Free Camping, Beer, and Biking: Harvest Hosts Breweries in the Southeast

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The open road, the adventurous trails, a freshly brewed beer, handcrafted pizza, conversations and laughter under the stars. This is what we live for, camping, beer, and biking. And is there really anything better than camping, beer, and biking, at a Harvest Hosts brewery?

SOUTHEAST HARVEST HOSTS BREWERY CAMPING, BEER & BIKING GUIDE

This Southeast Harvest Hosts Brewery Camping, Beer and Biking Guide is one of several regional guides giving you instant access to mountain biking trails that match up with free camping at breweries nationwide.

In this guide for each specific area you will find:

  • Harvest Hosts (HH) Brewery
  • Mountain Biking Trails near the HH Brewery
  • Additional Trails and Breweries in the Surrounding Area
  • Suggested Routes to Best the Enjoy the Trails and Breweries

MTB Project reports that the U.S. has over 144,000 miles of trails on over 44,000 trails. Combine those stats with over 9000 craft breweries and over 100 of those breweries offering FREE camping through a Harvest Hosts membership? Dude, your beer and biking vacation just became a complete no-brainer.

What is this Harvest Hosts thing?

Harvest Hosts is a membership for RVers (or van-lifers) that provides FREE RV camping at over 1000 wineries, breweries, distilleries, farms, museums, and other unique locations. You don’t have to be full-timers to use Harvest Hosts; you simply need to be self-contained in your RV (or van or truck camper), meaning you don’t require or expect the host site to provide you with any RV necessities like water, power or sewage. 

We’ve used Harvest Hosts at numerous different locations. It is one of our favorite traveling memberships. Breweries are, of course our favorites, but we’ve used our membership at orchards, vineyards, museums, alpaca farms, and a variety of other places.

Why Harvest Hosts?

Why not? OK, so yeah, we do get affiliate income from Harvest Hosts if you sign up through our link. You get a benefit from this, as well. If you use our Harvest Hosts link, you get 15% OFF the regular price.

Harvest Hosts 15 percent discount from Living a Stout Life

We’ll do the research; you do the riding and drinking.

Picture this. The RV is packed. The beer fridge is full. The mountain bikes are tuned and raring to go. You’re ready for an adventure. But that RV needs to find a place to camp. The beer fridge will be empty sooner than you think and those bikes are itching to get some mud on them…NOW!

Pisgah National Forest Southeast Guide mountain biking Ken and April
Riding in Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina

If you have been anything like us, you know it takes time to plan. We pull out both our smartphones ladened with all the top notch apps dedicated to beer, biking, and camping. Two hours later, research done, we are ready to go. Two hours? That’s time that could’ve been spent on the trail leading into time drinking that well earned beer.

Camping, Breweries, Trails: all in one place

So, we have done the work for you by putting together a listing of all the trails that match up with local craft breweries that match up with free camping (Harvest Host breweries) – all separated by regions of the country. Did you know we also have a Craft Beer Travel and Adventure Journal matched up by regions of the country, as well? What a beautiful way to track your beer and biking adventures. Click here to check out the Journal.

We sought out the Harvest Hosts craft brewery locations that have mountain biking and craft breweries within a 50 mile radius. Now that’s a beer and biking vacation.

RAIF camping at night lit up southeast
Parked in West Virginia

Southeast
Harvest Hosts Brewery Camping,
Beer, and Biking Guide

VIRGINIA

Harvest Hosts Brewery – Colonial Beach

Colonial Beach Brewing

Colonial Beach Brewing is a small batch brewery in the heart of Historic Colonial Beach, Virginia, along the shores of the Potomac River.

Mountain Biking Colonial Beach Area

The majority of the trails here are considered cross country, but there are a few that can give you a challenge. We haven’t done any riding in this area, but we are always open to new trails.

Mountain Biking Colonial Beach Area

  • Motts Run Reservoir
  • Quarry Trail System
  • Caledon State Park
  • Locust Shade Park
Click the map for detailed locations, trailheads, route building, and more in Colonial Beach and surrounding areas.

