C
Cindy S.
Scout
ScoutFancy Gap Cabins and Campground
We were traveling through for an overnight stay, view was excellent and staff was very friendly.
Camping near Purlear, NC
34 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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The foothills surrounding Purlear, North Carolina feature a mix of established campgrounds and recreational areas along the W. Kerr Scott Reservoir and Blue Ridge Parkway. Bandits Roost Campground offers waterfront sites with electric hookups, while nearby Fort Hamby Park provides similar amenities for both tent and RV campers. Stone Mountain State Park, approximately 30 minutes east, maintains year-round camping with full hookup options and hiking trails. The region's camping landscape includes Corps of Engineers facilities, state parks, and private campgrounds like Stoney Fork Campground in Ferguson, which maintains just eight sites in a more intimate setting. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering cabin rentals or glamping options for those seeking additional comfort.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability, with most facilities operating from April through October. As one camper noted about Bandits Roost: "This place has it all! Swimming, kayaking, boat launch, small hiking trail. Sites have a fire pit, picnic table and a grill." Many campgrounds in the area prohibit alcohol, including Bandits Roost and Warrior Creek. Cell service can be limited in more remote areas, particularly along the Blue Ridge Parkway and in mountain valleys. Road conditions vary considerably, with some dispersed camping areas requiring high-clearance or 4WD vehicles. Campers should be prepared for summer thunderstorms and significant temperature variations between day and night, especially at higher elevations.
Mountain views and water access rank among the most appreciated features in camper reviews. Julian Price Park Campground along the Blue Ridge Parkway receives consistent praise for its lake access and proximity to hiking trails. According to one visitor: "The campground is in an excellent location, just 5-10 minutes away from downtown Blowing Rock and right on the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway!" Facility maintenance varies considerably between campgrounds, with some state park bathhouses receiving criticism for cleanliness issues during peak season. Wildlife sightings, including deer and bears, are commonly reported, requiring proper food storage. Campground noise levels tend to be minimal except for locations near highways, where road noise can be noticeable, particularly in sites closest to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Best Campgrounds near Purlear (257)
1. COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground
"Swimming, kayaking, boat launch, small hiking trail. Sites have a fire pit, picnic table (it’s really heavy!) and a grill. I loved how each site is fairly unique."
"My wife and I biked/ ran the trails nearby. Our dogs loved walking around the campground. Some nice wooded tent sites that a very large areas. Our spot was a two level site."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $85 / night
2. Stone Mountain State Park Campground
"But, ya know North Carolina summers."
"The site also had a huge area for the picnic table and the fire ring is far away from your camper. There was a huge grassy area behind our site with a creek, lots of space for our dog."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $17 - $72 / night
3. Fort Hamby Park
"Lake was gorgeous! Absolutely the easiest and cleanest dump station we have ever used! Well designed! Close to Willesboro!"
"There is a dumpsite near the front office. A short drive from campsite is a man-made beach with lake swimming area… very nice."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 - $125 / night
4. Warrior Creek
"Warrior Creek Campground is located on the Kerr Scott Reservoir. It's beautiful and peaceful, at least Monday through Friday."
"Super mt bike trails that have been built and maintained by volunteers who really care and ride the trails often."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 - $85 / night
5. Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
"Julian Price Park is a beautiful campground just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. We enjoy this campground on the weekends throughout the fall and spring as it is less occupied."
"This campground is on a beautiful lake. There is no swimming on the lake(its pretty shallow) but awesome for kayaking and paddleboarding."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
6. Wagoner — New River State Park
"You have to walk in but the park provides little carts and wheelbarrows. The sites and the bathhouse are very well maintained. The park host, Tom Keller, was just fantastic."
"We were too far away from the water to walk, so we missed out on that, which we were looking forward to, but overall a really nice experience."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $27 - $72 / night
7. Moravian Falls Family Campground
8. Doughton Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
"On the Blue Ridge Parkway, nestled in the trees and mountains of North Carolina, this campground has been well maintained."
