Elkin, NC is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Elkin is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near Elkin, reviewed by campers like you.
$23 / night
► Tent and trailer camping
The lower slopes of Pilot Mountain house the family camping area where 42 campsites for tents and trailers are scattered among oaks and hickories.
Each site has a tent pad, table, and fire pit/grill. Drinking water is available throughout the campground, and two bathhouses with hot showers are located nearby.
Some campsites can accommodate RVs. There are no hookups or dump station provided. Please visit the reservations website for more information about the driveway length of each campsite.
The campground host sells firewood. Gathering wood in the park is prohibited.
No more than six people are allowed to occupy a campsite. The camping area is open from March 15 to November 30.
Please review the important information below regarding check in.
► Paddle-in camping
Two paddle-in campsites are located at the Ivy Bluffs access on the south bank of Yadkin River. Reservations are required to use these campsites.
There is no water or toilet facilities at these campsites. You must bring your own water and pack out all trash and waste.
Camping is allowed only in designated areas. Camping is prohibited on the Yadkin River Islands.
The nearest boat access upstream from the campsite is located at the Shoals fishing and boating access, at 4454 Shoals Road, East Bend, NC 27018. The paddle from this access is about 1 mile. As of March 15, 2021, the next downstream boat access at Donnaha Park is closed until Fall 2023. Please plan accordingly.
$15 - $26 / night
Just 30 miles north of Winston-Salem, Hanging Rock State Park is located in the Sauratown Mountain Range. Named for the early Saura peoples who once inhabited the area, this range towers over the surrounding country, with peaks reaching nearly 2600 feet in elevation. The park derives its name from the large quartzite escarpment that “hangs” over the valley below. Established in 1936, the park initially encompassed 3100 acres, but has grown to 7900 acres since 2015. With its proximity to the suburban areas of Stokes County, the park serves as a backyard playground for hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, rock climbers, paddlers, anglers and campers.
The 73-site campground in Hanging Rock State Park is an ideal basecamp for enjoying all the outdoor activities the park has to offer. Campsites can accommodate tents, popups and limited RVs; there are no hookups or dump stations at this location. Each site is equipped with picnic tables, grills and tent pads. Drinking water is available at several locations in the campground, and there are two bathhouses with hot showers. There are also five primitive group campsites with picnic tables and fire circles; drinking water and vault toilets are available nearby. If you don’t feel like roughing it, the park also offers 10 vacation cabins. Each of these are equipped with a kitchen, bathroom and sleeping accommodations for up to six.
When you’re ready to play, there are more than 20 miles of multiuse trails in Hanging Rock State Park for hiking, biking and riding. Trails vary in length and difficulty, so drop by the visitor center and pick up a trail map. For the mobility impaired, there is a 0.1-mile path to the Rock Garden. Anglers can enjoy casting for bass, sunfish, and catfish either by boat or wading on the park’s small lake. Canoe and rowboat rentals are available for paddling on the lake, or you can bring your own gear for paddling or fishing on the Dan River. Rock climbing is permitted on the 400-foot-high Cook’s Wall and Moore’s Wall. For just kicking it under the trees, the park has several picnic areas, as well as an exhibit hall and concession stand.
$19 - $95 / night
Bandits Roost Campground is located on the south side of W. Kerr Scott Reservoir in western North Carolina. Constructed in the beautiful Yadkin River Valley, the lake offers extensive opportunities for outdoor recreational activities.
The 1,475-acre reservoir offers excellent boating, canoeing, kayaking and swimming opportunities. Anglers will find channel catfish, large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, threadfin shad, spotted bass, striped bass, and hybrid striped bass. Miles of multi-use trails, that allow hiking and mountain biking, surround the lake, including the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, which has a trailhead at the campground. An additional 25 miles of trails can be found at the Warrior Creek and Dark Mountain areas.
The campground offers 102 campsites, including 17 tents sites and 85 standard sites with water and electric hookups. The popular group tent area offers a covered shelter with water and electricity, a grill, six tables and seven tent pads. Amenities include flush and pit toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station. A boat ramp, swim beach, playground, basketball court and amphitheater offer additional recreation opportunities.
The gentle Yadkin River flows through its scenic namesake valley in the foothills of the eastern Blue Ridge Mountains. Forests of mixed hardwoods, including sycamore, poplar, oak and hickory, cover the region. Wildlife is abundant in the valley. White-tailed deer, black bear, eastern cottontails and more can be found among the hills. Birds in the area include wild turkey, woodpeckers, Carolina chickadees, red-eyed vireo, ovenbirds, mallards and wood ducks.
This location has limited staffing. Please call (336) 921-3390 for general information.
