Cabin camping near Crumpler, North Carolina offers lower elevation alternatives to the High Country peaks, typically sitting between 2,500-3,000 feet. The area experiences distinct four-season weather with summer highs averaging in the mid-80s and winter lows frequently below freezing. Morning fog is common in valley locations, particularly during spring and fall transitional seasons.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Stone Mountain State Park Campground offers multiple waterfall trails within walking distance of cabin sites. "We camped here and didn't even leave. It has so much to do and see... There's a roaring large creek that flows behind the site and a grassy field full of deer beside it," shares Charli R.
Tubing adventures: Take advantage of the New River with guided tubing trips from Riverside Canoe and Campground. "You can rent a tube to place a cooler inside of so you can tube down the river with beverages and snacks in tow. The end of the rafting experience puts you right back at the campsite," notes Julie L.
Exploring local history: Visit historical homesteads and structures throughout the region, many dating to the 18th and 19th centuries. "Homestead was so neat to walk around at the base of the mountain," reports Kristi D. about the preserved settlement at Stone Mountain State Park Campground.
What campers like
Mountain temperatures: The higher elevation provides natural cooling during summer months. "The elevation is high so weather is nice for those trying to escape the summer heat," explains Kristen J. about Blue Bear Mountain Camp.
Creek-side sites: Many cabins feature creeks or streams running directly behind or alongside them. "We stayed at site 8 and it was one of the few sites that did not have much shade cover but otherwise no complaints," notes Shane T. about their cabin experience at Camp Burson.
Clean facilities: Bathhouses receive frequent attention across most campgrounds. "The bathhouse is nice and includes showers and drinking water," reports Raven B. about facilities at Blue Bear Mountain Camp, while another camper describes Stone Mountain's bathhouses as "heated, clean and the men's bathroom had two showers."
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most cabin facilities operate on limited schedules. Flintlock Campground runs April through October, while Honey Bear Campground operates March through October with prime booking windows 3-6 months in advance.
Varied amenities: Cabin features range from rustic to modern with significant differences. "We stayed in the camping cabins located on the hill behind the store. It was so quiet & offered a beautiful view of the river from the picnic table," describes Julie L. about Riverside Canoe and Campground.
Elevation considerations: Mountain roads can be steep and narrow in some areas. "The drive into/out of the campground is on a main drive and on a hill which makes it difficult leaving," warns Beckie P. about Flintlock Campground, while another camper notes Blue Bear's access involves "a narrow and would be difficult to get a large camper up there."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly waterways: Shallow streams provide natural playgrounds for children. "There is a beautiful mini river running through the campground with a lot of rocks to jump on. My children spent hours every day exploring," shares Robyn C. about Flintlock Campground.
Activity planning: Some campgrounds offer organized family events, especially on weekends. "The campground had several family activities like a haunted trail and trick or treating for the kiddos," notes Laura B. about Honey Bear Campground's Halloween festivities.
Playground access: Not all campgrounds have dedicated play structures on-site. "If there was a playground here, it would be 5 stars. There was one by the beach, but not within walking distance," mentions Kelsey R. about Camp Burson.
Tips for RVers
Site selection: RV sites vary significantly in size, privacy and layout across campgrounds. "The sites are small and close together. We were lucky to only be sharing the property with 1 other group," explains Raven B. about Blue Bear Mountain's RV area.
Hookup limitations: Water connections aren't universal at all campgrounds. "They do not have water hookups - you fill your camper tank with water at the office area. They have spots with electric hookups," advises Mandy R. about Honey Bear Campground.
Road access: Some campground approaches have challenging turns or grades. "The state maintained gravel road used to access campground was narrow and would be difficult to get a large camper up there, although there were lots of large ones there," observes Kristen J. about Blue Bear Mountain Camp.
