Stone Mountain State Park Campground in Roaring Gap and Self Sufficient Holler in Purlear operate in different seasonal patterns. Stone Mountain remains open year-round while many surrounding campgrounds close during winter months. The region sits at elevations between 1,200 and 3,500 feet, creating moderate summer temperatures that rarely exceed 85°F. Fall camping often requires preparation for overnight temperatures that can drop below 40°F, especially at higher elevation sites.
What to do
Hiking trails near Stone Mountain: Stone Mountain State Park features over 18 miles of trails ranging from easy to strenuous. "The sites are separated into several loops. One loop is closer to the lake, the other loop has more availability and quite a range of campsites," explains a visitor to Julian Price Park Campground which connects to similar mountain terrain.
Waterfall exploration: Several campgrounds offer access to local waterfalls within hiking distance. "The Creekside Cabin hike is very technical as in tree roots and rocks, but so worth the exertion! Very cool waterfall and aside from some modern day trash there is still the old wood stove and pantry in the cabin," notes a camper at Hickory Ridge Campground.
Mountain biking: The Warrior Creek area features extensive trail networks. "We stayed for 4 nights, our site was incredible... Sites here can be a bit close with no trees to screen your neighbor," mentions a mountain biker who stayed at Warrior Creek, highlighting the popularity of these trails among serious riders.
What campers like
Seasonal temperature advantages: The elevation provides natural cooling during summer months. "The elevation is high so weather is nice for those trying to escape the summer heat," notes a camper at Blue Bear Mountain Camp. Many sites sit above 3,000 feet, providing temperatures 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowland areas.
River access: The New River offers multiple entry points for paddling and fishing. A visitor at New River State Park reported: "Every spot here is close to the river! The gentle sound of the New river is the most peaceful sound! Extremely clean bath house and very helpful rangers."
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse wildlife populations including deer and various bird species. "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," shares a camper at Stone Mountain State Park.
What you should know
Campsite accessibility varies: Many campgrounds require walking to reach tent sites. "No cars allowed. You cart your stuff to the site. All sites have trees for hammocks. Watch for poison ivy and enjoy floating or kayaking the river," explains a camper at New River State Park.
Limited cell service: Reception can be spotty throughout the region. "For cell phone coverage (Verizon), I had success at the viewpoint on the way up from the entrance," notes one visitor, explaining that specific lookout points often provide the only reliable connection.
Seasonal closures: Several campgrounds close entirely during winter months. "Warrior Creek Campground is closed for one year or longer. No explanation was given as to why. Ft Hamby Campground is nearby and open," reported a visitor attempting to camp during the off-season.
Tips for camping with families
Look for sites with play areas: Some campgrounds offer dedicated facilities for children. At Honey Bear Campground, "The campground had several family activities like a haunted trail and trick or treating for the kiddos. Our tent site was small and we may have been the only tent at the campground that weekend."
Consider campgrounds with organized activities: Scheduled events can keep children engaged. "If youre into a bit of glamping. This place works! Good for kids - rootbeer float nights, outdoor movies with marshmellow pits, crerks to splash in. Full bathhouses, laundry & eben a gameroom," reports a family that enjoyed the structured activities at Honey Bear Campground.
Secure sites away from roads: Traffic within campgrounds can pose safety concerns. "The roads around the campground need repaved, and are very busy. We tried to walk and ride around with our children but constantly had to get off the road or be cautious as cars came around the turns in the campground," warns a family staying at Green Mountain Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Many sites offer electric but not full hookups. "We camped at the 221 access... There were sites with full hookups and sites with just electric. Most sites were really private which is nice," explains an RVer at New River State Park.
Leveling challenges: Mountain terrain often requires additional equipment. "The sites are a little sloped, so have leveling equipment ready," advises a repeat visitor to Honey Bear Campground who notes this issue is common across the region's mountainous campgrounds.
Road access concerns: Some campgrounds have difficult approach roads. "The state maintained gravel road used to access campground was narrow and would be difficult to get a large camper up there, although there were lots of large ones there," warns a visitor to Blue Bear Mountain Camp, highlighting a common challenge for glamping near Purlear, North Carolina.
