Camping near Roaring Gap, North Carolina provides access to diverse terrain within the northern Blue Ridge Mountains at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,500 feet. Temperatures in this region typically average 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands, with overnight lows dropping into the 40s even during summer months. The area's campgrounds offer varying levels of accessibility, from paved RV sites to walk-in tent camping locations along mountain streams.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Stone Mountain State Park offers multiple waterfall access points within hiking distance of campsites. "We camped here and didn't even leave. It has so much to do and see... We checked out the backpack hike camp spots (5) they're a good hike (1.5 mile uphill) but so beautiful, on the creek, 2 are near a small waterfall," reports Charli R. from Stone Mountain State Park Campground.
Wine tasting: Several campgrounds provide access to nearby vineyards in the Yadkin Valley wine region. "Great campground! It is about a 15 minute drive to 3 great wineries and walkable to the trail head for the Stone Mountain loop," notes Kristin F. about Stone Mountain State Park Campground.
Creek exploration: Many campsites feature direct stream access for cooling off during warmer months. At Cedar Rock Campground, Megan M. explains, "There's a small beach area that kids can use as access to swim and rock throwing. This campground is only a few miles from Stone Mountain state park. In the summer you have to check out Widows Creek. Sliding rocks and waterfalls and a swimming hole only .2 miles off the road."
What campers like
Private sites: Campers frequently mention appreciating secluded camping locations. At Secluded Mitchel River Camping, Tanner H. notes, "This site has a 38 foot pull through parking pad with a large patio and nice fire pit. It is dry camping with a Porta potty on the property. The best part is this site is right by the river. Great place to get away and enjoy the sights and sounds of good ol nature."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses receive consistent praise across multiple campgrounds. Discussing Riverwalk RV Park, Ricky J. reports, "All the sites were very roomy, many pull through sites, very clean and very friendly hosts. All sites were gravel and have a fire pit that you can move around to where you want to build your fire. Nice camp store and a very nice and clean bathhouse."
Sound of water: Many campers note the calming effect of sleeping near running water. Christina B. from Cedar Rock Campground shares, "We just stayed at cedar rock over the weekend and enjoyed every bit of our time there! very laid back and the owners are so sweet! you can buy firewood from them and they usually come through a few times a day to check if anyone needs anything!"
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Operating schedules vary significantly between campgrounds in the Roaring Gap area. At Basin Cove — Blue Ridge Parkway, Julie L. advises, "This site should not be confused with any other sites in area by similar name. You have to make a reservation with the park office for your site and drop by the ranger station to pick up your permit. The sites have NO vehicle access at all, you have to hike a mile into the campsite."
Varied amenities: Facilities range from primitive to full-service across the region. Christian from Basin Cove notes, "This camp ground is very small and on the side of a very quiet road next to beautiful fields with breath taking views it has no paved roads so bring a truck or suv sedans will get stuck easily there is no cell service and it is very clean of trash perfect quiet getaway."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. Jimmy M. from Sandy Creek Family Campground explains, "Found this place in September 2018 and went back 3 more times before winter. The owner (Barry) takes great care of the place and customer service is top notch. Access to a sliding rock and waterfall in Stone Mountain State Park with an approximate 1 mile easy hike."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. Ann H. from Sandy Creek Family Campground shares, "Our group had both an RV and a large tent. The room allowed for both was very generous. The grounds and bath house were clean and well maintained. Our sites were creek side. The kids enjoyed playing in the creek and on the playground."
Water activities: Creek access provides natural entertainment for children during warmer months. Megan M. from Cedar Rock Campground notes, "We have tent camped here many times and it is always a great time. Nothing beats falling asleep and waking up to the sound of the creek. Small playground isn't much to look at but my kids (10 and under) always use the heck out of it."
Hiking options: Trails with varying difficulty levels accommodate different age groups. According to Hollz from Basin Cove, "Easy hike in, but far enough that you won't find High-maintenance campers or crowds. Maybe some horseback people. Campground has tent pads, picnic tables, fire pits, pit toilets, water pump. The trail is amazing—but some spots may be very difficult to cross in the spring."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV sites vary in size and accessibility throughout the region. Roger W. from Doughton Park Campground advises, "Sites: #9, our site, is one of the best sites we have had in almost 4 years of travel. The regulars call this site the 'honeymoon site', because of the heart shaped large rocks which create a lower terraced picnic area. Best sites: 9 very best, 4, 8, 7."
Level sites: Many campers note the importance of checking site levelness. David B. from Stone Mountain State Park Campground reports, "I stayed here for three nights in early November, 2022. The camp sites are mostly level, well maintained and have tent pads, tables and fire rings. I chose a site that had water and electric hook-ups."
Utility connections: Electric and water hookup availability varies by campground and site. Stephanie H. from Riverwalk RV Park notes, "This campground was great! We stopped for the night on a road trip from MA to FL. We pulled in after dark and were met by a very nice gentleman. He gave us the sweetest goodie bag with lollipops and dog treats."
