By Jon Tharp, Broker · October 5, 2026
At a Glance
The Cradle of Forestry in America in Pisgah Forest hosts "Camping in the Old Style" on Saturday, Oct. 10. The Acorn Patrol will recreate an early 1900s campsite in the corral along the Biltmore Campus Trail, demonstrating flint-and-steel and friction fire starting, campfire cooking, traditional camp tools and four types of period shelters. Admission is $12 for adults, $6 for ages 4 to 12, and free under 4.
This Saturday, the Cradle of Forestry in America is going back more than a century. Its "Camping in the Old Style" event on Oct. 10 recreates a campsite from the early days of Pisgah National Forest, when camping often meant sleeping under canvas and cooking over an open fire.
The Acorn Patrol, a classic camping interpretive team, will be in Pisgah Forest demonstrating the outdoor skills and techniques used during the early 1900s.
What will you see at Camping in the Old Style?
Visitors can watch the Acorn Patrol start fires with flint and steel or by friction, along with old-style campfire cooking.
The demonstrations also include traditional camp tools and four types of period shelters.
All of the demonstrations take place in the corral along the Biltmore Campus Trail at the Cradle of Forestry.
What inspired the old-style camping event?
The event draws its inspiration from Horace Kephart, whose book "Camping and Woodcraft" was first published in 1906.
How much does it cost to visit the Cradle of Forestry?
The Cradle of Forestry is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 4 to 12. Kids under 4 get in free.
WLOS has more details: https://wlos.com/news/local/camp-event-pisgah-forest-forestry-cradle-1900s-outdoors-skills-biltmore-trail
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Camping in the Old Style at the Cradle of Forestry?
Camping in the Old Style takes place Saturday, Oct. 10, in the corral along the Biltmore Campus Trail at the Cradle of Forestry in America in Pisgah Forest.
How much is admission to the Cradle of Forestry?
Admission is $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 4 to 12. Children under 4 get in free. The Cradle of Forestry is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What is the Acorn Patrol?
The Acorn Patrol is a classic camping interpretive team that demonstrates outdoor skills and techniques used during the early 1900s.
About the Author
Jon Tharp is a licensed NC real estate broker with Keller Williams. He's helped buyers and sellers across Western North Carolina for over 10 years, specializing in mountain homes, land, and short-term rental investments, with offices throughout WNC covering all mountainous areas. If something in this post has you thinking about a move, he's easy to reach — (828) 347-9055 or smokymountainhomes4sale.com or Jon@jontharphomes.com.
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