Best Tent Camping near Cooleemee, NC

Recent Tent Reviews near Cooleemee, North Carolina

602 Reviews of 16 Cooleemee Campgrounds

• G

  Glenn S.

  Traveler

  

  May. 31, 2022

  Beechnut Family Campground

  Nice Camping for Tents or RVs

  We camped in our tent at Beechnut for two nights. The owners are very friendly and helpful. The tent camping area is across a road from a stream, in a forest of tall trees, a very picturesque location. Each tent site had water, a picnic table, and a 30-amp electric outlet. It rained heavily both nights we stayed there, but we stayed dry. Unfortunately the rain had been going on for several days before we arrived, and wherever vehicles were parked on the ground, they left muddy ruts. The owner helped some guests who arrived at night at a tent site in small travel trailers, when they were stuck. He really is very helpful and kind. Bathhouses are clean and well-kept.

• 

  Mike T.

  Traveler

  

  May. 31, 2018

  Hagan-Stone Park

  Nice family weekend.

  This park is close to our home, very affordable and was an excellent place to take my wife for her first tent camping experience. The tent sites were nice. I would scout ahead if possible because some are nicer than others. We stayed in site #7. The tent pad was level but ground around the area was mostly sloped. Was very close to the bath house. Bath house was ok. Wife said women's side was nice and clean. The men's side was a little outdated and could have had a few less spiders but wasn't terrible. There was a newer bath house a little further away from our site that seemed a little nicer. Campground was full but because there a limited sites it wasn't too crowded. Overall was a great weekend getaway with my family and friends. We will most likely go back at some point.

• 

  Rachael H.

  Ranger

  

  Jun. 11, 2020

  Stone Mountain State Park Campground

  Loved it

  Primitive tent camp site. Water but no electric. Nice grassy area around the gravel tent pad. We had one tree for shade. Fire ring and table. Clean showers and bathrooms. We stayed here specifically for the sliding rock at widow creek falls. But we did hike Stone Mountain falls trail. There are 432 steps going up to the parking area from the bottom of the falls. Beautiful shaded trail. Mountain to sea trail runs through for a little bit. Dogs welcome leashes. Fairly busy trail.

• 

  Jody K.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 25, 2018

  Stone Mountain State Park Campground

  Woody for Tent Campers and Sunny for RV'ers

  The tent sites are built into a hill that provides an abundance of trees to hang hammocks and to keep well protected from the sun. The RV spots are located out in the open area and one loop sits right on a creek. The RV spots are sunnier with limited trees to shade from the sun during the summer months. For a NC state park, the bathroom and shower amenities are clean, warm and well stocked with toilet paper. The tent spots are a perfect place to hang hammocks and the tent pads are pretty sizable!

  I am giving this review a 5 based on 2 different elements: 1) cleanliness of the camp site was beyond expectation. Not all campground hosts clean out the fire pit on a daily basis. When arriving, there was no trace of the former camper at all. No micro trash, no left over spikes and the campsite was freshly raked and all coals/ash were swept out of the fire ring. 2) welcoming personalities of the camp ground host and and employees. The campground host stopped to ask if we needed anything and to remind us the program that was taking place the next morning.

  For tent camping, choose the following sites if you need to park 2 cars at the campsite: #7, #9, #14 and #18. The other campsites have enough space for one car at each site.

• 

  James M.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 10, 2024

  Statesville RV Park I-77

  Great place to stay

  I showed up after hours on a motorcycle looking for an overnight tent site.  They didn't have tent sites available in the after hours check in.  Luckily, John, who works maintenance, was near by.  He opened up the office, checked me into a tent site and figured out how to give me a military discount even though that is not his job.  John saved my night!  The tent site was clean, level, grass and water and electric worked great.  There was some noise from the interstate but expected in a tent.  Restroom and shower facilities were clean and functional.  My only staff interaction was with John and he was outstanding in customer service and going over the top to take care of getting me set up.  Thank you!

