If you're looking for glamping near Pilot Mountain, look no further. The Dyrt lets you enjoy a unique, rustic Pilot Mountain experience while glamping. The Dyrt makes it easy to find glamping for your Pilot Mountain adventure.
► Tent and trailer camping
The lower slopes of Pilot Mountain house the family camping area where 42 campsites for tents and trailers are scattered among oaks and hickories.
Each site has a tent pad, table, and fire pit/grill. Drinking water is available throughout the campground, and two bathhouses with hot showers are located nearby.
Some campsites can accommodate RVs. There are no hookups or dump station provided. Please visit the reservations website for more information about the driveway length of each campsite.
The campground host sells firewood. Gathering wood in the park is prohibited.
No more than six people are allowed to occupy a campsite. The camping area is open from March 15 to November 30.
Please review the important information below regarding check in.
► Paddle-in camping
Two paddle-in campsites are located at the Ivy Bluffs access on the south bank of Yadkin River. Reservations are required to use these campsites.
There is no water or toilet facilities at these campsites. You must bring your own water and pack out all trash and waste.
Camping is allowed only in designated areas. Camping is prohibited on the Yadkin River Islands.
The nearest boat access upstream from the campsite is located at the Shoals fishing and boating access, at 4454 Shoals Road, East Bend, NC 27018. The paddle from this access is about 1 mile. As of March 15, 2021, the next downstream boat access at Donnaha Park is closed until Fall 2023. Please plan accordingly.
$15 - $26 / night
$23 / night
Motorcycle Traffic Only
Motorcycling and Camping are natural companions. Maximize your love of motorcycle travel and the great outdoors at Willville Bikecamp. Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, Willville is a destination, a meeting point, a base camp to explore the great Blue Ridge Parkway, or a place just to rest and relax. Motorcycle camping at Willville is ideal for a weekend run or an extended getaway.
Bunkhouse and Camping cabin including a private bike shelter now available.
Ideally located less than one mile from the Blue Ridge Parkway in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Willville is set in an area that offers some of the best roads and scenery for the ultimate motorcycling experience.
The secluded campground sits within a 26 acre wooded park providing privacy from the main road while still offering easy access. The campground is designed for motorcycle traffic only, however, there is ample parking outside the campground (within the park) for those who wish to trailer their motorcycles.
Once in the campground, a sparkling mountain creek borders most of the shaded campsites. Individual grassy camping areas offer a comfortable and convenient location for tent setup. The sites also provide picnic tables and a nice level surface for those motorcyclists pulling trailers.
The large 770 square foot bathhouse facilities include six sinks, six showers and six toilets to get everyone off to an early start, with plenty of pressure and hot water. A spacious pavillion is available for group gatherings and cookouts.
At Willville you can chose a walk through the peaceful park, visit with the other campers or simply just relax. Plus, for exciting road trips and breath-taking scenery, don't forget about all of our fantastic roads for motorcycling.
At night gather at the group campfire to meet new friends and share your motorcycle adventures. Local attractions include Mabry's Mill, Chateau Morrisette Winery, Villa Appalachia Winery, Poor Farmer's Market, Tuggles Gap, live musicians at Floyd General Store, Virginia International Raceway, home of the AMA Superbike Nationals, the Floyd World Music Festival and many more points of interest.
Campground is open from Mid-April through October.
Willville is ideally located at the midpoint of The Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive combined. Plan a trip to Willville and maximize your Blue Ridge experience.
$150 - $200 / night
$32 - $48 / night
Nestled between the beautiful Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains (just one mile off the highway), this KOA Holiday caters to everyone, from families looking for a memorable destination to travelers looking for a quiet location after a day on the road. Check out the improved big rig friendly RV sites, Camping Cabins, Deluxe Cabins and Tent sites. Enjoy the pool with double water slide, fully stocked camp store, gaga ball, mini golf, corn hole, playground, mining sluice, court games, and our catch-and-release fishing pond.
