Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area - Image 1
1 / 3

Double Island Park

4.6
·427 reviews·Burnsville, United States

Escape to Double Island Park, where the South Toe River provides a scenic backdrop for camping, tubing, and riverside relaxation.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Cool water, fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area - Image 1

Double Island Park

Best Time

Summer mornings

Cool water, fewer crowds

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Escape to Double Island Park, where the South Toe River provides a scenic backdrop for camping, tubing, and riverside relaxation.

4.6
(427 reviews)

"The river was beautiful and a lot of fun to float."

Vertical photo
TIP

🏕️ Book Riverfront Sites Early

These popular spots fill up fast! Secure your slice of riverside paradise by booking in advance.

📱 Limited Cell Service

Expect spotty reception. Download maps and inform loved ones of your plans before you arrive.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

South Toe River Access

South Toe River Access

Main side of the campground

Enjoy the soothing sounds and refreshing waters of the South Toe River, perfect for tubing and swimming.

Scenic Campsites

Scenic Campsites

Various locations

Choose from sites along the river for stunning views or opt for the quieter back side for more privacy.

River Tubing Adventure

River Tubing Adventure

South Toe River

Rent tubes and float down the river, enjoying the scenic beauty and a fun-filled day.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Riverfront Camping Bliss

Dreaming of sleeping to the sound of rushing water? Many seek riverfront campsites, but spots can be competitive. Consider booking well in advance, especially for family trips. Some sites offer direct river access, while others require a short walk, so check descriptions carefully.

Campsite Comforts & Connectivity

While Double Island Park offers scenic beauty, be prepared for limited cell service. Bathrooms and showers are available, though showers may not be heated. Some tent sites might be uneven, so pack accordingly for a comfortable stay.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Cool water, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter river access
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

River camping

🏕️ Book Riverfront Sites Early

These popular spots fill up fast! Secure your slice of riverside paradise by booking in advance. Reddit

📱 Limited Cell Service

Expect spotty reception. Download maps and inform loved ones of your plans before you arrive. Reddit

reddit.com

Car camping near Asheville, NC

👟 Uneven Tent Sites

Some tent pads aren't perfectly flat. Bring extra padding or a good sleeping pad for comfort. Reddit

🥶 Unheated Showers

Showers are available but not heated. Be prepared for a brisk rinse, especially in cooler weather. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🏕️ Book Riverfront Sites Early

These popular spots fill up fast! Secure your slice of riverside paradise by booking in advance. Reddit

📱 Limited Cell Service

Expect spotty reception. Download maps and inform loved ones of your plans before you arrive. Reddit

👟 Uneven Tent Sites

Some tent pads aren't perfectly flat. Bring extra padding or a good sleeping pad for comfort. Reddit

🥶 Unheated Showers

Showers are available but not heated. Be prepared for a brisk rinse, especially in cooler weather. Reddit

💰 Day Use Parking Fee

If not camping, a small fee grants access to the river for swimming and enjoying the scenery. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(427 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Double Island Park is praised for its beautiful South Toe River access, offering great opportunities for tubing and swimming. Campers appreciate the scenic riverfront sites and the natural environment. However, some visitors find the campsite pricing high for the amenities provided, and the limited cell service and unheated showers are noted drawbacks.

"Been here twice, and it's one of our favorite campsites. We've stayed on the "main side" by the river and the "back side" on the other side of the highway. The back side was less crowded, and you were not as close to other people. But on the main side you have the obvious perks of beautiful views of the river and hearing the river the entire night. Also the bathrooms are closer on the main side. Would definitely come again (and again) on either side"

Amanda Davis

"Nice campground, very scenic. There are some nice campsites and some need work. Some of the tent sites are not flat. The bathrooms are nice and the showers are relatively warm. Very limited cell service. There are many places to sit by the South Toe River."

Randy Boyd

"The campground is ridiculously priced for sites that are right on top of each other and separated by a state highway making all the upper number sites cross that to access the river or the only showers. All other visitors pay daily parking fees and I feel like with all that funding it should be much nicer with more amenities available. That said the river was beautiful and a lot of fun to float."

Raquel Ferotti

What People Like

Beautiful river access
Great for tubing
Scenic campsites

What People Dislike

Limited cell service
Unheated showers
Campsite pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Double Island Park is located in Burnsville, North Carolina. Access is typically via local roads. It's recommended to use GPS or a reliable map service, as cell service can be limited in the area. Reddit

Public transport options to Double Island Park are very limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle. Reddit

Specific driving directions will depend on your starting point. It's advisable to input 'Double Island Park, Burnsville, NC' into your GPS. Be aware that some roads leading to the park may be winding or unpaved. Reddit

The closest major airport is Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), which is about an hour's drive away. From there, you would need to rent a car to reach Double Island Park. Reddit

It's wise to download offline maps of the area before you leave. Familiarize yourself with the general route and look for signage for Double Island Park or the South Toe River. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

If you are camping, you will need to book a campsite. For day use, there is a parking fee of $5. Reddit

The park itself is generally accessible during daylight hours for day use. Campground hours for check-in and check-out apply to overnight stays. Reddit

Pricing for campsites can vary. Reviews suggest that some sites may be considered 'ridiculously priced' for their proximity and amenities, while others find it reasonable for the location. It's best to check the official booking site for current rates. Reddit

