Located about 90 miles northeast of the Uwharrie Mountains, Kernersville, North Carolina sits at an elevation of approximately 950 feet in the Piedmont region. The area experiences mild winters with occasional snowfall and warm summers with high humidity, making spring and fall ideal for cabin camping trips. Most camping areas near Kernersville remain open year-round, though amenities may be limited during winter months.
What to do
Waterfall hikes: 0.3-4.3 miles: Hanging Rock State Park Campground offers several waterfall trails ranging from easy to strenuous. "The shortest hike to see a waterfall is relatively easy and is only three-tenths of a mile one way," shares one visitor. Multiple waterfalls are accessible within the park boundaries.
Lake activities: seasonal rentals: Thousand Trails Forest Lake provides fishing opportunities even for beginners. "I caught 2 sunfishes in 30 min & I'm no fisherman," reports a camper. The lake has canoe rentals and a swimming area where families gather during summer months.
Mini golf and arcade games: all ages: Midway Campground Resort features recreational facilities beyond typical camping. A visitor notes, "We played mini golf, had a view of the lake, and enjoyed a great campfire on our little porch they provided." The resort also maintains a jump pad, playground, and arcade for children.
What campers like
Cabin privacy: lakeside options: Some cabins at Thousand Trails Forest Lake provide more seclusion than others. One camper explains, "Our cabin was one of the nicest cabins out there with more privacy and right next to the lake/pond." Selecting cabin locations near water features often provides better separation from other campers.
Modern bath facilities: recently renovated: Morrow Mountain State Park Campground has updated their amenities. "The bathhouse is brand new," reports a recent visitor. This improvement addresses a common concern at state park facilities that often have older infrastructure.
Wildlife viewing: morning and evening: Dawn and dusk offer the best opportunities to spot local wildlife. "Whitetail deer mosey past your site and linger during the evening…ample squirrel and robins, woodpeckers and cardinals compete for air time," describes one Hanging Rock State Park camper who observed various species during their stay.
What you should know
Highway noise levels: pack earplugs: Greensboro KOA sits close to Interstate 40, creating a noise challenge for light sleepers. "The road noise is the biggest negative. The host was extremely nice and friendly," shares one camper. Some locations provide complimentary earplugs at check-in to help with the interstate sounds.
Tent pad sizes: measure before booking: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger tents. A camper at Hanging Rock State Park noted, "We brought a 10-person tent, and it was a tight fit. If you're camping with a large group or family and have a bigger tent, be aware that this site might not give you as much room as you'd like."
Seasonal maintenance: check before arrival: Facilities may have different operating schedules based on the time of year. "The pool was well located but busy, which was okay all the families and kids were having a great time," one visitor mentioned about Carolina Rose Campground (formerly Cobble Hill). Calling ahead confirms which amenities are currently operational.
Tips for camping with families
Family-friendly attractions: within park boundaries: Dan Nicholas Park offers numerous activities beyond camping. "There is a beautiful zoo, gem mining, a train ride, amazing fishing, a beautiful playground, and a carousel," explains a family camper. These features allow families to plan multiple days of activities without leaving the park.
Kid-friendly cabin options: reservation requirements: Many cabin rentals require advance planning, especially during peak seasons. A family visitor to Carolina Rose noted, "The cabins are REALLY nice, I was very impressed. We walked the RV sites and spotted several that were also very nice as well." Booking 3-6 months ahead is recommended for summer and fall weekends.
Swimming options: pool vs. natural water: Several campgrounds provide swimming facilities with different environments. "The lake has a swimming beach with mountains in the background, and there are also rowboats and canoes for rent," reports a Hanging Rock visitor, describing one of several water recreation options available near Kernersville.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: varies widely: High Rock Lake Marina and Campground receives positive reviews for site quality. "Sites are a little tight but, the view of the water was very nice," notes one RVer. Requesting specific site numbers based on RV length improves the camping experience.
Full hookup availability: water/electric/sewer: Most cabin camping areas near Kernersville also accommodate RVs with varying utility connections. "Full hookups (30/50 amp)," confirms a camper at Greensboro KOA. Checking the specific amperage available prevents power issues during your stay.
Road conditions: interior campground access: Some locations have challenging interior roads. A Lake Myers RV Resort visitor warns, "This is a decent family-friendly campground but is quite difficult to navigate the roads and sites if you have a larger rig." Calling ahead to discuss specific RV dimensions helps determine suitable campgrounds and sites.