This campground's Bowling and Family Fun Center is home to indoor batting cage, arcade games, pool tables, skee ball, outdoor mini golf, and the AOK Cafe, which features made to order pizza, wings, and doughnuts! The Bowling and Family Fun Center Pavilion hosts summer weekend activities that include a ride on the KOA Express train, an authentic 1924 fire truck, wagon rides, tie-dye/crafts and a candy hunt (kids 12 & under). This KOA Holiday has brought a new addition to The Fun Center; a first of its kind: a six-lane BOWLING ALLEY complete with automatic scoring for your enjoyment. Nearby, explore the Blue Ridge Parkway, animal park, wineries, antique malls, and the Town of Wytheville's historic attractions and restaurants (some will even deliver to your site).
$50 - $170 / night
Traveler
We’re only about 30 minutes from Pilot Mountain and it’s always a great little weekend getaway. Camp host is always very helpful and keeps things in order.
Ranger
A bit out of the way but well worth it. Sites are large and pretty much flat. A stream runs thru the campground low in the banks. We had E, W no sewer a convenient dump station. Close to stone Mountain, natural area, not commercial like in GA. It is a beautiful setting, couple miles from a waterfall, 30ish miles from Pilot Mountain, very unique.
Scout
Beautiful location, 20 mins from Pilot Mountain, 5 minutes from Mt Airy. The staff was very friendly and truly cared to make sure your stay was going to be a good one. This was my first time ever camping in a fifth wheel, and I felt very comfortable throughout my stay. My RV neighbors were great and very courteous. I’m planning on another trip to this campground on the near future.
GuideI left the flat of eastern North Carolina and headed to the mountains to our west. Pilot Mt. State Park has a nice campground and some good hiking trails. Camping on the rocky side of a hill is different from the coastal flat lands I am used to.
The hiking trails are good and the round trip from the campsite, around Pilot Mountain and back provided for a nice day hike. There is also a 5 mile trail connecting the upper and lower parts of the park. I didn't have a chance to walk that one, but then it is always good to have a reason to go back.
Facilities were clean and in good shape.
ScoutI have hiked almost all the trails at Pilot Mountain, except for the corridor. The That's my main reason for going there. The The perimeter trails are great, not too crowded. The ones closer into Pilot Mountain itself get way too crowded. For me the campground is a little too open and close packed. There's not much to keep you from your neighbors and it's too close to a road. But it's a nice place for families if you want to take your kids hiking and also have them close to a restroom.
RangerStayed here after visiting the Divine Llama Vineyard. Very convienient location. Unfortunatley I had an injured foot so I couldnt hike much but it was easy to drive up to see the overlook views of pilot mountain. I can’t wait to go back when I’m able to hike!
TravelerPilot Mountain is great small campround in Pinnacle NC. It has great hiking trails and you can even hike around the knob its highest point. there is only one electric site in the campground. the bathrooms are clean and the camp host are really nice. the rangers also patrol the park every few hours. lf they had more electic site i’d give 5 stars but overall a great getaway
LegendOn highway 52 for 30 miles you can see the top of Pilot Mountain sticking out like a sore thumb. When you enter into Pilot Mountain State Park you will find everything is on the side of the mountain. The campsites are located on the bottom side of the mountain. This campsite has two bath houses. The campsites are rustic and have a nice grated fire pit and a concrete pad for pitching your tent. With all of the big rocks and boulders scattered every few feet it is necessary to have a pad for your tent. You are surrounded by trees and have as much shade as you need. There are several hiking trails to get to the summit of Pilot Mtn. Though you can drive to the summit parking lot where there are bathrooms and a handful of breathtaking views of Pilot mtn and the valleys below. You can also hike a little farther and actually go on top of the butte of pilot mtn where there is a stone step carved trail. The place is wild and breathtaking with a lot of history going back into the 1700's. Most people will know the name Pilot mtn from the T.v show "Andy Griffith", though in the show the it was called mt. Pilot. This place is a great place to go to for a day hike and overnight-er before venturing off to another campground destination. Highly recommended!!!