"The Doughton Park campground off of the Blue Ridge Parkway is a great place to spend the night without if you are driving along the Parkway and don't want to venture too far off course."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 - $45 / night
9. Blue Bear Mountain Camp
"It offers RV, drive in and hike in tent sites and also teepee camping."
"There is a place to wash dishes outside as well. Fantastic walking trails - some parts quite steep but we got a good workout through the woods on the property."
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $136 / night
10. Stoney Fork Campground
"It's right on a creek and it was lovely to drink morning coffee next to the water."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 6 min from Winston-Salem, NC
- 1 hr 33 min from Charlotte, NC
- 1 hr 54 min from Johnson City, TN
- 2 hrs 10 min from Kingsport, TN
Recent Camping Photos near Purlear, NC
523 Photos of 257 Purlear Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Fort Hamby Park
COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground
Wildwood Heart FarmC
Moravian Falls Family Campground
Growing Faith Farms & RetreatC
Raccoon Holler Campground
CreekFall BaseCampb
New River Redemption
Cedar Rock Campground
Wagoner — New River State Park
Rocky Face Mountain Recreational AreaJ
Doughton Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
Recent Reviews near Purlear, NC
1322 Reviews of 257 Purlear Campgrounds
- MMichelle A.
GuideMidway Campground Resort
1st trip in forever
Driving 14 1/2 hrs I was cooked called and had the most easiest booking. There was a sites available so I booked it. Needless to say I got there in the dark and a kind person helped me to my site and got me backed in. Soo exhausted I hooked up electric only hit the bed passed out
tommy M.ScoutJomeokee Campground
Great location , clean bathhouse
- GGary M.Scout
Living Waters Campground
Nobody was here on Sat. Had gard time finding site. Site reserved did not have 30 amp and could not reach staff. Moved to other site hoping it would not be a problem. We were able to finally reach staff on Mon. Also no pcknick tables or fire rings.
- KKristen M.Scout
Whitetop
Great camping spot! Road isn’t horrible going up but there are some rougher areas toward the end of the road. Gorgeous sunset and sunrise spot! Fire rings seemed fairly abundant at the pull offs.
Windy W.ScoutDoe River Landing
Beautiful Place, Ugly host, Oct 2026
Let me first start by saying that this campground is absolutely beautiful. I have lived in this area my entire life and the Doe is one of my favorites. I am a avid camper and have camped all over this area. I decided to give this place a try, I own a small pop-up camper and knew it was going to get cold 10/20/2026-10/22/2026, so me and my sister rented the RV at Doe River. #1 check in is not until 3pm, I always order a load of wood from a local guy who delivers to camp sites, I do all my cooking in a Dutch oven over the fire or burgers and dogs in the fire, what is a camping trip without a nice warm fire. The owner came over to my campsite and asked if I had ordered this wood and I replied yes, she then asked what I was going to do with it all, I replied I am going to burn it. So, I told Carl (the wood guy) where to stack it, the owner then said that I need to leave it in my truck bc if I didn't use it all I would have to put it back on my truck and take it home with me, I said really? It's just a unspoken rule that if you don't use all your wood that you pay it forward and leave it for the next camper?? She said absolutely not, So we moved the wood from his truck and into mine. She then asked again why I needed so much wood and that most ppl just buy small bundles from her. And just like that I understood! Carl the wood man and his wife also made a comment about how rude she was about the wood. It does not end there, Not only does she have camaras on some of the out blds which I get, but I don't get why they are pointing directly at camp sites, We felt like we were in a fish bowl the entire time. Every single time we went to the bathroom she showed up abt 5 mins later, There is a camara right above the bathroom door, One on the pavilion, and one on each side of the bathhouse, at the entrances and who know where else. So much for privacy in the great outdoors. I didn't even feel comfortable hiking, we felt like we were being watched constantly. She was constantly there, walking her dog which was not friendly and so big she could hardly control him on the leash which was really scary, she also was driving through several times throughout the day. Then came the kicker, about 1 o'clock in the morning we were freezing, I had turned the heat on in the camper before going to bed and heard it come on, Well the propane ran out between 11pm and 1am, I called her at least 10 times we had every blanket and was still freezing, We decided we would go to the bath house bc it had a mini split hanging on the wall, Out of luck there, it was set on air conditioning with no way to change it, so we found a blow dryer trying to get warm, still the entire time trying to call the owners, We finally ended up in our car until the husband arrived. He acted so annoyed at us and said all u have to do is fip the switch on the propane tanks outside! We had never stayed in a travel trailer before and according to them all we had to do was show up and start glamping!! So, I was supposed to know to go outside at 1 am and switch over propane tanks?? No, It should have been FULL when I got there!!! With attitude he said,"Its Basic Camping" No sir it's not, what I do is basic camping, I was told on the phone that I was glamping, She, the owner also said we should have called 911 when we could not get hold of them so that Carter County police officers could come and wake them up!!! Not sure if that is putting our tax dollars to good use?? Like I said it is truly a beautiful place and has great potential, we left that second night at 11pm because again the heat was not working, we have not asked for any refund we just took the loss. it would be to much of a hassle. We just know better next time. With owners like that they can keep it. Windy Wells/Debra Price
Jacob A.