Yes, advance reservations are highly recommended, especially for popular riverfront sites. This helps ensure you get a spot, particularly during peak season. Reddit

If you are not camping, there is a $5 daily parking fee to access the river for swimming and other activities. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy swimming, tubing down the South Toe River, relaxing by the water, and exploring the natural surroundings. The park is also a good base for hiking and visiting nearby waterfalls. Reddit

Yes, there are bathrooms and showers available for campers. However, the showers are not heated. Reddit

Cell service is very limited at Double Island Park. It's advisable to prepare for limited connectivity. Reddit

The riverbanks offer rocks perfect for climbing and adventuring for kids. The shallow river is also great for supervised play. Reddit

There is a small camp store that sells snacks, sodas, and sometimes bait. It's unclear if tubes or other recreational equipment are available for rent, so it's best to bring your own. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Double Island Park has a small camp store that offers snacks, candy, and sodas. For full meals, you'll need to bring your own food or travel to nearby Burnsville. Reddit

Campers typically prepare their own meals using picnic tables and fire rings at their campsites. Bringing a cooler with groceries is essential. Reddit

The nearest significant grocery stores would be in the town of Burnsville, which is a short drive away. Reddit

Yes, most campsites are equipped with fire rings, making them suitable for cooking over a campfire. Be sure to check for any fire restrictions in place. Reddit

The camp store primarily offers convenience items like candy, sodas, and potentially bait. It's not a place for full meals. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The South Toe River offers beautiful opportunities for capturing water flow, reflections, and the surrounding natural landscape. The campsites themselves, especially those by the river, can also make for picturesque scenes. Reddit

Nature photography, landscape shots of the river, and campsite lifestyle photos are common. Capturing the interplay of light on the water and the lush greenery is a great subject. Reddit

The areas along the riverbanks provide excellent vantage points. Look for spots where the water cascades over rocks or forms calm pools for varied shots. Reddit

Early morning and late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Midday sun can be harsh. Reddit

Drone usage regulations can vary by park and local ordinances. It's essential to check with park management or local authorities regarding drone operation policies before flying. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Double Island Park is a fantastic spot for family camping, especially during the summer. The South Toe River is a major draw, offering a fun place for kids to play, swim (if they can handle the cold water!), and tube. The rocky riverbanks provide natural playgrounds for exploration and climbing. Reddit

While cell service is limited, this can be a blessing for families looking to disconnect and enjoy quality time together. Ensure you have offline maps and any necessary entertainment for the kids. The park offers a good balance of natural adventure and basic amenities like bathrooms and showers, making it a practical choice for a family getaway. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Embracing the River Life

The South Toe River is the heart of Double Island Park, offering a refreshing escape during warmer months. Visitors frequently mention enjoying tubing down the river, a popular activity that allows you to leisurely float through the scenic landscape. For those who prefer to stay put, simply sitting by the riverbanks and listening to the water is a cherished experience. Reviewers highlight the beauty of the river, noting that it's a significant draw for many visitors seeking a tranquil outdoor setting. Reddit

While the river is a major attraction, it's worth noting that water levels and depth can vary. Some visitors have observed that certain areas have become shallower over time. For swimming, be prepared for cold water, and consider bringing a mask to explore the riverbed. The banks are lined with rocks, providing natural seating and opportunities for kids to explore and climb, though not for actual rock climbing. Reddit

For the best river experience, consider booking a campsite on the 'main side' of the campground, which offers direct river views and the constant soothing sound of flowing water. While the 'back side' might be less crowded, the proximity to the river on the main side is a significant perk for many. Reddit

Campsite Considerations

Double Island Park offers a range of campsites, with a notable distinction between the 'main side' and the 'back side'. The 'main side' is favored for its direct access to the South Toe River, providing immediate scenic views and the ambient sound of flowing water throughout the night. This side also tends to have bathrooms and showers in closer proximity. Reddit

Conversely, the 'back side' is often described as less crowded, offering a potentially more secluded camping experience. However, it requires crossing a state highway to access the river and the main shower facilities. Some reviewers have pointed out that certain tent sites on the 'back side' may not be perfectly flat, suggesting that campers should come prepared with extra padding or a good sleeping mat for comfort. Reddit

Pricing for campsites has been a point of discussion, with some feeling the cost is high given the site density and highway separation. Despite these concerns, the overall sentiment leans towards the park's natural beauty and river access being significant draws. Planning ahead and understanding the layout of the 'main' versus 'back' sides can help you choose the campsite that best suits your preferences. Reddit

Navigating Connectivity and Amenities

A recurring theme in visitor feedback is the limited cell service at Double Island Park. This is a crucial piece of information for anyone planning a trip, as it impacts communication and the ability to use online resources. It's highly recommended to download offline maps and inform others of your itinerary before arriving. Reddit

The park provides essential amenities for campers, including bathrooms and showers. However, it's important to note that the showers are not heated, which can be a consideration, especially during cooler weather. While functional, visitors should be prepared for a brisk experience. Reddit

A small camp store is available on-site, offering basic items like candy, sodas, and sometimes bait. This is convenient for small necessities but not for substantial grocery shopping. For more comprehensive food supplies, a trip to nearby Burnsville is necessary. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2