The North Wilkesboro area lies in the Brushy Mountains, a spur of the Blue Ridge range with elevations typically between 1,200-2,500 feet. Summer temperatures average 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands, offering relief during July and August when humidity peaks elsewhere. Winter camping remains viable at lower elevations where temperatures rarely stay below freezing for extended periods.
What to do
Fishing spots: Lake Myers RV Resort features a stocked pond where even novice anglers can have success. "I cought 2 sunfishes in 30 min & I'm no fisherman," noted one visitor at Thousand Trails Forest Lake, which offers similar fishing opportunities.
Wine tasting: Visit Roaring River Vineyards RV Campground where you can camp right at a working winery. "Had a great time here...campground is behind the restaurant and a pond. Very nice peaceful setting and you can wine taste while you are visiting," one camper shared.
Hiking trails: Doughton Park Campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway offers numerous trail options directly from your campsite. One camper noted: "There are trails you can hike from camp. There is a basic dump station at the entrance as well as potable water."
Creek access: During summer months, Peak Creek RV Campground provides direct stream access for cooling off. A visitor mentioned: "Host was very accommodating and had inner tubes for floating in the stream."
What campers like
Welcome amenities: Some RV parks near North Wilkesboro go beyond basic check-in. "The 'Welcome Bag' was a nice touch and very appreciated. No other park offered such a nice token," reported a guest at Riverwalk RV Park.
Social activities: Lake Myers RV Resort offers organized events throughout the season. "A+ campground.. fun activities.. kid friendly.. love playing BINGO here!!" shared one enthusiastic camper.
Proximity to small towns: The area's campgrounds provide easy access to nearby communities. "Jonesvillle and Elkin both have antique stores and Elkin is a nice town to stroll through with shops and a local brewery," wrote a camper staying at Riverwalk RV Park.
Elevation benefits: The higher elevation of Doughton Park Campground provides natural air conditioning. "This campground is quiet, shaded, and right on the Blue Ridge parkway. It's high in elevation so it's cooler than the surrounding areas," noted a reviewer.
What you should know
Seasonal operation variations: Many campgrounds in the region have limited operating seasons. "This campground might be closed for the season but the gates were open, so we checked it out and saw a sign saying that it would close for the season on November 4 so we were good!" reported a visitor at Doughton Park.
Size limitations: Despite being listed as "big-rig friendly," some campgrounds have practical limitations. "This is a decent family-friendly campground but is quite difficult to navigate the roads and sites if you have a larger rig," warned one visitor about Lake Myers RV Resort.
Variation in amenities: Bathroom facilities vary widely between campgrounds. "These are the cleanest bathrooms we've ever seen," stated a Linville Falls camper, while others noted some parks have no shower facilities.
Occupancy patterns: Many campgrounds in the region have a mix of transient and permanent residents. "The campground is mostly annual people with permanent lots. We don't mind that at all. Those types always seem to be laid back and quiet," explained a Lake Myers visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Age-appropriate activities: Consider the age of children when selecting a campground. "We took our three boys (all under 5) for the weekend. There was not much at all for them to do other than play in the pool... There is a play ground and game room for older kids but nothing for the smaller children to do," cautioned a Lake Myers visitor.
Swimming options: Linville Falls Campground provides pool access during summer months, though one visitor noted: "We have a dog and love the dog park! The bathrooms are very clean and nice!"
Off-season considerations: School-aged children may find fewer organized activities during non-peak times. "Unfortunately a lot of the activity type things (arcade, mini-golf, horseshoes, etc) weren't available because we visited in the off season. Bummer but to be expected even though we had super nice weather," reported a camper at Forest Lake.
Tips from RVers
Water pressure variations: Be prepared for inconsistent water pressure at some parks. "Being at the end of the water line for the park, our pressure wasn't great so we used our fresh water tank and water pump for showers and to wash dishes but the pressure was adequate for making coffee, brushing our teeth and filling the water bowls for the dogs," advised a visitor at Fries New RiverTrail RV Park.
Site leveling: Most RV sites require some adjustment. "Sites are close to level. Nothing severe at all," reported one camper at Fries New RiverTrail RV Park.
Road conditions: Internal roads at some campgrounds may present challenges. "Roads are sooo narrow," noted one Forest Lake visitor, while another complained about "the worst pot holes speed bumps that are curbs!"
Connectivity options: Cell service and internet access vary significantly. "Verizon service has 2 bars. Occasionally got a little spotty while working, but our hotspot worked enough. Streaming did get dicey," reported a Lake Myers visitor.
