Glamping experiences beyond the safari tents dominate the Pinehurst area camping scene, with additional options spanning from rustic tent sites to premium RV hookups. The Blue Ridge mountain elevation creates significant temperature variations, with evening temperatures dropping 15-20°F lower than daytime highs even in summer months. Most campgrounds in the region sit between 3,000-4,000 feet elevation, creating comfortable summer camping conditions when lower elevations experience heat waves.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: 5 miles from Steele Creek Park & Campground visitors find multiple fishing spots with trout, bass and bream. The creek running through the property provides additional fishing access right from your site. "A lot of the sites have water beside them. Bathrooms were clean. There is a store on property that has things you may have forgotten and a grill," notes one camper.
Waterfall hikes: Within 30 minutes of Grandfather Mountain, several trails lead to cascading waterfalls accessible for most fitness levels. "There's a decent sized dog area, in which your dogs can run around safely off leash. After walking around, we noticed there were campsites that were more close together, while some more tucked away behind brush," shares a camper about Grandfather Campground.
Local winery visits: Just 5 minutes from some campgrounds, wineries offer tastings and live music. "We spent a fantastic afternoon 5 minutes away at Grandfather Vineyard, wine tasting, food truck, and live music. Don't miss trying the flights! We came home with 2 excellent bottles of wine, at a great price!" remarks one visitor who stayed at Grandfather Campground.
What campers like
Creek-side camping: Sites along moving water create natural white noise for sleeping. At Flintlock Campground, campers appreciate the sound and scenery: "Almost two weeks at this great campground at a power/water only site right by the creek. Level parking, reliable wifi, friendly hosts and community, dog friendly."
Mountain temperature relief: Summer nights drop to 58-65°F even when days reach 80°F. "In late July it was cool in the evenings. Some of the fire rings have 'flip over' grills which were super convenient. My 95 lb dog was welcome also. Very pretty Campground!" notes a visitor at Grandfather Campground.
Family-oriented activities: Scheduled events keep children engaged throughout the day. One reviewer at Honey Bear Campground shared, "If you're into a bit of glamping, this place works! Good for kids - rootbeer float nights, outdoor movies with marshmellow pits, creeks to splash in. Full bathhouses, laundry & even a gameroom. My kids loved the tire swings & animals!"
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have spotty coverage requiring wifi purchases. "Terrible cell service so be prepared to dish out $8 a day for internet," notes one camper at Thousand Trails Green Mountain. This is common throughout the mountain region, so download maps in advance.
Reservation timing: Peak fall weekends require 3-6 months advance booking. "Being right on the Parkway was awesome and provided some great driving and hiking close by. The staff were very helpful. We camped at C13 which was right across from the large playground in November. No noise issues, but it was dark by 6:30pm," shared a visitor at Bear Den Family Campground.
Road noise considerations: Some sites back up to major roads. "Small tight campground just outside of Boone, NC. Very tight sites. Many long term campers. Right on the main road (Rte 105). Tons of road noise. Convenient to Boone, but not our preferred campground," warns a Flintlock Campground reviewer.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Request sites within viewing distance of play areas for easier supervision. One Julian Price Park Campground visitor recommends: "Cushy campsites with electric and water. Rent a canoe here and take it out on the lake! Or hike the Boone Fork Trail, a 5 mile loop right across the parkway. Beautiful anytime of the year."
Creek exploration: Pack water shoes for rock hopping and shallow wading. "Flintlock is easy to get to but you'll still feel like you are camping. Staff is friendly and facilities are clean. There's a beautiful mini river running through the campground with a lot of rocks to jump on. My children spent hours every day exploring," shares a Flintlock Campground visitor.
Movie nights: Several campgrounds offer outdoor films on weekends. A camper at Honey Bear Campground advises: "Check with the office for the Saturday night movie! Weather dependent, they show a movie outdoors on the front lawn. Bring your chair or blanket and a cooler/snacks, and come hang out for a movie with fellow campers."
Tips from RVers
Bridge clearance: Access to some campgrounds requires crossing narrow bridges. At Linville Falls Campground, campers note the importance of checking bridge dimensions: "These are the cleanest bathrooms we've ever seen. The on-site store is a life saver and the hosts are very helpful. We will return."
Site leveling challenges: Bring extra leveling blocks for mountain terrain. "We stayed here 10 days in our 34-foot travel trailer and were very happy with our stay. The campground is located on Hwy 105 heading down from Boone towards Linville. There are two grocery stores within a 5-minute drive and several restaurants close by," advises an RVer at Grandfather Campground.
Dump station access: Some campgrounds have limited facilities for multiple rigs. "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!)," reports a visitor to Grandfather Campground, highlighting the importance of planning arrival and departure times outside peak hours.
