Tent camping opportunities around W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir provide outdoor recreation access in North Carolina's western Piedmont region at elevations between 1,000-1,200 feet. The area receives approximately 50 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forest surroundings and reliable water sources for campers. Several campsites require permits and reservation windows vary from same-day to several months in advance depending on the campground.
What to do
Hiking from campsites: Basin Cove on the Blue Ridge Parkway connects directly to a network of trails with river access. A camper notes, "The hike in is excellent, as it follows the river along the way...The site is surrounded by excellent hiking trails and is a great place to set as 'base camp' for day hikes."
Gem mining excursions: Tent campers at Hiddenite Family Campground can explore nearby gem mines. The town of Hiddenite is "a famous gem mining area known for gemstones such as hiddenite (spodumene), emeralds, sapphires, etc." according to a visitor who stayed at this campground.
Mountain biking access: Riders looking for the best tent camping near W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir can base from the W. Kerr Scott Visitor Assistance Center area. A camper reports, "Great trails for all levels of mt bikers. About 13 miles one way and return to visitors center."
Water activities: Campers at several locations have creek and river access for wading and swimming during warmer months. Boone Fork sites provide "an area just 1.5 miles from the Boone Fork Trail parking lot where you can go swimming and sliding off rocks."
What campers like
Cool mountain temperatures: Tent campers appreciate that Blue Bear Mountain Camp offers relief from summer heat. A reviewer confirms "The elevation is high so weather is nice for those trying to escape the summer heat" while another mentions "the weather so much cooler in the summer there (70-80 in July!)."
Private, well-spaced sites: Campers consistently mention site spacing and privacy as advantages when tent camping near W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir. A Blue Bear Mountain camper notes "The campsites are very spaced out" and a visitor to Basin Cove confirmed "The campsites are well spread out so there is enough room for privacy."
Stargazing opportunities: The areas surrounding the reservoir have minimal light pollution for night sky viewing. A Basin Cove camper shared their experience: "Stars are amazing!" while others mentioned enjoying the peaceful nighttime ambiance near creeks and rivers.
Natural soundscapes: The sound of moving water enhances many camping locations. As one Basin Cove visitor observed: "Campsite is right next to the creek—fun to hear the water at night."
What you should know
Water access limitations: Many primitive tent sites near W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir lack potable water. At Basin Cove Campground, "There is NO clean water source, you have to bring a filter system with you."
Vehicle restrictions: Several camping areas require hikes to reach tent sites. Basin Cove "sites have NO vehicle access at all, you have to hike a mile into the campsite."
Seasonal facilities: Bath houses may close during colder months, and water systems might be winterized. A Hiddenite Family Campground visitor noted "During the summer, the bath house wouldn't be so bad, but it was cold and there was no heat."
Trail traffic patterns: Some campsites experience day hiker traffic during certain hours. Basin Cove campers should know that "a lot of hikers pass through morning-midday."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly terrain: Boone Fork Campground offers accessible terrain for families with children. A visitor notes "The terrain is also flat and easy to hike through, making it a good long trail for beginners or children."
Educational opportunities: Growing Faith Farms provides learning experiences with farm activities. A family reported, "The farm is beautiful, well-maintained, and the hosts super friendly and helpful. Plenty of great things to do locally, from hiking and waterfalls to apple picking."
Pack-in requirements: Families should prepare to carry gear for walk-in sites. At Self Sufficient Holler, pack accordingly as it requires a "fully equipped camp kitchen" for family meals.
Swimming spots: Several locations offer river and creek swimming during summer months. A Boone Fork camper mentioned specific spots where "you can go swimming and sliding off rocks" that work well for family outings.
Tips from RVers
Water fill procedures: Self Sufficient Holler requires RVers to understand specific water systems. A camper noted, "Elizabeth walked us through how to use the pump—easy as pie!"
Road conditions: Access roads to several campgrounds require appropriate vehicles. A visitor to Hiddenite Family Campground reported "The road coming into the campground is dirt as was the road within the campground."
Elevation considerations: Mountain campgrounds may have challenging access roads. A Blue Bear Mountain Camp visitor cautioned "The state maintained gravel road used to access campground was narrow and would be difficult to get a large camper up there, although there were lots of large ones there."
Tank filling protocol: Blue Bear Mountain Camp has a specific water system. A camper explained "They do not have water hookups—you fill your camper tank with water at the office area."
