Cabin camping options near Purlear, North Carolina offer elevated mountain experiences at cooler temperatures, with most sites situated between 1,200 and 3,500 feet. During summer months, evening temperatures typically drop into the 60s even when daytime reaches the 80s. Many cabin rentals in the area provide access to creeks and waterways, with several properties featuring creek-side accommodations.
What to do
Hiking Stone Mountain Loop: Visit Stone Mountain State Park Campground for impressive trail access directly from your cabin. "The homestead was so neat to walk around at the base of the mountain. Only negative is their showers... you have to push the shower head to get water," notes one visitor who found the popular Stone Mountain Loop "incredible! Long and strenuous but all ages were hiking it."
Wine tasting: Roaring River Vineyards RV Campground offers a unique cabin experience with on-site wine tasting. "We had wifi! We learned about it through Harvest host, but it's open to all people and it has electric hook-up options as well," shared a camper who appreciated the peaceful setting behind the restaurant and pond.
Fishing opportunities: Self Sufficient Holler provides access to a stocked fishing pond. "There is a nice creek and we caught a trout in the pond right away," explains a visitor who found the elevation "high so weather is nice for those trying to escape the summer heat."
What campers like
Mountain views: Tent campers at Grandfather Campground frequently mention the panoramic vistas. "Beautiful piece of property and close to town. We camped on the river and looks like they are making some improvements," reports one visitor who enjoyed the mountain scenery.
Creek sounds: Many cabin campers specifically request creek-side accommodations for the natural white noise. A visitor at Flintlock Campground noted: "I first camped at this campground over forty-five years ago... I feel fortunate to have gotten site 23, which is at the end of the lane and next to the creek where it forks and joins back up to make a single creek close to my campsite."
Temperature relief: The higher elevation cabins provide natural cooling during summer months. "The elevation is high so weather is nice for those trying to escape the summer heat," noted one visitor to Blue Bear Mountain Camp. Another camper confirmed this benefit: "We've been camping there for 8 years and love it more each time we go... not only is the weather so much cooler in the summer there (70-80 in July!)"
What you should know
Cabin variations: Accommodation types range significantly between properties. At Blue Bear Mountain Camp, "You fill your camper tank with water at the office area. They have spots with electric hookups. They have a dump station where you can empty your tanks on your way out," notes a reviewer describing the facilities.
Bathroom conditions: Facilities vary widely between properties. At Grandfather Campground, one visitor reported: "The bathrooms are heated, have 3 nice showers with good water pressure, 4 stalls, and 2 sinks. Fully stocked with TP and paper towels."
Reservation timing: During peak seasons, early booking is essential. At Boone KOA, cabins fill quickly, especially during fall foliage season. "The tent sites had tons of space between them, giving us both privacy and room to spread out, which can be hard to find at other campgrounds," notes one visitor about site spacing.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Honey Bear Campground caters specifically to families with multiple recreation areas. "My kids enjoyed the activities and the stream. Everybody there seemed to be having a great time... Kids, parents, couples, groups, college kids, older RV's, and staff," shares one visitor.
Creek exploration: Multiple properties feature streams and creeks ideal for children. At Flintlock Campground, one reviewer shared: "There is a beautiful mini river running through the campground with a lot of rocks to jump on. My children spent hours every day exploring."
Off-site attractions: The region offers numerous family-friendly destinations within short driving distance. "We camped here and didn't even leave. It has so much to do and see. 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," reports a visitor to Stone Mountain State Park.
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: Some cabin and RV sites require navigation skills. At Thousand Trails Green Mountain, a visitor noted: "The site was quite un-level side to side, and we couldn't get our trailer completely level side to side. The site was a bit tough to maneuver into (doable, though!)"
Site selection: Carefully research site dimensions and locations. One RVer at Honey Bear Campground advised: "After walking around, we noticed there were campsites that were more close together, while some more tucked away behind brush. I would recommend asking the check-in desk about these different sites, so you can pick the one that fits your group most."
Elevation considerations: The mountain terrain affects temperature and driving conditions. "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," cautions a visitor discussing access to mountain cabin sites.