$85 / night
Late Cabin/Lodge/Yurt/Camping Cabin/Bunkhouse Arrivals:
A sealed packet of information with your last name will be left for you. This packet will be at one of the following places: contact station, visitor center or park office. Claytor Lake and First Landing will leave your packet at the cabin. Your last 4 digits of your confirmation number will be your access code. Please take your confirmation letter with you.
Late Camping Arrivals:
A sealed packet of information with your name will be left for you. This packet will be at one of the following places: contact station, visitor center, park office or the campground camp host site. Please take your confirmation letter with you. If you have a site specific reservation please look for your site highlighted by the yellow post along with your site number. If you have a non-site specific reservation please look for your site type to set up your equipment.
$25 - $40 / night
Jomeokee means “greatguide” or “pilot” from the language of the Saura Indians, who once inhabited this scenic area. Jomeokee Park offers beautiful campsites with various amenities and an incredible view of Pilot Mountain to end your day of exploration fireside with other adventurers.
Nestled in a landscape of mountains, open meadows and pioneer cabins, Doughton Park Campground is surrounded by 30 miles (48 km) of hiking trails offering opportunities to view wildlife as well as get a feel for the lives of those who lived here long ago. Originally known as The Bluffs, the area came by its present name in honor of Congressman Robert L. Doughton, a long-time advocate and supporter of the Parkway.
Over 30 miles of trails are available varying from strenuous to easy. Bicycles and motorized vehicles are prohibited on trails. Mileage listed is only traveling one way. Double the trail mileage to include out and back trip. Trail elevations can change more than 2,000 feet as trails descend into the Basin Cove Creek area from the parkway. Maps available on the Blue Ridge Parkway.gov website.__ Bluff Mountain Trail (7.5 miles) offers many scenic vistas and traverses relatively flat terrain. The trail runs near the parkway and is accessible from many locations along its route from Brinegar Cabin to Basin Cove Overlook.____ Cedar Ridge Trail (4.4 miles) descends a forested ridgeline to Grassy Gap Fire Road. Trailhead is located at the Brinegar Cabin.__ Grassy Gap Fire Road (6.1 miles) is wide enough for hikers and horseback riders to travel side by side. The trail starts at Milepost 243.9 and ambles down the mountainside past the primitive campground to State Route 1730 (Longbottom Road). Horseback riders must enter and exit at Longbottom Road.__ Flat Rock Ridge Trail (5.0) miles begins on the mountain-top meadow of Basin Cove Overlook. And ends on the damp, cool banks of Basin Cove Creek. NC Thurmond Game Lands and bear sanctuary border the south side of the trail.__ Basin Cove Creek Trail (3.2 miles) is accessible only from the grassy Gap Fire Road at the Long Bottom Road (State Hwy 1730). A 1.7-mile hike is required to reach the beginning of the Basin Cove Creek. It winds past cascading waterfalls to the century-old Caudill Cabin, former home of the Martin Caudill family. Part of the once-thriving Basin cove Community, this cabin was one of the few structures that withstood the devasting 1916 flood. Prepare for over 26 creek crossings on this trail. The total trip one way is 4.9 miles and 9.8 miles for the total trip. Bluff Ridge Primitive Trail (2.7 miles) is the shortest but steepest route into Basin Cove. The strenuous climb up the trail makes the hike seem much longer. Trailhead location is in the Bluffs Picnic Area.__ Fodder Stack Trail (1.4 miles roundtrip) shows off its delicate display of wildflowers in the spring. It is the easiest hike through a mixture of pine and hardwood forest with a short, steep brief beginning. Recommended for families. Trailhead is at Wildcat Rocks Overlook.____ The Brinegar Cabin dates from about 1885 and was the home of Martin Brinegar and his family. Brinegar was a cobbler as well as a farmer. His home is open Memorial Day weekend days through October. Hand-loom weaving and other craft demonstrations are often given during the summer months. The one-room Caudill Cabin exhibit can be viewed from the scenic Wildcat Rocks (milepost 240.6). Historic Cemetery: near milepost marker 245.5. The cemetery contains some three dozen graves dating from the 1880's to more recent times.__ The Basin Cove Creek complex (mileposts 238 - 244) (located off the Parkway on Longbottom Road) has Rainbow and Brook Trout where the streams are stocked. Anyone with a valid Virginia or North Carolina fishing license is welcome, but please check with the visitor center for any special regulations.
