Camping options around Laurel Springs, North Carolina span elevations from 2,000 to 3,500 feet, providing cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lowland areas. The region sits near the Blue Ridge Parkway with seasonal access limitations, particularly during winter months when snow can affect road conditions at higher elevations. Most campgrounds operate from April through October, with limited year-round options.
What to do
Explore local trails: Visitors staying at Doughton Park Campground can access numerous hiking paths directly from their sites. A camper noted, "There are trails you can hike from camp," making it convenient for nature enthusiasts to start their day without driving to trailheads.
Float local waterways: Peak Creek offers a refreshing summer activity for guests. A recent visitor commented, "Host was very accommodating and had inner tubes for floating in the stream," providing an easy way to cool off during summer heat without bringing your own equipment.
Visit nearby towns: The Laurel Springs area provides easy access to small towns with unique offerings. As one camper at Peak Creek RV Campground described, "West Jefferson, home of Ashe Cheese, and much more, less than 30 minutes away," making day trips practical for supplies or local attractions.
What campers like
Quiet locations: Many campsites in the area offer peaceful settings away from main roads. A visitor to River Country Campground & RV Park shared, "This campground has been transformed into a beautiful place to get away from it all! River front sites, pull thru sites and tent sites."
Waterfront sites: Locations along creeks and rivers rank highly among visitors. One reviewer at Fries New RiverTrail RV Park explained, "This is a campground located in a tiny valley between two small hills/mountainsides... The stream runs below the campsites. Each site is a pull-thru and is in the form of a crescent, so everyone's door faces the stream."
Cooler temperatures: Higher elevations provide relief during summer months. A camper at Doughton Park noted, "It's high in elevation so it's cooler than the surrounding areas," offering natural air conditioning during hot summer months when lower elevations can become uncomfortable.
What you should know
Limited shower facilities: Many campgrounds in this region lack shower amenities. One camper at Linville Falls Campground pointed out, "There are no showers on site, but there are flushable toilets. There are a couple of potable water sources on the property."
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds operate on limited schedules. A visitor to Linville Falls observed, "I visited in July 2024. This is a great older campground. It has been well taken care of over the years." Most facilities close by late October and don't reopen until April or May.
Road conditions: Mountain roads can challenge larger vehicles. A review of Fries New RiverTrail RV Park noted, "The roads were windy and a tad narrow but definitely do-able as long as you took your time," suggesting careful driving is necessary when approaching some campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with activities: Some locations offer more family-oriented amenities than others. A visitor to Lake Myers RV Resort shared, "Many activities offered for family with 2 large pools etc," providing built-in entertainment options.
Consider age-appropriate options: Not all campgrounds cater to young children. A review mentioned, "There was not much at all for them to do other than play in the pool... There is a play ground and game room for older kids but nothing for the smaller children to do," highlighting the importance of researching age-specific amenities.
Bring entertainment: Given limited structured activities at most rv campgrounds near Laurel Springs, North Carolina, families should pack their own games and toys. A visitor to Lake Myers noted, "A+ campground.. fun activities.. kid friendly.. love playing BINGO here!!" suggesting organized games can enhance the experience.
Tips from RVers
Water pressure varies: Water supply can be inconsistent at some locations. As one RVer at Riverwalk RV Park explained, "Being at the end of the water line for the park, our pressure wasn't great so we used our fresh water tank and water pump for showers and to wash dishes but the pressure was adequate for making coffee."
Site sizes vary significantly: Check measurements before booking. A reviewer noted, "The campground is much larger than I expected. There's an RV section on one side of the Parkway and a tent section that is on the other side," indicating that not all areas accommodate larger rigs.
Call ahead for seasonal information: Operating hours and amenities change throughout the year. A camper shared, "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," demonstrating the value of confirming operational status before arrival.
