Stone Mountain State Park offers cabin camping with electricity, water hookups, and fire rings surrounded by scenic mountain terrain. Sites at Stone Mountain feature both 30 and 50-amp service options for smaller and larger RVs. The park's cabins remain open year-round, providing access to hiking trails and mountain views during all seasons. Visitors can access the park's stone dome formation, multiple waterfalls, and trout streams regardless of which season they choose to visit.
What to do
Hiking multiple waterfall trails: Stone Mountain State Park Campground provides access to several waterfall hikes from the camping area. "Great sites. Clean bathrooms, close to many hiking trails and waterfalls," notes Joe B., who visited the park in summer 2022. The 600-foot Stone Mountain Falls is accessible via a 4.5-mile loop trail from the main camping area.
Mountain biking near Lake Norman: Lake Norman State Park Campground features 30+ miles of dedicated mountain biking trails adjacent to the camping area. One regular visitor mentioned, "This is such a great place to go if you are wanting to escape from the city!" Trails range from beginner-friendly loops to more technical sections for experienced riders.
Fishing in stocked ponds: Several campgrounds maintain fishing ponds where camping guests can fish without leaving the property. At Midway Campground Resort, "The campground has a pond for fishing, a nice pool, a jump pad, playground, arcade, and mini-golf. Plenty for kids to do," according to a 2021 review. Some ponds require catch-and-release policies, while others allow keeping fish within posted limits.
Blue Ridge Parkway scenic drives: Fancy Gap Cabins and Campground provides direct access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, making it a strategic base for day trips. "Located on the Blue Ridge parkway and owned by great people. Hiking on property to get you started. Great spot to access nearby attractions," shares one reviewer. The parkway offers numerous overlooks and side trails within 30 minutes of the campground.
What campers like
Heated bathhouses during cold months: Some cabin facilities maintain heated bathrooms year-round, which campers appreciate during winter visits. At Hanging Rock State Park Campground, a camper noted, "The sites are clean and well spaced. Facilities are reasonably clean. But the view from the top is why we go, and keep going!" The bathhouses remain heated even in winter months.
Lake swimming access: Multiple cabin camping areas provide direct lake access for swimming during warm months. At Lake Norman State Park, "Friendly host, close to lake and well shaded, clean bathrooms, large enough tent sites, great for families," reports a reviewer who enjoyed the lake swimming area. Most lake facilities include designated swimming areas with safety features.
Spacious tent pads at cabin sites: Many sites feature elevated, gravel-filled tent pads that stay dry during rain. "The tent pads are elevated 3-4 inches, outlined by horizontal timbers and backfilled with fine pea gravel and sand. Easy on the knees, tent floor and when inserting tent stakes," explains a camper at Hanging Rock State Park, where cabins and tent sites coexist in the same camping loops.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forested cabin sites attract diverse wildlife viewable from cabin porches and campsites. "Whitetail deer mosey past your site and linger during the evening…ample squirrel and robins, woodpeckers and cardinals compete for air time. Skinks, newts and salamanders populate these wooded lands and scurry about," describes a visitor to Hanging Rock State Park.
What you should know
Reservation windows vary by season: Availability at state park cabins changes dramatically between seasons. At Stone Mountain State Park, weekend cabins often book 6+ months in advance during summer but may show availability just weeks ahead during winter months. Commercial campgrounds typically maintain 3-6 month reservation windows year-round.
Cabin amenity differences: Cabin facilities vary significantly between locations. Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA offers premium cabins with full amenities, where "For tent sites there are a couple with a shared covered kitchen area plus sail-style awnings. There's also a separate kitchen pavilion for all campers." Private campgrounds often provide more furnished cabins than state parks.
Cell service limitations: Mobile connectivity varies dramatically across cabin locations near Nebo. One Hanging Rock State Park visitor advised, "No electric and sketchy cell service (at best)…of which the payphone at the information board reminds you. Make the hike up to Moore's Knob and you'll find decent cell phone reception, if need be." Some private campgrounds provide WiFi at central facilities.
Firewood regulations: Most parks prohibit bringing outside firewood due to invasive pest concerns. At Fancy Gap Cabins and Campground, "Firewood and fire starter available for purchase. Laundry room on site," reports a camper. Firewood typically costs $5-7 per bundle, with higher prices in winter months.
Tips for camping with families
Mini-golf and playground access: Several camping facilities maintain family recreation areas with activities for children. At Holly Ridge Family Campground, "Loved how nice everyone was at this campground! They were so nice about letting us also have a tent on our site and didn't give us any grief about extra cars or people...I loved that they had pop-up sites only that were cheaper! Our campsite had a deck and I thought that was such a nice touch!"
Swimming pool availability: Pool access can extend the swimming season beyond lake temperature comfort. "This is a small, family-friendly campground. There is a pond for fishing, a nice pool, a jump pad, playground, arcade, and mini-golf. Plenty for kids to do," reports a visitor to Midway Campground Resort. Most pools operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with some extending into October during warm years.
Cabin spacing considerations: Family groups should note cabin proximity when booking multiple units. At Cobble Hill RV Campground, "We walked the RV sites and spotted several that were also very nice as well. They each seemed to offer a decent bit of privacy, which is nice," mentions a family camper who visited with relatives. Some campgrounds allow group bookings to secure adjacent cabins.
Pet-friendly cabins availability: Most cabin facilities allow pets with certain restrictions and additional fees. At Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA, "In addition to a pet play area, there are a few sites with pet backyards, fenced in areas for your pet to roam and play." Pet fees typically range from $10-25 per stay depending on the facility.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness considerations: RV campers note significant variation in site levelness across cabin camping areas. At Lake Myers RV Resort, one experienced camper advised, "This is a decent family-friendly campground but is quite difficult to navigate the roads and sites if you have a larger rig. Nice pool and good pet area." Many sites require leveling blocks even for small trailers.
Electrical amperage availability: RV campers should verify electrical service matches their needs when booking. Most cabin camping areas offer 30-amp service standard, with 50-amp hookups available at select premium sites. Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA provides 50-amp service at their pull-through sites, while tent cabin areas typically offer only 20-amp outlets.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds with cabins maintain on-site dump stations. Thousand Trails Forest Lake provides full-hookup sites but limited cabin facilities, with a reviewer noting, "We stayed with family and reserved a cabin. Our two family members reserved two RV sites." RVers should confirm dump station availability when booking, as some smaller facilities require driving to nearby state parks.