• 

  Myron C.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 1, 2019

  Greensboro KOA

  RV Camping Conveniently Located near Greensboro

  On my way to Virginia from western North Carolina, I decided to stop here. It makes the eight hour trip less tiresome if you can break it up. It is convenient since it is along the interstate. However, staying in one of the cabins at this KOA in Greensboro requires a minimum two-night stay, and they run about$100 a night. The person in the office was really nice and informative, but I think KOA is trying to discourage tent campers. She told me that since it had been raining, the ground was saturated and tent campers don’t like all the noise from the road; and she is 100% correct. Nevertheless, a tent site was my best option. The tent sites are sloped and very small. There is very little privacy since the sites are just about on top of each other. Don’t get me wrong; there are good things about this KOA… for RV campers and RV campers with children. The RV sites are spacious and mostly level with electric, water, and sewer hookups. The cabins are really nice(this being based on staying in a KOA cabin in the past and the exterior looks, which have been updated since I last stayed in one). The children will love the caboose/play area, and there is a large pool, which was actually open. There is also a fenced dog walk and another playground for children. The main bath house is located at the end of the office, and there is another bath house which was closed due to repair(?). Perhaps I’m being a little too harsh since it had poured rain for two days, but being on a small, unlevel, tent site with saturated ground is not my favorite way to camp. There were only brief minutes to take any photos since it was constantly raining. With all this said, if you want an alternative to staying at a motel/hotel/inn in Greensboro to experience the numerous things the city has to offer, this is a good choice for RV campers or for those who want to stay in a cabin.

• S

  S.H. S.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 28, 2020

  Lake Norman State Park Campground

  Very nice

  Friendly host, close to lake and well shaded, clean bathrooms, large enough tent sites, great for families.

• 

  Cassandra R.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 31, 2021

  Morrow Mountain State Park Campground

  Nice dispersed campground

  We have been coming to this campground for seven or eight years. We’ve camped here as tent and rv campers.

  The campsites tend to be spacious and wooded- perfect for privacy and hammocks.

  Once we were tent camping here, and woke up to a herd of deer on our site! There were seriously 10-15 deer just chilling on our campsite when we exited our tent.

  If you’re rv-ing, be aware that while there are electric hookups, there are not water or sewer. There is a water tank filling station and a dump station on site.

  The bathhouses are okay. They’re kept clean but they are older.

  We have had some issues at this campground with sites being extremely uneven. We even had to just leave once because we couldn’t even begin to get our camper level, and the site was at a purely bizarre angle. I feel that some electric sites are better suited to those tent camping but wanting electricity.

• M

  Megan M.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 8, 2020

  Cedar Rock Campground

  Quiet setting beside of a beautiful trout stream

  We have tent camped here many times and it is always a great time.
  Nothing beats falling asleep and waking up to the sound of the creek. Small playground isn’t much to look at but my kids (10 and under) always use the heck out of it. They love riding their bikes along the gravel road and grassy hillside. If you’re tent camping the best spot is the far end, I believe number one and two. So secluded and private.
  There’s a small beach area that you get kids can use as access to swim and rock throwing.
  This campground is only a few miles from Stone Mountain state park. Lots of great hiking. In the summer you have to check out Widows Creek. Sliding rocks and waterfalls and a swimming hole only .2 miles off the road.

  We love camping at this clean, simple campground.

• M

  Melissa B.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 21, 2018

  Hanging Rock State Park Campground

  Great first experience with a toddler

  This was a close (1 hour drive) from Winston Salem and was the perfect first tent camping experience! Tons of beautiful trails, some with waterfalls, and a great beach! Camp site was mexcellent! Just enough privacy and clean bathrooms, plenty of water spickets! We will be back!

• J

  Jade P.

  Traveler

  

  Feb. 18, 2017

  Hanging Rock State Park Campground

  New Years Eve weekend camping

  Had a really good weekend!! Campground was all I needed for the two nights I stayed. Slightly wished the bathhouses had been open. Camp site very clean, big enough for tent camping. Sites are slightly close, wasn't a problem considering it was January. Will be returning during summer months.

• A

  A P.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 2, 2022

  Badin Lake Campground

  Simple, clean water & ready for adventure

  Family of 6. First tent glamping with 4 boys under the age of 12. Fantastic scenery & sunsets. We launched our kayaks from our tent site and enjoyed our neighbors. The facilities are decent for the money and there is plenty to participate in besides camping.

