Glamping options near Glenville, North Carolina center around Lake Glenville, the highest elevation lake east of the Rocky Mountains at approximately 3,500 feet. The area features over 26 miles of shoreline and connects to several mountain waterways. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing between November and March, while summer days remain relatively mild compared to lower elevations.
What to do
Hike to High Falls: Located near Ralph J. Andrews Campground, this trail leads to an impressive waterfall. "A very beautiful mountain waterfall trail to High Falls. The rock steps where amazing," notes Mitchell G. The waterfall is accessible via a moderately challenging trail system.
Fish in mountain streams: The area offers excellent trout fishing opportunities at Trout Creek Campground. The campground provides creek access for anglers. "The creek that runs through the campground was gold. Our kids played and played all day, only coming back to the camper to quickly eat before heading back out to splash," reports Mikki S.
Explore Panthertown Valley: Located near Blue Ridge Falls RV Resort, this wilderness area features multiple trails and waterfalls. "State park is only a few minutes drive away as well as Panthertown for hiking and biking. The area is known for having over 250 waterfalls," explains Melissa D.
What campers like
Secluded waterfront sites: Campers appreciate the lakeside positioning at Ralph J. Andrews Campground. "The campground itself is alongside Lake Glenville and provides easy access for putting in boats, fishing, or swimming. It is also not far from the wonderful beach on the lake where everyone goes to picnic," shares Asher K.
Evening social gatherings: Blue Ridge Falls RV Resort offers community events. "Gatherings by the pavilion every night at 5. Great community feel," notes Melissa D. Another camper adds, "Every day, at 5pm, the happy hour bell rings and it's a great chance to meet people and learn tips on the area."
New luxury facilities: Gorges State Park Campground recently added upscale camping options. "This year is the first season with an area for RVs/trailers and a separate area tent campers. All sites are level with concrete pads, except for the tent site. Fire pit is on bricks. Bathhouse is immaculate," reports Darlene R.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Network coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. At Ralph J. Andrews Campground, one camper notes, "Verizon cell service is POOR on the primitive camping side." Plan accordingly for limited connectivity.
Alcohol restrictions: Some campgrounds prohibit alcohol consumption. "The biggest downside for me was that alcohol & tobacco are not allowed," mentions Molly A. about Ralph J. Andrews Campground. Check individual campground rules before packing.
Tent pad configurations: At Moonshine Creek Campground, covered tent sites have specific layouts. "We chose the ones away from the creek due to them having shelters over the tent pads to set up under. We stayed at site 62 which had plenty of room for the tent shelter and two vehicles," explains Nate C.
Tips for camping with families
Creek-based entertainment: Trout Creek Campground offers natural water play areas. "The staff was helpful and relaxed, making for a carefree weekend for our family. The creek that runs through the campground was gold. Our kids played and played all day," shares Mikki S.
Enclosed porches at cabins: Oconee State Park Campground offers family-friendly cabin amenities. "There was a fire ring and picnic in front of the cabin where we made smores after dinner and a cute screened porch with rocking chairs where we had coffee and breakfast on every morning," Jessica S. explains.
Bathhouse accessibility: Consider distance to facilities when selecting sites. At Gorges State Park, "It is a bit of a hike from the tent sites to the bathhouse, which is ¼ mile from Site 6," advises Lee D. This can be challenging for families with small children.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness considerations: At Gorges State Park, "All sites have a paved camper pad, a large gravel tent pad, a very generous-sized picnic table, and a fire ring. The tent site camper pads can easily accommodate two cars. Be aware, however, that camper pads on the odd-numbered tent sites (5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15) are not level," cautions Lee D.
GPS routing caution: When heading to Blue Ridge Falls RV Resort, "Just a word on getting there - don't follow the gps onto Kim Miller Rd. Stay on Rt 64 and turn onto 281 past firehouse. Much easier!" advises Doreen B. Mountain roads can be challenging for larger vehicles.
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds in the area operate seasonally due to mountain weather conditions. Blue Ridge Falls RV Resort is open "May 1 to October 28" according to their listing. Winter camping options are limited in this high-elevation region.
