Camping options near Walnut Cove, North Carolina provide access to the distinctive Sauratown Mountain range, an isolated series of monadnocks rising 1,700 feet above the surrounding countryside. These isolated peaks create unique microclimates that extend the camping season, with spring wildflowers appearing as early as mid-March and fall color lingering into early November. Despite being 30 miles from the Blue Ridge Mountains, campers find similar terrain features with exposed rock faces and dramatic elevation changes.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 5 accessible cascades at Hanging Rock State Park Campground range from easy to moderate difficulty. The Upper Cascades trail is just three-tenths of a mile one way, making it ideal for beginners. "There are five waterfalls to see, a climbing access area, Cook's Wall, and much more," notes camper Myron C., who recommends "plan to camp at least three nights" to fully experience the park.
Mountain climbing: Technical access areas for rock climbing enthusiasts at Pilot Mountain State Park Campground. Anchors are bolted at the top of most routes for easy top roping. "If you're not a climber, the views are still worth the drive," writes DrDavid P., who recommends visiting "nearby Mt. Airy for some old school Andy Griffith sightseeing" after your climbing session.
Lake recreation: Multiple water activities including fishing, kayaking, and canoeing at Lake Reidsville Recreation Park, located 30 minutes east of Walnut Cove. "You can rent paddle boats or kayak's or paddle boards. You may fish or ride boats," explains camper Jack and Lisa L., though they note "you can't swim" in the lake itself.
What campers like
Sunrise views: Unobstructed mountain panoramas make Greystone RV Park particularly popular. "In the morning, getting up early to watch the sunrise light up the mountain like a candle really set the tone for a beautiful day," shares camper Tom. The park offers just 10 spots with full hookups, all with concrete pads facing Pilot Mountain.
Wide camping spaces: Generous site dimensions at Tanglewood Park provide ample room between neighbors. "Sites are long and wide but some have quite a slope to them. There are large shady trees but no vegetation between sites," notes camper Kristy Gary B. The park has additional amenities including "walking path paved, bike trails and horse trails."
Peaceful forest settings: Dense woodland cover creates a secluded feel at Jomeokee Campground, despite its proximity to major attractions. "The trees, the adjacent pastures, the farm pond, the rolling hills, and the scenic views make this a great little campground. The bottom row of sites looks directly at Pilot Mtn in the distance. The sunsets are gorgeous," writes Martha S., who appreciates how "this is a very quiet campground at night."
What you should know
Elevation challenges: Sloped campsites are common throughout the region, particularly at Pilot Mountain State Park. "This campground is sloped, with rolling hills, which makes for a nice loop to walk dogs etc," notes Kirsten J., who advises looking for "flatter sites where we can walk more easily at night without tripping over rocks."
Bathroom facility age: Older shower buildings vary in quality across the region. At Hanging Rock, David N. found "the bathrooms were a mixed bag. On the plus side, the showers had hot water, which was a very welcome amenity after a day on the trails. However, the women's bathroom was unfortunately in rough shape...infested with bugs, and clearly in need of a deep cleaning."
Highway noise levels: Traffic sounds affect campgrounds near major roads. Greensboro KOA Journey is situated about 100 yards from Interstate 40, with camper Jen V. noting "the road noise is loud and constant." The campground acknowledges this issue by making "a bowl of free, disposable ear plugs available in the office."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Mayberry Campground offers multiple ponds and natural areas where children can observe local fauna. "Great family friendly, pet loving campground," writes L T., who appreciates the "open fields and mountain backdrop" that provide space for children to play while adults relax.
Multiple recreation options: When staying at Oak Hollow City Campground, families benefit from varied amenities all in one location. "There was a pool our kids could swim in until 7:00pm. They let us borrow a metal fire pit so we could make s'mores," reports Larisa C., who enjoyed tent camping on the park's platforms with "a great view of the beautiful lake."
Playground availability: Several campgrounds in the region maintain dedicated children's areas, with Lake Reidsville Recreation Park being particularly well-equipped. "Trash cans, fire pits, level spots, picnic tables were at every location. Easy access to the water, playgrounds & hiking trails were just moments away from the camper," notes Steven F.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many RV sites throughout the Walnut Cove camping region require substantial leveling equipment. At Tanglewood Park, Tiffany D. reports: "Negatives are unlevel lots (we had to lower ours by over 4" and still weren't level, but couldn't adjust anymore)." She advises bringing extra leveling blocks for most campgrounds in the area.
Electric hookup placement: Consider extension cord length when booking sites at Oak Hollow City Campground. One camper warns: "I was excited to have a lake view spot with electric but my 25 foot cord was not long enough so make sure you have at least 50 feet."
Big rig considerations: Jomeokee Campground can be challenging for larger RVs due to its layout. "We arrived after dark and found it way too hard to navigate through the trees. We called the owner and he took us to a pull through site," reports Devin, recommending "definitely book those spots if you have a big RV" rather than attempting the wooded sites with a large vehicle.
