Best Cabin Camping near Oak Ridge, NC

On my way to Virginia from western North Carolina, I decided to stop here. It makes the eight hour trip less tiresome if you can break it up. It is convenient since it is along the interstate. However, staying in one of the cabins at this KOA in Greensboro requires a minimum two-night stay, and they run about$100 a night. The person in the office was really nice and informative, but I think KOA is trying to discourage tent campers. She told me that since it had been raining, the ground was saturated and tent campers don’t like all the noise from the road; and she is 100% correct. Nevertheless, a tent site was my best option. The tent sites are sloped and very small. There is very little privacy since the sites are just about on top of each other. Don’t get me wrong; there are good things about this KOA… for RV campers and RV campers with children. The RV sites are spacious and mostly level with electric, water, and sewer hookups. The cabins are really nice(this being based on staying in a KOA cabin in the past and the exterior looks, which have been updated since I last stayed in one). The children will love the caboose/play area, and there is a large pool, which was actually open. There is also a fenced dog walk and another playground for children. The main bath house is located at the end of the office, and there is another bath house which was closed due to repair(?). Perhaps I’m being a little too harsh since it had poured rain for two days, but being on a small, unlevel, tent site with saturated ground is not my favorite way to camp. There were only brief minutes to take any photos since it was constantly raining. With all this said, if you want an alternative to staying at a motel/hotel/inn in Greensboro to experience the numerous things the city has to offer, this is a good choice for RV campers or for those who want to stay in a cabin.

The park is so beautiful. The sites are a little rough but easy to level your rig. The park has great trails around it, they can be pretty challenging when it comes to elevation gain. The lake is wonderful. They were updating cabins when we were there last, they look great. The showers were clean and the bathroom was the same. The host was a nice gentleman. No Verizon service or WiFi. We go here to get away.

MY husband and I stayed two nights in a 1 bed efficiency CCC Cabin at Fairy Stone State Park for a short weekend away from the kids. We visited in December so it was pretty cold weather but the cabin was so cozy and comfortable! We loved having the fireplace! The cabins have a bathroom, shower, kitchen with sink, fridge, oven/stove, microwave, toaster, everything you need! They have heating and a/c as well. The cabin was built in the 1930s and is so charming! Loved everytihg about our experience here.

There is no cell service or internet/wifi at the cabins though so come prepared with something to do! We found it to be very relaxing to unplug!

We stayed here while visiting friends who lived in the Salisbury area and stayed in Cabin 1. The cabins are REALLY nice, I was very impressed. 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. The pool was well located but busy, which was okay all the families and kids were having a great time and that was so nice to see. I enjoyed sitting near the pond and just watching the ducks swim. The best part was getting fresh eggs from the check-in store each morning... And I mean... Fresh Eggs. Really cool place.

Hanging Rock is one of the best state parks in North Carolina. With breathtaking views from the cliffs, miles of hiking trails, a lake, and 5 waterfalls, it can keep you busy for a few days, or just over a weekend. I have been to the park throughout the year, in sunshine, rain, and snow, and always enjoyed it. I stayed at the family campground a few times. I usually book sites 3, 4 or 6 - they are spacious and conveniently located close to the bathroom as well as the hiking trail and the little stream behind the campground.

The sites are bigger than you would expect from a typical state park campground. The bathrooms and showers are clean and nice. The host is very nice.

There are a lot of reasons to love Hanging Rock State Park. That’s why it is probably my favorite state park in North Carolina.  However, I am torn between giving it two stars and giving it five stars.  In general, I would give the park five stars, but for the camping facilities, I would rate it two stars.  There is so much to do without having to leave the state park.  First, let’s look at the park itself, and close to the end I will discuss the campground.