RangerCampground Review:
Pilot Mountain State Park is located in Pinnacle, NC, approximately 2.5 hours away from Asheville, NC and is known for it’s giant pinnacle, Pilot Mountain, that rises 2,000 feet into the clouds. At the base of a windy road leading up to Pilot Mountain lies the campground, approximately 2 miles from the top. This beautiful campground was centrally located within the state park and gave quick access to a wide variety of easy to strenuous hiking trails. Most of the trails leave directly from the campground. In addition to hiking, Pilot Mountain is known for it’s steep cliffs that give easy access to rock climbing and rappelling. 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. The campground itself offered a fire ring, picnic table, and a man-made flat area to pitch a tent at each site. The sites were somewhat close together but we did not have any issues with noise during our stay. There were several clean bath houses throughout. Each one offered flushing toilets, and hot, running water for showers, all of which were free. There was potable water located next to the site and a separate area to clean dishes. Each site also had a ton of shade. Trees surround every inch of the park so there was plenty of space to hang a hammock and get relief from the burning sun. Most sites looked large enough for the average sized RV. The park’s host drove around checking in and offering $5 bundles of wood. The one negative draw back to this campground is that all the sites are on a slope so when it rains, most likely your campsite will too. The park does require a two-night minimum stay if camping over a holiday weekend. Also be aware that the campground entrance closes at 10 pm. You will not be able to enter or exit until the gate opens the next morning. The closest town is 10 miles away in case you forgot anything. Overall, would highly recommend this campground if you are looking for a great place to rock climb and camp for the weekend. We will be back!
Product Review:
As a Ranger for the Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. During my climbing adventures at Pilot Mountain State Park, I got to test out three different Meal2Go packets from Greenbelly: Cranberry/Almond, Peanut/Apricot and Dark Chocolate/Banana (https:// www.greenbelly.co/products/meal2go?variant=19912486532). Let me start by saying how amazingly delicious these meals are. I’m a super picky eater and when I first saw cranberry and apricot, I had second thoughts about trying. Thank goodness my sense of adventure overcame my lack of tastebud exploration. The Meal2Go products are full of mouth watering flavor that I could eat over and over again which is crucial if spending time in the back country. They contain all natural ingredients and 1/3 of your daily nutrients. It lacked that chemical flavor most hiking bars have giving way to a natural tasting bar. They also had the right balance of chewy yet crunchy. Greenbelly designed these products with backpacking in mind. While we didn’t get a chance to use backpacking, it did supply a ton of energy for a full day of climbing. The one draw back I will say is the weight of the product. Since it was designed for backpacking, I was expecting it to be much lighter for what you get. There are two bars in each packet and the weight is 5.5 ounces. And while that doesn’t sound like a lot, it seemed heavier than my average backpacking bar. I will say though, I’d much rather be carrying slightly more weight in my pack if it meant I get to have a healthier/tastier option while rock climbing or playing in the back country. I would highly suggest checking out this product!
RangerWe enjoyed staying at Pilot Mountain State Park campground. The sites are on a hill, some above and others below the road. We booked site 13 and it is basically on the hiking trail that goes to the Pinnacle. It didn't provide a lot of privacy, but we actually enjoyed watching the hikers walking by. The site provides plenty of shade and trees to hang a hammock. We had a great time at the campsite. The bathrooms and showers were ok, the level you would expect from a state campground - nothing fancy but clean.
We were there on June 30th and it wasn't hot, much better than spending a weekend in the city.
LegendCampground Review:
Pilot Mountain campground is a smaller loop campground with 2 bathhouses (toilets and showers - with FREE hot water!). Located not far from Winston Salem NC, Pilot Mountain has great hiking and beautiful views from the top. We enjoy hiking, camping and enjoying the views, while others enjoy bouldering, rock climbing and mountain biking - an outdoor adventure for all people!
We camped at site #5 this time - on the inside of the loop, though we usually prefer perimeter sites. We were excited to get out there and hike in the morning before it was too hot. This campground is sloped, with rolling hills, which makes for a nice loop to walk dogs etc. Our tent pad was perfectly flat, and dry and we slept with no fly - which made for a gorgeous morning sunrise!
Our tent pad was also much lower than our campfire, which meant we could lay IN our sleeping bags and look out at the fire - which was awesome! We did check out some other sites for next time - as we prefer flatter sites where we can walk more easily at night without tripping (so often) over rocks. We also saw deer early in the morning!
