Blue Bear Mountain Camp sits at high elevation near Creston, North Carolina, offering glamping opportunities that benefit from naturally cooler summer temperatures. Located about 15 minutes from downtown Boone, the mountaintop setting provides campers with a unique combination of seclusion and accessibility. Tent sites and glamping accommodations are positioned to maximize privacy while allowing guests to enjoy the natural mountain environment.
What to do
Trout fishing at stocked ponds: Blue Bear Mountain Camp features a fishing pond where visitors can try their luck catching trout. One camper noted, "The hike to the pond was a little more strenuous than we anticipated but once you get there, there is a nice creek and we caught a trout in the pond right away."
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Hickory Ridge Campground at Grayson Highlands State Park offers exceptional access to the Appalachian Trail. "Jump on the AT or any number of other trails for a multi day or just a simple day hike. The wild ponies make this area so special and worth the drive," shares one visitor who found the location ideal for hiking adventures.
Kayaking and canoeing: Julian Price Park Campground provides water recreation options on its lake. A camper explains, "There is a spot within the park to rent kayaks which was great. There is a hiking trail that goes around the lake. There's also a trail that you can access from the park that leads to Hebron Rock Colony which is an incredible hiking trail."
Exploring mountain homesteads: Several parks in the area preserve historic mountain homesteads. At Stone Mountain State Park, visitors can explore these structures. "Homestead was so neat to walk around at the base of the mountain," reports one camper, providing insight into the region's cultural history.
What campers like
Cool mountain temperatures: The high elevation camping near Creston provides relief from summer heat. At Blue Bear Mountain Camp, a frequent visitor confirms, "Not only is the weather so much cooler in the summer there (70-80 in July!), it's just a wonderful, down to earth place to be."
Dark skies for stargazing: The minimal light pollution in the mountain region creates opportunities for night sky viewing. At Stone Mountain State Park, campers report exceptional conditions: "beautiful campground, amazing hikes & waterfalls and the best stargazing you could ask for."
Well-spaced campsites: Many campgrounds in the Creston area provide generous site spacing. A visitor to New River State Park reported, "Every spot here is close to the river! The gentle sound of the New river is the most peaceful sound! Extremely clean bath house and very helpful rangers."
Access to river recreation: The New River provides opportunities for water activities and peaceful camping. At New River State Park, one camper shared, "Great hikes close by with sweet wild ponies that let you get close for pictures."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most popular glamping sites fill quickly during peak seasons. At Blue Bear Mountain Camp, visitors advise booking early: "We've been camping there for 8 years and love it more each time we go. The camper spots are very spacious and C1-C3 are completely shaded. C3 is the best by far! But you have to book early because C3 is very popular!"
Water hookup limitations: Some campgrounds don't offer full water hookups at sites. A Blue Bear visitor points out: "Some things to know before you go! They do not have water hookups- you fill your camper tank with water at the office area. They have spots with electric hookups."
Road access considerations: Mountain roads can present challenges for larger vehicles. At Flintlock Campground, a visitor cautions: "The drive into/out of the campground is on a main drive and on a hill which makes it difficult leaving. For experienced campers this may be okay but I wouldn't recommend for novice campers."
Seasonal closures: Weather conditions affect campground availability. One visitor to Julian Price Park Campground reported in 2025: "Campground is closed due to hurricane damage," highlighting the importance of checking current conditions before planning a glamping trip near Creston.
Tips for camping with families
Creek exploration opportunities: Several campgrounds feature creeks that provide natural play areas for children. A regular visitor to Flintlock Campground shares: "Flintlock is easy to get to but you'll still feel like you are camping. Staff is friendly and facilities are clean. There's a beautiful mini river running through the campground with a lot of rocks to jump on. My children spent a hours every day exploring."
Playground availability: Honey Bear Campground offers structured activities for children. A visitor explains, "If youre into a bit of glamping. This place works! Good for kids - rootbeer float nights, outdoor movies with marshmellow pits, crerks to splash in. Full bathhouses, laundry & eben a gameroom. My kids loved the tire swings & animals!"
Tent site selection: When glamping with families in tent accommodations, site selection matters. At Honey Bear Campground, one camper advises: "Staff was nice, campgrounds were clean. Only downside is the main road is right near the last tent spot. Just make sure you reserve one closer towards the main building."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy observing local wildlife during camping trips. At Hickory Ridge Campground, a visitor noted: "Grayson Highlands is a must-do for all campers, hikers, and adventurers. Hit the trails to see some wild ponies and scenic balds. Weather is unpredictable, so pack a raincoat and warm clothes just in case."
Tips from RVers
Limited site availability: Many glamping sites near Creston have restrictions on RV size. At Grandfather Campground, an RVer cautions: "The site was quite un-level side to side, and we couldn't get our trailer completely level side to side. The site was a bit tough to maneuver into (doable, though!)"
Leveling requirements: The mountainous terrain often means uneven sites. A visitor to Honey Bear Campground noted: "The staff were very accommodating as this was my first camping experience with a travel trailer. They took the time to get me perfectly backed into my site since the reservation map was a little misleading and appeared to be a pull through site."
Weekend vs. weekday differences: RVers report different experiences depending on timing. At Grandfather Campground, a visitor observed: "There's a decent mix of people here for the weekend vs staying longer term. Up in the trees there looks to be campers that haven't moved in years."
Dump station access: Several campgrounds provide dump stations, but details vary. At New River State Park, a visitor shared useful information: "Nice looking camp in a beautiful area. Didn't stay but did use the dump station for $17, so wanted to update info."
