers refreshingly cool evenings that make campfire gatherings essential and morning coffee taste exceptional. The moderate altitude provides relief from summer's heat without the challenges of high-elevation camping, creating an environment where both seasoned mountaineers and casual campers feel at home.
Natural Features and SceneryAncient hardwoods and evergreens create a living cathedral around each campsite, their canopy filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The West Fork of the Pigeon River meanders nearby, its crystal-clear waters offering quiet pools for reflection and gentle rapids that sing throughout the night. Mountain vistas peek through the trees, revealing layered ridgelines that fade into blue-hazed distances. This is nature's masterpiece, where every sunrise brings new discoveries and each sunset paints the sky in colors that defy description.
Geological RegionSunburst Campground sits within the ancient embrace of Pisgah National Forest, where the Appalachian Mountains showcase millions of years of geological artistry. The West Fork of the Pigeon River has carved its signature through valleys lined with weathered granite and metamorphic rock, creating a landscape of rushing waters, moss-covered boulders, and fertile forest floors. This is classic Southern Appalachian terrain, where biodiversity flourishes in one of the planet's oldest mountain ranges, offering campers a front-row seat to nature's timeless theater.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no specific mention of accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeSites include tent pads, but users note that tents need to be set up on gravel, which may require air mattresses for comfort.
Sites PrivacySeveral reviews mention that the campsites are close together, resulting in limited privacy. This proximity has led to occasional noise disruptions, as noted by Laura Ann Holland.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring an air mattress if tent camping due to gravel tent pads. Select sites further from the road for reduced noise.
Best CampsitesNo specific sites are highlighted as the best.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- First-come, first-served basis
- no specific check-in time stated.
Check-out
11:00 AM, as implied in user reviews referencing the check-out process.
Stay Limit
14 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not specified
Groups
No group camping facilities are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampground includes 10 sites with picnic tables, fire grilles, and lantern hooks. Sites are closely spaced and visible from the road.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from April 1 through October 15.
Reservation PlatformsCampground does not accept reservations; all sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. Campground may fill quickly during peak seasons.
Cancellation PolicyNot specified.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Sunburst Campground offers limited recreational activities, focusing on fishing in the nearby trout stream and swimming in a cold water hole upstream from the bridge. There are nearby hiking trails, and some reviews indicated opportunities for nature walks.
Hiking
No official trails are described within the campground. However, user reviews mention trails like the Middle Prong Wilderness trail and the Sam Knob Trailhead being accessible nearby. Amanda Brookshire noted the Middle Prong trail as fairly smooth and wide with various branches for exploration.Fishing
Trout fishing is highlighted as a key activity. User reviews describe good fishing spots near the river and tributaries. Patrick McCarthy noted the trout fishing, and T GA mentioned seeing many locals fishing.Swimming
A cold water swimming hole upstream from the bridge is mentioned by Jared Menard and Stephanie Warren, who also noted that the water remains cold even in August.Winter Activities
No winter activities, such as skiing or snowshoeing, are mentioned, likely due to the campground being closed during winter.Water Sports
Apart from swimming, no water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings. Firewood is available for purchase.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include nearby road traffic noise, the stream, and wildlife typical to Pisgah National Forest (such as black bears).
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 58%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are located in Canton, NC, approximately 16 miles northwest.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 1 through October 15
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal facilities are provided within the campground as noted in authoritative sources and user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located near the West Fork of the Pigeon River, with a swimming hole available upstream past the bridge.
Common complaintsSome visitors mentioned that campsites are close together, leading to reduced privacy. Occasional noise from motorcycles and other vehicles on the road is noted. Other complaints include lack of showers and tent pads being gravel-based.
HostCampground hosts Kim and Ronnie receive consistent praise for their friendliness and helpfulness. They assist campers with setup, provide useful items like utensils or tools, and maintain a clean and welcoming environment.
Campground Map
8820 Lake Logan Road, Canton, NC 28716
Driving directionsFrom Canton, NC, take State Rt. 215 south 16 miles to campground. Alternatively, take State Rt. 215 (milepost 423) from the Blue Ridge Parkway north 8.6 miles to campground.
Accessible via State Rt. 215, which is a National Scenic Byway. Campground is directly off the road; minor road noise may be present.Nearby places
Canton: 16 miles (approximately 25 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be obtained in Canton, NC, which is 16 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.4
33 reviews
Sunburst Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise Sunburst Campground for its cleanliness, relaxing ambiance, and excellent hosts, Kim and Ronnie. Common themes include the proximity to a trout stream, cold swimming holes, and nearby hiking trails. However, complaints about gravel tent pads, limited privacy, and no showers frequently arise.
Review Summaries
Based on 33 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews emphasize the helpfulness and friendliness of hosts Kim and Ronnie, the cleanliness of the campground and bathrooms, and the availability of fishing, swimming, and hiking nearby....
Based on 33 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common issues raised in reviews include gravel tent pads causing discomfort without air mattresses, close proximity of campsites leading to noise disruptions, lack of cell phone service, the absence...
Based on 33 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing air mattresses for tent camping due to gravel pads, visiting the swimming hole upstream for relaxation, and arriving early for first-come-first-serve site availability. A...
Based on 33 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews note that the campground has minimal traffic and noise during nighttime. However, water spigots are turned off after mid-October, limiting water access. Summer reviews frequently mention the...
Based on 33 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. "Camping and Trout fishing" - Patrick McCarthy
2. "The latrines were clean, trash receptacles were well serviced and the well water was clean" - Timothy T
3. "Firewood can be purchased. There is a...
Based on 33 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Reviews generally describe the campsites as close together with limited privacy. Laura Ann Holland noted noise disruptions from neighbors packing up early. Corporal Punish mentioned the sites are...
Based on 33 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 33 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically addressing pet policies or experiences are available.
Based on 33 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025