We hiked to the top on the Grindstone Trail (about 2 miles) to the top and enjoyed an early morning view of the surrounding communities.
Product Review:
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. Today I am reviewing Eclipse Sunshirts ( https://eclipseglove.com/collections/all-eclipse-sun-products). I often dress my kids in long sleeve hiking shirts to protect their skin and was excited to try a unique sun shirt that I could wear - that wasn't skin tight! I tested the Equinox hoodie and was pleasantly surprised with the results. I was hesitant that their products were one size fits all - but we have a medium, large and an XL in our family and we all wore the shirt and one point or another and LOVED it! (See how it fits us all in the pictures below!)
The design is like a large sweatshirt - only their are holes under your arms and on your sides to allow circulation (and a little breeze!). I especially liked the shirt when we were at the top of Pilot Mountain because there is limited shade, depending where you are standing. I could see this shirt being useful on other hikes when we hike on balds and cross many peaks.
This shirt was especially beneficial in direct, HOT sun (and it was a 97 degree day - so perfect opportunity!). In the shade, I prefered to take it off, to allow more breeze and have less fabric touching my skin. Without a doubt, moving back into the sun, I was cooler WITH the shirt ON than with the shirt off. I have since used the Equinox hoodie when gardening, walking the dog and even at my school's field day! For sun protection that does not involve chemicals, I cannot recommend it enough.
LegendLiving in Greensboro, Pilot Mountain State Park offers the perfect getaway from suburbia. Only a short drive away this is a perfect spot for a day trip or an overnight getaway. There is a small (49 spot) campground that offers tent pads, picnic tables and a grill. Most sites are shaded by tall hardwood trees and are nicely spaced out, however, the campground can get crowded in the summer and fall months. There are bathrooms, hot showers but no electrical hookups.
There is excellent hiking here and great climbing, too. Weather you're looking for some easy top rope climbing or more challenging lead climbing, you can find it here. Do exercise caution when on the cliffs above, as I have experienced on several occasions things being dropped from above with climbers below (always wear a helmet). Be sure to read all the posted information on the information board before climbing.
TravelerMy husband and I just returned from a May visit to this campground. It is fairly small, 43 camp sites. No water and electric hookups which we sort of prefer as it seems to be less attractive to mega sized RVs with noisy generators. It was a ratio of about 75%/25% tents to smaller RVs when we were there. Camp site has raised level tent sites not concrete, but hard packed dirt. Also, picnic table and fire pit. The grill on the fire pit was adjustable for height to the coals which was kind of cool. Bath house was a little rustic but plenty of hot water. Firewood is available from the camp host for $6 a bundle. Cash only. If you’re not in good shape get a site above the bath house. Below the bath house involves a good little climb every time you have to go!
Best part of this campground is that it is right on the trail to the summit. The first trail is Grindstone Trail which is a 2 1/2 mile up and back. It’s a moderate trail with equivalent inclines, declines, and level switchbacks. I’m 63 and healthy and it was an appropriate challenge for me. To get to the summit it’s about a half mile of strenuous climb on the Ledge Springs Trail. That part is strenuous in my opinion.
You can also drive up to the summit where you get views of the Yadkin Valley and the knob of Pilot Mountain. It’s crowded up there but accessible for a wide range of people so that’s good. If you don’t prefer crowds go at the beginning or end of the season. Season runs May through October I believe.
Legend
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.
TravelerWe came here as our second ever camping trip and it wasn’t exactly what we were expecting but it was definitely an adventure. It was beautiful and quiet and relaxing. The only thing we were not happy about is the insane amount of bugs in the bathroom. But, ya know North Carolina summers.
RangerThis weekend was a great adventure in SW Virginia. We stayed in a Yurt. It has no electricity or water but the bath house was close. The yurt has a double bed, a twin trundle, a couch and some chairs, and a table and chairs. It also has a large wrap around deck with rocking chairs. A picnic table, lamp post, and fire ring are also provided at the site. We hunted and found fairy stones which made the trip that much more fun. It was just after covid 19 started and lessening restrictions began so the beach was closed and there were few people at the campground but we had a great time riding bikes and hiking. We even went to the Creeper Trail and rode our bikes from White Top to Damascus.
