Indian Springs Campground, near Hickory, North Carolina, offers a unique camping experience with a mix of rustic charm and essential amenities. The campground features spacious RV and tent sites, complete with electric and water hookups, making it a convenient choice for those traveling with larger vehicles.

Visitors often highlight the well-maintained grounds and the peaceful atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. The nearby river provides a lovely spot for a stroll, and many campers appreciate the quiet environment, which allows for a good night’s sleep under the stars. One camper mentioned, “The walk to the river was nice and beautiful,” showcasing the natural beauty surrounding the area.

While the campground lacks traditional restroom facilities, it does offer full hookups, which some find to be a fair trade-off for the privacy and tranquility it provides. The friendly management and community of long-term residents contribute to a welcoming vibe, making it a great place for a quick stop or a longer stay. Just be prepared for a bit of a drive on gravel roads to reach this hidden retreat.

Indian Springs Campground

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Connelly Springs

The Best Camping Near Connelly Springs, North Carolina

I'm so glad I fixed my hot water tank the week before going because I didn't read the fine print that they do not have any restrooms! Full hookup though! 

Hidden with no bathrooms

We were looking for someplace to stay near Hickory and we stumbled upon Indian Springs.  I was a little nervous about making a reservation because they only take cash or check, and my research indicated the campground is hard to get to. However, this campground seemed to be the best location for the weekend and they had a site available, so we decided to stay. 

  

I'm not going to lie, Indian Springs is not easy to get to. The road to the campground is easy to get to from I40, it's the turn onto Whitener Drive off of Costner Road that is not easy. Whitener Rd is fairly steep, but it starts off paved so it's not too bad. However, as we approached the campground's gate the pavement turned to gravel. When we got to the gate, we called to obtain an access code (we used the same code throughout the weekend). After going through the gate, we headed down the gravel driveway, toward the campground. At the bottom of the driveway, the road levels out and you turn into a flat, secluded valley in which the campground lies. 

  

Check-in was simple and the pull-through gravel site was easy to get to. The site was fairly level, and the electric, water &amp; sewer were well maintained and easy to access. Verizon cell service was excellent because there is a tower close-by. I wasn't sure about WiFi because the Indian Spring's website warns you not to expect much because it is free. That said, the WiFi was the best service we have experienced in the last 3 months on the road. It was fast &amp; reliable, probably because the campground was not overcrowded, and it seems the people who live their full-time have their own service. 

  

The campground was quiet and well maintained. You can tell the owners really care about their property. Also, there is a path to the nearby river and the dog loved spending time in the water. 

  

Exiting the campground and driving up the steep hill with the camper in tow was a little challenging, but we made it out without trouble. 

  

If you can handle driving up and down the gravel road, you will love this campground. It is definitely a hidden gem, and one of the best experiences we have had. We will definitely stay at Indian Springs the next time we are in the area.

Hidden Gem

We were hesitant based on the reviews of “steep grade” but found this entirely manageable (24’ motor home RV).  The grade is 7% and is managed through a long gentle slope in/out.  The only time I’d be concerned about the entrance would be in a driving rain.  Beyond that there is a central area of RV spots with nice distance between them.  There are some trees but mostly around the perimeter.  We were just overnight, so did not acquaint ourselves with the amenities.  I would echo there are no bath houses.   Friendly manager and friendly campers, most of whom appear to be permanent.  They have only a small number of available slots and she would not allow me to reserve the day before — I had to call the day of to see if they still had an opening, which added to our trip insecurity.   They did not take cards, we paid cash.  They are in the middle of expanding with a set of new RV spaces ‘up the hill’.  This was more of a grade than the entrance, but quite manageable.  The long spot (# 33) was pull-through, very level, gravel, with all hookups.  One RV pad per terrace.  Close enough we could talk with our near neighbor but had loads of privacy.  Up that high on the hill we heard a whisper of Interstate noise but that did not detract from the whip-or-will song at dusk.  Overall a very nice RV park, one we would definitely stay at again.   							

Friendly, isolated, contained RV park

This small but well maintained camp ground was very nice! It was well kept grounds. The walk to the river was nice and beautiful. 

Great for passing through 

We stayed from August 1, 2023 to October 30, 2023. This place is toxic. You will have no privacy. If the park cameras aren't watching your every move, the long term residents are. 

  

Indian Springs RV Park claims to be a destination for all, but our experience told a different story. From the outset, the owner's demeanor was cold and unwelcoming. It's clear that this park caters primarily to long-term older renters, which left us feeling like outsiders. 

  

The pet rules were not only archaic but also overly strict. Our furry companions felt like prisoners rather than cherished members of our family. This level of rigidity made our stay uncomfortable and less enjoyable. 

  

The wilderness trail, advertised as a natural escape, was a disappointment. Instead of a serene, well-maintained environment, we encountered a trash-strewn path that reflected a lack of care for the natural surroundings. We had a problem with roaches, which I can only assume came from unkempt trailers residing next to us. 

  

Families with children should think twice before booking here. The park lacks kid-friendly amenities and activities, making it an unsuitable environment for young ones. It's clear that this place is geared towards a specific demographic, neglecting the needs of a more diverse clientele. 

  

Perhaps most frustrating was the inconsistency in park rules. It became evident that decisions were made to suit the owner's preferences rather than ensuring a positive experience for all guests. This lack of transparency left us feeling undervalued and frustrated. 

  

In conclusion, Indian Springs RV Park may be ideal for a specific demographic, but it falls short of providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for a broader range of guests. We left with a sense of disappointment and will not be returning. It's important for the management to be honest about their target audience to avoid misleading potential visitors.

Toxic environment 

This place is tucked away near a river, plenty of indoor and outdoor activities, plus a nice laundromat. One of the quietest RV parks I've ever been to! The owners are nice and the grounds are well kept. Only reason it's not 5/5 is they currently lack a bathhouse. 

Photos of Indian Springs Campground

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