Highlights

•  Gravel Forest Road offers nice biking opportunities 
•  Approx. 11 campsites in all 
•  Majority of sites should be tents only with a few exceptional sites that are large enough for smaller RV's 
•  One pit toilet at first campsites approx. 8.5 miles from Highlands and 2.2 miles from Hwy 28 
•  Water source is pulled from creeks and should be boiled or purified before consumption 
•  No electric hook-ups 
•  Sites are equipped with picnic tables, fire pits and lantern posts. Some have tent pads.
• 2 nearby waterfall hikes (Glen Falls-lower & Picklesimer Rockhouse Falls)

The Local Scoop

Blue Valley Campground is an excellent place to camp if you're looking for maximum privacy and relaxation. This primitive campground is very secluded and yet only approx. 10 miles from the quaint town of Highlands, NC where you can stock up on supplies if need be. If you are a tent camper, then this is the campground for you. You are within very short drive times to multiple outdoor activities to keep you busy for days. We recommend this campground for anyone looking to get away to peace and quiet. We also recommend going the full distance of 10.1 miles to F.R.(Forest Road) #79 "C" to find a handful of wonderul campsites on the corner of F.R. #79/#79C. These sites (unlike the ones you will have already passed) are much more level and shaded, not to mention you'll be right beside the rushing East Fork of the Overflow creek. Bring the entire family along or just get away as a couple. Either way, chances are you'll have the place to yourself.  Be sure to include a couple of hikes that are nearby.  Hike to Glen Falls and Picklesimer Rockhouse Falls.  Picklesimer Rockhouse Falls are much easier of a hike but if you're looking to get your heart rate up,  Glen Falls Trail can be picked up at the end of Forest Road 79C for a up hill climb the entire distance to the multi-tiered falls.

The Local Directions

From the intersection of U.S. Hwy-64 and N.C. Hwy-28 in Highlands, NC take Hwy-28 South towards Walhalla, SC for 6.3 miles. Here you'll see a sign for "National Forest, Blue Valley" with a tent icon on it, turn Right here. Continue down Blue Valley Rd. (S.R. 1618) for 0.5 miles where it will turn to gravel and F.R. #79 begins, keep going, you're on the correct road. At 2.2 miles from the start of Blue Valley Rd. you'll come to the first campsites in Blue Valley (to the Right and Left of the road). Keep on F.R. #79 for 1.6 miles until you reach more campsites and F.R. 79C.

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Coordinates

35.01787, -83.24475

City

Highlands

County

Macon County

Nearest City

Highlands

Access

Moderate (gravel)
via Forest Road 79

Hike Distance

Nearby: 
Lower Glen Falls Trail 1.4 miles roundtrip
Picklesimer Rock House Falls Trail 1 mile roundtrip

Distance From

Highlands, 8.5 miles to first campsites