Scout
We stayed at this rv campground while visiting the many things to see and do in Greensboro North Carolina. visitgreensboronc.com
The rv sites are all pull thru nearly level, big gravel sites. We had plenty of room for ort 45' plus toad. There is a nice large K9 park. Playground. The best WIFI we have experienced and many free antenna tv channels. The restrooms and laundry were both neat and clean. The hosts were wonderfully friendly and knowledgeable. Will return for a longer stay.
Guide
I love this park! Plenty of tent and RV sites. 4 yurts available in nice wooded area. Lake beach passes included in price (when not under Covid restrictions). Boat rentals. Plenty clean bathrooms and hot showers. Wood, ice and soda machines available. IT’s my favorite go-to campground!
TravelerI went back and forth on whether I should give this rating two stars or three. In the end, I chose three stars because the mountain itself is so amazing. Geologically this was great place to visit and the trails were well marked and maintained. Beautiful hike.
The campground was beautiful but the facilities were run down and dirty. It had, by far, the nastiest park/campground facilities I’ve seen in Kentucky, North Carolina or Virginia this year. I know this park is mobbed on the weekends, but I checked in on a Tuesday and stayed for two nights. The facilities, including the campground bathhouse and the park’s “comfort stations” were dirty, smelly and had bugs in them. The trash in the bathhouse was not emptied in the two days I was there. There was not a single exterior light to the bathhouse, not even something as reasonable as a motion sensor light that would be more energy efficient than a constant lighting option.
Compared to New River State Park, despite the giant Stone Mountain, this was the bottom of the barrel.
LegendOn 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.
LegendCampground Review -
We pulled into this campground the long way! We followed dirt roads through hollers and through cow pastures, passing turkey's and all kinds of creatures along the way! We learned upon arrival - there is a much easier trek between Floyd VA and Fairy Stone - note to self!
We started at the camp office and met the kind camp workers. They were friendly and helped explain the layout and set up of Fairy Stone Park. About a year ago, this park became half first come first served and half reservation only. Each site has a yellow or red tag on it - the yellow tags have to be reserved by site number. The red tags can be walk up sites.
We met Ron, the camp host immediately. He was making his way around campsites in his golf cart - as friendly as can be! The rangers said he was the best camp host they ever had - and they were right! He was wonderful, kind and helpful.
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! We came back to the visitor center and learned about the different types of fairy stones and how they form. There is also a very cool bee hive at the visitor center - check it out!
We camped at site #5 this time - at the top of the hill because the sky was rather ominous. We had a bit of daylight and decided NOT to set up because the sky looked looming. We picked our site though and then hung out at a shelter near the yurts. The shelter was fantastic! It was dry and the kids could play games and we cooked dinner and the dog hung out while we waited for the thunderstorm to pass. Afterwards, we trekked back across the park to the campground and pitched our tent and uncovered our firepit and had a campfire!
It poured - for hours - but our site stayed dry for the most part. The tent pads at this campground are excellent and drain well - making that possible! The fire flies were happy during one of the rain breaks - and the kids were happy in the tent with a light up balloon I found in our camping box! (Hooray!! Score one for the adults!) We had a great night sleep listening to the patter of rain on our tent and woke up to beautiful blue sky the next morning.
We went swimming down at the beach in the morning - $3 per person, but free for campers - just bring your pass! There were beach volleyball courts - a kids water area and a free swimming water area open while we were there. There was also a diving board off in some deep water - but that was not open this time.
We would definitely be back to this site - but I recommend stronger bug spray. We all left with more bites that we usually do camping!
Side note: There is an equestrian camp just outside the park gates - see pictures below!
Product Review:
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to review items. I got to review Stream2Sea sunscreen while we were at Fairy Stone State Park. https://stream2sea.com/ Stream2Sea is a mineral sunscreen that is reef safe and does not contain oxybenzone. We have been using mineral sunscreen for several years and truly prefer it. There is such a difference when you put it on your skin and you don't feel slimy! On the other hand - if you use to much, you end up looking like a ghost, or slightly purple!