Doughton Park has a picnic area (at milepost 241), a campground (milepost 239), comfort stations, drinking water and access to 30 miles (48 km) of trail over bluegrass bluffs. The historic Bluff___s restaurant has reopened (at milepost 241). The restaurant___s web page, www.bluffsrestaurant.org, provides information on hours and menu.__ Campsites are shaded under an umbrella of thick trees, and provide campers with tables, latern posts, plus, campfire rings and grills. The site also offers camper conveniences like flush toilets, drinking water and a dump station.____ Doughton Park Campground usually has campsites available. Three group sites are available for reservations. In addition to the 24 sites available for advance reservation, 97 campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Availability of first come, first served sites cannot be tracked through Recreation.gov. These sites must be booked in person at the campground kiosk. Primitive Backcountry Camping is available at Basin Cove. Obtain a free permit from the Doughton Park campground office (May-October) 336-372-8877 or the Bluffs District Office 828-348-3487.
Rolling ridgetop meadows and steep mountainsides characterize the 7,000-acre Doughton Park. The elevation is a cool 3688 feet. It is one of the best places along the motor road to view white-tailed deer, raccoons, red and gray foxes, and bobcats. Visitors can enjoy spectacular shows of flame azalea and rhododendron in the late spring and fields of Dense Blazing Stars in mid to late July. Nearby Bluffs picnic area features open areas for night sky viewing with limited light pollution.__ The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic byway that follows the high crests of the central and southern Appalachians for 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.
Mount Airy, NC: Andy Griffith's hometown, the ideal American town that was the inspiration for Mayberry--Hwy 52 South; 12 miles south of Fancy Gap, VA. (www.visitmayberry.com)\_\_\_\_ Churches of the Frescoes: MP 259 - The Last Supper, Mary Great with Child, Mystery of Faith, and 7 others. Episcopal Church is always open. (www.churchofthefrescoes.com) Northwest Trading Post: Located south of Doughton Park at milepost 258 near Glendale Springs, this craft store sells handicrafts representative of the Appalachian Mountain culture. (www.CoolSparta.com)
$35 / night
$23 / night
► Tent and trailer camping
The lower slopes of Pilot Mountain house the family camping area where 42 campsites for tents and trailers are scattered among oaks and hickories.
Each site has a tent pad, table, and fire pit/grill. Drinking water is available throughout the campground, and two bathhouses with hot showers are located nearby.
Some campsites can accommodate RVs. There are no hookups or dump station provided. Please visit the reservations website for more information about the driveway length of each campsite.
The campground host sells firewood. Gathering wood in the park is prohibited.
No more than six people are allowed to occupy a campsite. The camping area is open from March 15 to November 30.
Please review the important information below regarding check in.
► Paddle-in camping
Two paddle-in campsites are located at the Ivy Bluffs access on the south bank of Yadkin River. Reservations are required to use these campsites.
There is no water or toilet facilities at these campsites. You must bring your own water and pack out all trash and waste.
Camping is allowed only in designated areas. Camping is prohibited on the Yadkin River Islands.
The nearest boat access upstream from the campsite is located at the Shoals fishing and boating access, at 4454 Shoals Road, East Bend, NC 27018. The paddle from this access is about 1 mile. As of March 15, 2021, the next downstream boat access at Donnaha Park is closed until Fall 2023. Please plan accordingly.
$15 - $26 / night
Just 30 miles north of Winston-Salem, Hanging Rock State Park is located in the Sauratown Mountain Range. Named for the early Saura peoples who once inhabited the area, this range towers over the surrounding country, with peaks reaching nearly 2600 feet in elevation. The park derives its name from the large quartzite escarpment that “hangs” over the valley below. Established in 1936, the park initially encompassed 3100 acres, but has grown to 7900 acres since 2015. With its proximity to the suburban areas of Stokes County, the park serves as a backyard playground for hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, rock climbers, paddlers, anglers and campers.
The 73-site campground in Hanging Rock State Park is an ideal basecamp for enjoying all the outdoor activities the park has to offer. Campsites can accommodate tents, popups and limited RVs; there are no hookups or dump stations at this location. Each site is equipped with picnic tables, grills and tent pads. Drinking water is available at several locations in the campground, and there are two bathhouses with hot showers. There are also five primitive group campsites with picnic tables and fire circles; drinking water and vault toilets are available nearby. If you don’t feel like roughing it, the park also offers 10 vacation cabins. Each of these are equipped with a kitchen, bathroom and sleeping accommodations for up to six.
When you’re ready to play, there are more than 20 miles of multiuse trails in Hanging Rock State Park for hiking, biking and riding. Trails vary in length and difficulty, so drop by the visitor center and pick up a trail map. For the mobility impaired, there is a 0.1-mile path to the Rock Garden. Anglers can enjoy casting for bass, sunfish, and catfish either by boat or wading on the park’s small lake. Canoe and rowboat rentals are available for paddling on the lake, or you can bring your own gear for paddling or fishing on the Dan River. Rock climbing is permitted on the 400-foot-high Cook’s Wall and Moore’s Wall. For just kicking it under the trees, the park has several picnic areas, as well as an exhibit hall and concession stand.
$19 - $95 / night
