The Hitching Post Campground has been operating as a campground since 1988, currently offering 82 sites to patrons. Characterized by several natural land features, the grounds of the property have many forested areas, as well as a pond where guests can fish during their stay. Another on-site activity is the playground, which supplies games such as horseshoe and cornhole. The owners of the establishment want their patrons to feel excited about their experience at Hitching Post Campground, as visitors can explore the various things to do on the premises or outside the borders of the campground. One of the biggest draws for tourism in the surrounding area is said to be Lake Lure, an attraction that offers a fair amount of outdoor recreation. The downtown area near Chimney Rock State Park additionally receives a number of visitors annually.
Located in the western region of North Carolina, the Hitching Post Campground covers an expanse of nearly 44 acres. A total of 82 sites are offered for visitors to reserve, 59 of which can be found in the main campground, featuring both RV and tent sites, while the remaining 23 are situated near the back of the acreage, containing exclusively RV sites. A main office building with an attached pavilion is also on the premises, as well as a bathhouse that closes seasonally, depending on the weather. Guests may not have to leave the property to engage in activities, as the campground includes two playgrounds. One of the playgrounds is catered more towards those of younger ages, and it contains a swing set. The other playground targets older demographics, evidenced by a few on-site activities such as a volleyball net, cornhole, and horseshoes.
Each RV site contains a small grass area, as well as a gravel pad for visitors to park their RVs. Parking is available for additional vehicles at every site except for two. It should be noted that amenities for each site are categorized into three labels: Premium, deluxe, and basic sites. The premium sites offer 50 amp electrical service, sewage, a fire pit, and a picnic table. This group of sites is small in number, though they are fairly popular among guests, considering that the sites contain their own sewage hookup. The deluxe spaces include both 30 amp service and a sewage hookup, and one of the managers mentions that these sites are generally reserved the most. Lastly, the basic sites provide 30 amp electrical service, as well as access to the dump station. Regarding the tent sites, a picnic table and firepit are included with every site.
The land which the campground occupies is mountainous, with several creeks running throughout the property. A number of walking trails also wind through the surrounding areas of the premises. The acreage itself is relatively wooded, and a pond is situated in the central part of the Hitching Post Campground. Those who take interest in fishing can do so at the on-site pond, with some potential catches primarily being catfish and bass. A few turtles have also been spotted near the pond.
Many who come to stay at the property are those who are hoping to engage in outdoor recreation. The Hitching Post Campground is nearby several attractions that can provide activities, including rock climbing (or bouldering), hiking, gem mining, and horseback riding, to name a few. Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure, an attraction in close proximity to the Hitching Post Campground, is recommended by one of the managers of the campground. Lake Lure itself allows visitors to go fishing and water skiing. The Hitching Post Campground is located an hour away from Asheville and two hours away from Charlotte, two notable cities nearby. Located in the downtown area, guests may find several wineries, as well as Chimney Rock State Park. Regarding nearby places to eat, the manager recommends La Strada at Lake Lure, an Italian restaurant by the lake. She also recommends Japan House Grill & Sushi, a restaurant that is situated on Lake Lure and specializes in Asian cuisine. Another option is the Esmerelda Inn & Restaurant in Lake Lure.
The owners and managers of Hitching Post Campground have the goal to provide their patrons with a "family-oriented" experience, meaning they "don't put up with craziness," according to one of the managers. She also says that they want their visitors to "have a good time." Interaction between the camp hosts and the guests often occurs, as mentioned by one of the managers. She comments that "the small size of the campground gives us the opportunity to go around and speak with everybody." The manager remarks that one of her favorite aspects of assisting the owners with the property is seeing visitors' excitement when they first arrive at the campground. "You get to see the very best [of them]."
The Hitching Post Campground's motto is, "Come enjoy the Southern hospitality at the Hitching Post Campground." In previous guests' reviews, many commented on the service and hospitality that was provided by the camp hosts. One such review states, "The camp host was great. She told us stories, was really friendly, and, best of all, gave us popsicles. Lake lure is close to Ashville, and there is a grocery store really close on your way in."
A few policies are implemented at the Hitching Post Campground that visitors are expected to act in accordance with during their stay. With regards to pets, dogs must be leashed at all times, and it is the owner's responsibility to clean up after them. Pets are not allowed inside the bathhouse, with the exception of service animals, and, finally, pets must not be left unattended. Additional policies are that alcoholic beverages must be kept on the visitor's site, and alcohol is prohibited from community use buildings such as the bathhouse, store, playground, or pavilion. The Hitching Post Campground website states, "Alcoholic beverages are permitted; drunkenness is not." Visitors must heed this particular rule in an effort to further make the campground family-friendly. For the same reason, the owners also want visitors to refrain from using foul language. It should be noted that a speed limit of 10 mph is enforced at the property as well.
Open year-round, the campground's busiest month is typically October and occasionally April. One of the managers notes that holiday weekends tend to be busier as well. The property itself doesn't close during harsh weather; however, the bathhouse closes for a season, depending on the weather. Generally, from the beginning of December to the beginning of April is when the bathhouse is closed, and during this time, there is still one bathroom available to visitors.
Hitching Post Campground became a campground in the year 1985; however, in 1983 the acreage was in the process of being cleared out and prepared for future owners. The property started out relatively small as the current owners had originally bought four acres, which, in turn, made the other forty acres available to them for purchase. Pat, James, and Glen were the ones who started the campground, and prior to taking ownership of Hitching Post Campground, they were in search of a place to reside near family members. One of the managers mentions that the property "became full-time work" as it grew in popularity, though it started as a campground that was primarily utilized for weekend trips.
During the off-season, the owners typically make renovations to the property. One particular renovation made since the current owners began managing is that the acreage had formerly been an empty field, which is now used to contain several RV sites. A larger field was also opened for tent camping. Water and electrical hookups were additionally added to each site. As for future plans, the owners hope to add two more fishing ponds, with the intent to provide more waterfront camping for those who stay at Hitching Post Campground.
620 Girls Camp Rd
Mill Spring, North Carolina 28756
United States
Campground
