Mount Airy sits at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with elevations around 1,000-1,400 feet, creating moderate temperature ranges throughout camping season. Rainfall averages 46 inches annually, with summer highs typically reaching the mid-80s, making it comfortable for overnight stays. Camping sites near Mount Airy, North Carolina offer a strategic position for exploring both the piedmont region and higher mountain elevations within a 30-mile radius.
What to Do
Hiking at Pilot Mountain State Park: Trails range from easy to strenuous with multiple summit options. "The perimeter trails are great, not too crowded. The ones closer into Pilot Mountain itself get way too crowded," notes one visitor at Pilot Mountain State Park Campground.
Fishing ponds: Several campgrounds maintain stocked ponds for guests. At Beechnut Family Campground, visitors mention it's a "great place to fish and swim with the family." Catch-and-release policies apply at most locations.
Visit Andy Griffith attractions: Mount Airy served as inspiration for the fictional Mayberry. "You are close to all the amenities when staying here. Check out the Andy Griffith museum, Main Street, and the granite quarry," recommends a camper at Mayberry Campground.
Mountain biking: Several state parks offer multi-use trails. Stone Mountain State Park features routes suitable for intermediate riders with rolling terrain. "We camped at site #5 this time - on the inside of the loop...We hiked to the top on the Grindstone Trail (about 2 miles) to the top and enjoyed an early morning view of the surrounding communities," reports a visitor.
Rock climbing access: Jomeokee Campground provides proximity to climbing routes. "Short drive to good hiking trails," mentions one reviewer who appreciated the location's access to outdoor activities.
What Campers Like
Mountain views: Several campgrounds offer direct mountain vistas. At Greystone RV Park, campers enjoy "unobstructed view of Pilot Mountain" with one visitor noting: "The main feature is the view, and what a view it has! This is more for a mature crowd, as there's really nothing here for kids to do which for us was nice."
Quiet atmospheres: Many campgrounds maintain peaceful settings away from highway noise. A Fancy Gap Cabins and Campground visitor described it as a "quiet little spot" where "the frogs near the pond lulled us to sleep."
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness consistently rates high in reviews. At Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA, a guest highlighted: "Bathrooms were amazing. Pulled my review from a 3+ to a 5! Private baths like at home. Toilet, sink and shower all to yourself and CLEAN!"
Wildlife sightings: Many campgrounds host deer and other wildlife. "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 visitor at Stone Mountain State Park.
Well-spaced sites: Contrary to crowded commercial campgrounds, many offer adequate privacy. Jomeokee Campground provides "gorgeous open space" and "great views of Pilot Knob" according to reviewers.
What You Should Know
Seasonal operations: While most campgrounds operate year-round, some have limited winter services. "We went in December and there wasn't many people there at all, maybe 4 other campers all weekend," reports a Stone Mountain State Park camper.
Bathhouse conditions vary: Older facilities may have limitations. At Hanging Rock State Park Campground, a camper noted: "The camping sites are shaded and spacious with picnic tables, lantern poles, and fire rings, but the bathroom facility is outdated (built in the 1960s)."
Terrain challenges: Some campgrounds feature uneven sites. "The campground sits on a hillside with multiple gravel roads. Although the landscaping is nice, there's no trees near any campsites for shade," mentions a visitor to one local campground.
Reservation requirements: Most sites require advance booking, especially weekends. "This place is full on the weekends so reserve in advance," advises a camper.
Cell coverage limitations: Service varies significantly by location and carrier. "AT&T cell service was not so good," reports one KOA visitor, while others mention reliable Verizon reception at select campgrounds.
Tips for Camping with Families
Water recreation options: Homeplace Recreational Park offers a water park within the campground grounds. "Great park with one of the best pools in the area," notes a visitor. Some campgrounds maintain small lakes or streams for cooling off.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "There's a nice dog park, and the facilities are clean. My only negative was that they had us camp up on the top of the hill and it was difficult to navigate back down, with some very sharp turns for our fifth wheel," shares a KOA visitor.
Nature exploration opportunities: Kids can discover local wildlife in protected settings. "From spotting salamanders near the creek to pretending they were mountain explorers on the trails, they were thoroughly entertained the whole trip," recalls a Hanging Rock visitor.
Choose shaded sites: Summer temperatures can reach the upper 80s. At Stone Mountain State Park, "the campgrounds were perfect for a few days and there were enough hiking trails around to keep us busy."
Pack rain gear: The region receives consistent precipitation year-round. "It rained heavily both nights we stayed there, but we stayed dry," shares a Beechnut Family Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: For larger rigs, pull-through sites are limited but available. "Mayberry is big rig friendly even though it is set on a rolling hill/mountain. All sites are gravel and clean," notes a visitor.
Entrance challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads. "The dirt road to get to the sites and close trees were hard for us to navigate with such a big rig but that was partly because it was dark," cautions a Jomeokee Campground visitor.
Full hookup availability: Most established campgrounds offer water, electric and sewer. "We were in site A3 right beside the stream. In this park, all the sites are dirt only, no paved pads, but do have rock fire rings," shares a Homeplace Recreational Park visitor.
Leveling requirements: Many sites require adjustment. "Pull thru sites with concrete pads. No leveling needed. Couldn't be easier to pull in and set up," reports a Greystone RV Park visitor.
Variable site sizes: Dimensions differ significantly between campgrounds. "Sites are level and spaced out for room to open your slide and awning," notes a visitor to Fancy Gap Cabins and Campground.