To get to the park, you drive through beautiful rolling hills. The park has a modern visitor center with a nature center and friendly rangers.  There are lots of trails to explore, but they are not just trails to nowhere.  There are five waterfalls to see, a climbing access area, Cook’s Wall, and much more.  Moore’s Wall Loop Trail is a 4.3 mile strenuous hike, and it begins by walking by the lake.  There is a platform about halfway through the hike in which you can see the skylines of Greensboro and Winston-Salem.  My favorite trail is the Hanging Rock Trail, which is listed as moderate.  Parts of it are moderate, very short stretches are easy, and much of it is strenuous.  The last part of the Hanging Rock Trail is the most difficult, but the view at the end is worth the hike because it is spectacular.  From the hanging rock (I should say rocks since there are more than one), you can see for many miles across several counties.  The shortest hike to see a waterfall is relatively easy and is only three-tenths of a mile one way.  The lake has a swimming beach with mountains in the background, and there are also rowboats and canoes for rent.  According to what I understand from their website, canoe rentals and concession stands at the lake are open weekends only in the spring and fall (10am - 5:30pm).   I was hoping to take my kayaks next time, but unfortunately, private boats are not allowed.  Two large picnic shelters are also close to the lake. 

Here is why I would give it two stars.  The camping sites are shaded and spacious with picnic tables, lantern poles, and fire rings, but the bathroom facility is outdated (built in the 1960s).  Even though it has hot water, it is NOT handicap accessible, and the shower doors are narrow.  If you are not a skinny person, you might have trouble squeezing through the shower doors.  There are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups; however, there is access to water by way of frostproof hydrants. The campground hosts were very helpful and answered my questions.  You can also purchase bundles of firewood since taking your own firewood into the park is frowned upon.  If you are like me, however, and camp to experience the outdoors, you will not want to stay at your campsite very long.  There are just too many things to explore at this state park.  If you are going and want to truly experience the park, plan to camp at least three nights.  One day you can explore Upper Cascades falls and the hanging rock.  On another day, you can hike the Moore’s Wall trail and cool off in the lake.  On another day, see a couple more waterfalls or hike the Reuben Mountain Trail.

There is also a group camping area.  I took the Boy Scouts there once, so I decided to visit this time to see if it was still the same.  They have added bathrooms and more well-defined tent sites—quite an improvement since the last time.

Spacious camp sites within walking distance to the lake which offers daily swimming for $5 a person. They also offer canoe rentals for $5/hr. Camp site restrooms offer free hot showers. The negatives are the camp sites are rocky and bathrooms are bug ridden, but hey you are camping in NC, so that should be expected. overall we enjoyed ourselves. we’ve camped here twice and we will return.

Hanging Rock campground is a popular spot for locals and visitors. It has both hook-ups and tent sites, with bath houses that provide showers, toilets and sinks. This campground is within walking distance to the lake - with a little beach where the kids can play and swim! There is a charge to swim in the lake, as well as rowboat rentals available! We enjoy hiking several trails in the area and there are many creeks for kids to explore! Several waterfalls are accessible in this park and enjoyed by all! Trails show signs of heavy traffic as pieces of trash are often found while hiking. The campground is kept very clean and we enjoy it!

We made a mistake. My wife and I are moving to North Carolina, and we were looking for a place to stay for a month in the Asheboro area. I checked around and Deep River was the only local campground with long-term sites available, so I made the reservation. The owner, Scott, was very helpful throughout the reservation process and we thought we were going to have a good experience. 

When we showed up, Scott met us at the office and he took us to the "most level site" he had available. I was a little concerned from the start because the sewer pipe was sitting at a 45 degree angle and it was half buried in the ground. I had to help dig out the pipe and when I looked inside I noticed the connection was broken and any drainage would  have leached directly into the ground. Additionally, the sewer connection was more than 40 feet from the center of the site and I only carry 30 feet of line, so we had to back way up in order to hook-up. Unfortunately, that meant that our primary slide was within 3 feet of a giant pine tree so there was barely enough room to open it. Another problem with being so far back in the site was how unlevel the camper was. It took a while for me to get the trailer unhitched and by the time I had it nearly level, I had used all of my blocks and the jack was extended to the maximum height. Needless to say, I did not feel very comfortable with the arrangement and I was really starting to question whether or not to stay. 