Nearby Riding and Breweries

While the trails are at least 30 miles from the HH brewery, I imagine the scenic drive getting there is worth your while. Plus, the Quarry Trail System is near Fredericksburg, home to Adventure Brewing Company. I would say anytime you can combine beer in biking, it’s a good day.

Click the map for detailed information on nearby breweries.

Suggested Routes

Richmond is only 70 miles south and with over 30 craft breweries on the Richmond Beer Trail, I’d say it’s worth a trip here either before or after you’ve ridden around Colonial Beach, especially since there are a couple of of other non brewery Harvest Hosts nearby. My route? Start at the Quarry or Locust Trails, hit up Adventure Brewing Company, then head east towards Colonial Beach Brewing before crashing for the night there. The next day, make it a road trip to Richmond and spend a couple of days there enjoying the Beer Trail.


Harvest Hosts Breweries – Shenandoah Valley and Surrounding Areas

Backroom Brewery

Backroom Brewery is a boutique farm brewery nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah River Valley.  They began as a herb farm, growing culinary and medicinal herbs for the garden center trade and now brew beer using their own fresh grown hops.

Mountain Biking Shenandoah Valley and Surrounding Areas

Again, while many of these trails are cross-country, there is still plenty of variety for all types of riders. We have only driven through this area, but doing just that, we know how stunning this area of the country is. That in itself, should be worth the trip here.

Mountain Biking Shenandoah Valley and Surrounding Areas

  • Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area
  • Shenandoah River State Park
  • Conway Robinson State Forest
Click the map for detailed locations, trailheads, route building, and more in the Shenandoah Valley region.

Nearby Riding and Breweries

Uh, duh! If you click on the trail map above, you will see that there are so many trails to choose from in this region. And along with those trails come many different breweries, including the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail with 15 breweries, not counting the many wineries around here, too.

Don’t Miss This!

Pro Re Nata Brewery in Crozet is no longer a Harvest Hosts brewery ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ It is, however, still a favorite brewery of ours. It’s on a sizable property with beautiful outdoor spaces and a two-story shipping container bar in the back. Not only is Pro Re Nata “Stout Life Approved,” they also made our Craft Beer Travelers Top 5 of 2018, as one of our favorite breweries.

Click the map for detailed information on nearby breweries.

Return to state by state navigation.


NORTH CAROLINA

Harvest Hosts Breweries – Etowah, Asheville, and Brevard Areas

Sideways Farm and Brewery

Sideways Farm and Brewery is located about 30 miles south of Asheville, 15 miles from Pisgah National Forest, and midway between Brevard and Hendersonville. This place might be heaven. Walk around the farm to view their hops, barley and specialty ingredients grown for their beer. They also create carbonation naturally with local wildflower honey used in their unfiltered bottle conditioned ales. You can pick flowers and visit sheep, chickens and ducks. Their small batch ales are brewed with seasonal local ingredients made to be enjoyed while sitting and relaxing or wandering the farm.

Mountain Biking Etowah, Asheville, and Brevard Areas

We’ve been in this region. We love this region. We will be back. We might, in fact, move here. It’s that awesome. You’ll just have to come see for yourself. With Pisgah National Forest right outside of the HH brewery and Asheville just north, and Brevard just south, this is one of the top regions in the nation.

Mountain Biking Etowah, Asheville, and Brevard Areas

  • Alex’s Forest
  • Bent Creek Experimental Forest
  • Mills River
  • Pisgah Ranger District
  • and so many more!
Click the map for detailed locations, trailheads, route building, and more in the Etowah, Asheville, and Brevard areas.

Nearby Riding and Breweries

Uh, duh again! This place deserves many many days spent here. From the wonders of Asheville breweries, restaurants, and shops to the trails nearby to the breweries and more trail and more breweries in Hendersonville and Brevard, yeah, there’s not enough days.

If you need some assistance on figuring out where to go in Asheville, we’ve got you covered.

Click the map for Brevard and Hendersonville area breweries.

