Crumpler, North Carolina camping sites sit at elevations between 2,500-3,000 feet, creating milder summer temperatures than surrounding lowlands. The area's volcanic rock formations and dense hardwood forests provide distinctive riverside camping terrain. During peak season (May-September), weekend campsites near Crumpler often fill by Thursday afternoon.
What to do
Trout fishing access points: Helton Creek Campground offers direct access to stocked waters. "Small campground that sits right next to a trout stream. Definitely the place to go if you just want to get away from it all!" notes Jessica F., who found the quiet creek-side setting ideal for anglers seeking seclusion.
Mount Rogers hiking: From Hickory Ridge Campground campers can access multiple trails leading to Virginia's highest point. "With camping just a moderate day hike away from Mount Rogers, the highest point in Virginia, this campground is a hiker's paradise," reports Stephanie J. The campground serves as an ideal basecamp for day trips to the 8.5-mile Mount Rogers trail.
Mountain biking: Grindstone Recreation Area provides access to regional biking trails. "AT, Virginia Creeper, White Top Mountain and Mount Rogers all near by. Make this trip twice a year would add a third if time allowed," shares Jeff D., highlighting the area's extensive trail options within a short drive.
Wildlife viewing: The area's diverse wildlife includes deer and seasonal migratory birds. At Stone Mountain State Park Campground, "there's a roaring large creek that flows behind the site and a grassy field full of deer beside it," mentions Charli R., who spotted numerous deer during a December camping trip.
What campers like
Temperature variations: The region's elevation provides cooler summer nights. At Blue Bear Mountain Camp, "the elevation is high so weather is nice for those trying to escape the summer heat," reports Kristen J., noting temperatures typically 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding areas.
Morning riverside views: Tent sites with water views rank consistently high in camper reviews. At Twin Rivers Family Campground, "The site we were on was steps from the river, we had a flat, grassy spot with shrubs creating some privacy between us and our neighbor," reports Kirsten J., who appreciated the combination of privacy and riverside access.
Night sky viewing: Limited light pollution creates opportunities for stargazing. "I was very much hoping to take photos of the night sky," mentions Jean C. at Wagoner — New River State Park, who despite weather challenges noted exceptional viewing conditions before dawn.
Secluded tent areas: Campers seeking privacy can find separated tent sites. "Sites 46, 45 and 41 where my favorites with water views (46 coming in 1st)," recommends Kerrie N., who stayed at the Wagoner site at New River State Park and found these particular water-view sites offered more privacy than others.
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Mountain elevation brings unpredictable weather patterns. "Weather is unpredictable, so pack a raincoat and warm clothes just in case," advises danielle H. about Hickory Ridge Campground, where conditions can change rapidly even in summer months.
Cell service limitations: Signal strength varies significantly by provider and location. At Hurricane Campground, justin F. notes, "absolutely no reception so be sure to have everything squared away before entering the park!" Many campers report the best signal locations are at higher elevations or viewpoints.
Reservation timing: Many campgrounds transition to weekend-only operations after Labor Day. At Doughton Park Campground, Lee D. discovered "it would close for the season on November 4" when visiting in late October, demonstrating the importance of checking seasonal schedules.
Road access variations: Some campgrounds require navigation on unpaved roads. Robin K. advises about Hurricane Campground, "I wish I had known that the best route into the campground is 16 to 650. Instead, I took 650 from the north west, which turns out to be a 4 mile stretch of gravel road - which my little car had a rough time handling."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming access: Several campgrounds offer safe swimming spots for children. Chelsea B. recommends "spending an afternoon on the beach at the Elk Shoals access" at New River State Park, calling it a "Beautiful spot with awesome swimming hole!"
Wildlife education: Children often enjoy the educational aspects of local wildlife. At Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground, Kelly C. reports seeing "a Family of black bear about a mile from camp then a bobcat in camp later that day!" creating memorable wildlife experiences.
Bathroom facilities: Family-friendly campgrounds maintain clean facilities. At Stone Mountain State Park, Kristi D. notes "Campgrounds were nice and spaced out, well maintained...we were right by a small stream that you could hear," though she cautions the push-button showers can be challenging with kids.
Recreation equipment: Several campgrounds offer equipment rentals. Kevin A. at Twin Rivers Campground enjoyed "kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and just plain taking it easy," noting the campground provides equipment for these activities onsite.
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: RV sites with the best river views typically book earliest. At New River State Park, Megan M. advises, "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."
Water access procedures: RVers should note campground water restrictions. Mike A. reports "Didn't stay but did use the dump station for $17" at New River State Park, providing updated information about facilities for passing RVers.
Site dimensions: Many campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. Jean C. observes at Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground, "The campsites are back-in along a single spur with turn-around at the end," with sites that are "long, gravel, relatively level with water/electric."
Electric hookup variations: Some campgrounds offer only 15-amp connections rather than 30/50-amp. At Blue Bear Mountain Camp, campers are advised, "They do not have water hookups- you fill your camper tank with water at the office area. They have spots with electric hookups."
