The Blue Ridge Mountain region surrounding Lenoir, North Carolina sits at elevations between 1,000-4,000 feet, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions. Fall temperatures typically range from 40-65°F while summer brings consistent 70-85°F days with higher humidity. Campers will find diverse terrain options from riverside sites to more elevated mountain settings with varying levels of facilities.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 2-mile loop trail at South Mountains State Park Family Campground leads to an impressive 80-foot waterfall. "We camped at the family camping area, it was great, we had site 6 and it was on the river and the kids loved it! Cleanest bathrooms I have ever seen!!" according to Jessica L.
Fishing in mountain streams: Wilson Creek near Mortimer Campground offers prime trout fishing spots about 30 minutes from Lenoir. "There are plenty of outdoor activities in Wilson creek area. Biking, hiking, fishing, etc," notes Cody B. The area requires a North Carolina fishing license, available online or at local shops.
Rock sliding and swimming: Natural water features provide summer fun. "There is a spot nearby where a lot of people like to float on tubes kind of like a lazy river type thing," mentions Tony E. about the swimming holes near Mortimer Campground.
Mountain biking: Miles of trails range from beginner to advanced. "Lots of hiking, The river, the activities the camp ground provides!" according to Shawn S. who visited Steele Creek Park.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Some campgrounds offer better separation than others. At Thousand Trails Green Mountain, "The campsites are at the base of a mountain with tons of great hiking trails within the park. They even had a food truck most days, so you really don't have to leave the campground unless you want to," reports Kristen W.
Mountain views and accessibility: Location matters for many campers. "The turn into the privately owned campground is off the Blue ridge parkway and there are multiple waterfalls, rivers, and viewpoints within 15 miles," Justin C. explains about Bear Den Family Campground.
Creek-side camping: Water features enhance site selection. "Sites were fair and the bath house near us was shut down. Next bathroom was to far to walk to but we made do. Overall great visual and be sure to go up to the town of Blowing Rock... really nice place," notes Nathan W. about his experience at Thousand Trails Green Mountain.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms receive frequent mentions. "The restroom/shower house is a monstrous, mountain lodge style modern facility...very clean, spacious and well-stocked," writes Dave V. about South Mountains State Park.
What you should know
Cell service varies dramatically: Coverage depends on location and elevation. "Terrible cell service so be prepared to dish down $8 a day for internet," warns Nathan W. about Thousand Trails Green Mountain. Similarly, at South Mountains, "Bath facilities are new and kept clean. Very quiet with NO cell service which is a big draw for us," notes Stephen M.
Limited services in remote areas: Many campgrounds require planning ahead. "Far from a town, so don't forget anything," advises Stephen M. about South Mountains State Park. Similarly, Mortimer Campground is "down a pretty long gravel road, so it's best to have what you need when you arrive. No quick trips to Wally World for resupply here," according to Tony E.
Weather changes quickly: Mountain elevations cause temperature swings. "The best weather for camping here comes in spring and fall when it's not too hot and the leaves look great. Winter camping is possible but gets cold," as mentioned in reviews.
Reservation policies differ: Julian Price Park Campground has specific rules: "Many of the sites in the A loop are reservable, and they have been reserved for several weeks (maybe months) in advance. They are the best sites as far as seeing the lake and sometimes because they are larger," explains Myron C.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds and safe water access: Family-friendly amenities matter. "We had the best weekend at Steele Creek! The water was clear with a small beach. Tubed down the river, just plenty to do for a weekend trip," shares Wayne Q.
Choose sites away from traffic: Road noise can disrupt sleep. "The worst part I discovered about sites in the A loop is that you can hear traffic from the Blue Ridge Parkway all day long except for two to three hours in the middle of the night," warns Myron C. about Julian Price Park Campground.
Consider bathroom proximity: With kids, closer is better. "The campground is very large and does have fishing ponds, hiking trails, and a playground. The pools are closed for season, the activity room is closed due to Covid, and you can't rent any equipment for putt putt golf, tennis, or basketball right now," noted Kasey M. about Thousand Trails Green Mountain.
Plan rainy day alternatives: Mountain weather can change quickly. "This campground is a very nice place. Although it rained the entire weekend we still had a great time. The staff is excellent," shares Brian W. about Steele Creek Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Level sites with adequate hookups aren't universal. "The site was fairly level, and the electric, water & sewer were well maintained and easy to access," reports Corby M. about Indian Springs Campground.
Check access road conditions: Mountain roads can challenge larger rigs. "We were hesitant based on the reviews of 'steep grade' but found this entirely manageable (24' motor home RV). The grade is 7% and is managed through a long gentle slope in/out," notes Sara M. about Indian Springs Campground.
Water and electric availability: Hookup options vary widely. "Being right on the Parkway was awesome and provided some great driving and hiking close by. The staff were very helpful. We camped at C13 which was right across from the large playground in November," Charles S. explains about Bear Den Family Campground.
Consider seasonal closures: Some facilities reduce services in colder months. "Campground is closed due to hurricane damage," reported Duane C. about Julian Price Park, highlighting the importance of checking current status before planning trips.