Suggested Routes

All right, my best suggestion here is don’t have FOMO. Whatever trail and brewery combination you choose alongside the HH biking and beer combination, I don’t know how you could be disappointed. There are simply breweries and trails everywhere, alongside a few other non brewery Harvest Hosts, so you could easily spend a few days here Harvest Hosts hopping, brewery hopping, and trail hopping.

Maybe start with some stealth camping somewhere in Asheville while you drink, eat, and shop your way through town for a couple of days, and then head south for some biking before enjoying some fresh farm beer and an overnight at Sideways. Then the next morning, head on out to hit a few more trails for a few more hours. You’ll have to make a tough decision now – head further south towards Brevard or east towards Hendersonville. Either way, you will make the right choice. And then when you can come back, do so! Maybe we’ll see you on the trails, because I’m already drooling for a trip back here.


Harvest Hosts Brewery – Dallas

Ole Dallas Brewery

Located about 30 miles west of Charlotte, this family and friends owned small town brewery has been founded on the principles that family, friends, fellowship and good beer can brighten even the darkest day.

Mountain Biking Dallas Area

Many these trails are mainly cross country, but there are a few hidden gems, such as Poston. Located on the edge of Spencer Mountain in Lowell, this area is known as the biggest cardio challenge in the Charlotte region with more elevation change per mile than any other local trail. 

Mountain Biking Dallas Area

  • Poston Park
  • US National White Water Center
  • Rocky Branch Park
Click the map for detailed locations, trailheads, route building, and more in the Dallas area.

Nearby Riding and Breweries

With Charlotte only 30 miles from the Dallas HH, and a few other Harvest Hosts in the area, there’s plenty more riding and breweries to experience.

Click the map for detailed information on nearby breweries.

Suggested Routes

Head on over to Poston Park or the National Whitewater Center for a day of riding, and then just 6 miles from Poston, hit up your HH brewery, Ole Dallas Brewery, for some after riding beverages and a great night’s sleep. Then head towards Charlotte for some in-town trails and brews, seeking out another Harvest Hosts nearby. Rinse and repeat.


Harvest Hosts Brewery – Hope Mills and Fayetteville

Dirtbag Ales Brewery & Taproom

Located about 12 miles south of Fayetteville, Dirtbag Ales Brewery & Taproom was born out of a single contracted batch of Blood Orange Kolsch. Being a “dirtbag” means shattering the mold, not playing by a set of rules, and questioning life at every turn. That’s a brewery for me.

Mountain Biking Fayetteville Area

With only a few trails in the immediate area, there’s still about 25 miles of riding combined in both areas. You can even find an advanced trail at Smith Lake.

Mountain Biking Fayetteville Area

  • Carvers Creek State Park
  • Smith Lake
Click the map for detailed locations, trailheads, route building, and more in the Fayetteville area.

Nearby Riding and Breweries

There may not be many other mountain biking trails nearby, but there are a few breweries to check out. However, you’re in North Carolina, so if you really want the trails, head towards Asheville and Brevard where you can find all the trails you want in nearby Pisgah Forest.

Click the map for detailed information on nearby breweries.

Suggested Routes

Head on over to Carvers Creek or Smith Lake for some casual riding or hit up that rare black trail. Then pay a visit to a brewery or two as you pass through Fayetteville on the way south to your Harvest Hosts destination, Dirtbag Ales in Hope Mills, just south of Fayetteville. This could be a perfect little weekend getaway.


It’s really only 252 miles from start to finish for all the North Carolina Harvest Hosts Breweries. You might as well hit em all!

Click the map for details.

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SOUTH CAROLINA

Harvest Hosts Brewery – Piedmont/Greenville

Golden Grove Farm and Brew

Located in the northwest corner of South Carolina near Greenville, in Piedmont, Golden Grove Farm and Brew is focused on brewing beer straight from the land, along with a space for community collaboration.

Mountain Biking Piedmont/Greenville Area

The majority of the trails in this region are greens and blues, but there are opportunities for some more hard core trails. With a few other trails just around 50 miles and more outside of the region, you could have some fun exploring.

