Pine Ridge Campground: A Beginner Camper's Honest Review (Near Asheville!)

Hey fellow adventurers! Sarah and Mark here, your average couple in their early 30s with a serious case of wanderlust and a growing interest in the great outdoors. We're not exactly seasoned survivalists, but we love a good weekend getaway. We just got back from a 3-day, 2-night camping trip to Pine Ridge Campground, nestled in the beautiful mountains near Asheville, and we wanted to share our experience with you – the good, the slightly stressful, and the downright hilarious. We found Pine Ridge on vistalocation.com, and figured it would be a good spot to test out our camping skills. Hopefully, this review will help you decide if Pine Ridge Campground is the right fit for your next adventure! (Spoiler alert: we mostly loved it!)

Finding Our Way (and Almost Ending Up in Tennessee!)

Okay, so maybe we’re a little directionally challenged. Getting to Pine Ridge Campground was mostly a breeze. The GPS led us right to the general vicinity, but the final turn-off wasn't super obvious. We ended up driving about a mile past the entrance before realizing our mistake. Whoops! Pro-tip: keep a close eye out for the small wooden sign – it’s easy to miss, especially if you're arriving after dark, like we did (thanks to Mark's insistence on "one last stop" for craft beer...).

Finding our specific campsite in the dark was another adventure. The campground map they gave us at check-in wasn’t the clearest, and we spent a good 20 minutes wandering around with our headlamps, trying to decipher the site numbers. We may or may not have accidentally stumbled into someone else's campsite (sorry, folks!). Eventually, we found our spot, #23, thanks to a friendly camper who pointed us in the right direction. Lesson learned: arrive before sunset if you can!

Setting Up Camp: Tent Poles and Tribulations

Our campsite was decent – relatively level, which is crucial for a good night's sleep! It was mostly dirt, with a few patches of gravel. There was a good amount of shade from the surrounding trees, which was a lifesaver during the hotter parts of the day.

Setting up the tent… well, that was an experience. We'd practiced in our backyard, but things are always different in the wild, right? Turns out, the ground was a bit harder than we anticipated, and hammering in the tent stakes took some serious muscle (mostly Mark's, thankfully). We also managed to get the rainfly on backwards the first time. Let's just say there were a few moments where we questioned our life choices, but eventually, we got it done! We were so proud of our little temporary home.

Rules of the Road (or the Campground):

The campground rules were pretty standard and clearly posted at the entrance and on the website. Quiet hours were from 10 PM to 7 AM, which was great for ensuring a peaceful night's sleep. They were also very strict about campfires – only allowed in designated fire rings and absolutely no unattended fires. This is super important for safety, and we appreciated them taking it seriously.

We did have one minor inconvenience regarding the firewood policy. You're only allowed to burn firewood purchased from the campground to prevent the spread of invasive species. While we understand the reasoning, it meant we had to pay a little extra for wood when we already had some at home. Still, it's a small price to pay to protect the environment.

Bathroom and Shower Report Card: The Nitty-Gritty

Okay, let's talk bathrooms. Honestly? They were surprisingly clean! We were expecting the worst, but they were well-maintained and stocked with toilet paper and soap. The showers were a different story. They were a bit… rustic. Let's just say the water pressure wasn't amazing, and the temperature was a bit unpredictable (hot, cold, lukewarm – you never knew what you were going to get!).

There were only two shower stalls in the women's restroom, and we did have to wait in line once. But hey, at least there were hot showers! Bring shower shoes - you'll want them. Overall, the facilities were adequate, but definitely not luxurious. Think "functional" rather than "spa-like."

Nature's Playground: Hiking Lookout Mountain Trail

One of the main reasons we chose Pine Ridge Campground was its proximity to hiking trails. We decided to tackle the Lookout Mountain Trail, and it was absolutely stunning! The trail was moderately challenging, with some uphill climbs, but totally worth it for the breathtaking views from the top. We could see for miles!

The hike took us about 3 hours round trip. The trail was well-marked and easy to follow. We even spotted some deer along the way, which was a real treat. We didn't bring our dog, Max, on this trip because the trail description said it was a bit rocky, but we saw other people with their dogs. We’ll have to bring him next time!

After our hike, we cooled off at The Creek Swimming Hole, a popular spot near the campground. The water was crisp and refreshing, and it was the perfect way to relax after a long day of hiking. The sound of the creek was so soothing. We sat by the water for at least an hour just enjoying the scenery and listening to the rushing water. We also smelled the fresh pine in the air - nature's perfect air freshener.

Your "Worth It?" Verdict: Would We Go Back?

Absolutely! Despite a few minor hiccups, we had an amazing time at Pine Ridge Campground. The highlights were definitely the beautiful scenery, the well-maintained campsites, and the proximity to hiking trails and swimming holes. The lowlights were the slightly confusing campground map and the unpredictable shower situation.

Would we recommend Pine Ridge Campground to other couples like ourselves who are looking for a relaxing (but not overly challenging) camping experience? Yes, we would! It's a great option for beginner-to-intermediate campers who want to escape the city and reconnect with nature. Just be sure to bring a good map, plenty of patience for tent setup, and maybe some extra firewood.

Tips For Your Trip:

• Arrive early: Especially if you're camping during peak season.
• Bring a detailed map: The campground map isn't the most user-friendly.
• Pack layers: The weather in the mountains can be unpredictable.
• Don't forget bug spray: The mosquitoes can be fierce!
• Purchase Firewood: Remember to purchase from the campground to abide by the rules!
• Take advantage of the amenities: The Creek Swimming Hole is a must-do!

Final Thoughts

Overall, our camping trip to Pine Ridge Campground was a fantastic experience. We learned a lot, laughed a lot, and created some unforgettable memories. We can't wait to go back! Happy camping, everyone!