Stone Mountain State Park Campground offers seasonal glamping accommodations from March to November with options for both tent campers and RV travelers. Sites are situated on level gravel pads with surrounding trees providing natural shade. The campground maintains 23 sites with water and electric hookups in Chestnut Hollow and 64 additional sites ranging from standard to full-service in Hickory Ridge. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, requiring appropriate cold-weather gear for off-season visitors.
What to do
Hiking at Grayson Highlands: Access miles of trails including the Appalachian Trail with opportunities to see wild ponies. According to a visitor at Hickory Ridge Campground, "What a great site. Terrain changes throughout with dense forest and brushy ridgelines. Makes for a really great hike and camp. Several Backpacking sites just past Mt. Rogers summit trail. Worth a few nights stay."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple stocked ponds and streams for catch-and-release fishing. At Beechnut Family Campground, one camper noted it's a "Great place to fish and swim with the family."
Kayaking the New River: Rent equipment or bring your own for water recreation. A camper at New River Canoe and Campground shared, "Best canoeing and kayaking on new river, class 2 & 3 rapids on the 10 mile float, worth the $20 shuttle to take you up river to float right back to camp ground."
Rock climbing at Pilot Mountain: Multiple routes for top-rope climbing with anchors available. "I've been here several times, and it's one of my favorite places for toprope climbing in the area. If you're not a climber, the views are still worth the drive," reports a visitor to Pilot Mountain State Park.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Several campgrounds offer wooden platforms that keep tents elevated and dry. At Royal Oak Campground, a camper reported, "The campground was fantastic. All campsites are on platforms, which makes it very nice to set up your stuff. The sites have the usual amenities like a picnic bench and table, a firepit, and a lantern pole."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses with hot showers across multiple locations. At Stone Mountain State Park Campground, a reviewer noted, "Beautiful campground, amazing hikes & waterfalls and the best stargazing you could ask for. The bathrooms were clean, fellow campers were respectful and nice."
Proximity to trails: Many sites offer direct access to hiking paths without driving. "Great sites. Clean bathrooms, close to many hiking trails and waterfalls," shared a camper at Stone Mountain State Park.
Off-grid experience: Limited cell coverage creates a true disconnect from technology. One camper at Wagoner — New River State Park noted, "With no cars allowed. You cart your stuff to the site. All sites have trees for hammocks. Watch for poison ivy and enjoy floating or kayaking the river."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Peak season requires advance booking, especially weekends. A visitor to Grayson Highlands State Park advised, "I was there the first day the campground opened and it filled quickly. You'll definitely want reservations for a weekend stay."
Gate closure times: Some parks lock entrance gates at night. At Pilot Mountain State Park Campground, "The park does require a two-night minimum stay if camping over a holiday weekend. Also be aware that the campground entrance closes at 10 pm. You will not be able to enter or exit until the gate opens the next morning."
Weather variability: Mountain elevation creates unpredictable conditions. "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," shared a visitor.
Pet restrictions: Not all glamping accommodations in Ennice allow pets. Hickory Ridge Campground specifically notes "NO pets-allowed" in their policies, while other nearby options welcome pets with certain restrictions.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. At Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA, a visitor noted, "This is our second time here. It's pretty quiet here. There is a heated pool (closed), corn hole, playground, and multiple games."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Schedule early morning or dusk hikes for best animal sightings. A camper at Stone Mountain State Park shared, "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."
Swimming spots: Natural water features for cooling off in summer. A visitor to New River State Park mentioned, "I highly recommend spending an afternoon on the beach at the Elk Shoals access. Beautiful spot with awesome swimming hole!"
Educational activities: Several parks offer ranger programs and interpretive centers. One camper at Royal Oak Campground observed, "Build by the Civilan Conservation Corps In the 1903s- Hungry Mother is state park planning its historical peak! The amenities cannot be missed - beach with bath house and snack bar, interpretive center with children's activities."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Research specific site numbers before booking. "We were in site 60 with water and electric, a pull-through site parallel to the road, with a slight incline on the way in and out. It was partially wooded," reported an RVer at Royal Oak Campground.
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have tight turns or steep grades. A visitor to Wytheville KOA noted, "We stayed here as a stopover but wish we could have stayed longer! Very cool campground, and the dog yard sites are awesome!"
Full hookup availability: Limited at some parks, plentiful at others. A camper at Mayberry Campground explained, "Great family friendly, pet loving campground. Most sites are spacious, all rv sites have full hookups."
Seasonal considerations: Some glamping locations near Ennice close during winter months. "Great sites. We camped here and didn't even leave. It has so much to do and see. We went in December and there wasn't many people there at all, maybe 4 other campers all weekend," shared a visitor about Stone Mountain State Park's winter camping experience.
