Stone Mountain State Park Campground sits 60 miles southeast of Millers Creek at an elevation of 1,800 feet. The campground features 90 sites spread across wooded terrain with access to 18 miles of hiking trails. Most equestrian camping options near Millers Creek require traveling 60-70 miles, with seasonal availability typically running April through November.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Stone Mountain State Park has multiple waterfall trails accessible from the campground. "Great sites. Clean bathrooms, close to many hiking trails and waterfalls," writes Joe B. The park maintains several trail difficulty levels suitable for different hiking abilities.
Stargazing opportunities: The area's elevation and distance from urban centers creates excellent night sky viewing conditions. A camper at Stone Mountain State Park Campground noted it offers "the best stargazing you could ask for" and that "fellow campers were respectful and nice."
Wildlife observation: Deer populations are common throughout the region's parks. At Tanglewood Park, "Deer roam throughout the park and campground," according to Brandon. Some parks have nearly tame deer that frequent camping areas regularly.
Horseback riding: The Virginia Highlands Horse Trail connects to Fox Creek Horse Camp, providing extensive riding routes. Jean C. notes, "With a wide network of multi-use trails in this area, Fox Creek Horse Camp provides a nice base for exploring on horseback."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in this region maintain well-kept bathhouses and common areas. At South Mountains State Park Family Campground, campers appreciate the "cleanest bathrooms I have ever seen!!" as Jessica L. mentioned. Similar praise comes from other parks in the area.
Creek access: Several campgrounds feature sites positioned along creeks. "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!" writes Jessica L. about South Mountains State Park. Creek-side sites often cost the same as standard sites but book faster.
Well-spaced sites: Despite being established campgrounds, many maintain good separation between campers. A visitor to Stone Mountain remarked, "You just can't beat it. We camped here and didn't even leave. It has so much to do and see. We camped at RV site 40 and I think it's the best. There's a roaring large creek that flows behind the site."
Horse-friendly amenities: For equestrian camping, specialized facilities include hitching posts and manure collection areas. Jean C. notes that Fox Creek Horse Camp offers "Sites with a gravel/grass pads, picnic table, and fire ring. Portable toilets available... Hitching posts at sites. Manure collection available."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds in the region require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. The most desirable sites at Julian Price Campground fill quickly: "Many of the sites in the A loop are reservable, and they have been reserved for several weeks (maybe months) in advance."
Limited cell service: Several parks have minimal to no connectivity. A camper at Basin Cove — Blue Ridge Parkway noted "there is no cell service," which can affect communication and navigation plans. Some campgrounds offer WiFi near their offices only.
Sloped sites: RV campers should prepare for uneven terrain at many campgrounds. At Tanglewood Park, Tiffany D. reported, "We had to lower ours by over 4" and still weren't level, but couldn't adjust anymore." Bringing additional leveling blocks is recommended.
Water availability: Not all campgrounds provide drinking water, particularly at primitive sites. Christian describes Basin Cove as "very small and on the side of a very quiet road next to beautiful fields with breath taking views...there is no cell service and it is very clean of trash perfect quiet getaway."
Tips for camping with families
Creek exploration: Sandy Creek Family Campground offers safe water play areas for children. "The kids enjoyed playing in the creek and on the playground," notes Ann H. The shallow creeks provide natural entertainment without requiring special equipment.
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain play areas within the grounds. Ann H. continues about Sandy Creek Family Campground: "Our group had both an RV and a large tent. The room allowed for both was very generous. The grounds and bath house were clean and well maintained."
Short hiking routes: Look for family-friendly trails under 2 miles. "Great campground! It is about a 15 minute drive to 3 great wineries and walkable to the trail head for the Stone Mountain loop. Great amenities, and everything was very clean," shares Kristin F.
Weather preparation: Mountain elevations experience significant temperature drops at night, even in summer. Bring extra layers, especially when camping with children. Campers frequently mention temperature variations requiring adaptable clothing options.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for leveling: Research specific site numbers before booking as terrain varies significantly. At Tanglewood, a camper advised, "At $35 a night, there is a lot to enjoy. The only thing you need to be aware of is that some of the sights are very slanted. Very tall levelers are needed."
Water and electric access: Most RV sites at Stone Mountain State Park offer hookups. David B. noted, "I chose a site that had water and electric hook-ups. The bathrooms were heated, clean and the men's bathroom had two showers." Hookup availability varies by specific campground loop.
Seasonal considerations: Several campgrounds close during winter months. Julian Price Park Campground operates "Apr 01 to Oct 29" according to its official season. Year-round RV options are more limited but include Stone Mountain State Park and South Mountains State Park.
Dump station logistics: Plan dump station usage carefully as facilities vary. Some campers report challenging dump station setups; Becca C. from Sandy Creek Family Campground mentioned "the dump station...was on the hill so you had to back up to it and it wasn't easy location to do so."
