Camping sites near Elkin, North Carolina sit at the junction of the Yadkin Valley wine region and the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains at elevations ranging from 900 to 2,500 feet. This location creates distinctive camping opportunities with access to both viticultural landscapes and mountain terrain. Most campgrounds in this area remain open year-round, though seasonal facilities like bathhouses may close during winter months.
What to do
Wine trail hiking: Byrd's Branch Campground connects directly to hiking trails that lead to local wineries. "It was fun hiking to the vineyard and to Carter Falls. Very clean and nice place to stay," notes Ron P. about the Byrd's Branch Campground.
Rock climbing: Pilot Mountain offers established climbing routes for various skill levels. "I've been here several times, and it's one of my favorite places for toprope climbing in the area. If you're not a climber, the views are still worth the drive," says DrDavid P. about Pilot Mountain State Park Campground.
Trout fishing: Mitchell River provides catch-and-release trout fishing opportunities. "This site has a 38 foot pull through parking pad with a large patio and nice fire pit. It is dry camping with a Porta potty on the property. The best part is this site is right by the river," explains Tanner H. from Secluded Mitchell River Camping.
Waterfall exploration: Multiple cascades dot the region including Carter Falls and Stone Mountain Falls. "You just can't beat it. We camped here and didn't even leave. It has so much to do and see... Also 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," writes Charli R. about Stone Mountain.
What campers like
Proximity to trail networks: Sandy Creek Family Campground provides direct trail access to Stone Mountain. "Sandy Creek Family Campground is located in Traphill, NC near Stone Mountain. This is a great overflow campground from Stone Mountain. In fact, you can even walk to the falls from this campground!" explains Kirsten J.
Cleanliness of facilities: Consistent maintenance stands out at many campgrounds. "Very nice campground. Our RV site had plugs for 50 or 30 amp, which was convenient. The bath house is on the back of the little store, a short walk for the tent campers / longer walk from the RV sites. Bathrooms were VERY clean and spacious with plentiful hot water," comments Kristyn about Byrd's Branch.
Cool mountain temperatures: Higher elevation campgrounds offer relief from summer heat. "Love the views from this area especially the morning," notes Stacey S. about Doughton Park Campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway. "This campground is quiet, shaded, and right on the blue Ridge parkway. It's high in elevation so it's cooler than the surrounding areas."
River sites: Water access distinguishes several camping options. "Me and the wife needed a overnight stay on a longer trip and this place did not disappoint. Tanner was easy to deal with, check-in was super simple, and the river did not disappoint," shares Milligan D. about Secluded Mitchell River Camping.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Not all campgrounds operate year-round. "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, so we checked it out and saw a sign saying that it would close for the season on November 4 so we were good!" reports Lee D. about Doughton Park.
Vineyard access: Riverwalk RV Park sits near Elkin's wine country. "We stayed for a few days checking out the local winery's in Elkin. The spots were nice and level and very scenic. Backs up to a dairy farm," notes Ronald C.
Wildlife presence: Bear activity requires proper food storage. According to the Pilot Mountain reviews, bears have been spotted: "This was the only place we saw bears but not in our campsite just wandering in another loop."
Dump station variations: Facilities differ significantly between locations. "The biggest negative I would say was the dump station. It was on the hill so you had to back up to it and it wasn't easy location to do so," cautions Becca C. about Sandy Creek Family Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Holly Ridge Family Campground provides dedicated play areas. "Love the putt putt and kids playground area," mentions Lindsey V. The campground also features amenities like "a pool, playground, game room, small store, bath house, laundry facilities and more."
Creek exploration: Children enjoy wading in shallow streams at multiple campgrounds. "Our Grandkids love playing in the creek," shares Ron P. about Byrd's Branch. Another camper notes, "The spot was cozy and nestled right by the creek, the sound was lovely just hanging out and falling asleep."
Multi-generational activities: Campgrounds offer different activity levels for various ages. "The fields and the grassy areas are gorgeous - leaving the kids to run and explore and watch fireflies," notes Kirsten J. about Jomeokee Campground. Another camper adds, "The large grassy fields have lots of kids and adults playing ball and frisbee."
Bathroom proximity: Consider distance to facilities when camping with young children. "We stayed in loop b and found a perfectly shaded site that was quiet and private and near the comfort station," recommends Anna R. about Doughton Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Jomeokee Campground offers varying site qualities. "I stayed in the wooded lots and these are definitely for tents or small trailers. The spots are nice, if not perfectly level and a little close together," advises Chip G. Another camper adds, "Definitely book those pull through spots if you have a big RV."
Hookup availability: Water and electric connections vary between campgrounds. "We had the campground all to ourselves when we went which was really nice! The site we were at was pretty level, but they don't have a specific pad they just told us to park however we wanted," shares Becca C.
Internet access: WiFi quality differs substantially. "Love this campground. Internet and phone service available in some parts of the park," reports Annell N. about Stone Mountain State Park. Conversely, another camper notes about Holly Ridge: "WiFi is not very good. But it is a nice campground."
Discount programs: Some campgrounds participate in membership programs. "We were close to Mayberry but we were on our way to Florida for a rocket launch. Campground was nice, clean and well kept! The checkin was easy BUT we had to have CASH. As Passport America members, the $40 rate was only $20!" explains Ralph L.
