Best Campgrounds near Oak Ridge, NC

Allows one to pick any available tent spot. People here are very friendly. Tent sites are covered in well-kept grass. There are ground hogs and crawdads. Near a main road, but still very quaint. 25$ tent sites. Enjoyed a misty sunset and sunrise by the river. Bathhouse is the nicest one I've encountered with a very homey living room like entry, very nice, private bathrooms with showers, and a laundry room. Highly recommend for anyone passing through on cross-country bicycle trips, like the one I'm on, who is in need of a safe place to pitch a tent for a couple of nights. Other amenities on grounds, just haven't explored all options myself.

Hanging Rock State Park Camping Review – A Beautiful Stay with a Few Bumps

Our recent camping trip to Hanging Rock State Park was a wonderful family getaway packed with adventure, scenic views, and quality time outdoors. Overall, it was a positive experience, and we’re glad we chose this park for our camping weekend—though there were a few things to note for future campers.

Trails and Scenery: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The hiking trails at Hanging Rock are absolutely top-notch! We explored several of them, including the trail up to Hanging Rock itself, and were blown away by the panoramic views from the summit. The trails were well-marked, maintained, and offered a good variety for all skill levels. Our kids (ranging from early elementary to preteen) managed the trails with some effort but plenty of enthusiasm. The waterfall hikes were especially fun, and the swimming area near the lake looked like a great spot to cool off in the summer months.

Campsite Experience (Campsite #50): ⭐⭐⭐ We stayed at Campsite 50, and while it was in a nice wooded area with plenty of shade and a decent amount of privacy, the tent pad was smaller than expected. We brought a 10-person tent, and it was a tight fit. If you’re camping with a large group or family and have a bigger tent, be aware that this site might not give you as much room as you’d like. It’s doable, but just barely. That being said, the fire ring and picnic table were in good condition, and the site had a peaceful atmosphere with lots of birdsong in the mornings.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities: ⭐⭐ The bathrooms were a mixed bag. On the plus side, the showers had hot water, which was a very welcome amenity after a day on the trails. However, the women’s bathroom was unfortunately in rough shape. It was infested with bugs, and clearly in need of a deep cleaning. Some basic maintenance and pest control would go a long way in improving the comfort and cleanliness of this area. The men’s facilities seemed to be in slightly better shape, but the park would really benefit from more consistent upkeep in this area overall.

Family Fun Factor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Despite the bathroom issue, the kids had a blast! From spotting salamanders near the creek to pretending they were mountain explorers on the trails, they were thoroughly entertained the whole trip. The variety of natural features—from cliffs and ridgelines to waterfalls and forests—gave them so much to discover and enjoy. Campfire stories and s’mores at night were the cherry on top.

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Final Verdict: 4/5 Stars Hanging Rock State Park offers stunning trails, gorgeous views, and a great place to unplug and enjoy nature. The campsite was mostly great, though the tent pad at #50 was a bit cramped for a larger tent. The bathrooms could use some serious attention, especially the women’s side, but the natural beauty and family fun made up for the shortcomings. With a little maintenance improvement, this park would be a near-perfect destination for camping families and outdoor lovers alike.

We’d definitely come back—but next time, we’ll choose a different site or bring a slightly smaller tent!