The Piedmont region surrounding Kernersville sits at elevations between 700-1,000 feet, creating moderate temperatures even during summer camping seasons. Winter overnight temperatures can drop below freezing from December through February, affecting campground water availability at several locations. Most campgrounds within this 30-mile radius maintain campsites on varied terrain, from riverside flats to rolling woodland settings.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Oak Hollow City Campground provides direct lake access where campers can enjoy fishing. According to camper Cindy C., the campground is "very neat, clean and wooded" with "boating" and "swimming" available, making it easy to fill a day with water activities.
Mountain biking trails: Tanglewood Park offers extensive cycling options including a "4 mile paved exercise path with mountain bike trails in the middle," notes reviewer Dave B. The campground sits adjacent to these trails, allowing campers to ride directly from their sites without relocating vehicles.
Rock climbing access: Pilot Mountain State Park Campground serves as an excellent base for climbers. "Pilot Mountain has great hiking and beautiful views from the top. We enjoy hiking, camping and enjoying the views, while others enjoy bouldering, rock climbing and mountain biking - an outdoor adventure for all people!" explains reviewer Kirsten J.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Hagan-Stone Park receives praise for its generous camping areas. According to Rick S., it's "a great municipal park with 3 camping loops" where "Loop B is heavily wooded with 30amp and water every-other site" though he warns "if you're longer than 30' you may find Loop B tough to navigate."
Wildlife viewing: Tanglewood Park offers unexpected wildlife encounters close to urban areas. Kelly H. notes that there are "Nearly tame deer all over the place" while another camper mentions the peaceful setting among large shade trees provides excellent nature viewing opportunities.
Waterfall hiking: While many campgrounds near Kernersville offer trail access, Hanging Rock State Park Campground stands out for its waterfall access. A reviewer notes, "The shortest hike to see a waterfall is relatively easy and is only three-tenths of a mile one way," making it accessible even for novice hikers or families with young children.
What you should know
Highway noise levels: Greensboro KOA sits very close to Interstate 40, which affects the camping experience. Camper Greg H. reports, "Right off the highway, and by that I mean you see, and HEAR the traffic. The billboard in front of the trailer is an interesting touch." The campground recognizes this issue and "made a bowl of free, disposable ear plugs available in the office."
Tent pad variations: Across area campgrounds, tent pads differ significantly in size and construction. At Hanging Rock, one camper found "our tent pad was smaller than expected. We brought a 10-person tent, and it was a tight fit." Meanwhile, at Hagan-Stone, Morgan A. reports, "Our site (B20) was reaaally uneven but we made it work for 2 tents!"
Seasonal closures: Several campgrounds in the region operate limited schedules. Tanglewood Park only operates from "May 1 to November 15," while Pilot Mountain State Park runs from "March 15 to November 30." Checking operating dates is essential when planning visits during shoulder seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Oak Hollow City Campground offers supervised swimming that's popular with families. Larisa C. shared, "We tent camped on Aug 28. This was our first time setting up on a platform and it was very easy. Our site had a great view of the beautiful lake. There was a pool our kids could swim in until 7:00pm."
Playground accessibility: Jomeokee Campground provides open spaces ideal for families with active children. Martha S. notes, "The large grassy fields have lots of kids and adults playing ball and frisbee. They allow tent groups and everyone seems to be having a great time."
Bathroom considerations: Families should note bathroom quality varies widely. At Hanging Rock, one reviewer reported issues: "The women's bathroom was unfortunately in rough shape. It was infested with bugs, and clearly in need of a deep cleaning," while noting "the men's facilities seemed to be in slightly better shape."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the Kernersville area have uneven sites requiring extensive leveling equipment. At Tanglewood Park, Tiffany D. warns about "unlevel lots (we had to lower ours by over 4" and still weren't level, but couldn't adjust anymore)," while wesley L. echoes this concern noting "Several sites including mine very hard to level."
Water connections: RVers should prepare for shared water hookups at several area campgrounds. At Hagan-Stone Park, Rick S. mentions "water every-other site. You may need as much as 50' water hose," which is longer than many RVers typically carry.
Electrical options: Area campgrounds offer various electrical configurations. Forest Lake RV offers both 30-amp and 50-amp sites "to suit your needs," while Salem Breeze RV Park provides "30/50A full hookups with both back in and pull-through spots," giving RVers flexibility based on their electrical requirements.
