Wilkesboro camping elevations range from 950 to 1,250 feet across the area's campgrounds, with most sites opening from April through October. Mountain access roads can become slick after rainfall, especially at the higher elevation sites near Stone Mountain State Park. Campgrounds in this area typically offer 8-35 sites per location, with varying levels of privacy between established sites.
What to do
Hiking trails with waterfalls: At Stone Mountain State Park Campground, trails connect directly to camping areas. "You just can't beat it. We camped here and didn't even leave. It has so much to do and see. We camped at RV site 40 and I think it's the best. There's a roaring large creek that flows behind the site and a grassy field full of deer beside it," reports Charli R.
Mountain biking from camp: Warrior Creek offers direct access to mountain biking trails designed for various skill levels. "Super mt bike trails that have been built and maintained by volunteers who really care and ride the trails often. Solid facilities to camp. 10 to 15 minutes drive by car to the wilkesboro with plants of food and amenities," notes Kim L.
Disc golf: Fort Hamby Park includes a disc golf course among its recreation options. "We were most excited about disc golf, the deer we saw and the swimming beach. The little kids also loved the playgrounds and horseshoe pits that were along the road," explains Kirsten J.
Creek swimming: Several campgrounds feature natural swimming areas in creeks and small rivers. "The homestead was so neat to walk around at the base of the mountain. Only negative is there showers. Very frustrating...you have to push the shower head to get water," shares Kristi D. from Stone Mountain State Park.
What campers like
Spacious, private campsites: Fort Hamby Park offers notably large sites with good separation. "Beautiful, HUGE, clean, wooded sites! I loved the large campsites! In fact, not being able to see any of our neighbors made us feel so much more remote than we were," reports Kirsten J.
Clean facilities: Despite being more rustic, many area campgrounds maintain clean facilities. "Doughton Park CG: Bathroom: Small and clean. This campground is quiet, shaded, and right on the blue Ridge parkway. It's high in elevation so it's cooler than the surrounding areas," writes Roger W.
Creek-side camping: Stoney Fork Campground provides sites along a creek for soothing background noise. "Nice size campsites with with privacy in between. We stayed here 4 nights and it was GREAT! Full hookup, and back in sites right on the creek. The owners were very friendly," notes Brian B.
Easy water access: Many campsites offer direct water access for fishing or paddling. "We enjoyed our stay at Stoney Fork Campground. It is well maintained and peaceful. It's a small campground and it has many full-time sites. It's right on a creek and it was lovely to drink morning coffee next to the water," shares Roberta K.
What you should know
Seasonal closures affect availability: Several campgrounds close completely during winter months. "We stayed here for a night. Had a spacious site near the entrance of campground. They provide wood, $6 a bundle. Bathrooms were eh. Dump station on site. Potable water. Good campground. Nice trails on campground also! Would be lots of fun in the summer!" explains Caleb C. from Bandits Roost.
Reservations essential during peak times: Doughton Park Campground can fill on weekends. "The camp host was friendly and helpful in choosing a site. The bathrooms are small but clean and there are easily accessible water sources about. There has been a young bear hanging about in the campground so they, very reasonably, ask that you keep all scent sources in your car," notes Kelsey M.
Wildlife encounters are common: Bears and other wildlife frequent the area campgrounds. "This was the only place we saw bears but not in our campsite just wandering in another loop. We stayed in loop b and found a perfectly shaded site that was quiet and private and near the comfort station," explains Anna R. from Doughton Park.
Varying bathroom quality: Facilities range widely between campgrounds. "We've had a little aggravation with hornets. Wagoner access had everything we needed. There were sites with full hookups and sites with just electric. Most sites were really private which is nice," shares Kimberly.
Tips for camping with families
Look for loop camping with playgrounds: Fort Hamby includes family-friendly amenities. "Beautiful place! We camped there toward the end of October 2018. Campsites are level and plenty long enough. Bathhouse was extremely clean. Hosts were very friendly and helpful. We camped with 3 other families. It's a little hilly for kids to ride bikes, but the 6 kids with us managed to have a great time on theirs!" reports Brenda F.
Check for swimming areas: Many local campgrounds have designated swimming spots. "The location next to the reservoir is awesome. Rode the bike trails and loved it. Did some kayaking too. The actual campsites can be a bit tricky to park but overall great time," says Kelley G. from Bandits Roost.
Scout for walk-in campsites: Some campgrounds require short walks from parking to tent sites. "The sites and the bathhouse are very well maintained. The park host, Tom Keller, was just fantastic. Really helpful and super nice. They do have wagons/Wheel barrels to help haul your supplies to your tent," shares Kerrie N.
Check for bear precautions: Always verify storage requirements for food and scented items. "We went in December and there wasn't many people there at all, maybe 4 other campers all weekend," notes Charli R. about winter camping at Stone Mountain State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site length limitations: New River State Park has specific site configurations. "Small campground with a handful of FHU sites. Some sites have patio area on 'wrong' (street) side instead of curb side, so take a look at Google satellite map when booking. Sites 3, 7, 10 are among the best," advises Megan M.
Hookup variations: Electric and water hookups are available at most established campgrounds, but sewer is limited. "Been coming here for 20 years. This park has been my go to place when we need to get away. We have stayed here with a tent n now a camper. Clean sites n most sites r pretty level. Would give 5 stars but this park isn't full hookup. It's still a beautiful place," notes Connie M.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds with hookups provide dump stations. "Absolutely the easiest and cleanest dump station we have ever used! Well designed! Close to Willesboro!" shares Brenda F. about Fort Hamby Park.
Challenging access roads: Some campgrounds have narrow or winding roads. "The windy roads are narrow in many places, with little or no shoulder. There's a wonderful 'in the woods' feel, and some sites are closer together than others. Sites are well graveled and level, with picnic table, fire-ring, and lamp hanging posts," explains Herb T.
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