CAMPING & BOONDOCKING
Smoky Mountain River Ranch is a 95 acre working farm in the Smoky Mountains of western NC. Waynesville is our nearest city and Asheville is 20 miles to our east. Located one mile from Interstate 40, it is remarkable to be so accessible yet feel so remote.
Rolling pasture lands are flanked by a half mile of the Pigeon River. The rushing waters provide a cool setting and opportunities to fish, swim, tube, kayak and play! Eagles, deer, turkey, groundhogs, fireflies and ranch livestock are just a few of the animals you might experience here. Our fresh spring water is delicious and tested annually for safety.
1 ROCKS
Boondocking adjacent to the Pigeon River offers a captivating and refreshing setting. The lower shaded Walnut grove provides a cool setting in Summer. The upper level holds a large fire pit, fire ring with cooking grate, a table for four and a mix of sun and shade. The area is flat and suited for 5 cars and RV’s /Campers up to 30’ in length. It is accessed by a gravel road.
2 KNOLL
The Knoll campsite is a very large flat elevated plateau that overlooks the Pigeon River, site one Rocks and the hay field. It is easily accessible for any size RV or camper and offers ample space to turn around easily. The trees on the west side offer shade in the afternoons. The site has a small rock fire pit and picnic table for six. The area is flat and suited for 5 cars and RV’s and Campers of any length. It is accessed by a gravel road.
3 RAPIDS
The Rapids campsite is a ranch favorite pioised in a shaded Walnut grove above the rushing water of the Pigeon River. Ninve large boulder steps lead down to the site from a gravel road. A mix of sun and shade and instant access to fishing make for a great stay! The site has a pea gravel foundation, a small rock fire pit and picnic table for six. The area is flat and suited for 3 cars maximum or one or two vehicles with small overland trailers. It is accessed by a gravel road. In wet conditions we request you park up off the road.
4 SHOOTING
SHED
The Shooting Shed campsite is flanked by both the Pigeon River and Dawn Branch Creek. The site is in a grassy pasture just off a gravel road. It is easily accessible for two wheel drive vehicles. The open covered ‘shed’ offers shade and counter space. The site has a small rock fire pit but NO picnic table. The area is flat and suited for 5 cars and RV’s or Campers up to 24’ in length. It is accessed by a gravel road.
5 HEISMAN’S
Heisman’s site is named after our Blonde Mangalitsa boar and is a small dedicated pasture adjacent to Dawn Branch Creek. The site is in a grassy pasture just off a gravel road. It is easily accessible for two wheel drive vehicles. The site has a small rock fire pit and a picnic table for six. The area is flat and suited for 5 cars and RV’s or Campers up to 24’ in length. The creek is shallow with slow moving water making it suitable for young children.
6 CREEKSIDE
Creekside is upstream from Heisman’s site tucked into a bend in the Dawn Branch Creek. The site is a pea gravel foundation in a grassy pasture just off a gravel road. It is easily accessible for two wheel drive vehicles. The site has a small rock fire pit and a picnic table for six and offers a mix of sun and shade. The area is flat and suited for 5 cars and RV’s or Campers up to 24’ in length. The creek is shallow with slow moving water making it suitable for young children.
7 MEADOW
Meadow site is upstream from Creekside. It is a large dedicate meadow flanked by 200 yards of the Dawn Branch Creek to the north and a forested hill to the south. A neighboring cabin sits within sight to the west but does not impact the privacy of the setting. It is easily accessible for two wheel drive vehicles. The site has a small rock fire pit and a picnic table for six and offers a mix of sun and shade. The area is flat and suited for 5 cars and small overland trailers. The creek is shallow with slow moving water making it suitable for young children.
8 HILLTOP
The Hilltop is an elevated site in the northern corner of the ranch. The site has been leveled and offers sweeping mountain views. It has a small rock fire pit and no table or shade. It requires 4WD with all terrain tires (recommended) and can accommodate three vehicles on the leveled spot. Overland trailers work too! Guests at Lower Hilltop drive by Hilltop to access their campsite.
9 LOWER
HILLTOP
Lower Hilltop is below Hilltop. It is a grassy knob next to a tree withh long range views south. The site has a small rock fire pit and no shade. It can accommodate two vehicles and one small overland trailer. Some leveling may be required.
10 OVERLOOK
Overlook sits above a lovely four board fenced pasture with views of the miniature donkeys and river rapids beyond. The site has a small rock fire pit, no table or shade. It can accommodate many vehicles and most sized RVs or campers. Some leveling may be required.
