Camping near Hickory, North Carolina puts visitors within driving distance of the Blue Ridge Mountains and numerous waterways, including Lake James and the Catawba River. The area sits at elevations ranging from 850 to 1,200 feet, providing moderate temperatures that average 70-85°F in summer and 30-50°F in winter. Fall camping season typically offers the most comfortable conditions with low humidity and temperatures between 50-70°F.
What to Do
Fishing at Buck Creek: Buck Creek offers excellent trout fishing opportunities directly from campsites. "We stayed here in our 39ft motorhome and toad. Buck Creek has easy access and nice campsites. The property is well kept. The owner was very hospitable. It was convenient to visit Linville Falls and Mount Mitchell," shares a visitor at Buck Creek.
Swimming in natural waters: Several campgrounds provide creek or lake access for cooling off. At Mountain Stream RV Park, "The sound of the stream was so peaceful and relaxing. My husband did yoga every morning while I hung in my hammock and watched. We hiked mount Mitchell - cooked on our fire pit and relaxed with the fresh mountain air and starry nights."
RC airplane flying: Some rv sites near Hickory, North Carolina offer unique recreational options. "The central field area is mowed and set up as an RC flying field. A few campers flew their model airplanes. It was fun to watch. I even jumped into the RC hobby, buying a trainer plane at a local Hobby Shop, and began flying," notes a camper at Buck Creek.
What Campers Like
Family-friendly activities: Campgrounds around Hickory organize events to build community. At Lake Myers RV Resort, one reviewer mentioned, "A+ campground.. fun activities.. kid friendly.. love playing BINGO here!!" Another noted, "Many activities offered for family with 2 large pools etc."
Creekside relaxation: Water features are a top attraction. "I sat in the creek in my camp chair and was more relaxed then I have been in a very long time. There is alot to see somewhat close by too. We did Chimney Rock & Linville Falls, both absolutely beautiful!" shares a visitor at Mountain Stream RV Park.
Farm-fresh experiences: Some campgrounds near Hickory offer agricultural elements. At Cobble Hill RV Campground, "The best part was getting fresh eggs from the check-in store each morning... And I mean... Fresh Eggs. Really cool place." Another camper mentioned, "Goats and a horse also live here."
What You Should Know
Seasonal considerations: Not all camping facilities operate year-round. "We stayed here as part of our thousand trails membership. 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," notes a camper at Lake Myers RV Resort.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds require equipment for leveling. At Three Peaks RV Resort, "Every site is a pull through with ample space, full hookups, and good Wi-Fi. While still relatively new with some construction, everything is clean and well maintained."
Mixed reviews for popular spots: Some larger campgrounds receive varying feedback. "The staff is wonderfully nice and helpful. 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, which was a tad bit dirty. BUT there were storms that weekend so I don't think that was their fault," reports a visitor to Lake Myers RV Resort.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Check for appropriate age-range facilities. At Mountain Stream RV Park, a camper noted, "A small campground with an updated basic playground set for the kids. Nice lawn courtyard for games. Beautiful level sites backed right up to Buck Creek where we enjoyed catching trout straight from our campsite."
Swimming options: Multiple swimming locations provide different experiences. "There were two swimming holes along the creek, which were a ton of fun. I swam in both. The water is very clear and refreshing," reports a Buck Creek visitor.
Age-appropriate planning: Consider children's ages when selecting locations. One family at Lake Myers RV Resort shared, "The staff is wonderfully nice and helpful. 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. If it was just adults going, or even older children maybe 7 and up it would be a great location."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Linville Falls Campground, "The area is beautiful and the falls are a worthy destination, but the campground leaves a little to be desired. The spaces are close together and many of them are not shaded very well."
Location considerations: Some rv camping sites near Hickory, North Carolina offer central access to attractions. A camper at Rose Creek Retreat explained, "The location was great - easy driving distance to the trails we wanted to hike and ride our mountain bikes."
Technology access: Internet connectivity varies widely. "Verizon service has 2 bars. Occasionally got a little spotty while working, but our hotspot worked enough. Streaming did get dicey," reports a Lake Myers visitor. In contrast, at Three Peaks RV Resort, "Every site is a pull through with ample space, full hookups, and good Wi-Fi."