Mountain Biking Piedmont/Greenville Areas

  • Paris Mountain State Park
  • Pleasant Ridge County Park
  • Lake Conestee Nature Park
Click the map for detailed locations, trailheads, route building, and more in the Piedmont/Greenville areas.

Nearby Riding and Breweries

You want nearby trails? You got ’em here. Head towards Asheville and Brevard (only 50 miles NW from Greenville) where you can find all the trails you want in nearby Pisgah Forest. That’s where I’d be heading for some more fun. But don’t leave this area until you visit a few breweries or two. There are plenty.

Click the map for detailed information on nearby breweries.

Suggested Routes

Warm up on some green trails at Lake Conestee Nature Park, then head on over to Golden Grove Farm a Brew for a nightcap and a good night’s rest. In the morning, head north towards Paris Mountain for a few runs, then back into Greenville for some breweries before heading to the hills and more breweries in Brevard. With a Harvest Hosts on the way and a few more in North Carolina, what a way to start your free camping, beer, and biking vacation.

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GEORGIA

Harvest Hosts Brewery – Blue Ridge

Fannin Brewing Company

Located in northern Georgia, almost centered west to east, Fannin Brewing Company is a hometown micro-brewery. Influenced by German style and a love for the mountains, making wine and beer is their passion.

Mountain Biking Blue Ridge

The Aska Trail System provides approximately 17 miles of trails. Less than ten miles from downtown Blue Ridge, and with trails ranging in length from one to five miles and ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous, you can earn your turns and your beer here.

Mountain Biking Blue Ridge Area

  • Aska Adventure Trail Area
Click the map for detailed locations, trailheads, route building, and more in the Blue Ridge area.

Nearby Riding and Breweries

Cohutta Springs Trail System and Fort Mountain State Park are just over 50 or so miles from here, so there are definitely more trails to explore, but don’t leave the area until you visit a few breweries in Blue Ridge and nearby communities.

Don’t Miss This!

Though Omaha Brewing Company is nowhere near Blue Ridge, we would be remiss if we didn’t give them a shout out. Located in Omaha, Georgia (yes, there is such a place), just south of Columbus, Omaha Brewing is more than friends, they’re family. They also aren’t currently a Harvest Hosts brewery, but are a bunch of the best people you could hope to meet and they make fantastic beer. They are also near Providence Canyon State Park and a couple fine distilleries. While Omaha Brewing’s tagline is Welcome to the Family, they truly are family to us. So much so, that we included them in our #DrinkTheStory series.

Click the map for detailed information on nearby breweries.

Suggested Routes

With Brevard and Asheville less than a few hours heading northeast, I’d suggest starting there and maybe end up here. Do some day drinking around Blue Ridge. Stay the night at Fannin and wake up relaxed and ready for some riding. There’s another Harvest Hosts nearby, so maybe stay another night to soak up the scenery, catch a few more rides and a few more brews. Since you’ve been riding your ass off in Asheville and Brevard areas, the Aska Trail System may be exactly what you’re looking for to end your perfect beer and biking vacation.

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We’re not done yet. 

Check out our other Harvest Hosts Brewery Camping, Beer, and Biking Camping Guides:

Stay tuned for more detailed Harvest Hosts brewery and biking locations coming soon.

Feeling adventurous? There are over 1000 Harvest Hosts locations (including an additional golf course membership), and once you become a member, you’ll have access to all those places. Many mountain biking regions that are close to Harvest Hosts breweries are also close to Harvest Hosts wineries, distilleries, farms, and more. So while you can only stay one night per location, there might be another location just down the road. Keep that mountain biking adventure going as long as you can.

Links and Resources:


We do our best to provide you with the most up to date facts; however, we are not perfect, so if you come across something that is not quite right, or you think we should add more, let us know. We appreciate all the help we can get. 


Cheers!

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GregW
GregW
2 years ago

thanks for these guides. When I search Harvest Host I usually filter by Breweries only. I wish they would filter out Distilleries. This will help on my next trip in a couple of weeks heading south to Tennessee.