Stone Mountain State Park Campground offers convenient proximity to W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir with 90 campsites at 1,400 feet elevation. The area features diverse seasonal camping conditions, with temperatures ranging from 30-85°F throughout the year. Water-based recreation opportunities complement the mountainous terrain that surrounds the reservoir's 1,475 acres of surface water.
What to do
Hiking trail exploration: Multiple campgrounds near W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir provide direct access to trail systems. At Stone Mountain State Park Campground, "beautiful campground, amazing hikes & waterfalls and the best stargazing you could ask for" according to Emily D., who camped there in March. The park features the Stone Mountain loop trail accessible from the campground.
Water recreation: The reservoir offers paddling, fishing, and swimming options. At Warrior Creek, located directly on the reservoir, visitors enjoy both water and land activities. "Warrior Creek Campground is located on the Kerr Scott Reservoir. It's beautiful and peaceful, at least Monday through Friday," notes Roberta K., adding that the campground is "surrounded by hiking/mountain biking trails."
Mountain biking: The trail system around W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir is regionally renowned for quality mountain biking. Warrior Creek features "Super mt bike trails that have been built and maintained by volunteers who really care and ride the trails often," according to Kim L., who mentions that other biking opportunities exist nearby on "greenway, black mountain and the trails at cub creek."
What campers like
Private camping setups: Several campgrounds offer secluded sites that create more immersive experiences. At New River State Park, "Every spot here is close to the river! The gentle sound of the New river is the most peaceful sound!" reports Brittany H., highlighting the riverside camping experience with "extremely clean bath house and very helpful rangers."
Temperature comfort: The elevation provides cooler temperatures than surrounding lowland areas. At Blue Bear Mountain Camp, "The elevation is high so weather is nice for those trying to escape the summer heat," notes Kristen J., who found the campground's "campsites are very spaced out" with a "nice and clean" bathhouse.
Unique accommodation options: Beyond standard tent and RV camping, yurt camping at W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir and surrounding areas provides alternative experiences. Blue Bear Mountain Camp offers yurts, while other sites feature suspended tents. "The campgrounds are very beautiful. You have to walk in but the park provides little carts and wheelbarrows. The sites and the bathhouse are very well maintained," reports Katrin M. about her experience at New River State Park.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary: While some campgrounds offer full shower facilities, others have more basic setups. At Julian Price Park Campground, "The only showers are between B and D loops, which are on the other side of the Blue Ridge Parkway. On the positive side, the showers in a new bath house, and they are private shower/restroom units," reports Myron C., who added that the older bathrooms "need updating."
Campground popularity: Many sites require advance planning, especially during peak seasons. According to Jean C. at Hickory Ridge Campground, "I was there the first day the campground opened and it filled quickly. You'll definitely want reservations for a weekend stay."
Seasonal availability: Not all campgrounds operate year-round. Warrior Creek operates from "April 15 to October 15," while others like Stone Mountain State Park Campground remain open throughout the year, providing options for off-season yurt camping at W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir during less crowded periods.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Family-friendly campgrounds offer dedicated recreation spaces. Honey Bear Campground stands out with planned activities: "The campground had several family activities like a haunted trail and trick or treating for the kiddos," notes Laura B., adding that "There's a cafe of sorts in the center that has a coffee bar, TV, and tables for playing games on."
Site selection: Choose campsites based on proximity to amenities and activities. At Julian Price Park, sites have different advantages: "Sites in the A loop are reservable, and they have been reserved for several weeks (maybe months) in advance. They are the best sites as far as seeing the lake and sometimes because they are larger."
Kid-friendly trails: Look for shorter hiking options suitable for younger children. At Hickory Ridge Campground, "There is a hiking trail that goes around the lake. There's also a trail that you can access from the park that leads to Hebron Rock Colony which is an incredible hiking trail," according to Danielle L., who found it to be an "awesome place to camp."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Multiple campgrounds offer various electric and water connections. At Thousand Trails Green Mountain, "We spent 14 nights here Oct 2020. Not one day where we disappointed. Beautiful park with full hook ups," reports Larry M., noting its proximity to nearby attractions.
Site leveling: Some campgrounds require additional equipment for level RV parking. "The sites are a little sloped, so have leveling equipment ready," advises a reviewer at Honey Bear Campground, while another mentions at Stone Mountain that "The camp sites are mostly level, well maintained and have tent pads, tables and fire rings."
Dump station access: Plan ahead for waste disposal needs. Chelsea B. at New River State Park notes, "for noobs like us there weren't instructions at the dump site," while others mention that some campgrounds offer full hookups including sewer connections, eliminating the need for dump station visits.
