Greensboro camping areas sit at approximately 900 feet above sea level in North Carolina's Piedmont region. The area features rolling hills and mixed hardwood forests with average summer highs reaching 88°F and winter lows near 30°F. The region's watershed includes multiple recreational lakes and reservoirs that offer additional camping opportunities beyond traditional wooded sites.
What to do
Trail exploration: Hanging Rock State Park offers multiple hiking options for all skill levels. "There are a lot of reasons to love Hanging Rock State Park... there are five waterfalls to see, a climbing access area, Cook's Wall, and much more," notes Myron C. The park's Moore's Wall Loop Trail provides observation platforms where visitors can see city skylines from miles away.
Lake activities: Lake Reidsville Recreation Park provides paddling options through equipment rentals. "You can rent paddle boats or kayak's or paddle boards. You may fish or rude boats," explains Jack and Lisa L. Many campers enjoy fishing along the shoreline during early morning hours when fish are most active.
History tours: The historical farm at Cedarock Park has been restored to represent rural life in the 1800s. "There is a historical farm that sheds light on what life was like as a farmer in 19th century North Carolina," says Kelsey L. The park's waterfall over an old mill dam provides additional historical context.
Disc golf courses: Several area parks maintain professional-quality disc golf layouts. "There are 2 disc golf courses with a total of 36 holes for play," reports Kelsey L. about Cedarock Park. Most courses maintain year-round access with minimal fees or free play options.
What campers like
Spacious tent platforms: Many campsites feature elevated tent pads that improve comfort. "We tent camped on Aug 28. This was our first time setting up on a platform and it was very easy," says Larisa C. about Oak Hollow City Campground. These platforms help prevent water issues during rainy conditions.
Secure overnight settings: Several campgrounds provide controlled access for added security. "When we pulled up, the first thing we noticed was the campground sign, with the electric gate with a key code. We also were immediately greeted by a man on a golf-cart - which made us feel like they take care of who is in and out of their campground," notes Kirsten J. about Oak Hollow.
Farm experiences: Animal interactions enhance camping at some locations. "I setup right near the picinic table with a view of the mini horses," Karen M. says about her stay at Brookhaven Mill Farm. This working farm setting offers a different experience from traditional forest camping.
Seasonal programming: Some parks coordinate special events during holiday periods. "The staff had decorations throughout the park for Halloween which is something I dont remember them doing in the past," mentions Glenn F. about Lake Reidsville Recreation Park's October offerings.
What you should know
Road noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. "This campground is only 100 yards from the Interstate! Lots of road noise all night. Very noisy especially in a tent," explains Joel R. about Greensboro KOA. Site selection within campgrounds can significantly impact noise exposure.
Variable site leveling: Many area campgrounds require leveling equipment. "Only two drawbacks (1) noise from highway (2) many sites are not level so plan ahead and bring extra levelers," advises Lisa A. Site reviews often mention specific site numbers with better leveling.
Limited night access: Some park gates close after hours. "The downside is they lock the gate at night and no one else is there so if you have an emergency or just need to leave you can't, you're literally stuck," warns Summer C. about Cedarock Park. Check specific lock-up times when making reservations.
Tent pad size constraints: Research site dimensions before arrival. "The tent pad at #50 was a bit cramped for a larger tent," notes David N. about Hanging Rock State Park. Most campgrounds publish pad dimensions or can provide this information when booking.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple recreation areas for children exist throughout the region. "There are a few parks which kiddo had a great time making friends at," says Mandy L. about Cane Creek Campground and RV Park. Most family-oriented campgrounds maintain playground equipment near central bathhouses.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many sites offer early morning animal sightings. "Whitetail deer mosey past your site and linger during the evening…ample squirrel and robins, woodpeckers and cardinals compete for air time. Skinks, newts and salamanders populate these wooded lands and scurry about," Dave V. observed at Hanging Rock State Park.
Stream exploration: Children enjoy accessible water features at several dog friendly campgrounds near Greensboro. "We used the fire pit and the kids played in the creek," shares Tara T. about her family's experience at Cedarock Park. Most water access points feature gradual entry and shallow areas.
Off-season benefits: Lower occupancy during shoulder seasons improves family camping experiences. "For a mid-May Monday night, we shared the campground with five other campers…but weekends and holidays are ordinarily full so secure your reservations online well in advance," recommends Dave V.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through accessibility: Some sites accommodate larger vehicles better than others. "The sites are large enough for most RVs. Adequate space between sites, and some grass," reports Joel R. about the Greensboro area's RV options. Most campgrounds specify maximum vehicle lengths on their reservation systems.
Electrical considerations: Regional campgrounds offer varied hookup options. "We were able to hookup 50amp electrical and water is shared with your neighbor which was fine for the brief stay," explains Jen O. about her experience at Hagan-Stone Park. Extended stays might require additional extension cords.
Bathroom facilities: Amenity quality varies significantly between locations. "The laundry room, however, was very nice, clean, and well-lit. I believe they only recently converted to a KOA, so it seemed like they were in the middle of some needed capital improvements," reports Jen V. about Greensboro KOA.
Extended stay options: Several area campgrounds permit longer reservations during off-peak periods. "Had a great experience staying here for several months for a work contract. I believe they only allow you to stay long term from November- March, otherwise the max stay is 14 days," Alexia H. notes about Hagan-Stone Park's seasonal policies.
