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Blue Ridge Pkwy/Crabtree Falls
Overview
Crabtree Falls Campground, situated at Milepost 339.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offers a quintessential mountain camping experience. This National Park Service facility is nestled in the lush forests of the Black Mountains near Little Switzerland, NC. It provides a rustic retreat for travelers seeking to disconnect from the digital world and immerse themselves in the Appalachian wilderness. The park operates seasonally, typically from late spring through the vibrant fall color change.
Location & Surroundings
The campground sits at a high elevation, providing cool summer temperatures and a dense canopy of hardwoods and rhododendrons. Its position near the village of Little Switzerland makes it a convenient base for exploring the central section of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The surrounding terrain is rugged and steep, characterized by the dramatic slopes of the Blue Ridge Escarpment and the nearby Crabtree Falls trail, which leads to a spectacular 70-foot waterfall.
Amenities & Park Features
As a traditional NPS facility, Crabtree Falls focuses on the natural environment rather than luxury conveniences. RVers should note there are no hookups available, so being self-contained is essential. Park features include:
- Paved back-in sites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings.
- Access to centralized flush toilets and potable water spigots.
- An on-site dump station located near the entrance for convenience.
The campground layout is wooded, offering significant privacy between most sites.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw is the 2.5-mile loop trail to the waterfall, accessible directly from the campground loops. Just a short drive away, the charming village of Little Switzerland offers unique shopping, dining, and the famous Switzerland Inn. To the north, travelers can explore the wonders of Linville Falls and the Linville Caverns. For those chasing high-altitude views, Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi, is a short journey south.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for self-sufficient RVers who prioritize scenery and hiking over resort-style amenities. It is a perfect fit for smaller rigs and camper vans that can easily navigate the winding parkway and tighter campground loops. If you enjoy stargazing and quiet evenings by the fire without the hum of heavy electronics, this location will resonate. It is best for those looking to experience the authentic, rugged beauty of North Carolina’s mountains.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Carrie Baker
Beautiful hike with an incredible waterfall at the end. The trail is moderate and the view of Crabtree Falls is absolutely worth it.
Andrew Gomez
Fairly moderate hike to get to the falls. What a place to get lost in nature. A little difficult for a dog. Totally worth the drive.
trent wallace
Roads gone. Trail is blocked . Blue ridge apocalypse but waterfalls is still there. 8 miles in and out. Lots of patience hiking
Spencer Thompson
An absolutely beautiful experience that I hope to have again someday soon. The trail itself is magnificent and a really good hike. The waterfall makes you want to spend all day there exploring the surrounding areas and seeing all the incredible sights and wildlife and fauna.
Ron J. Miller
Crabtree Falls is wonderful and one of the more dramatic falls in this area with about a 150 foot drop. The trail to get there is not long, but can be challenging with many roots, rocks a steep decline and three steep sets of stone stairs which have sturdy railings. I have done this hike about a dozen times always as a loop. It's about a half a mile longer, but easier coming back up and out. Going in bear to the right and take the shorter way down to the base of the falls.