Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Todd sits at approximately 2,800 feet elevation and experiences cooler temperatures than surrounding lowland areas. The town borders the New River, the second oldest river in the world, which provides additional recreational opportunities for campers. Summer nights in this region typically drop to the 50s-60°F range, making campfires both pleasant and practical.
What to do
Hiking diverse terrain: The miles of hiking trails at Blue Bear Mountain Camp range from moderate forest walks to more strenuous paths with elevation changes. "The hike to the pond was a little more strenuous than we anticipated but once you get there, there is a nice creek and we caught a trout in the pond right away," notes one visitor who appreciated the fishing opportunities at the end of the trail.
Kayaking the New River: A popular activity just minutes from Todd's camping areas, with options for guided tours or self-guided trips. At New River State Park, "there are miles and miles of blue way. And I highly recommend spending an afternoon at the Elk Shoals access. Beautiful spot with awesome swimming hole!" according to a camper who explored multiple park access points.
Stargazing: The minimal light pollution around Todd makes it ideal for night sky viewing. Many campgrounds offer open meadows perfect for astronomy. One camper at Stone Mountain State Park noted the exceptional night viewing conditions: "amazing hikes & waterfalls and the best stargazing you could ask for."
What campers like
Secluded yurt camping: Yurt camping near Todd, North Carolina offers a distinctive alternative to traditional tent or RV setups. At Spacious Skies Bear Den, campers appreciate the proximity to nature while having structured shelter. "There are private cabins a short walk from the camp sites. Lots of hiking trails, a fishing pond and a real bear den on site off one of the waterfall trails," shares a visitor who enjoyed the diverse accommodations.
Cooler summer temperatures: The elevation provides natural cooling that many campers specifically seek out. One reviewer at Honey Bear Campground notes, "Being right on the outskirts of Boone is very beneficial. The area offers all types of outdoor activities... Boone sits at 3,333 feet, so even in the middle of the summer you'll find very comfortable day and night temperatures."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathhouses and common areas despite their rustic settings. A camper at Flintlock Campground observed, "The bath house is modern with tile floors and hot water," though they did note some seasonal adjustment issues with heating.
What you should know
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads that require planning. At Julian Price Park Campground, a camper advised, "For that reason, it is a good idea to look at the photos on the website for each site before reserving. Many of the sites are walk-in sites and you can set up before the 3:00 time for reservable sites."
Seasonal closures: Several campgrounds operate only during specific months, typically April through October. Always verify operating dates when planning fall or spring yurt camping in Todd, North Carolina. Honey Bear Campground operates from "Mar 15 to Oct 31," while Flintlock Campground runs from "Apr 1 to Oct 31."
Reservation timing: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during peak season and weekends. Book several weeks in advance for premium spots. A camper at Flintlock noted, "The sites often get booked quickly, so reserve spots well in advance!"
Tips for camping with families
Creek access sites: Choose campsites near water features for natural entertainment. At Flintlock Campground, "This campground has a very nice little creek running through it. My family has been going here for years. There is a beautiful stream running through the campground that doubles as an amazing playground for the kids," explains a repeat visitor who found the water feature perfect for children.
Playground proximity: Consider sites near play areas for convenience but be aware of potential noise. At Bear Den, a camper recommended: "We camped at C13 which was right across from the large playground in November. No noise issues, but it was dark by 6:30pm. May be different in the Summer. My daughter had a blast and we could keep an eye on her while we worked/played at the site."
Local attractions: Plan day trips to nearby family-friendly destinations. Tweetsie Railroad theme park is approximately 20 minutes from Todd and offers a mountain-themed amusement park experience. Mystery Hill with its natural gravity anomalies is another popular stop for families with children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many mountain campgrounds have uneven sites requiring substantial leveling equipment. At Grandfather Campground, an RVer reported, "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!)."
Electrical considerations: Most campgrounds near Todd offer electric hookups, but amperage varies. Verify your specific electrical needs match what's available. At Blue Bear Mountain, hookups include electric but note that they have "NO fifty-amp-hookups" and "NO thirty-amp-hookups" according to their amenities list.
Water fill options: Several campgrounds don't offer direct water hookups at sites. One camper at Bear Den explains, "They do not have water hookups- you fill your camper tank with water at the office area. They have spots with electric hookups. They have a dump station where you can empty your tanks on your way out."
