Gorges State Park
00 review976 Grassy Ridge RD, Sapphire, North Carolina, 28774, United States
Gorges State Park
$25.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Fees range depending on the type of site. Tent sites are generally lower cost, while cabins and full-hookup RV sites are on the higher end. There is an additional fee for firewood purchase on-site.
About this campground
Nestled in North Carolina's rugged mountain wilderness, Gorges State Park welcomes adventurers with pristine camping facilities that blend modern comfort with untamed nature. Choose from traditional tent sites beneath towering hardwoods, fully-equipped RV sites with all the amenities, or cozy rental cabins perfect for those seeking a rustic retreat. The park's crown jewels—the thundering Rainbow Falls and the mesmerizing Turtleback Falls—await discovery along meticulously maintained trails that wind through this spectacular landscape.
The campground accommodates various camping styles, including tent, RV, and cabin lodging. There is also a primitive campground accessible via a 3/4-mile hike.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal tapestry of the Southern Appalachians, where crisp winter mornings often greet campers with frost-kissed landscapes and temperatures dipping below freezing. As spring unfolds, the mountains burst with life before summer arrives with comfortable highs near 79°F and that distinctive mountain humidity. Rain showers dance across the peaks throughout the year, creating the very waterfalls that make this park legendary—so pack your rain gear and embrace the mountain's moods.
ElevationPerched high in the ancient Appalachian Mountains, the campground offers visitors a true highland experience where the air is crisp and the views stretch endlessly across ridgelines and valleys.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a verdant mountain sanctuary where ancient forests create a living cathedral of green. Cascading waterfalls carve their way through dramatic gorges, while spring wildflowers paint the understory in brilliant splashes of color. The terrain rises and falls in dramatic sweeps, offering heart-pumping climbs rewarded with breathtaking vistas. Keep your eyes peeled for the park's diverse wildlife, including the occasional timber rattlesnake sunning on rocky outcrops—a reminder that this is truly wild country.
Geological RegionDiscover the untamed beauty of North Carolina's mountainous West District, where millions of years of geological forces have sculpted a landscape of stunning contrasts. Here, lush temperate rainforests cloak ancient peaks, crystal-clear streams tumble over exposed bedrock to create spectacular waterfalls, and hiking trails traverse some of the most biodiverse terrain in the Southeast.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific details on accessibility features are provided in the authoritative content or user reviews. A Ranger Station is available on-site.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as 'spacious' in multiple user reviews. RV sites are noted as 'luxuriously big' with concrete pads and space for vehicles and activities.
Sites PrivacyMixed reviews exist regarding privacy. One user noted, 'The sites are a decent size and you don't feel like you are on top of your neighbors,' while another stated, 'Some of the tent sites are very close together, some even share a parking pad, with no trees separating the sites.'
Total Campsites73 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites 1-8 have proximity challenges to comfort stations; RV sites are recommended for their convenience.
Best CampsitesRV sites with full hookups are highly praised for their spaciousness and amenities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Camping is allowed in designated areas by permit only.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 6 people per site is allowed.
Groups
No group site details are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutFamily Campground includes tent sites, RV sites, cabins, and group facilities such as classrooms and auditoriums.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made for all campsites, but specific platforms (e.g., websites or phone numbers) are not detailed.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability information is null.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled, but specific penalty details are not provided.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Gorges State Park offers a range of outdoor activities focused on hiking and exploring. The proximity to scenic waterfalls, such as Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls, makes it a popular destination. User reviews consistently praise the hiking trails, waterfalls, and the peaceful environment.
Hiking
The park has several trails, including a 4-mile round trip hike to Rainbow Falls. This hike is described as 'tough but worth it’ by one 70-year-old reviewer. Another user noted, 'Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls are more than worth the trek.'Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is implied in the serene, natural environment of the park. However, no specific wildlife species are highlighted in the reviews or authoritative content.Cultural and Educational Programs
The Visitor's Center features educational exhibits and displays. One review noted, 'I enjoyed the displays at the Visitor's Center, and the views from there are amazing.'Winter Activities
No specific references to winter activities are mentioned in either user reviews or official content.Water Sports
No opportunities for water sports such as kayaking or canoeing are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are only permitted in designated fire rings and must be attended at all times.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife such as timber rattlesnakes and rugged terrain pose risks. Water crossings during hikes may get feet wet.
Active alertsNo current alerts provided.
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 55%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 10.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
The nearest emergency service is likely the ranger station within the park, but details regarding hospitals and police stations are null.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season dates are not specified.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available on site, but recycling is not explicitly mentioned. One user review highlighted, 'There’s recycling here which is a hard thing to find often at state parks.'
Proximity to water featuresThe park is near notable waterfalls such as Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include limited shade in the tent camping area, long walks to comfort stations, and high firewood prices.
HostCampground hosts are noted as friendly and knowledgeable, ensuring smooth operations.
Campground Map
976 Grassy Ridge RD, Sapphire, North Carolina, 28774, United States
Driving directions.7 miles south on Hwy 281S from Hwy 64 in Sapphire, NC.
Access involves paved roads, but the entrance to the campground is situated deep within the park, requiring a drive over a long and winding road.Nearby places
: null
Nearby supplies
Firewood is available for purchase on-site, but visitors have noted that grocery stores and other supplies are remote from the park.
Camper Reviews
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0 reviews
Gorges State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives overwhelmingly positive reviews for its cleanliness, spacious sites, and new facilities. Several users praise the modern bathrooms and RV accommodations. There are some concerns about lack of shade and privacy in the tent areas.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
User reviews highlight the clean, spacious campsites and modern amenities, including 'luxuriously big' RV sites and 'phenomenal' bathrooms. The friendly and helpful staff, including park rangers,...
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Common Concerns
Complaints include limited shade and privacy at some tent sites, and the restriction on collecting fallen wood for fires. One user noted, 'None of the campsites have shade - all of the sites have...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing your own firewood to supplement what's sold on-site, as well as preparing for long hikes to reach attractions like Rainbow Falls.
Seasonal Insights
Autumn is noted as a particularly beautiful time to visit for foliage and cooler weather, as mentioned in several reviews.
Camper Quotes
- 'The bathrooms are shockingly nice, when you walk in it feels like you’re walking into a hotel bathroom.'
- 'The sites are spacious and bathrooms are clean.'
- 'Rainbow Falls is a longer hike (3.9...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific feedback highlights the spacious RV sites with full hookups as a standout feature. Tent sites are criticized for their lack of shade and privacy.
Accessibility Features
No specific feedback on accessibility features was provided.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed in the park, but one review reminded visitors that pets must stay on a leash no longer than six feet and be confined to the owner's tent overnight.
Last updated August 10, 2025