We used just a small amount and rubbed it in really well. Even the bottle is ecofriendly - made from sugar cane instead of plastic! We were big fans of the company - really supporting what they stand for and glad to help a company that is trying to help protect the environment.
After a couple hours of beach play - we had no burned faces and only exhausted children to pack into the car. I am a big fan of the suncreen and love what the company stands for!
LegendCampground Review: Claytor Lake State Park, Dublin, VA
Claytor Lake State Park, Dublin, VAhttp://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/claytor-lake#general_information
A beautiful and well situated waterfront State Park 2.7 miles from I-81. Claytor Lake SP basically inhabits a peninsula that juts out into the meandering Claytor Lake. A free public boat landing splits off to the right at the park entrance…where power boaters gain their access for fishing, water sport activities or relaxing.
Claytor Lake State Park sprawls out in every direction, with four RV/camper/tent campground loops A, B, C, and D loops (A was closed during our visit in early May). B loop also has four new Yurt rentals with functional wraparound decks (one handicap accessible). Each loop has a bathhouse, and each site has water/electric. C and D loops offer little to no site to site privacy, and loops A and B sites are wooded and angled to afford a scant more privacy.
Cabin rentals are available along the lake in a more separate area, as if the designated swimming and marina areas. Some sites are reservable online and brightly marked as such, others are self-pay. Prices seem high to me ($36.59 water/electric sites)and out-of-staters get dinged with an even higher rate ($41.86).
Want to use the State Park simply to hike the trails?…$5 parking fee for residents and $7 for non-residents. State Park Launch/Park $7 and $9 respectively. I realize parks are always underfunded and need to offset the deficit, but I don’t appreciate singing out-of-staters with a higher fee. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wGgIqZOH2Ps
Each loop has its own host and each cares for the loop’s grounds and bathhouse with meticulous care.
There are a fair amount of trails in the park (roughly 5 miles worth). Trails are wide and seemingly cleared of leaves…new trail signage and tree placards abound, as new benches strategically located near lake views. Signage also admonishes against use of nonmarked or unauthorized trail blazing…as well as no random swimming or cliff jumping. The big plus…you can MTB the trails! I did not inquire, but some signage lends itself to the idea a local Boy Scout troop maintains part of the trail, as Scout signage exists. There was also evidence a local 5K run takes place on the trails.
The beach and boat area are nicely distanced from the RV/Camper/tent campsites.
Lake views are serene. Homes dot the opposite banks, but most are so nicely manicured you wistfully gaze dreaming of owning one. My particular favorite rests upon a high, sheer rocky cliff.
Weekdays early May saw minimal campers.
A very nice, well-maintained State Park worth visiting!
Product Review: Renogy Solar Backpack
Renogy Solar Backpack https://www.renogy.com/
As a review ranger for TheDyrt.com, the Renogy Solar Backpack https://www.renogy.com/renogy-solar-backpack/ was provided by Renogy for testing and review.
Dimensions: 18.1”h x 11.8”w x 5.9”d
Capacity: 20 liter
Weight: 2.2 lbs.
Solar Panel Dimensions: 11.3”x9.7”
The Integrated solar panel has one USB port.
The solar panel module converts solar power into DC power…utilizing an electrical management system with a stable 5V DC output.
User Guide solar panel specifications place maximum rate of power at 5.6W and maximum current output at 1.2A.
Interestingly, instructions warn of using the solar panel “when relative humidity is higher than 80%…” Not too encouraging for here in SWFL. We’ll see if and how it’s affected.
Both materials and construction of the backpack look and feel high quality. Stitching is even and clean.
Fabric is a medium weight packcloth with a blue denim-like coloration, giving it a classy urban appearance.
Interior seams are banded and sewn, preventing fabric fraying or snagging and increasing durability.
Exterior zippers have double-sided closure fabric, minimizing water penetration.
While I would classify this on the lighter side of a daypack, it is loaded with pockets and hidden zippered sleeves. Though it does have dual “zipper-expandable” water bottle pockets on each side…I believe this fits more into an urban backpack style. It’s so sharp, I don’t want to soil it’s sophisticated look.
