You’re never too old to enjoy marshmallows toasted over an open flame and shack up with a group of friends in the middle of the woods.
That’s the theme of Summer Camp, a comedy filmed in the Asheville area, out in theaters May 31. The star-studded cast—which includes Diane Keaton, Kathy Bates, Alfre Woodard and Eugene Levy—return to a sleepaway camp of their youth, to varying degrees of enthusiasm, and confront how aging has tarnished their connection to the great outdoors and themselves.
The Western North Carolina region has a storied summer camp tradition, owing to its unparalleled beauty and access to numerous outdoor experiences. Producer Dori Rath researched more than 200 summer camps across the US out of about 14,500 total, before selecting a site to film in the Blue Ridge Mountains. With national and state parks everywhere you turn, serene waterways like the ancient French Broad River and thousands of miles of hiking and biking trails that start in the city and lead to unforgettable adventure, it's no wonder why Hollywood comes a-calling when they need the perfect summer camp backdrop.
Whether you’re fueled by nostalgia or FOMO, Asheville is the premiere destination for fashioning your own summer camp experience. Choose your own adventure, from a luxe glamping getaway to rugged, backcountry retreats. Khakis, friendship bracelets and bucket hats optional. (Or, If you're looking for summer camps to send your kids to, check out this list with some of our favorites.)
Camp Thrills
For some, the best part of summer camp was the invitation to get out of your comfort zone. These places should help scratch that itch.
Sliding Rock: There’s nothing like the rush of sliding down a 60-foot, all-natural water slide in the heart of Pisgah National Forest. With the water anywhere between 50-60 degrees, it’s a perfect way to cool off after a long hike, and with two observation decks, a fun place to watch others take the plunge.
Adventure Center of Asheville: Whether you’re looking to zipline, mountain bike, test your metal in an off-road vehicle or play among the trees on an obstacle course, the Adventure Center of Asheville – just five minutes from downtown – is the perfect place for you.
Navitat Canopy Adventures: Become immersed in nature as you race across the Blue Ridge Mountains on ziplines that stretch more than 3,600 feet and sit 350 feet above the forest floor. Yes, that’s higher than the Statue of Liberty! You can also do it at night, if you’re looking to invite a little spooky to your adventure.
Water You Waiting For!
There was nothing better than spending long camp afternoons in a beautiful body of water. Whether it’s swimming, canoeing or simply getting some Vitamin D, these are some great places to enjoy the day.
French Broad River: There’s so many possibilities when playing on the third oldest river in the world. You can float in a tube with Zen Tubing or try a stand up paddleboard with Wai Mauna Asheville SUP Tours. Canoes and kayaks are often seen on the river, and enjoying a refreshing swim near the shore is always encouraged. You can rent both at French Broad Outfitters The river, which runs south to north through Asheville, has several different access points and plenty of rental places for your water adventure needs.
DuPont State Recreational Forest: Less than an hour’s drive south of Asheville between Hendersonville and Brevard, DuPont has a plethora of great swimming spots. Hooker Falls consists of a wide, gorgeous 12-foot drop. Below that drop there’s a refreshing swimming hole that’s especially popular during the summer due to its easy access. Several lakes in the Forest are also popular destinations for swimming, including Fawn Lake and the sprawling 100-acre Lake Julia. The 2.5 mile hike is a fairly easy walk and definitely worth the effort.
Whaleback Swimming Hole: Just 5.5 miles from Sliding Rock in the Pisgah National Forest, lies this secluded swimming hole. It’s a perfect place for a nice dip before heading out to either Cove Creek Falls or hiking to Looking Glass Rock.
Bonus: Check out Lake Julian Park in South Asheville for some paddle boat fun! Paddle boats can be rented by the hour or half hour.
Hike More, Worry Less
Some of the best summer camp memories were attached with a great hike, and for some reason, the most delicious sandwich ever when you got to the end. Here are some trails to help relive that fun.