TravelerWhitetop
The road was very bumpy but I got up on my 2WD Honda Odyssey. A couple people came during the day to take photos, but the night was peaceful. A couple campsites on the drive up, less secluded though. View was gorgeous and the sunset was amazing. Amazing spot for stargazing.
Bonnie H.ScoutDoe River Landing
Kylie T & Andrew W. Review not accurate
My husband and I arrived at Doe River Landing for 3 nights and enjoyed everything the resort offered. While there we read the 2 reviews posted by Kylie T, and by Andrew W, who gave the resort a 1 star rating. Not knowing the facts that caused the rating by them, and occurred prior to us, we approach the owner and asked.
The owner showed us videos from their security cameras. These adults has stated in Kylie T review and confirm by Andrew W review that they were a group of 20 adults and "every single one of us is over 21 and family". So why are these adults playing "hide and seek" under the pavilion as they stated? Andrew W stated, "It was not blocked off", yet they had to crawl on the ground and around bushes to get under the pavilion. When the owner yelled at them approximately 10 adults that were under the pavilion crawled out which was captured on the security cameras. Andrew W stated in his review the owner called them hooligans, which is rowdy, destructive persons and from the security cameras, that description is correct. There was no mention of damages in their reviews such as the Adirondack chair they broke or possible damage to the water pipes and electric wires under the pavilion, which the owner was currently checking.
Once we read these two reviews by Kylie T and Andrew W and saw the owners security videos, we felt future customers deserved to know another opinion based on our findings.
These entitled adults justified their review of a 1 star by stating they paid money to use the campground.
I would ask these adults "why do you think it is OK to treat someone else's property in this destructive way?"
- SSherri B.Guide
Spacious Skies Bear Den
Seems to be a well established campground in an off the beaten path location. Roads alternately paved and gravel. The campsite is gravel in a wooded setting. Fair amount of space between sites. The bathhouse is clean but dated.
Guide to Purlear
Camping near Purlear, North Carolina offers varied terrain at elevations ranging from 1,200 to over 3,000 feet, creating notable temperature differences between valley and ridge campsites. The region's watershed includes the W. Kerr Scott Reservoir and stretches of the New River, North America's oldest river system. Summer temperatures typically remain 5-10 degrees cooler at higher elevation campgrounds compared to the surrounding Piedmont region.
What to do
Disc golf at Fort Hamby Park: The campground maintains an on-site disc golf course as part of its recreation offerings. A recent visitor noted, "Great place to launch a boat. Lake was gorgeous! Absolutely the easiest and cleanest dump station we have ever used! Well designed!"
Hiking at Stone Mountain State Park: The park features multiple trail systems ranging from moderate to strenuous difficulty levels. According to a camper, "Stone loop mountain trail is incredible! Long and strenuous but all ages were hiking it...homestead was so neat to walk around at the base of the mountain."
Mountain biking at Warrior Creek: The campground is known for extensive mountain biking trails built and maintained by volunteers. One visitor explained, "Super mt bike trails that have been built and maintained by volunteers who really care and ride the trails often. Solid facilities to camp. 10 to 15 minutes drive by car to the wilkesboro with plants of food and amenities."
