There are also lodging options available in several other nearby Tennessee and North Carolina towns, as well as a number of cabin and home rentals in the area surrounding the Roan Highlands on both sides of the state border.

Camping

Camping is available along the Appalachian Trail in the Roan Highlands at select areas. There are also a number of designated campsites with amenities in the Pisgah and Cherokee National Forests. Reservations can be made at recreation.gov. Note: temperatures at Roan can reach extreme colds at night. The balds are also not well suited for camping, as they provide little shelter or warmth and are subject to strong winds. Always come prepared and exercise caution if choosing to camp. Do not leave any camping materials behind.

For a full list of Forest Service campsites in Pisgah, click here. For camping options in Cherokee, click here. Other areas for dispersed camping are also available and subject to all regulations.

Remember to follow all camping regulations applicable to any national forests in North Carolina. Here are some important rules to remember when camping at a dispersed campsite (anywhere in a national forest outside of a designated campground):

• There is a camping limit of 14 consecutive days in any dispersed or non-fee area.

• You must remove all personal and camping equipment when vacating the site (including all trash).

• Do not camp in violation of any posted signs.

• Only use dead wood for fires. Do not cut or damage any living trees, shrubs, or plants.

• Do not bring in outside firewood.

• Human waste must be buried in a hole dug at least six inches deep.

• Do not camp within 100 feet of the base of any cliff or ​the back of any rock shelter.

• Do not camp within 200 feet of any water source.

• Do not camp within 1/4 mile of the trailhead.

• Campfires must be completely extinguished before leaving. Always maintain control of campfires and never leave a fire unattended. If you are inexperienced with campfires, consider bringing a camping stove as these will keep fires contained and do not require wood.

  Note: when camping at Roan, visitors must take extra care to avoid all sensitive habitat areas. Never cut wood from live trees or bring in outside firewood, as the former damages critical habitat and the latter is a potential transporter of harmful invasive species. Always use the boot brush at Carver’s Gap near the entrance to Round Bald to scrub for invasive plants. Remember, the Roan Highlands host six federally listed species. Taking any action that harms threatened or endangered species is a federal offense subject to prosecution through the Endangered Species Act. Actions such as intentionally damaging trees and venturing into closed off critical habitat areas constitute such an offense. Campers at Roan must always be aware of regulations and how their actions may harm species. Click here for more camping information.