Then I started looking around at the site and there was trash everywhere with broken pieces of metal and half chewed dog bones strewn about. I looked at my wife and I could tell she was not happy. So I got on my phone, called another campground and made reservations. Scott was understanding, he tried to talk us into trying another site but by that time we had decided to move on. I will give Scott credit, he didn't charge us a cancellation fee, so that was good.

A quick note, the WiFi was limited to close to the office and we would have had to pay Spectrum for a monthly internet connection. Also, Verizon cell coverage was weak.

This was a last minute weekend get away. The website says first come first serve when you make your reservation for an RV site. When we arrived Friday afternoon, they told us that they have a set spot for us. We get to the site to discover it backs onto a construction area where they’re putting more sites. Wasn’t too bad at first, but at 7:30am Saturday morning they were out in full force with huge dump trucks and diggers. By 1:30pm they were kicking up so much dust and dirt that we couldn’t even sit outside. Will definitely not be coming back.

Another great getaway from the suburb hustle and bustle of Greensboro. Only a short 45 minute drive will get you to this spot for a quick day trip or a few nights. Super pet friendly and well maintained campground. The campground bathrooms/facilities close in December and re-opens mid March. There are pit toilets available during the off-season. Amenities include picnic tables, grills and tent pads. There are showers, flush toilets and large utility sinks for dish washing and other non-hygiene related tasks.

The hiking here is top-notch especially in the fall as the leaves turn all sorts of amazing colors. There are several waterfalls with nice swimming pools (for you or your pups). Take a few days to explore this spot!

Two weeks ago, my Scout troop (Troop 2 out of High Point)  used campsite 3 in the group area.  It was perfect for us.  We've stayed at several others before as well.  While a student at Wake, I hiked the trails frequently.   So, I know the park pretty well. 

The SP is in a great location, especially if you are in Central NC.  There is easy access, and good roads for a decent driver.  The roads are marked well.  

The park is also close to a good canoe/kayak rental outfitter called The Dan River Company.   (If you want a craft beer after your trek, they have a small tavern there.)

The campsites in the group areas were good and clean.  There were picnic tables and fire rings.  Our site actually had 3 fire rings with benches and 4 picnic tables.   These are rustic, which is fine for me.  If you are looking for showers and gravel tent pads, don't stay there.   Frankly, I'd just as soon as camp on concrete as a gravel tent pad.  There is also a mowed field next to the group campsites to play in or just chill and watch the stars. Oh, and the ranger basically encouraged us to hike and roam the park at night.  I don't think I've ever had a ranger ask if I planned to drive around a park at night. 

The trails to the top are made for hikers and people who walk.  You will not get up to either summit by driving or riding anything.  The trails aren't that tough, but are going to test you if you do not get out much.   I prefer the view from Moore's Knob.

Campground Review:

We stayed in Yurt#4 for 2 nights at Fairy Stone State Park, about a 4 hour drive from where we live. The Yurt overall was very clean and cozy. The outside of the Yurt looks like it needed a powerwashing, but that didn’t really affect us at all, just kind of unsightly. They have a nice large deck that is great for hanging out on while the kids were asleep. The inside of the Yurt has a full size bed with a twin sized trundle bed that rolls under the full. It also had some rocking chairs inside, a small table and chairs, and a couch. We ended up eating and hanging out inside the Yurt or on the deck most of the time. 

There are 4 Yurts to choose from. Two of them (Yurts#1 & 2) do not have a parking spot right in front of them, they are a short walk from a parking area, so I made sure to get one that did since we would be arriving after dark. The Yurt we stayed in was a little weird because the Fire Pit and Picnic table is behind and almost under the yurt, down a decently step slope and the yurt sits on stilts on the back side. The Yurt next to us#3 had the fire pit and table right up front next to the parking spot which would be better I think. I would try to get Yurt#3 next time! Overall Yurt camping is so fun! We have done it once before, and it is such a great mix between cabin and tent camping. You get the protection from the elements, a real bed to sleep in, and it’s quick to pack-up- but still a bit rustic since there’s no ac or electricity. 

