Libbys on the Loose:2 Humans. 2 Great Danes. Full Time Traveling Abroad: Sky Island Retreat & Campground Review - Old Fort, NC

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Sky Island Retreat & Campground Review - Old Fort, NC

Sky Island Retreat & Campground
Website
88 Flatlander Drive
Old Fort, NC 28762
(828) 668-4928



First off, do NOT follow GPS directions to get to this campground.  It will take you a much more difficult way that is much harder to maneuver your rig around!  Give the campground a call or visit their website for specific directions for entry into the campground.   While we didn't encounter any major issues (we went the wrong way at first), but it may cause issues for someone not as experienced with trailering.

Music Hall for Karaoke
Pool Table in Music Hall
Kids' splash pool
Located about 1500' above sea level, Sky Island retreat is located about ten minutes off of I-40 outside of Asheville, NC.  The park is neither large, crowded, or fancy - just up our alley.  At first glance, we weren't too sure if we wanted to stay here.  But they had full hookups (including sewer), free Wifi, washers and dryers, bathrooms with showers, kids splash pool, and a miniature golf course. There is also a water slide, but it wasn't in operation when we stayed.  They are also super dog friendly which really sealed the deal for us!  Nyx and Moose were allowed everywhere, and as long as they were behaving and staying close, no leashes were needed which they loved!  They quickly became campground favorites and would go visiting when the mood took them...
Moose visiting a full-time resident friend "Dane"

Moose is on the loose!
In addition to the Rv and tent camping, they also have cabins available for rent both at the base of the hill near the creek and at the top of the hill in a clearing that also provides great sunset views!  The cabins are equipped differently depending upon whether or not you're looking for rustic or luxury,  either will be sure to meet your
expectations.

Basketball Court

The Pond

Kids' play area
We liked this campground so much that, instead of the four days we were planning on staying, we extended for a total of twelve days!  Deb and her daughter little Debbie run the campground while Cory and Tim are the primary go-to guys if there's anything you need such as firewood, ice, etc.  One important note - Old Fort is a dry city.  This means if you plan on wanting a beverage or two, you'll need to stop on your way or head to the  Wal-Mart in Marion, NC if you need to fill your cooler.  Also, Deb has a rule - whatever you're drinking, it should be either in a koozie or a non-descript vessel i.e. a red solo cup or Tervis tumbler.
One of the rental cabins
Another unexpected bonus of Sky Island is their Music Hall.  On Friday nights it's Karaoke night. Don't be surprised if you see Cory or little Debbie on stage belting out some of the greatest singing this side of the Mississippi! Brunch is also available on Saturday and Sunday. In the music hall they have a stage, plenty of seating inside and out, foosball and a pool table.  Makes for a great time!

In addition to the activities, you will want to make your way around and meet some of the other campers.  We found everyone to be über-friendly and very open to talking about the area and everything it has to offer.  A full-timer, Dane, that we befriended, recommended Straightaway Cafe for entertainment on both Wednesday nights and Friday and Saturday nights.  Although we didn't make it there this go-around, we will definitely give it a shot next time!  Live local music and a great selection of beers seems like it would be just what we like...
Spacing of sites is great compared to many places

During our stay, we spent some time exploring the nearby area to include Asheville (30 minutes away), Catawba Falls (10 minutes away), Mount Mitchell State Park (45 minutes away - the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi), South Mountains State Park (30 minutes away with lots of hiking trails and falls) and parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway (beautiful - one of America's most scenic drives).  Originally, we chose this place because it was nearby Pisgah Brewery (yes, the beer is excellent) where one of our favorite bands, JJ Grey and Mofro were playing a show. Since we wanted somewhere nearby the venue, this was a great choice as its proximity to Black Mountain, NC was less than 10 minutes away.

After being at Sky Island for a few days and realizing its great central location, it was time to check out the area.  For us, it was the perfect mix of laid-back attitude, super dog-friendly, and close to everything without being too close...

Have you stayed at Sky Island Retreat or visited any of the areas surrounding?  We would love to hear your feedback.  Leave us a comment below with your questions, thoughts, opinions.  Thank you!

Disclaimer: We are not paid writers, neither for our writing or our opinions. We represent our experiences with products, services, etc, with 100% accuracy and give our unbiased feedback.

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