Best Tent Camping near Pilot Mountain, NC

State parks and public lands surrounding Pilot Mountain, North Carolina offer several tent camping options within a short drive. Basin Cove on the Blue Ridge Parkway provides primitive tent-only camping with walk-in sites about a mile from the parking area. Homeplace Recreational Park in Ararat, NC features tent campsites alongside a stream with dirt pads and rock fire rings. For those seeking more remote tent camping experiences, Possible Property in Virginia (approximately 30 miles from Pilot Mountain) offers four walk-in tent sites with basic amenities including toilets and drinking water.

Most tent campgrounds in the region require campers to carry their gear from parking areas to designated sites. Basin Cove requires a permit from the park office and features no vehicle access, making it ideal for primitive tent camping enthusiasts. Sites typically include fire rings, but amenities vary significantly between locations. At Millrace Campground in New River Trail State Park, campers must display parking permits on their dashboards before hiking to their sites. Water availability is inconsistent across locations, with some sites like Basin Cove requiring campers to bring water filters for creek water. Pit toilets are standard at most locations, with few offering shower facilities specifically for tent campers.

Tent campers frequently comment on the natural soundscapes that enhance their experience. According to one visitor at Basin Cove, "The site is surrounded by excellent hiking trails and is a great place to set as base camp for day hikes." The campground's well-spaced sites provide privacy despite hikers passing through during daytime hours. Another camper noted that Basin Cove requires high-clearance vehicles to access the parking area as "it has no paved roads so bring a truck or SUV; sedans will get stuck easily." Fall brings spectacular color changes to many tent campgrounds, particularly those along the New River, where morning fog rising off the water creates memorable backcountry tent camping experiences.

Best Tent Sites Near Pilot Mountain, North Carolina (22)

    1. Homeplace Recreational Park Inc.

    5 Reviews
    Pilot Mountain, NC
    7 miles
    +1 (336) 374-5173

    "In this park, all the sites are dirt only, no paved pads, but do have rock fire rings. The WiFi was pretty good considering the number of people who were probably using it."

    "Large trail to go for a little walk. Very reasonably priced. Will go again."

    2. Willville Motorcycle Camp

    7 Reviews
    Woolwine, VA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (469) 614-8620

    $150 - $200 / night

    "thwres a community fire ring where Will has a fire most nights. There are no reservations except for either the one cabin or the bunkhouse, and there're no designated spots."

    "It is motorcycle only, but he has limited space outside the campground proper for trailers should that be your thing."

    3. Possible Property

    1 Review
    Cana, VA
    24 miles
    +1 (910) 548-4267

    $30 - $45 / night

    4. Squirrel Creek Farm

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    Claudville, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 975-6556

    $110 - $150 / night

    5. Millrace Campground — New River Trail State Park

    5 Reviews
    Austinville, VA
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 699-6778

    $20 - $25 / night

    "Ever wake up on a foggy Virginia morning and walk only a few feet fro your tent and watch the fog rise off the water? I DID and it was AMAZING!!"

    "The park is a linear park that is known for its flat-ish trails and bike/horse paths. Of the 57 miles of this park, about 39 are on the New River."

    6. Basin Cove — Blue Ridge Parkway

    3 Reviews
    Blue Ridge Parkway, NC
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 348-3487

    "You have to make a reservation with the park office for your site and drop by the ranger station to pick up your permit."

    "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."

    7. New River Yacht Club

    1 Review
    Fries, VA
    38 miles
    +1 (276) 768-6235

    $50 / night

    "I'd like to welcome New River Yacht Club to the Dyrt, they offer waterfront tent sites so you can enjoy a weekend at the water.  Make sure to check out their rentals to make the most of your stay! "

    8. Creekside

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    Woodlawn, VA
    27 miles
    +1 (910) 862-5953

    $40 / night

    9. Dragon's Beard Farm & Camp LLC

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    Woolwine, VA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (904) 625-7938

    $85 - $125 / night

    10. New River Alleghany Access Primitive Paddle-in — New River State Park

    3 Reviews
    Mouth of Wilson, NC
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (336) 982-2587

    $17 / night

    "My family went to tent camp and enjoyed our stay. We discovered others with campers that had wonderful campsites. The bathroom facilities are new and very clean. We enjoyed hiking."

    "Sites with full hookups: 3, 7, [8, 12, 13, 14, 15 near bath house] 18, 19, 20 Bath house was nice and clean. Canoe up camp sites right along the River."

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Showing results 1-10 of 22 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Pilot Mountain, NC

656 Reviews of 22 Pilot Mountain Campgrounds



Guide to Pilot Mountain

Tent camping near Pilot Mountain, North Carolina, offers a variety of scenic spots where nature enthusiasts can unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.

Tips for tent camping near Pilot Mountain

  • For a peaceful experience, consider staying at Possible Property, where you can immerse yourself in nature's tranquility without the distractions of modern life.
  • If you're looking for a well-maintained site with friendly hosts, Willville Motorcycle Camp is a great choice, known for its welcoming atmosphere and clean facilities.
  • Make sure to bring your own water filter when camping at Basin Cove — Blue Ridge Parkway, as this primitive site does not have a clean water source.

Tent campers should check out these amenities

Tent camping activities to enjoy

  • Explore the scenic trails and waterways around New River Yacht Club, where you can enjoy riverside camping and various water activities.
  • Take advantage of the hiking opportunities at Double Shoals Campground — New River Trail State Park, which is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and offers access to the New River.
  • Experience the charm of small-town life while camping at Willville Motorcycle Camp, where you can gather with fellow campers for evening conversations and enjoy nearby restaurants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Pilot Mountain, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Pilot Mountain, NC is Homeplace Recreational Park Inc. with a 5-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Pilot Mountain, NC?

TheDyrt.com has all 22 tent camping locations near Pilot Mountain, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.