Camping options near Laurel Springs, North Carolina range from secluded primitive sites to developed facilities with modern amenities. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains at elevations between 2,500-3,500 feet, campgrounds in this region experience temperature drops of 10-15 degrees below surrounding lowland areas, creating comfortable summer camping conditions even during July and August. Winter camping remains available at select locations, though amenities may be limited during off-season months.
What to do
Hiking access from campsites: At Stone Mountain State Park Campground, trails connect directly to camping areas. One camper noted, "We camped here and didn't even leave. It has so much to do and see. 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."
Fishing in creeks and lakes: Many campsites provide stream or lake access where fishing is permitted. At Bandits Roost Campground, visitors appreciate the water proximity. "There are great sites down on the peninsula that have water views... Bike riding in the park is fun and there are plenty of areas to bike."
Disc golf courses: Blue Bear Mountain Camp offers disc golf on site as part of their recreational amenities. A camper mentioned, "Clean bath house. Great hiking trails. Friendly staff." The course is available to all campers without additional fees.
Historical exploration: Visit historic cabins and homesteads within short driving distance from campsites. At Grayson Highlands State Park, one visitor shared, "The Creekside Cabin hike is very technical as in tree roots and rocks, but so worth the exertion! Very cool waterfall and aside from some modern day trash there is still the old wood stove and pantry in the cabin."
What campers like
Wide spacing between sites: At Blue Bear Mountain Camp, campers consistently mention the privacy. "The campsites are very spaced out. The elevation is high so weather is nice for those trying to escape the summer heat," one reviewer noted. Sites at this campground are positioned to maximize privacy while maintaining views.
Creekside camping opportunities: Many campsites offer stream access for cooling off. At Basin Cove, "The site is surrounded by excellent hiking trails and is a great place to set as 'base camp' for day hikes... The campsite is right next to the creek—fun to hear the water at night. Stars are amazing!"
Primitive hiking access: Several campgrounds require hiking to reach sites, creating more secluded experiences. According to one Basin Cove visitor, "Easy hike in, but far enough that you won't find High-maintenance campers or crowds. Maybe some horseback people. Campground has tent pads, picnic tables, fire pits, pit toilets, water pump."
Helpful camp hosts: Staff at campgrounds near Laurel Springs receive consistent positive mentions. A Twin Rivers Family Campground visitor stated, "Susan (the owner) has to be one of the nicest people I've ever met... They deliver firewood and ice to your site. Pick up trash daily."
What you should know
Variable road conditions: Access to some campgrounds involves unpaved roads that may challenge smaller vehicles. For Blue Bear Mountain Camp, "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."
Limited amenities at primitive sites: Basin Cove requires proper preparation. A camper explains, "There is NO clean water source, you have to bring a filter system with you. There are no picnic tables but each site does have wood logs as seats. There are fire pits and food storage lockers on site."
Seasonal operation differences: Most campgrounds change operating schedules during winter. At Doughton Park Campground, a visitor noted, "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!"
Reservation requirements: During peak seasons (May-October), reservations are strongly recommended. At Grayson Highlands State Park, "I was there the first day the campground opened and it filled quickly. You'll definitely want reservations for a weekend stay."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Raccoon Holler Campground offers extensive recreation options. A visitor noted, "This place was amazing! There's plenty of things for the kids and the adults to do there... There's plenty of swings throughout the campground for people to enjoy along with basketball court, horse shoes, fishing, frisbee golf, walking trails, a massive field that my daughter loved playing in."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds feature regular wildlife sightings. At Stone Mountain State Park, one camper shared, "There's a roaring large creek that flows behind the site and a grassy field full of deer beside it," making it ideal for families interested in nature observation.
Water play areas: Several campsites offer access to shallow streams where children can play safely. At Sandy Creek Family Campground, visitors mentioned, "The tent sites on the tree line were our pick. Lots of shade on a big grassy field, with both a play set for the kids and a volleyball court... The kids enjoyed playing in the creek and on the playground."
Field spaces for games: Open areas for family activities exist at multiple campgrounds. A Blue Bear Mountain Camp visitor noted, "The morning sun lights up the meadow which is the campground centerpiece. A small outdoor arena for music events is off to one side."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the mountains require leveling blocks. At Raccoon Holler Campground, one RVer noted, "This is a very large campground with a large percentage of permanent RVs... Getting parked was a bit of a challenge to get things as level as possible and work around power stand and be able to get awning out."
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. At Wagoner — New River State Park, a visitor mentioned, "After a string of rough camps and brutal temps this mountain spot was so welcome... I selected a powered spot even though I tent camp. Sometimes it's just nice to charge everything back up before heading out."
RV size limitations: Mountain roads and campsite designs limit RV sizes at many locations. A Bandits Roost camper explained, "We had a back in site with W/E, 94B. This is a good interior site. There are great sites down on the peninsula that have water views but we were not able to get one on this trip."
Electric availability variations: Power options differ between campgrounds. At New River State Park, "Small campground with a handful of FHU sites. Some sites have patio area on 'wrong' (street) side instead of curb side, so take a look at Google satellite map when booking. Sites 3, 7, 10 are among the best."
