Camping options near Summerfield, North Carolina range between 950-1,200 feet above sea level, providing moderate temperatures that average 75°F during summer camping season. The region sits at the transition zone between the Piedmont and foothills, creating diverse terrain for hiking and exploration. Most campgrounds remain accessible from March through November, with several offering year-round camping despite occasional winter temperature drops.
What to do
Hiking at multiple elevations: At Hanging Rock State Park Campground, trails range from easy waterfall hikes to strenuous summit climbs. "The shortest hike to see a waterfall is relatively easy and is only three-tenths of a mile one way," notes one camper who appreciates the accessibility. More challenging options include Moore's Wall Loop Trail (4.3 miles) and Hanging Rock Trail, which rewards hikers with panoramic views across several counties.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Reidsville Recreation Park provides shoreline fishing access with species including bass and catfish. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting fishing conditions. "We have tent camped many times there and now have been with a camper. It was peaceful and the view is always amazing," shares a regular visitor who enjoys fishing from their lakefront site.
Rock climbing: The cliffs at Pilot Mountain State Park Campground offer routes for various skill levels with established anchors. "Pilot Mountain has great hiking and beautiful views from the top. We enjoy hiking, camping and enjoying the views, while others enjoy bouldering, rock climbing and mountain biking - an outdoor adventure for all people!" explains one camper who visits regularly.
Disc golf: Several courses exist within 15 miles of Summerfield. Lake Reidsville Recreation Park maintains an 18-hole course adjacent to camping areas. "Kayak rental, disc golf course, playground, picnic area and nature trail. Sites are a bit close, go for a lakefront site or one on the side of the campground," suggests one reviewer familiar with the amenities.
What campers like
Tent platforms and level sites: Oak Hollow City Campground offers elevated wooden platforms for tent camping. "We tent camped on Aug 28. This was our first time setting up on a platform and it was very easy. Our site had a great view of the beautiful lake," explains one camper who appreciated the stable surface. These platforms keep tents dry during rain and provide better views of the lake.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming access during summer months. "The lake has a swimming beach with mountains in the background, and there are also rowboats and canoes for rent," reports a visitor to Hanging Rock State Park, where the designated swimming area operates weekends in spring and fall and daily in summer.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. "Whitetail deer mosey past your site and linger during the evening...ample squirrel and robins, woodpeckers and cardinals compete for air time. Skinks, newts and salamanders populate these wooded lands and scurry about," writes a camper about their experience at Hanging Rock State Park.
Farm camping experiences: For a unique alternative, Brookhaven Mill Farm offers camping with animal interactions. "Let the crickets lull you to sleep after you choose a spot to set-up camp. Tuck in next to the river or park it near the sheep," recommends a reviewer. The farm offers a more intimate camping setting with just 4 sites available.
What you should know
Highway noise impacts: Some campgrounds experience significant road noise. At Greensboro KOA, located just off Interstate 40, sound carries throughout the campground. "As previously mentioned, serves its purpose for an overnight. Right off the highway, and by that I mean you see, and HEAR the traffic," reports one camper. The campground provides complimentary earplugs at check-in to help with noise issues.
Seasonal bathhouse closures: At Hanging Rock State Park, "Shower houses are not open year-round, even though the park is. So there are still 'outhouse style' singular pit latrines present," cautions a regular visitor. Always check facility status before booking off-season stays.
Gate closures: Some state parks enforce strict entrance policies. "The campground entrance closes at 10 pm. You will not be able to enter or exit until the gate opens the next morning," warns a camper about Pilot Mountain State Park. Plan evening activities accordingly or risk being locked out of your campsite.
Water hookup sharing: At Hagan-Stone Park, some sites share water access. "Loop B is heavily wooded with 30amp and water every-other site. You may need as much as 50' water hose," advises a reviewer. Bring a splitter and extra hose length to ensure proper connections.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "Nice for the price. We were able to hookup 50amp electrical and water is shared with your neighbor which was fine for the brief stay," notes a visitor to Hagan-Stone Park, which maintains multiple playgrounds throughout the property. Oak Hollow offers "a pool our kids could swim in until 7:00pm" according to one family.
Open field activities: Look for campgrounds with large open spaces. "The large grassy fields have lots of kids and adults playing ball and frisbee. They allow tent groups and everyone seems to be having a great time," reports a visitor to Jomeokee Campground, where the open meadows provide safe play areas away from campsites.
Animal encounters: Farm stays provide unique experiences for children. "The host was very gracious in our email conversations. I setup right near the picnic table with a view of the mini horses," explains a camper at Brookhaven Mill Farm, where interactions with farm animals create memorable experiences for younger campers.
Halloween activities: For fall camping, Lake Reidsville Recreation Park offers seasonal events. "The park is nice and clean. The staff had decorations throughout the park for Halloween which is something I don't remember them doing in the past," notes a camper who visited in October, making this an ideal destination for families during autumn weekends.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region require additional leveling equipment. "The RV sites are spacious and mostly level with 30amp and water access," observes a camper at Oak Hollow, but notes that "many sites are not level so plan ahead and bring extra levelers."
Size restrictions: Older campgrounds may have limited access for larger rigs. "We stayed in loop C which is basically an open field. That was fine but the sites are very close together," explains an RVer at Hagan-Stone Park. The reviewer continues, "Loop B did appear to have fire pits but had very few sites that would hold a rig of our size (39' Travel Trailer) and would be very difficult to navigate."
Water hose requirements: Bring additional hose length for campgrounds with shared hookups. "I was excited to have a lake view spot with electric but my 25 foot cord was not long enough so make sure you have at least 50 feet," advises a camper at Oak Hollow, emphasizing the importance of carrying extra equipment.
