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Best Campgrounds near Hays, NC

1,075 Reviews

The foothills of western North Carolina surrounding Hays feature diverse camping opportunities within the Blue Ridge Mountain region. Stone Mountain State Park Campground, located about 15 miles from Hays, provides year-round accommodations for tent campers, RV users, and those seeking cabin stays. The nearby Doughton Park Campground along the Blue Ridge Parkway offers more primitive camping experiences from mid-May through October. Byrd's Branch Campground in Elkin and Sandy Creek Family Campground in Traphill provide additional options with varying levels of amenities. Most campgrounds in this area are situated within heavily wooded settings that showcase the region's natural beauty while offering access to hiking trails and water features.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability in the Hays area. Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules, with several sites closing during winter months. The W. Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground, managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, operates only from April through October but offers excellent water access. As one camper noted, "This place has it all! Swimming, kayaking, boat launch, small hiking trail. Sites have a fire pit, picnic table and a grill." Cell service can be spotty throughout the region, particularly in more remote areas and within valley locations. Summer brings higher humidity and increased insect activity, with one visitor to Stone Mountain State Park commenting on "the insane amount of bugs in the bathroom. But, ya know North Carolina summers."

Mountain views and water access rank among the most valued features for campers in the Hays region. The Blue Ridge Parkway serves as a scenic corridor connecting several campgrounds, though some visitors report road noise can be an issue at certain sites. A recent visitor to Doughton Park observed, "Sites are ample but the asphalt pads were designed for shorter travel trailers, but include an extra pad for the tow vehicle." Facility maintenance varies considerably between locations, with state parks generally receiving higher ratings for cleanliness and upkeep. Wildlife sightings, including deer and various bird species, are common throughout the area. Campers frequently mention the region's hiking opportunities, with numerous trails leading to waterfalls, mountain vistas, and other natural features that make the Hays area a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

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Best Camping Sites Near Hays, North Carolina (187)

    1. Stone Mountain State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Roaring Gap, NC
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (336) 957-8185

    $17 - $72 / night

    "But, ya know North Carolina summers."

    "The site also had a huge area for the picnic table and the fire ring is far away from your camper. There was a huge grassy area behind our site with a creek, lots of space for our dog."

    2. COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground

    18 Reviews
    Wilkesboro, NC
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (336) 921-3190

    $20 - $85 / night

    "Swimming, kayaking, boat launch, small hiking trail. Sites have a fire pit, picnic table (it’s really heavy!) and a grill. I loved how each site is fairly unique."

    "My wife and I biked/ ran the trails nearby. Our dogs loved walking around the campground. Some nice wooded tent sites that a very large areas. Our spot was a two level site."

    3. Doughton Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    14 Reviews
    Sparta, NC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (336) 372-8877

    $30 - $45 / night

    "On the Blue Ridge Parkway, nestled in the trees and mountains of North Carolina, this campground has been well maintained."

    "The Doughton Park campground off of the Blue Ridge Parkway is a great place to spend the night without if you are driving along the Parkway and don't want to venture too far off course."

    4. Byrd's Branch Campground

    12 Reviews
    Elkin, NC
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (336) 366-9955

    "the campsites area nice. well maintained. proximity to the road is close. constantly hearing cars go by. the tent campsites away from the RV site is nice at night. Listen to the frogs."

    "Nice tent sites along a creek surrounded by mature trees. The nearby waterfalls are awesome and just a short hike from the campsite. Glad I stayed here."

    5. Fort Hamby Park

    9 Reviews
    Purlear, NC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (336) 973-0104

    $30 - $125 / night

    "Lake was gorgeous! Absolutely the easiest and cleanest dump station we have ever used! Well designed! Close to Willesboro!"

    "There is a dumpsite near the front office. A short drive from campsite is a man-made beach with lake swimming area… very nice."

    6. Sandy Creek Family Campground

    7 Reviews
    Traphill, NC
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (336) 957-8525

    "The grounds are adjacent to the Stone Mountain State Park. Very fun long weekend at a family friendly campground. Would definitely camp here again!"

