New River State Park offers riverside tent and RV camping near Jefferson, North Carolina, with most sites situated within earshot of flowing water. The campground sits at elevations ranging from 2,500-3,000 feet, providing cooler summer temperatures that typically range from 70-85°F during peak season. The region's mixed hardwood forests create natural noise barriers between campsites while offering ample shade during summer months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Cast a line in the New River at New River State Park, where the river is stocked with trout. "The lake is hatchery supported, and I did witness someone catching a fish as we walked along the lake trail," notes reviewer Myron C.
Mountain biking: Access nearby trails from Boone KOA, which serves as a convenient base for riders. "Great mountain bike park nearby. We really enjoyed the Booneshine brewery after our hikes and mountain biking," shares Joe B.
Water activities: Explore the New River by kayak, canoe or tube. "There are miles and miles of blue way. And I highly recommend spending an afternoon on the beach at the Elk Shoals access. Beautiful spot with awesome swimming hole!" recommends Chelsea B. Many campgrounds offer equipment rentals during summer months.
Hiking trails: Several area trails accommodate different skill levels. At New River State Park, "The hiking at Wagoner Access was easy, but 221 and Elk Shoals were more strenuous," according to Chelsea B. Most trails connect directly to campgrounds without requiring additional driving.
What campers like
Weather conditions: The higher elevation provides relief from summer heat. At Blue Bear Mountain Camp, visitors appreciate "the weather so much cooler in the summer there (70-80 in July!)," as Mandy R. mentions. Morning fog typically burns off by mid-morning during summer months.
Bathhouse facilities: Clean facilities matter to campers in the Jefferson area. "The bathhouse is nice and includes showers and drinking water. You're literally on a mountain, so there's not much for hiking," reports Raven B. about Blue Bear Mountain Camp.
Nature viewing: Wildlife sightings enhance the camping experience. At Doughton Park Campground, one camper observed that their site was near "a grassy field full of deer beside it." Fireflies are particularly abundant in June and July after sunset.
Campsite spacing: Many Jefferson-area campgrounds offer well-separated sites. Kirsten J. at Twin Rivers Family Campground describes the experience: "The site we were on was fantastic! It was steps from the river, we had a flat, grassy spot with shrubs creating some privacy between us and our neighbor. Our next neighbor was as far down as we could see!"
What you should know
Access challenges: Some campgrounds require extra effort to reach. At Stone Mountain State Park Campground, tent sites involve walking in your gear. "We checked out the backpack hike camp spots (5) they're a good hike (1.5 mile uphill) but so beautiful, on the creek, 2 are near a small waterfall," notes Charli R.
Campsite selection strategy: Sites vary significantly in quality and privacy. "Take a look at Google satellite map when booking. Sites 3, 7, 10 are among the best," advises Megan M. about New River State Park.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Doughton Park is only open "mid May to October 31," with some facilities closing earlier in the fall. "We were told by a ranger we talked with earlier in the day that this campground might be closed for the season but the gates were open," reports Lee D.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies by campground and carrier. While some sites offer reliable service, others like Grindstone Recreation Area provide a true disconnect: "If you want to escape it all, this campground is for you! There is no cell phone service," explains Carissa D.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds include dedicated recreation areas. At Raccoon Holler Campground, "There's plenty of things for the kids and the adults to do there...basketball court, horse shoes, fishing, frisbee golf, walking trails, a massive field that my daughter loved playing in," as Booboys outdoor A. describes.
Safety considerations: Wildlife awareness is essential. One camper at Doughton Park noted "This was the only place we saw bears but not in our campsite just wandering in another loop." Properly storing food and scented items in vehicles is required at most Jefferson-area campgrounds.
Swimming access: Natural water features offer cooling options. "We camped at site 40 and I think it's the best. There's a roaring large creek that flows behind the site," shares Charli R. about Stone Mountain State Park. Always supervise children near water, as currents can be unpredictable.
Weather preparation: Pack for variable temperatures, especially in spring and fall. Even summer nights can drop into the 50s at higher elevations, so bring appropriate clothing layers for children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many mountain campgrounds feature uneven terrain. "The site is not very level and very tight for my 32 foot RV," reports Kevin A. about Raccoon Holler Campground. Bring extra leveling blocks and stabilizers for mountain camping.
Hookup limitations: Water connections aren't universal. At Blue Bear Mountain Camp, "They do not have water hookups- you fill your camper tank with water at the office area. They have spots with electric hookups," explains Mandy R.
Road conditions: Access roads can be challenging for larger rigs. "The state maintained gravel road used to access campground was narrow and would be difficult to get a large camper up there, although there were lots of large ones there," notes Kristen J. about Blue Bear Mountain Camp.
Dump station access: Plan ahead for waste disposal. Some campgrounds charge separate fees, as Mike A. discovered: "Nice looking camp in a beautiful area. Didn't stay but did use the dump station for $17, so wanted to update info."
