Stone Mountain State Park Campground offers diverse camping options with clean, well-maintained sites near Wilkesboro, North Carolina. The park sits on high-elevation terrain between 1,700 and 2,305 feet, providing cooler summer camping temperatures than surrounding areas. Campsites are situated among hardwood forests with creek access at select locations.
What to do
Hiking and waterfalls: Stone Mountain State Park contains over 18 miles of trails with varying difficulty levels. The Stone Mountain Loop trail provides access to both mountain views and waterfall areas. According to one camper, "You just can't beat it. We camped here and didn't even leave. It has so much to do and see. 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."
Fishing opportunities: Kerr Scott Reservoir near Warrior Creek provides excellent fishing spots accessible from multiple locations. The lake offers peaceful fishing during weekdays. As one visitor notes, "Warrior Creek Campground is located on the Kerr Scott Reservoir. It's beautiful and peaceful, at least Monday through Friday."
Mountain biking trails: Several campgrounds in the area feature well-maintained mountain bike trails built by volunteers. Trails vary in difficulty from beginner to advanced. A visitor to Warrior Creek confirms: "Super mt bike trails that have been built and maintained by volunteers who really care and ride the trails often. Solid facilities to camp. 10 to 15 minutes drive by car to the wilkesboro with plants of food and amenities."
What campers like
Natural water features: Many campgrounds feature creek access, lake views, or river proximity. Stone Mountain State Park Campground receives high marks for its stream-side sites. One camper shared, "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."
Yurt camping options: For those seeking alternatives to traditional tent or RV camping, yurt camping near Wilkesboro, North Carolina provides comfortable shelter with natural surroundings. Blue Bear Mountain Camp features yurt accommodations at higher elevations, providing cooler summer temperatures. A visitor noted, "The elevation is high so weather is nice for those trying to escape the summer heat."
Stargazing conditions: The region's mountain elevation and distance from major cities creates ideal stargazing opportunities. One camper at Stone Mountain State Park raved about "magical in every way... beautiful campground, amazing hikes & waterfalls and the best stargazing you could ask for."
What you should know
Weather variability: Mountain weather can change quickly, particularly at higher elevations. Hickory Ridge Campground visitors note unpredictable conditions. As one camper advised: "Weather is unpredictable, so pack a raincoat and warm clothes just in case."
Seasonal closures: Several campgrounds operate seasonally, typically April through October. Warrior Creek runs from "April 15 to October 15" according to its operating schedule. Check specific campground dates before planning trips outside summer months.
Bathhouse facilities: Bathhouse quality and availability varies significantly between campgrounds. At Julian Price Park Campground, one camper noted that "bathrooms are small for number of campers" while others pointed out that "the restrooms in A loop are old and need updating. There are no showers in A loop."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: Some campgrounds feature dedicated children's areas. Honey Bear Campground offers activities specifically designed for families. One visitor shared: "Good for kids - rootbeer float nights, outdoor movies with marshmellow pits, crerks to splash in. Full bathhouses, laundry & eben a gameroom. My kids loved the tire swings & animals!"
Site selection for space: Family groups need room for children to play safely. At Julian Price Park, a visitor recommended: "The 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."
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer nature centers and historic structures that appeal to children. At New River State Park, one visitor mentioned: "The nature center was very interactive and great for kids. We were too far away from the water to walk, so we missed out on that, which we were looking forward to, but overall a really nice experience."
Tips for RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many mountain campgrounds have sloped sites requiring leveling equipment. One visitor to Honey Bear Campground shared: "The sites are a little sloped, so have leveling equipment ready. The sites vary from small and close together, to medium size with established plumeria shrubs separating sites for some privacy."
Road access considerations: Mountain roads can be narrow and winding, making large RV navigation difficult. A visitor to Green Mountain Park warned: "The site was almost impossible to get the RV into and we took up the entire very tight space (no room for our Jeep)."
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups or convenient dump stations. At New River State Park, one RVer noted: "For noobs like us there weren't instructions at the dump site" highlighting the need for preparation when using these facilities.