    "Stayed there for a weekend, great location close to Stone Mtn park. Hiked from there into the state park. Very clean kept campground and nice owner"

    7. Warrior Creek

    11 Reviews
    Purlear, NC
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (336) 921-2177

    $22 - $85 / night

    "Warrior Creek Campground is located on the Kerr Scott Reservoir. It's beautiful and peaceful, at least Monday through Friday."

    "Super mt bike trails that have been built and maintained by volunteers who really care and ride the trails often."

    8. Wagoner — New River State Park

    17 Reviews
    Jefferson, NC
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (336) 982-2587

    $27 - $72 / night

    "You have to walk in but the park provides little carts and wheelbarrows. The sites and the bathhouse are very well maintained. The park host, Tom Keller, was just fantastic."

    "We were too far away from the water to walk, so we missed out on that, which we were looking forward to, but overall a really nice experience."

    9. Moravian Falls Family Campground

    7 Reviews
    Moravian Falls, NC
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (336) 667-6150

    10. Cedar Rock Campground

    3 Reviews
    Traphill, NC
    8 miles

    "There’s a small beach area that you get kids can use as access to swim and rock throwing.
    This campground is only a few miles from Stone Mountain state park. Lots of great hiking."

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Recent Camping Photos near Hays, NC

396 Photos of 187 Hays Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Hays, NC

1075 Reviews of 187 Hays Campgrounds

Guide to Hays

Camping near Hays, North Carolina, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful parks and campgrounds nearby, you can enjoy everything from hiking to family-friendly activities.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Hickory Ridge Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park. One visitor said, "Hiking is awesome. The kids LOVED the wild horses and the steer walking around." Another camper mentioned, "The wild ponies on Rhododendron trail were incredible along with the views!"
  • Fishing: At Lake Norman State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing along the shores. A reviewer noted, "The campground is in a forest on the shores of Lake Norman. Well maintained hiking trails branch out from the campground."
  • Swimming: Many campgrounds, like Roan Mountain State Park Campground, offer nearby swimming spots. One camper shared, "The sound of the water helps drown out the sound of your neighbors."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the well-kept restrooms and showers. A visitor at Hungry Mother State Park said, "The bathroom facilities were very clean (heated, showers, flushable toilets)."
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds provide roomy sites. A reviewer at Stone Mountain State Park Campground mentioned, "The campsites are large and spacious."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground hosts. One camper at Wytheville KOA said, "The staff that I dealt with were definitely odd. They weren't friendly at all, but rather very straight forward and weird."

What you should know:

  • Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have spotty cell coverage. A visitor at Hickory Ridge Campground noted, "Best place in the campground to catch a fleeting cell signal."
  • Close sites: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Roan Mountain State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites, although not too large, are laid out nicely."
  • No electric hookups: If you need electricity, check ahead. A reviewer at Pilot Mountain State Park Campground said, "No electric or water at the sites."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Wildlife viewing: Kids will love spotting animals. A parent at Hickory Ridge Campground shared, "The kids LOVED the wild horses."
  • Activities for kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or organized activities. A camper at Bear Den Family Campground said, "There are activities for kids."
  • Plan for privacy: Choose sites that offer some distance from others. A visitor at Hungry Mother State Park mentioned, "The sites, although not too large, are laid out nicely."

Tips from RVers:

  • Level sites: Look for campgrounds with level parking. A reviewer at Pilot Mountain State Park Campground noted, "Tent pad was level and large."
  • Check amenities: Make sure the campground has the amenities you need. A visitor at Lake Norman State Park Campground said, "The bath house was an unexpected luxury and was immaculately maintained."
  • Be prepared for weather: Bring gear for rain or shine. A camper at Roan Mountain State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground has laundry facilities, playgrounds, a small store with wood for sale on site."

Camping near Hays, North Carolina, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Hays, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hays, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 187 campgrounds and RV parks near Hays, NC and 8 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Hays, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hays, NC is Stone Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 56 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hays, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Hays, NC.

What parks are near Hays, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near Hays, NC that allow camping, notably W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir and Blue Ridge Parkway.

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