Kayaking at Bandits Roost Campground: The reservoir provides multiple water recreation opportunities accessible from the campsite. A reviewer shared, "We camped here near end of July. This is a COE park and it was well kept, clean and easy to get to. Bike riding in the park is fun and there are plenty of areas to bike."
What campers like
Private sites at Stoney Fork Campground: This small 8-site campground offers a more secluded camping experience. As one camper reported, "Nice size campsites with privacy in between. We stayed here 4 nights and it was GREAT! Full hookup, and back in sites right on the creek."
Elevation benefits at Blue Bear Mountain Camp: Positioned at higher elevation, the campground offers relief from summer heat. A camper noted, "The people who own it are super friendly. The campsites are very spaced out. The elevation is high so weather is nice for those trying to escape the summer heat."
Clean facilities at New River State Park: The park maintains well-kept bathhouses and common areas. According to a recent visitor, "The campgrounds were nice and spaced out, well maintained...we were right by a small stream that you could hear. The bathrooms and showers were well kept and clean."
Creek-side camping: Several campgrounds offer sites positioned along creeks and streams. A camper at Stoney Fork Campground shared, "It's right on a creek and it was lovely to drink morning coffee next to the water."
What you should know
Limited cellular coverage: Cell service is particularly spotty at higher elevations and in narrow valleys. A camper at Green Mountain Park noted, "Terrible cell service so be prepared to dish out $8 a day for internet."
Campground closures: Always verify operating status before planning a trip. One visitor to Warrior Creek reported, "Unfortunately we were unable to camp here. According to park ranger said this campground is closed for one year or longer. No explanation was given as to why."
Seasonal bathhouse limitations: Many campgrounds reduce services during colder months. At Green Mountain Park, a camper observed, "The bath house in the back had no hot water when we where there but the clubhouse definitely makes up for that."
Navigational challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads. A visitor to Green Mountain Park cautioned, "You can't check in late because the road in is through a neighborhood and is windy, narrow and dark early because of the surrounding area."
Tips for camping with families
Wagon access at Stone Mountain: The park offers camping areas with varying accessibility options. A reviewer mentioned, "We camped at RV site 40 and I think it's the best. There's a roaring large creek that flows behind the site and a grassy field full of deer beside it."
Beach access at Fort Hamby Park: The swimming area provides family-friendly water recreation. According to a camper, "We spent some time at the nice lake beach that is part of the park. A good spot to cool off!"
Multiple recreation options: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds, swimming areas, and hiking opportunities. A visitor to Fort Hamby Park noted, "There is a swimming area, boat ramp, playground, volley ball court, and disk golf."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer wildlife sightings as part of the experience. One camper shared, "We checked out the backpack hike camp spots (5) they're a good hike (1.5 mile uphill) but so beautiful, on the creek, 2 are near a small waterfall."
Tips from RVers
Advance planning for Julian Price Park: The most desirable sites book quickly. A visitor noted, "The campsites are separated into several loops. One loop is closer to the lake, the other loop has more availability and quite a range of campsites."
Site selection at Stone Mountain State Park: The park offers varied RV site options with differing amenities. A camper reported, "I chose a site that had water and electric hook-ups. The bathrooms were heated, clean and the men's bathroom had two showers."
Leveling considerations: Some campgrounds require additional preparation for RVs. One camper at Bandits Roost observed, "The actual campsites can be a bit tricky to park but overall great time."
Site size variations: Campgrounds offer different accommodations for larger rigs. A visitor to Fort Hamby Park explained, "Campsites are level and plenty long enough. Bathhouse was extremely clean. Hosts were very friendly and helpful."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Purlear, NC?
What camping is available near Purlear, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, Purlear, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 257 campgrounds and RV parks near Purlear, NC and 16 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Purlear, NC?
Which is the most popular campground near Purlear, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Purlear, NC is COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 19 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Purlear, NC?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Purlear, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Purlear, NC.
What parks are near Purlear, NC?
What parks are near Purlear, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near Purlear, NC that allow camping, notably W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir and Blue Ridge Parkway.
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