Stone Mountain State Park Campground and surrounding areas near Mount Airy, North Carolina offer distinct camping opportunities in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This region ranges in elevation from 1,000 to 2,000 feet with moderate temperatures averaging 75-85°F in summer months. Trail networks connect various campgrounds, with some routes featuring elevation gains exceeding 1,000 feet through diverse forest ecosystems.
What to do
Hiking diverse trails: Stone Mountain State Park Campground features extensive hiking options with varied difficulty levels. "Beautiful campground, amazing hikes & waterfalls and the best stargazing you could ask for," notes visitor Emily D. The Stone Mountain loop trail provides challenging terrain with significant elevation changes.
Creek exploration: Sandy Creek Family Campground offers direct access to waterways for cooling off. "Our sites were creek side. The kids enjoyed playing in the creek and on the playground," shares Ann H. The campground's location adjacent to Stone Mountain State Park provides convenient access to additional natural water features.
Fairy stone hunting: Fairy Stone State Park Campground in nearby Virginia offers a unique geological attraction. "We learned about the mysterious 'Fairy Stones' and went to the hunt site to see for ourselves. Sure enough - we found several fairy stones and the kids were very happy," reports Kirsten J. The visitor center provides educational displays about these cross-shaped mineral formations.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Tanglewood Park receives consistent praise for maintenance standards. Wesley L. notes it has "no permanent sites so it's clean with no clutter," while another visitor mentions "the bath houses are a little dated but very clean." The campground hosts receive particular recognition for their attentiveness.
Abundant wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds in the region offer opportunities to observe local fauna. At Tanglewood Park, "deer roam throughout the park and campground," according to Brandon. The open meadows and forest edges create ideal habitat for wildlife observation.
Primitive camping solitude: For those seeking quieter experiences, Basin Cove Campground offers remote sites. "This campground is very small and on the side of a very quiet road next to beautiful fields with breath taking views," reports Christian. The lack of vehicle access creates a more secluded atmosphere.
What you should know
Trail access considerations: Some campgrounds require significant hiking to reach sites. At Basin Cove Campground, Julie L. explains, "You have to hike a mile into the campsite. The hike in is excellent, as it follows the river along the way." Visitors should prepare accordingly with appropriate footwear and packing systems.
Water access varies: Water availability differs significantly between campgrounds. Basin Cove has "NO clean water source, you have to bring a filter system with you," while established campgrounds like Stone Mountain State Park offer reliable water hookups.
Seasonal limitations: Operating schedules vary by location. Fairy Stone State Park Campground remains open year-round, while Tanglewood Park operates from "May 1 to November 15." Weather conditions may affect accessibility regardless of official operating dates.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Sandy Creek Family Campground offers dedicated play areas. "The grounds and bath house were clean and well maintained... The kids enjoyed playing in the creek and on the playground," notes Ann H. The combination of natural and constructed play spaces provides diverse recreation options.
Educational opportunities: Fairy Stone State Park Campground offers ranger programs specifically designed for children. One parent shared, "Ranger Lexie hunted legendary fairystones with our kids and they haven't stopped talking about the magic of the hunt!" These structured activities help engage younger campers with natural history.
Site selection for convenience: When camping with children, consider proximity to facilities. At Fairy Stone State Park Campground, one visitor recommended their yurt location: "The bath house was close. The yurt has a double bed, a twin trundle, a couch and some chairs, and a table and chairs."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the mountainous terrain require careful site selection. At Tanglewood Park, Tiffany D. observed "unlevel lots (we had to lower ours by over 4" and still weren't level, but couldn't adjust anymore)." Bringing additional leveling equipment is advisable.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites exist but vary by location. David B. at Stone Mountain State Park Campground reports, "I chose a site that had water and electric hook-ups. The bathrooms were heated, clean and the men's bathroom had two showers."
Dump station conditions: Infrastructure quality varies between campgrounds. At Sandy Creek Family Campground, one RVer noted challenges with "the dump station. It was on the hill so you had to back up to it and it wasn't easy location to do so." Planning dumping needs accordingly helps avoid last-minute complications.