• 

  Nick D.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 6, 2020

  Byrd's Branch Campground

  Very Nice

  Byrd’s Branch is a newer campground with very clean facilities. Nice tent sites along a creek surrounded by mature trees. The nearby waterfalls are awesome and just a short hike from the campsite. Glad I stayed here.

• 

  Laura F.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 22, 2022

  Oak Hollow City Campground

  Excellent Value for Tent Campers

  I stayed at tent site #10 for 3 nights.   This site along with sites 8 and 9 have electric so I was able to run an extension cord into my tent.  This site has gorgeous views of the lake and seems to share a grill with #11.  There are trees perfect for a hammock.   There is no fire ring but I brought my own raised fire pit.   I was told I’d probably need to drive to the bathrooms but there is a path through the woods into section A.  There is no potable water on tent sites and I had to walk to a vacant rv site to get water for washing dishes.    The wifi is hit or miss at this site but it’s there. My cell coverage was good so I mostly isdd my hot spot. 

  I want to emphasize that you so need to check in by 7:30 but after that you get a gate code to use coming in late or leaving early.

• J

  John C.

  Traveler

  

  May. 28, 2019

  Morrow Mountain State Park Campground

  Great Campground

  I tent camped at Morrow Mountain state park. As a campsite it is wonderful. Great camp pad to set up your tent on and very nice bathrooms. The only thing i would say negatively about it is that it is quite off the beaten path so does take time to drive all the way through the park to the campground. Other than that it had a very nice atmosphere

• a

  asherondryde

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 28, 2022

  Byrd's Branch Campground

  noisy

  the campsites area nice. well maintained. proximity to the road is close. constantly hearing cars go by. the tent campsites away from the RV site is nice at night. Listen to the frogs.

• L

  Larisa C.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 1, 2021

  Oak Hollow City Campground

  We enjoyed our stay

  We tent camped on Aug 28. 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. There was a pool our kids could swim in until 7:00pm. They let us borrow a metal fire pit so we could make s’mores. The restrooms and showers were very clean.

• 

  Ben S.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 17, 2020

  Lake Curriher Wilderness

  Love this place.

  Very close to my home. I hike in to the remote campsite on the lake. Lots of fishermen and trash since the scum can’t seem to pick up after themselves. The cabins here are also great. Clean and nice location. I would suggest the overlook cabin. I generally tent camp and the Point, not many know of this location as it’s a decent hike in. Great place.

• 

  Kirsten J.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 8, 2018

  Pilot Mountain State Park Campground — Pilot Mountain State Park

  Local favorite, easily accessible for families

  This campground is located just NW of Winston Salem. The campground is mostly wooded and shady with many rocks. Water and trash are readily available. The bath house is extraordinarily clean, with showers, changing area and clean toilets and sinks. Fire pit and picnic tables are at every site - yet many sites are close together and very rocky for tent camping.

  We enjoy hiking to the top from the campground on well marked trails. The views are great and boulders are fun for the kids to play on!

• 

  Morgan A.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 19, 2021

  Hagan-Stone Park

  Great Place for a Short Weekend Getaway!

  Pros: • Most of the B sites are in a nice wooded setting. • There’s plenty of trails to walk during the day. • Very quiet even though the sites are pretty close together. • There’s a Food Lion and Gas Station 10 minutes away if you forget anything. • Clean bathhouses with hot water.

  Cons: • Our site (B20) was reaaally uneven but we made it work for 2 tents! • If you tent camp in the B lot, the bathhouse is a bit of a walk. • You have to bring your own firewood or buy it ($5 a bundle) - gathering firewood from the woods is not allowed. • Water is shared between sites.

• 

  keith F.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 26, 2021

  COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground

  Great place on a lake

  The campground is beautiful. My wife and I biked/ ran the trails nearby. Our dogs loved walking around the campground. Some nice wooded tent sites that a very large areas. Our spot was a two level site. The upper level was where we parked the trailer and the picnic table and fire ring were down the stairs under a great big oak tree. There was a short path the a little semi-private beach area. Overall it was a great place. Very reasonable price.

• 

  Corey L.

