Winston-Salem camping ranges from mountain settings to lakeside retreats with varying weather patterns across seasons. The Piedmont region's camping areas typically sit at 900-1,200 feet elevation, while nearby peaks like Pilot Mountain rise dramatically to 2,421 feet. Summer temperatures commonly reach 90-95°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop below freezing even at established campgrounds.
What to do
Hiking multiple waterfalls: Hanging Rock State Park Campground features numerous waterfall trails within walking distance of campsites. "The shortest hike to see a waterfall is relatively easy and is only three-tenths of a mile one way," notes camper Myron C., who recommends planning a multi-day stay to explore different falls.
Rock climbing access: Experienced climbers find Pilot Mountain State Park Campground ideal for top-rope climbing. "There is a trail leading from the parking lot and traverses above the climbing area so you have quick access to set anchors from the top. Additional anchors are bolted at the top of most routes for easy top roping," explains Shannon C.
Lake activities: Several campgrounds offer fishing ponds and small lakes for water recreation. At Thousand Trails Forest Lake, one visitor reported: "I caught 2 sunfishes in 30 min & I'm no fisherman." Many campgrounds also offer canoe and kayak rentals during summer months.
What campers like
Wildlife encounters: Morning deer sightings are common at campgrounds throughout the region. At Tanglewood Park, campers regularly spot wildlife. "Deer roam throughout the park and campground," notes Brandon, highlighting the park's natural setting despite being just minutes from town.
Elevated camping platforms: Several tent campgrounds feature raised platforms that keep tents dry during rain. Oak Hollow City Campground offers this unique setup: "This was our first time setting up on a platform and it was very easy. Our site had a great view of the beautiful lake," writes Larisa C., who tent camped with her family.
Night sky viewing: Jomeokee Campground offers exceptional stargazing opportunities away from city lights. The campground's fields provide open viewing areas with minimal light pollution. One camper mentioned the campground is perfect for "star gazing" among other natural attractions.
What you should know
Sloped camping sites: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain. At Greystone RV Park, campers appreciate that "pull-thru sites with concrete pads" require "no leveling needed," while at other area campgrounds, additional leveling equipment is often necessary.
Bathroom facility age variation: Facilities range from recently renovated to decades old. At Hagan-Stone Park, one camper noted, "Wife said women's side was nice and clean. The men's side was a little outdated and could have had a few less spiders but wasn't terrible."
Water connection sharing: Some campgrounds have shared water hookups between sites. A visitor to Hagan-Stone Park advised: "There is one water connection for each two sites so would advise bringing a splitter."
Gate closure times: Most state parks enforce strict entry/exit times. At Pilot Mountain, "the campground entrance closes at 10 pm. You will not be able to enter or exit until the gate opens the next morning," warns a reviewer.
Tips for camping with families
Early-season camping: Spring visits avoid summer crowds but require additional preparation. At Hanging Rock State Park, weekends fill quickly from late spring through fall, with fewer campers in March and early April despite moderate temperatures.
Nature-focused activities: Parents report successful trips focusing on wildlife spotting. "From spotting salamanders near the creek to pretending they were mountain explorers on the trails, they were thoroughly entertained the whole trip," shared David N. about his family's experience at Hanging Rock State Park Campground.
Campground playgrounds: Several parks feature designated play areas near camping loops. Hagan-Stone Park offers "very nice play grounds" according to Justin S., making it "one of the best to just get away and relax."
Tips from RVers
Specialized RV campgrounds: Full-hookup options with amenities designed for longer stays exist throughout the region. Ivory Clay Farm provides "secluded RV spots" in a farm setting with electric hookups and fire pits, offering a unique alternative to traditional campgrounds.
Length considerations for wooded sites: When camping with larger RVs, loop selection matters significantly. At Hagan-Stone Park, "if you're longer than 30' you may find Loop B tough to navigate," advises Rick S., while "Loop C is basically a field with RV parking along the perimeter."
Seasonal site availability: Some RV campgrounds operate with limited seasons. Tanglewood Park's camping season runs May 1 to November 15, while Oak Hollow City Campground and Salem Breeze RV Park remain open year-round for winter camping needs.
