Firefighter Island Campsite

About this site

Firefighter Island is a two-group island campsite just upstream of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Bent Creek River Park in Buncombe County. It’s the only island campsite we manage, and has a simple river access, picnic table, fire ring, and elevated composting toilet. Everything you need for a relaxed night on the Paddle Trail. This is the first of two campsites available on Firefighter Island, with this one being located on the downstream end. It has its own picnic table, fire ring, and tent sites, but shares the toilet with the island's other campsite, which is located on the upstream end. Each campsite accommodates up to 8 people each. If you have more than 8 people in your group, please book both sites. Note that site #2 has a bit more flat space for tents, while site #1 is a bit better for hammocks. The campsite is on the first island you'll come upon when paddling downstream from anywhere in Transylvania or Henderson Counties. Start keeping your eye out for this small island about a mile and a half downstream of the Long Shoals Road bridge, not long after I-26 veers away from the river, and the riparian area becomes more forested. Look for the sign on the upstream end of the island. The best access is at the upstream end of the island or midway down the river-right side. Check-in: 02:00 PM Check-out: 12:00 PM (noon) NOTICE: There is currently no toilet at this campsite. Please bring your own toilet paper and plan to bury or pack out your poop. The new toilet platform is under construction and should be finished by the end of July 2025.

Amenities & access

Contact

• https://frenchbroadpaddle.com/en/firefighter-island-campsite-1

Location

35.492064, -82.578198

Elevation · 2,008 ft