The Clemmons area of North Carolina offers travelers several glamping and camping options along the I-40 corridor. The region sits at approximately 800 feet elevation with mild seasonal temperatures that range from 30°F in winter to 90°F in summer. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, with peak seasons occurring in spring and fall when comfortable daytime temperatures in the 70s create ideal camping conditions.
What to do
Fishing for beginners: Lake Norman State Park Campground provides accessible fishing opportunities with over 500 miles of shoreline. A camper noted, "This campground has a lot to offer. Hiking, swimming, fishing at it's Carolina best." This park at the northern end of the lake offers quieter waters than the busier southern portions.
Hiking with views: Stone Mountain State Park Campground features multiple trails of varying difficulty levels leading to impressive rock formations. According to a visitor, "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." The park also offers backpacking sites near waterfalls.
Mini-golf and family games: Midway Campground Resort includes on-site mini-golf as part of its entertainment options. A camper mentioned, "This place has a lot to do at a reasonable price. Definitely bring the kids." The campground also features a bounce house and playground area that keeps younger children entertained.
Local attractions: Pilot Mountain State Park Campground provides a base for exploring both natural attractions and nearby towns. "While here, be sure to visit nearby Mt. Airy for some old school Andy Griffith sightseeing," suggests one visitor. The park's 2,000-foot mountain peak serves as a landmark visible throughout the region.
What campers like
Family-friendly atmosphere: Holly Ridge Family Campground receives praise for its welcoming approach to families. A camper shared, "They were so nice about letting us also have a tent on our site and didn't give us any grief about extra cars or people." The campground offers pop-up-only sites at lower rates than their standard RV sites.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds in the Clemmons area maintain well-kept bathhouses and common areas. At Lake Norman, "The bathhouse was new and well maintained," according to a recent visitor. Similarly, at Holly Ridge, guests appreciate that "The bathhouse was always super clean."
Wildlife viewing: Several camping options near Clemmons offer opportunities to observe deer and other wildlife. At Stone Mountain State Park, a camper reported, "There's a grassy field full of deer beside it," while others mention seeing wildlife throughout their stay. Morning and evening hours typically offer the best wildlife viewing.
Accessibility to dining: Mayberry Campground provides convenient access to local restaurants. According to one visitor, "The town of Mt. Airy has a variety of fast food places as well as many varied restaurants and BBQ's as well. A few of the bigger stores, walmart, lowes, all right in town."
What you should know
Site spacing concerns: Some glamping options near Clemmons offer less privacy than others. At Lake Myers RV Resort, a camper noted, "The spots are really close together. And the roads are sooo narrow." Consider requesting specific sites with more space when booking.
Seasonal operations: Not all facilities operate year-round. Lake Myers RV Resort runs from April through November, while others like Pilot Mountain State Park Campground operate from March 15 to November 30, making winter camping options more limited.
Leveling challenges: Several campgrounds in the area have uneven terrain. At Oak Hollow City Campground, a camper advised, "Many sites are not level so plan ahead and bring extra levelers." This is particularly important for RV travelers.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds sit close to major highways, affecting the camping experience. Statesville RV Park I-77 receives feedback like, "The highway was close and the noise did make it hard to sleep," making it better suited for overnight stops than extended stays.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple swimming options: Thousand Trails Forest Lake offers various water activities for children. A parent shared, "Lots of kids that play together well," and another noted, "I cought 2 sunfishes in 30 min & I'm no fisherman." The combination of swimming pools and fishing ponds provides water-based recreation for different age groups.
Platform tent sites: Oak Hollow City Campground features raised wooden platforms for tent camping. A family camper shared, "This was our first time setting up on a platform and it was very easy. Our site had a great view of the beautiful lake." These platforms keep tents dry during rainy periods and provide stable flooring.
Nearby rainy day activities: When weather turns poor, several area campgrounds offer indoor options. Forest Lake includes, "Lodge has TV & pool table... nice amenity for rainy days," according to one visitor, providing alternatives when outdoor activities aren't possible.
Age-appropriate amenities: Different campgrounds cater to specific age groups. Midway Campground Resort works well for older children with its "jump pad, playground, arcade, and mini-golf," while Lake Myers may not suit very young children as one family reported, "There was not much at all for them to do other than play in the pool."
Tips from RVers
Limited late check-in: Several campgrounds restrict after-hours arrivals. At Forest Lake, a camper warned, "There is no late check in, and we were not warned of that at all, so when we got in at 10pm no key was left for us to get into our cabin." Always confirm check-in procedures before arrival.
Road conditions: Access roads at some campgrounds present challenges. A visitor to Forest Lake reported, "Roads are the worst pot holes speed bumps that are curbs!" while others mention narrow interior roads at Lake Myers that are difficult to navigate with larger rigs.
Electrical hookups: Campgrounds vary in electrical service offerings. Stone Mountain State Park Campground provides both 30-amp and 50-amp service, while other facilities may offer limited options. Check power requirements before booking, especially for air conditioning needs during summer months.
Seasonal crowds: Many glamping destinations near Clemmons experience significant occupancy fluctuations. Mayberry Campground reports, "This place is full on the weekends so reserve in advance," particularly during spring and fall when weather conditions are most favorable.
