The best EQUESTRIAN camping near
Pilot Mountain , NORTH CAROLINA

This 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.

We 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.

We stayed at the Stone Mountain campground 5 nights/6 days, and enjoyed every minute of it. There aren’t many trees between the RV/full hook up sites, but they’re far enough apart that you don’t feel like you’re on top of your neighbor. There is a gorgeous little creek that runs through the middle of the full hook up sites, which made it even more peaceful sitting around the fire at night, and our daughter loved exploring it during the day. The bathhouse was a ways away from our site (53), so we typically rode a bike or drove the truck. This could be problematic for someone with limited mobility, or small children that can’t hold it very long. But it wasn’t really an issue for us. The bathhouse was usually spotless, well stocked with toilet paper, well heated, and not very busy at all. The showers will get pretty warm, which surprised me, and the pressure is pretty good as well. However, you have to push the button down every 10-15 seconds, and the stall is pretty small. They are sufficient for washing off the sweat and dirt from spending a day hiking though. We did a lot of hiking, which is the reason we went. There are a wide assortment of trails, from easy and moderate, all the way to strenuous and advanced. All of them are equally gorgeous, but I highly recommend the loop trail, which takes you by the Stone Mountain falls, then around the base and over the summit of Stone Mountain, and by the Hutchinson homestead. You can also branch off that trail and go to the middle and lower falls, which were also absolutely gorgeous. The summit climb by the Hutchinson homestead is pretty strenuous, but very much worth the views. I’d really recommend taking a blanket and snacks, and resting on the top for a little breather and to take in all that surrounds you. The creek throughout the park is delayed harvest trout waters, which is great for people that enjoy fishing. The creeks are incredibly clear, and so serene. The park doesn’t allow campers to bring in, or harvest their own fire wood, but they do sell bundles at the check in station for $5. The staff was helpful and nice, and the park is very quiet, clean, and family friendly. Keep your eyes open, we saw wild turkey and deer in abundance.

We only stayed for 1 night as we were passing through, but we plan to return one day.

Positives are it’s a newer campground, nice and shaded, full hookups (w,e,s), lots were wide, Easy to get in and out of, plenty to do within the park (hiking, fishing, kayak/canoe, etc), has a nice dog park, hosts were very welcoming and kind, VERY clean.

Negatives are unlevel lots (we had to lower ours by over 4” and still weren’t level, but couldn’t adjust anymore), sites aren’t exactly private - but there was a bit of space between sites.

Easy hike in, but far enough that you won’t find High-maintenance campers or crowds. Maybe some horseback people. Campground has tent pads, picnic tables, fire pits, pit toilets, water pump. (I doubt the water pump will be working in the winter.) Near a creek as well. Just follow the basin creek trail for about a mile and then cross bridge. The campsites are well spread out so there is enough room for privacy, but keep in mind that a lot of hikers pass through morning-midday. The trail is amazing—but some spots may be very difficult to cross in the spring. (PS The mike to the campsite is on a gravel road closed to cars/motorized vehicles.) May be accessible for some basic wheelchairs with special wheels that can deal with sand and gravel and shallow fording, but unfortunately not a good option for more high tech wheelchairs.

Campsite is right next to the creek—fun to hear the water at night. Stars are amazing!

We have stayed here several times with family. The sites are decently secluded. The tent pads are your standard issue gravel and could be uncomfortable if you don’t have a mattress or pad. Wonderful trails and amazing water falls that the kids (and of course adults) can swim in. This is a lesser known state park so get there before it gets too crowded!

Love this park. Internet and phone service available in some parts of the park. Nice hiking area.

My wife and I camped here last weekend. Campground had spacious sites, clean, level and walking distance to Stone Mountain hiking trails. We hiked the 4.5 mile loop trail over the summit and saw some great views. Waterfalls, history, tome with nature. A great spot to relax.

Sandy Creek Family Campground is located in Traphill, NC near Stone Mountain.  This is a great overflow campground from Stone Mountain.  In fact, you can even walk to the falls from this campground!  

Sandy Creek Family Campground has both tent and RV sites.  The tent sites on the tree line were our pick.  Lots of shade on a big grassy field, with both a play set for the kids and a volleyball court.  All sites had nice picnic tables (that we saw) and easily accessible water.  The bathhouse was clean and well maintained.  Extended family was staying in an RV site while we were there and they had some problems with their power staying on….

Sandy Creek Family Campground has one incredible site that has a firepit just feet from the creek!  This site was taken while we were there - but we have it in mind for our next visit!

Stone Mountain was a new spot for our family this month!  Just north of Wilkesboro NC, Stone Mountain is on the eastern side of the mountain range that we usually summit heading towards Jefferson and Boone.  

As we pulled in to Stone Mountain, a huge afternoon thunderstorm was brewing, so we were happy to have a chance to set up rain free!  This campground is huge - in fact there are 3 separate loops - each with their own personality and varying amenities.  The visitor center was closed (due to Covid) but we drove through to find our perfect site.  Take a ride around and decide for yourself, but for us - we surely picked the field sites - a bit of shade, while backing up to an enormous field (which had GREAT fireflies!) 

The bathrooms and showers were clean (yes, hot water too!)  Butterflies were abundant and we enjoyed our hike up Stone Mountain.  Good to know - there is a service road just below the summit of Stone Mountain - so if you have a family member who cannot do a 5 mile hike - they can drive to the top and take about 200 steps to see the homestead instead of staying behind!  We love this option for our parents!