Blue Bear Mountain Camp in Todd, North Carolina offers premium glamping options at 3,000 feet elevation, where summer temperatures typically register 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowland areas. The 150-acre property sits just 15 minutes from Boone and features numerous hiking trails that connect directly to campsite areas. Visitors can access multiple glamping options including teepees, yurts, and cabin accommodations throughout the year.
What to do
Kayak the New River: The New River State Park provides excellent water recreation opportunities with convenient river access points. "The park is spread out over several disconnected properties throughout the county which offered a lot of different recreational opportunities. The park has miles and miles of blue way. And I highly recommend spending an afternoon on the beach at the Elk Shoals access. Beautiful spot with awesome swimming hole!" notes a visitor to Wagoner — New River State Park.
Mountain biking trails: Warrior Creek Campground offers excellent trail systems designed specifically for mountain biking enthusiasts. A camper reports, "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. Other biking nearby on greenway, black mountain and the trails at cub creek!!"
Stargazing: The area's reduced light pollution creates ideal conditions for night sky viewing. A visitor to Stone Mountain State Park Campground shared, "beautiful campground, amazing hikes & waterfalls and the best stargazing you could ask for. The bathrooms were clean, fellow campers were respectful and nice."
What campers like
Creek-side sites: Many campgrounds feature water-adjacent camping spots that provide both scenic views and soothing sounds. "We stayed at site B12 again this year as we find it private, well shaded, and close to a small creek that provided background water noise when it's flowing good," notes a camper at Honey Bear Campground.
Cooler mountain temperatures: The elevated locations offer relief from summer heat. A visitor to Julian Price Park Campground noted, "In late July it was cool in the evenings. Some of the fire rings have 'flip over' grills which were super convenient."
Wildlife viewing: The region offers abundant opportunities to observe native animals in their natural habitat. "We saw several small deer, including one that came through our campsite," reported a camper at Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway.
What you should know
Campground access challenges: Some locations have specific entry requirements or difficult approaches. "You can't check in late because the road in is through a neighborhood and is windy, narrow and dark early because of the surrounding area," warns a visitor to Green Mountain Park.
Weather preparedness: The mountain environment can bring unexpected conditions. A camper at Grayson Highlands State Park advised, "Weather is unpredictable, so pack a raincoat and warm clothes just in case."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly by location. "There is little to no cell signal here, so coming to Grayson Highlands is one of the few state parks in Virginia where you can truly go 'off the grid' during the length of your stay--and you won't miss technology, because there is so much to do at this park," explains a visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds and activity areas: Some campgrounds offer dedicated facilities for children. "They have a great little coffee shop. A fish pond and creek are available to explore, so boredom isn't an option," notes a camper at Honey Bear Campground.
Consider cabin glamping options close to Fleetwood, North Carolina: For families new to outdoor experiences, cabins provide comfort while maintaining the camping experience. "The camping cabins are really nice and spacious. It's a good site with some really good breakfast spots located just right next to the campsite itself," shares a visitor to Grandfather Campground.
Select sites away from high-traffic areas: Quieter locations enhance safety and enjoyment. At Flintlock Campground, a camper observed, "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 hours every day exploring."
Tips from RVers
Verify site dimensions and access: Some campgrounds have challenging site configurations. "Just upgrade the sites. Night woody dark and quit. Kayak put in fishing is good some spots on the water," advises an RVer at Julian Price Park Campground.
Check hookup specifics: Available utilities vary by campground and site. A visitor to Flintlock Campground noted, "Almost two weeks at this great campground at a power/water only site right by the creek. Level parking, reliable wifi, friendly hosts and community, dog friendly. The bathhouse and laundry are older structures but very clean and everything worked."
Consider road noise factors: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds. "They do not have water hookups- you fill your camper tank with water at the office area. They have spots with electric hookups. They have a dump station where you can empty your tanks on your way out," explains an RVer from Blue Bear Mountain Camp.