But who am I to limit how someone may choose to use this wonderfully clever backpack.
Shoulder straps are 2.5” wide and possess an “anatomical curve.” The padding is rather thin. Strap webbing is stout and buckles are bar-tacked for strength. The padded lower lumber region contains a clever “hidden” zippered pocket. A similar padded area like the lumbar pad tops the upper shoulder area but does not have the hidden zippered pocket. Much to my dismay, no waist-belt or sternum strap are offered. When wearing a nylon rain jacket during downpours, I did get frustrated with shoulder straps that wanted to slide off my shoulders…a problem that a sternum strap would eliminate. To be fair, if the outer rainshell was a different texture or material, shoulder straps may not have been prone to slide.
A cavernous zippered padded computer sleeve is located on the wearer’s back-panel right side…the full height and width of the backpack. My 17” Toshiba laptop slid right in.
The outermost pocket zips entirely off and reverses which exposes the integrated 5W solar panel. A center zipper reveals a myriad of interior pockets, some designed for the charging devices (marked by device icons) and others for writing utensils and smaller personal items in three mesh pockets. The iPad sized pocket is thinly padded. A snap hangs from webbing for your keys.
The main body of the pack has a 3/4 zipper and offers one large pocket to separate from the rest of the main compartment. This area offers roughly 4” of depth to store belongings.
Solar panel:
Follow directions and remove the thin clear protective sheet on the solar panel grid.
Full exposure to direct sunlight is imperative to assist in charging. I found this Renogy Solar Bsckpack at 5.6W is obviously a much slower charge than their 10W Portable Folding Solar Panel.
Through automotive glass I experienced a reading of a charge but the mobile device never gained a percentage. In direct sunlight, while using my iPhone 7, I saw a 1% gain every four minutes. USB ports feel loose or sloppy in their connectivity, which I’m certain affects charging…this is the OEM iPhone7 charging cord, my Verizon work phone’s OEM cord and an aftermarket cord.
If using the Renogy Solar Backpack for light hiking purposes, care must be given not to damage the solar panel screen, from outside abuse if left exposed or from packed items if zipped facing the pack interior. Sharp or pointed objects can perforate the panel. If this were to occur, Renogy claims this will not render the solar panel inoperable but be assured it will reduce charging capabilities.
Initially, I was concerned about the water repellency of the fabric and zippers…but after being caught in several West Virginia downpours, both performed admirably. No water penetrated. However, I would highly recommend picking up a rain cover if you truly want to hike with the Renogy Solar Backpack.
Final Thoughts
Personally, I really like the Renogy Solar Backpack. Though it may not see much of the backcountry, it accompanies me, daily, in my work truck and short treks into the woods. It’s overall functionality far outweighs any negatives I have mentioned, keeps my job site paperwork nicely organized and keeps my handheld devices charged and operational. Not to mention it’s good looks!
ScoutThis was a nice, standard campground with a trail to the top of the mountain right in the campground loop. Bathrooms could use a good scrub, and the water took a good 5+ minutes to heat up. Overall a nice weekend trip location.
TravelerStayed here while working in the area. Very quiet and beautiful right by the mountain top
RangerEasy access we took our 3 and 4 year olds around the mountain where which were very kid friendly and the views were wonderful. Fun for the whole family
GuideMonday, May 7, 2018- We were headed north and used PMSP as a overnight rest. We had a reservation that was not needed, the campground was 80% empty. Some of the driveways are not very flat and some are quite short so be careful which one you reserve. The views are awesome on a clear day. The leaves were just coming out, the campground would be very shady in a few more days. It is a very rocky area so be careful walking to the bathroom at night. The faciities were old but clean and shower was hot. Hope to visit again this fall.
RangerSimple, small campground. Clean and quiet. Plenty of shade. Nice trails. Hike up from campground or drive to summit and hike from there. Dogs welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Pilot Mountain, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Pilot Mountain, NC is Pilot Mountain State Park Campground — Pilot Mountain State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 36 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Pilot Mountain, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 35 glamping camping locations near Pilot Mountain, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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