1000 x 90

Number of Permitted Users Limited for Weekend Camping in Linville Gorge; 50 Users Per Night

By Randy Johnson

Photo by Randy Johnson

June 21, 2012. As the summer starts, the U.S. Forest Service’s Grandfather Ranger District is reminding visitors that a limited number of overnight campers are allowed for weekend camping in the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area of Pisgah National Forest. A total of 50 users per night can be permitted for weekend camping.

Those weekend campers must also have a permit for Friday and Saturday nights and on holidays from May 1 through October 31. Permits are not required for Sunday night camping, except when the following Monday is a holiday. All campers are limited to a two-night and three-day stay at Linville Gorge.

No permit is needed for weekday camping. No permit is required for day use, Forest Service jargon for taking a day hike into the Gorge to fish or explore.

Forest Service rangers will be in the gorge throughout the summer checking for compliance with permit requirements. 

To get a permit, you can do so by mail or in person by visiting the district ranger’s office. Thirty-five camping permits per night can be issued at the office by reservation or walk-in. For office permits, contact Grandfather Ranger District, 109 East Lawing Drive, Nebo, N.C. 28761, phone 828-652-2144. 

Another fifteen (15) camper per night can be issued by walk-in only at the Linville Gorge Information Cabin just a short distance down the Kistler Memorial Highway from NC 183 in the town of Linville Falls.