There are hiking trails right across the street from the Yurt, which was awesome! The bathrooms and showers were fine and in close walking distance. They could probably use some updating but didn’t have any major issues with them. Overall the campground is pretty big and a bit of a maze getting around, we needed to use the park map a lot! Probably due to the park being so old there are a lot of old buildings not in use that are pretty cool. 

The park is big and there is lots to do! There is a beautiful lake for swimming Tons of hiking trails. They had a great playground for the kids nearby. They had a concert going on somewhere at the park so we had some beautiful orchestral music playing as we were winding down for bed one night. We saw lots of deer roaming around. Note that there is not great cell service in this area. 

The place to find the Fairy Stones are outside of the park, down the street a little bit beside a gas station. It was tricky knowing exactly what to look for, but once we found a few Fairy Stones, they were everywhere! So fun searching for them with the kids! 

It was such a fun trip, very peaceful, beautiful scenery everywhere!

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Product Review:

As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time - we tested out the Banner& Oak Men’s Nebo Hat– Olive  

The quality of this hat is great. Nice and thick but breathable fabric, durable construction. We’ve put this hat through the ringer so far with sweaty hikes, long beach and lake days, and everyday wear and tear and it has performed spectacularly. The adjustable snapback makes fitting easy. Has a nice shape, looks great! Love this hat’s patch with well-designed graphics and the neutral olive color– goes with everything. Will definitely purchase again! Also appreciate the fact that the hats are made in the USA! It is my husband’s new go-to daily hat and I think it will last for a long time.

RANGER REVIEW: Mountain House New Homestyle Turkey Dinner Casserole at Hanging Rock State Park, Danbury, NC

CAMPGROUND REVIEW: HANGING ROCK STATE PARK

Locating Hanging Rock State Park was not a simple task as it is well off the beaten path… most great parks are…but once there, you’ve found a gem! (Google Maps directions were inaccurate).At over 8,000 acres…offering trails of all length and difficultly level, multiple waterfalls, lake, scenic long views and picnic areas…it is no wonder it is claimed to be the most beautiful park in North Carolina. https://www.ncparks.gov/hanging-rock-state-park

Rich in history, the mid 1930’s through 1942 saw the CCC construct most of what you still see and use here at Hanging Rock. Their stonework and creativity has stood the test of time. During an earlier war many elevated locations were were used as hideaways for British by sympathizers

Park roadway signage directs you to your desired destination within the park.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CHLjG8FrpRg

There are 73 campsites, separated into two loops…sites 1-42 in the main loop and 43-73 in the second more linear “loop”. Campground loop roads are one way to eliminate confusion.

Individual camp sites are rather spacious, and offer 40-50’ between sites. Gravel parking pads are different lengths and shapes (most appear long enough for a pop-up or medium length RV/Camper) and are outlined by 12”x12” timber pylons jutting from the ground about a foot high. These short massive posts no doubt keep vehicle and trailer from wandering beyond the parking pad…but are a fantastic tripping hazard day or night. There is some “breakup” between sites from mature trees but your neighbors are still visible.

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. Site 35’s tent pad was 13’x 19’ And fairly level. However, it appeared each site had a different sized pad based on terrain and available space. Some outer loop sites have some steeper drop-aways, so split-rail fences outline the tent pad, picnic area or both for safety.

The park is heavily forested, so shade is abundant. During mid-May, it was warm, dry and enjoyed a constant refreshing breeze.

Water spigots dot the campground loop roadway every few sites, so it is a short walk to fill up. Secure trash receptacles are spread out further but still plentiful. 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.

Reservations are recommended and online is suggested. Arriving during business hours, available sites can be reserved and paid at the Visitor’s Center. After hours, payment of cash or check only can be made with the campground host as you enter the campground area. Each numbered site marker has a unique flag that flips up and over it’s site number denoting the site is reserved. Site cost per night were $18, which is a great price considering what this park offers.

