Stone Mountain State Park offers primitive and upgraded glamping experiences within the foothills of North Carolina at 1,500 feet elevation. Located approximately 30 minutes from Elkin, these camping options provide access to over 18 miles of hiking trails through mountain terrain. Campers can choose from standard tent sites, RV hookups, or glamping accommodations that feature different levels of amenities depending on the specific campground.
What to do
Waterfall swimming spots: Stone Mountain State Park features several swimming areas along mountain streams. "Beautiful campground, amazing hikes & waterfalls and the best stargazing you could ask for... 10/10 would camp here again and again," shares a visitor at Stone Mountain State Park Campground.
Mountain biking trails: The area around Warrior Creek has extensive trail systems for cyclists. "Super mt bike trails that have been built and maintained by volunteers who really care and ride the trails often. Solid facilities to camp. 10 to 15 minutes drive by car to the wilkesboro with plants of food and amenities," notes a reviewer at Warrior Creek.
Local wineries: Several wineries are located within 15 minutes of camping areas. One camper mentions, "Great campground! It is about a 15 minute drive to 3 great wineries and walkable to the trail head for the Stone Mountain loop. Great amenities, and everything was very clean."
Horseback riding: Grayson Highlands State Park offers trail rides near wild ponies. A visitor explains, "With camping just a moderate day hike away from Mount Rogers, the highest point in Virginia, this campground is a hiker's paradise."
What campers like
Stargazing opportunities: The higher elevation and minimal light pollution create excellent night sky viewing. A camper at Stone Mountain State Park notes, "beautiful campground, amazing hikes & waterfalls and the best stargazing you could ask for."
Creek-side sites: Many campsites back up to flowing streams for natural white noise. "We camped here and didn't even leave. It has so much to do and see. 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," shares a visitor at Stone Mountain.
Convenient location: Mayberry Campground offers glamping near Elkin with easy access to town amenities. "Great family friendly, pet loving campground. Most sites are spacious, all rv sites have full hookups. We have been coming to this campground for 6 years now. Staff are very friendly and helpful."
Recreation facilities: Holly Ridge Family Campground provides family-friendly amenities. "Loved how nice everyone was at this campground! The bathhouse was always super clean and I loved that they had pop-up sites only that were cheaper! Our campsite had a deck and I thought that was such a nice touch!"
What you should know
Campground closures: Some campgrounds in the area operate seasonally. For example, Pilot Mountain State Park is open "March 15 to November 30," while others like Stone Mountain and Holly Ridge remain open year-round.
Varied site privacy: Stone Mountain sites offer differing levels of seclusion. "We checked out the backpack hike camp spots (5) they're a good hike (1.5 mile uphill) but so beautiful, on the creek, 2 are near a small waterfall. They're spaced out about a quarter mile apart."
Weekend popularity: Pilot Mountain State Park Campground can get crowded during peak times. "The perimeter trails are great, not too crowded. The ones closer into Pilot Mountain itself get way too crowded."
WiFi availability: Internet access varies widely between campgrounds. A camper at Holly Ridge notes, "WiFi is not very good. But it is a nice campground," while another mentions, "Terrible WiFi. Family owned campground."
Tips for camping with families
Water parks for hot days: Homeplace Recreational Park offers water features for children. "This place has an actual water park within the campground... Bath house was clean and the grounds were very well maintained."
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds provide play areas for children. At Holly Ridge, "We loved the putt putt and kids playground area," and Mayberry Campground features "two playgrounds."
Site selection for space: Choose sites away from main roads for more play area. "The loop we were on had a vault toilet with t/p and hand sanitizer, there was a shower/toilet house a few hundred yards up the road, which we usually drove to for hot showers, very clean there."
Tent-only areas: For family tent camping, seek dedicated sections. "Tent sites 1-18 are the furthest from hookup sites and will therefore be the quietest... Site 13 is easily the most private--and arguably the only truly private--tent site in this campground."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of services. At Mayberry Campground, "Clean full hookup sites. Level, easy access. Close to Mount Airy. Only one bathroom but it's clean and has clean showers."
Site leveling challenges: Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA has some tricky spots. "We stayed here for vacation last year. There's a nice dog park, and the facilities are clean. My only negative was that they had us camp up on the top of the hill and it was difficult to navigate back down, with some very sharp turns for our fifth wheel."
Road navigation: Some campgrounds have narrow access roads. "This is a decent family-friendly campground but is quite difficult to navigate the roads and sites if you have a larger rig. Nice pool and good pet area."
Specialized dog sites: Some campgrounds offer fenced areas at specific sites. "In addition to a pet play area, there are a few sites (51, 43& 45) with pet backyards, fenced in areas for your pet to roam and play."