  Guide

  

  Feb. 5, 2021

  Statesville RV Park I-77

  Hideaway on the travel

  This was a good park. We stayed here a few time. I will say the staff is a hit or miss. They are polite but not friendly at times. The pool is pretty cool, but can get crowded. The best part it is extremely close to the state park and Lake Norman. You can drop in kayaks, fish, or just get out on a hike. It is an easy off and on highway. Down side is depending where your spot is of how loud it is. Bathrooms are clean and well maintained. The tent sites are well established and they are very organized.

• D

  David B.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 2, 2020

  Morrow Mountain State Park Campground

  Excellent camping for both RV and Tents

  **Morrow Mountain State Park is a family camping ground for all ages and has an in ground swimming pool plus a boat launch.  I enjoyed tent camping with my family and fishing on the lake.  There is a large public swimming pool and each camping area has toilet and shower facilities.  You can burn fire wood in pits and there are grills for charcoaling BBQs.  The highlight to a early morning wake up are having deer walking through your camping site.  There was a loud whipperwill sounding off with echoes coming from the hillsides.  It is a first come first serve and there is a small fee collected by a Park Ranger.  **

• 

  chrissy D.

  Guide

  

  May. 23, 2022

  Lake Norman State Park Campground

  Fantastic quiet get away

  We stayed in the new glamping cabin #2. Very clean, comfortable bed, nice AC, lovely porch to relax on. All cabins are in walking distance to the bathrooms and showers. Those as well were pretty clean for a camp ground, I was pleasantly surprised. The path to the bathrooms light up at night so you can find your way very easy in the dark. Camp ground itself was very clean and I often saw the staff working on cleaning it and interacting with the campers. The designated swimming area was like a piece of heaven. Small not to overly packed, very clean beach. We plan on coming pack to do tent camping with our dog, fantastic family or romantic couple retreat.

• 

  Kirsten J.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 8, 2018

  Hanging Rock State Park Campground

  Popular campground for locals and weekenders - great little hikes!

  Hanging Rock campground is a popular spot for locals and visitors. It has both hook-ups and tent sites, with bath houses that provide showers, toilets and sinks. This campground is within walking distance to the lake - with a little beach where the kids can play and swim! There is a charge to swim in the lake, as well as rowboat rentals available! We enjoy hiking several trails in the area and there are many creeks for kids to explore! Several waterfalls are accessible in this park and enjoyed by all! Trails show signs of heavy traffic as pieces of trash are often found while hiking. The campground is kept very clean and we enjoy it!

• J

  Joanna C.

  Scout

  

  Feb. 21, 2018

  Hanging Rock State Park Campground

  Great time overall

  We tent camped here with 2 kids. The trails were fairly nice and we enjoyed the view at the top. The lake was great for the kids. The lake itself wasn't huge, but the water was pretty clear at the large beach area. There were salamanders and fish for the kids to chase. There is a large stone house built by the CCC with facilities and snacks, and there were lots of staff available. We rented a canoe to paddle around for a bit, and the process was simple and straightforward. The campground had ample space and the sites didn't feel too close together. The one and only reason I am not giving 5 stars is the bathhouse. The showers were small and dark, and I did have to remove some spiders before the girls would shower. Otherwise, we had a great time.

• J

  Janet

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 1, 2021

  COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground

  Gorgeous campground!

  This place has it all! Swimming, kayaking, boat launch, small hiking trail. Sites have a fire pit, picnic table (it’s really heavy!) and a grill. I loved how each site is fairly unique. Many have steps to go down to the fire pit area. Lots of sites on the water. Site 32 was on a little cul-de-sac next to the beach and had a perfect spot for my hammock overlooking the water.

  I stayed on an rv site in a tent. There are tent specific sites. The tent sites are heavily wooded.

  The bathhouse was unremarkable but clean.

  They had movie night on Saturday night (RV) but I didn’t realize it until Sunday morning haha.

  The campground was very quiet all weekend. Appeared to be mostly families. There is no alcohol allowed and I did not notice anyone breaking this rule.

  There is firewood ($5 bundle - must have exact change!) available and ice but no camp store. Walmart is close by though.