Campers visiting Hollister, North Carolina find themselves in a region defined by the flat coastal plain topography. Despite Medoc Mountain State Park's name, the actual elevation is modest, rising just 325 feet above sea level where Fishing Creek has carved a valley through the terrain. Most campgrounds near Hollister offer water and electric hookups, though access to sewer connections varies considerably between facilities. The region's sandy soil presents challenges for tent campers requiring heavy-duty stakes.
What to do
Water activities on Kerr Lake: At J.C. Cooper Campground, swimming and paddling opportunities abound with easy lake access. "The site was near the water with very nice lake views right from the tent. Great for swimming, kayaking, SUP, and other water activities," notes one visitor who appreciated the direct water access.
Mountain biking: Trails at Medoc Mountain State Park provide dedicated routes for cyclists. "Nice sites and great for mountain bikers," reports a reviewer who found the park's terrain suitable for recreational riding despite the modest elevation changes.
Fishing: Kerr Lake (Buggs Island Lake) offers productive fishing opportunities. "Kerr Reservoir has the best Bass fishing this side of the Mississippi, and they hold Bass tournaments here on a regular basis. The lake is also one of the best places for Cat Fish in the state," according to a regular visitor at North Bend Park.
Mini-golf and recreation: Family entertainment options exist at several campgrounds. At The RV Resort at Carolina Crossroads, "There's a large pool and a hot tub, as well as a small mini golf course. The mini golf did look a little rundown, but our daughter still really enjoyed it."
What campers like
Private waterfront access: Many sites at Kimball Point Campground offer direct water access. "We camped lake side at Kimball Point on Kerr Lake. Nice site and views, very quiet great for relaxing fishing and watching the stars at night," explains one visitor who appreciated the shoreline setting.
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness receives consistent praise. "Clean restrooms, hot showers! Camp host and rangers are great!" notes one Medoc Mountain camper, while another adds, "Bathrooms: 5/5 clean & air-conditioning in all of them."
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate adequate distance between neighbors. At North Bend Park, "The lot was level and I didn't feel like I was on top of my neighbors." Similarly, at Medoc Mountain State Park, a group camper noted, "I came here with a large group and really liked it! We were all crammed into the 4 large group sites so I admittedly can't comment on the size of a regular site."
Quiet atmosphere: Several campgrounds maintain peaceful environments. "No cell service! 😀" writes one Medoc Mountain camper who appreciated disconnecting from technology. At Lake Gaston Americamps, campers describe the setting as "nice and relaxing."
What you should know
Water hookup challenges: At multiple campgrounds, water connections require planning. "Need to bring at least 75 feet of water hose, as some sites have long runs from in front of camper," advises one J.C. Cooper visitor. Another camper at Kimball Point noted, "You couldn't quite back in far because of trees and roots, so a longer electric line and water hose is a must."
Site leveling requirements: Be prepared to level your rig at several area campgrounds. At Lake Gaston Americamps, "most sites are 30 amp and are unlevel. Some are a challenge to get your unit level."
Limited supplies: Stock up before arriving. "The nearest grocery store (Food Lion) was about 15 minutes drive from our campground. Firewood was available for purchase at the gate. We didn't notice it at first and it took us quite a bit of driving around to find firewood since Food Lion didn't sell it," reports a J.C. Cooper camper.
Seasonal insect populations: Summer brings increased bug activity. According to a camper at Enfield-Rocky Mount KOA, "Gnats are terrible. Neighboring camp sites sewer hook right next to us."
Tips for camping with families
Sandy beaches for children: Kimball Point Campground provides natural swimming areas. "Kimball Point is the BEST. Huge fresh water lake, large camping spots, large sandy beach, playground for kids, very well groomed," shares an enthusiastic family camper.
First-time camping success: Medoc Mountain works well for novices. "This was my first time hiking with my teen daughter by ourselves, setting up camp, tent, cooking, etc. Picnic table, fire pit w/grill, level gravel tent pad on site, water spigot and trash can right in front of camp site... a wonderfully happy place. My girl rode her bike around the campground and it was perfectly safe."
Group site options: For family reunions or multiple families, certain campgrounds offer dedicated areas. "I came here with a large group and really liked it! We were all crammed into the 4 large group sites... the bath houses were adequate. The staff was helpful. And the trails were nice."
Swimming options: Both lake and pool facilities exist depending on preference. Lake Gaston Americamps features "nice tent sites right on the water. Nice to fish right from your campsite." For families preferring pools, Enfield-Rocky Mount KOA campers note, "The kids loved the pool and playground."
Tips from RVers
Site length considerations: Advance research prevents parking challenges. At Carolina Crossroads, "Despite it saying it was 60 ft, spot was still tight. You can't park on grass so we moved to overflow parking."
Hookup specifications: Electric service varies between parks. A North Bend visitor advised, "Huge amount of waterfront campsites, both primitive no hook-up and water & electric sites." For full hookups, Carolina Crossroads provides "level pull through concrete site with paved road. Good hook ups, clean facilities, nice dog park and clean pool/hot tub."
Off-season benefits: Several campgrounds remain open year-round with varying amenities. "We are new RV travelers and this is our third stop on our way down to Florida. This place is quiet and so easy to get to. The hot tub was awesome after a stressful drive. Laundry area is clean and works great! We came in off season so the pool was closed but still had activities to use (pool table, darts)."