The centrally located showerhouse is clean and functional. The ladies called it ‘dated’ …but I liked the authentic retro look. The lights remain illuminated throughout, so it draws local insects…some monstrous! Huge beetles and stink bugs clung to the screen door desiring entrance. A hornet the size of a hummingbird circled the yellow porch light, with its buzzing eclipsing all other night sounds.

The second loop is more linear, has a newer showerhouse (with electrical outlets). Sites to the left have the campground roadway behind them, so they may experience traffic noise…but with gates locking at 10 p.m. traffic is halted…and those sites appeared to be closer together. The outer sites are more private and enjoy spacious forest behind them.

Shower houses are not open year-round, even though the park is. So there are still “outhouse style” singular pit latrines present.

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. There are snakes, some venomous, but unfortunately, none were observed on our visit.

The miles of trails are wonderful and well-traveled. Being known as “the mountains away from the mountains,” we did not hike any flat trails. Trails either go up or down…but each offer spectacular destinations and views. I highly recommend every trail and every waterfall. And yes, both Moore’s Knob and Hanging Rock are the highest elevations…offering fabulous views.

The visitor’s center is the hub where many trails originate…and is a tremendous little facility full of local information. Staff personnel and Park Rangers are extremely helpful. Restrooms and water are located inside and outside the facility. The parking lot is expansive and the large number of day-use picnic tables, grills and shelters let you know this park gets a tremendous amount of use during peak times.

Another, often overlooked feature is 7.2 miles of the Mountain To Sea Trail travels through this splendid park.

For a mid-May Monday night, we shared the campground with five other campers…but weekends and holidays are ordinarily full so secure your reservations online well in advance.

Hanging Rock State Park made my list for future visits!

PRODUCT REVIEW: MOUNTAIN HOUSE NEW HOMESTYLE TURKEY DINNER CASSEROLE

Having enjoyed Mountain House dinners on numerous camping and backpacking occasions, I welcomed the opportunity to try Mountain House's new Turkey Dinner Casserole.

Mountain House's heritage is a rich Red, White and Blue one. Many don't realize that Oregon Freeze Dry began making nutritious meals, named LRP "Long Range Patrol" rations for our U.S. Military Special Operations units. MCW, "Meals Cold Weather" were designed to meet the needs of Special Forces operating in every adverse climate and condition on the planet. As opportunities arose and civilian demand increased, Mountain House began labeling and producing wonderful meals for both the front and backcountry. https://www.mountainhouse.com/

The convenience of preparing a delicious meal by merely boiling water and adding it to the pouch is quick and easy. In fact, you can even eat it directly from the pouch without having to use a separate pot or bowl. Just open the pouch, remove the silica packet, pour in the boiling water, stir for a minute or so…seal the pouch with it's "ziplock" style closure…wait five minutes, open and stir again…Presto! Your meals awaits!

Mountain House's new Turkey Dinner Casserole is the real deal. I found it delicious and very much like a Thanksgiving meal. Let it be known, I do not prefer stuffing and don't eat it at Thanksgiving or any other time…but..I found it to be very tasty and satisfying in this meal. https://www.mountainhouse.com/M/product/homestyle-turkey-dinner-casserole.html?variant_id=235

My wife and I enjoyed this as our anniversary meal while camping…I spare no expense (free meal at an inexpensive campground…think frugal:) This particular meal provides two (2) servings, and if we had not been hiking most the day, it would have sufficed. I found myself desiring a bit more. Real chunks of turkey, stuffing, veggies, smothered in a thin gravy.

Mountain House offers various size pouches, some 1 serving, as well as, 2 serving, 2.5 serving pouches, Pro-paks, #10 cans, and multi-packs. They offer delicious breakfasts and delectable desserts.

Nice place to camp for a few days - we had a campervan and were surrounded by huge, but quiet, RVs. Restrooms (6), showers (3) and laundry room were kept immaculately clean which is always appreciated! Pool also very clean and well maintained. Only downside was noisy highway next to the campground.....we were surprised that nothing was done to mitigate noise (no barrier fence or wall, no shrubbery hedge, etc). But this is a problem with KOAs everywhere.
Very nice clerk and staff. Suggestion: add a full length mirror in restrooms.