My children love to camp! A long-weekend camping trip in the NC mountains is one of the things on our summer bucket list that we’re hoping to get to do before school starts in a few weeks.

There are so many fun camping destinations within a few hours drive. Here are two that my family is considering for a quick end of summer getaway.

Sliding Rock

Sliding Rock is a natural mountain waterfall located in Pisgah National Forest, near Brevard, NC. This 60-foot, flat sloping boulder splashes into an eight-foot deep pool. Be forewarned though, the water is cold! The water temperature is 50-60 degrees even in the summer.

Because the pool at the bottom of Sliding Rock is deep, you must know how to swim. Children under 7 years old must slide with an adult.

Lifeguards are on duty and restrooms are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Labor Day. There is a $3 per person cost to visit Sliding Rock when lifeguards are on duty. Children 6 and under are free. It is also free to visit during off hours although restrooms will be closed.

Davidson River Campground is just a few miles away from Sliding Rock. There are several other waterfalls, hiking trails and historic buildings nearby to visit as well.

Sky Top Orchard

Sky Top Orchard is a beautiful apple orchard located in Flat Rock, NC. The orchard offers u-pick apples and a fruit stand market offering apples, cider, apple-cider doughnuts and many other goodies.

Visitors will enjoy walking through the orchard to pick apples while enjoying the beautiful mountain views. There is also a play area for kids, tractor rides, picnic areas and a pond with ducks to feed.

The orchard is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The u-pick season runs from the end of July to the end of October. The fruit stand is open to late November/early December.

The orchard offers 22 varieties of apples. Check out the ripening schedule on Sky Top’s webpage (ww.skytoporchard.com) for the availability of your favorites.

Sky Top does not accept credit/debit cards, so be prepared with cash for your visit. Admission to the orchard is free. Guests are required to prepay for a basket before entering the u-pick area.

Orchard Lakes Campground in Saluda, NC is a nearby camping option.