Craggy Gardens Pinnacle: This short hike leads to a big payoff with 360-degree, postcard perfect views at the summit. Craggy Pinnacle at Craggy Gardens is an iconic Asheville adventure that is relatively close to town. In addition to long-range views, you’ll see dramatic rock formations. This trail is also one of the best places to see the stunning pink rhododendron blooms which typically appear in late May/early June.
Deep Gap Trail: Hike from the highest peak east of the Mississippi River (Mount Mitchell, 6684 feet) to the second highest one (Mount Craig, 6647 feet). On the ridge line of these giants of the Black Mountains, you might find yourself above the clouds. The hike begins at Mount Mitchell State Park, one of the first state parks in the U.S.
Big Butt Trail: Your inner camper might giggle at the name, but this trail will offer a real challenge with great rewards. The 4.8 mile round trip has some solid elevation gain and incredible views of the Pisgah National Forest and Blue Ridge Mountains.
Bonus: Check out some of the trails in Montreat, right outside of lovely Black Mountain. Trails like Graybeard Trail and Lookout Trail offer impressive views of the surrounding peaks of the Seven Sisters, and with plenty of picnic potential, give off some great summer camp vibes! You can also use our hike finder tool to find the best hiking experience for you.
Camp Cuisine
We'll skip the mess hall mystery meat, but we'll keep the smell of a campfire, the adventure of foraging for our own food, and, of course, the iconic s'more.
Forestry Camp: Burial Beer Company's pays homage to our camping legacy through their second Asheville location located on the historic grounds of a former Civilian Conservation Corps property. Enjoy a kitchen menu fueled by local ingredients, a killer cocktail list, and 24 Burial taps.
Asheville Proper: This unique live-fire dining experience prepares locally sourced food over a custom hardwood-fueled grill where wood crackles and sparks fly through smoke—an atmosphere sure to ignite memories of communal dining and outdoor adventures.
No Taste Like Home: Rekindle your camplike sense of adventure and exploration by foraging for wild edibles on a forage-to-table tour! You’ll discover at least a dozen wild edibles, which can include mushrooms, greens, fruits, roots, berries, flowers, nuts, and more, and then gather together to cook up a tasting with your foraged finds.
Crave Dessert Bar: This decadent dessert bar in downtown Asheville has tabletop s’mores on the menu, which includes a mini firepit brought to your table to help you get that marshmallow to the perfect level of crispy gooey goodness.
Glamp It Up
Let's be honest, our backs aren't what they used to be. Those hard bunks or sleeping on the ground may have been the worst part of camp. Instead, why not sleep in style?
Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins: This urban cabin campground right on the French Broad River Greenway in West Asheville has 16 cabins built into the landscape giving guests easy access to the outdoors and the best parts of Asheville. The communal River Lodge anchors the property as a place to eat, drink, gather and shop.
Earth and Sky Dwellings: Ever wanted to sleep a night in a Hobbit hole or literally slide into a living room that resembles something out of Harry Potter? Couple that with the magnificent views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and you've got yourself a memorable evening!
Pisgah Glamping: Looking for a way to experience nature and camping while maintaining some of the comforts of home? Pisgah Glamping at Lake Powhatan allows you to sleep comfortably on a queen-sized bed while being able to step outside and access the 6,000-acre Bent Creek Experimental Forest and trail system.
Camp Fashion
If you're going to relive your camp days, you better look the part. Here's some great Asheville stores that can help gear up for outdoor adventures.
Second Gear: This outdoor gear consignment shop, located in the River Arts District, houses both used and new gear with an inventory that is constantly changing. From hiking, biking, camping, climbing or paddling, Second Gear has the gear you need at an affordable price.
Tops for Shoes: A great place for all of your outdoor shoe needs, Tops for Shoes, located in the heart of downtown Asheville, has been a shopping destination for over 50 years.
Diamond Brand: Diamond Brand Outdoors in Downtown Asheville is an adventure boutique offering top outdoor products and unique expertise about the Asheville area. They offer outdoor apparel, shoes and gear for camping, hiking, paddling, running, and general lifestyle. They also offer guided hikes and paddling trips.
