Tent camping near Wilkesboro, North Carolina offers campers access to unique geological features at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The area sits at elevations ranging from 950 to 1,300 feet, creating mild temperature variations between valley floors and higher campsites. Most campgrounds in the region experience typical Piedmont weather patterns with summer highs in the upper 80s and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: W. Kerr Scott Visitor Assistance Center serves as the trailhead for the Overmountain Victory Trail. "Great trails for all levels of mt bikers. About 13 miles one way and return to visitors center," notes Kim L. from W. Kerr Scott Visitor Assistance Center.
Gem mining activities: Hiddenite Family Campground is located near the town of Hiddenite, a famous gem mining area. "This campground is close to its namesake town of Hiddenite, which is a famous gem mining area known for gemstones such as hiddenite (spodumene), emeralds, sapphires, etc.," reports Myron C. from Hiddenite Family Campground.
Creek exploration: Many campsites feature access to streams and small bodies of water. At Self Sufficient Holler, campers can "do dishes by the water pump" and use "the community area by the stream," according to LaRee S., who appreciated the property's water features.
Fishing opportunities: Blue Bear Mountain Camp offers fishing at their small pond. "We caught a trout in the pond right away," mentions Kristen J., noting that while the "hike to the pond was a little more strenuous than we anticipated," the fishing was immediately rewarding.
What campers like
Temperature relief: Higher elevation campgrounds provide cooler conditions during summer months. At Blue Bear Mountain Camp, Mandy R. appreciates that "the weather is so much cooler in the summer there (70-80 in July!)," making tent camping more comfortable during hot months.
Unique sleeping arrangements: Some campgrounds offer alternative accommodations beyond standard tent sites. "What a magical experience floating in the trees surrounded by fire flies!" writes LaRee S. about the suspended tree tent at Self Sufficient Holler, describing it as feeling "like a bouncy tree house" with a lower level that "serves as a great 'garage' for all your gear."
Secluded settings: Many campgrounds provide private spaces away from crowds. At Growing Faith Farms & Retreat, Yuriy-Sarah G. found that "location is private and secluded, yet within reasonable driving distance to stores and other attractions like hiking/biking/kayaking."
Camp kitchens: Some sites offer cooking facilities beyond standard fire pits. At Self Sufficient Holler, the "fully equipped camp kitchen and fire pit" includes "a rocket stove in the earth next to the pit" which "will give you a fire no matter what," even in wet conditions.
What you should know
Water access varies widely: Not all campgrounds provide reliable drinking water. At Basin Cove, Julie L. warns, "There is NO clean water source, you have to bring a filter system with you," highlighting the importance of proper preparation for primitive sites.
Hiking required for some sites: Some campgrounds require physical effort to reach. Basin Cove offers "NO vehicle access at all, you have to hike a mile into the campsite," according to Julie L., though she notes "the hike in is excellent, as it follows the river along the way."
Site amenities differ: Campgrounds offer varying levels of basic amenities. Basin Cove has "no picnic tables but each site does have wood logs as seats," while other campgrounds provide more facilities. Julie L. notes that Basin Cove has "fire pits and food storage lockers on site."
Road conditions can be challenging: Access roads to some campgrounds may require appropriate vehicles. Christian mentions that Basin Cove "has no paved roads so bring a truck or suv sedans will get stuck easily."
Tips for camping with families
Check bathhouse facilities: Bathroom accessibility varies between campgrounds. At Growing Faith Farms & Retreat, Yuriy-Sarah G.'s kids loved "the convenience of the bathhouse" which contributed to their assessment that it was "the best camping trip we've had in a long while."
Look for beginner-friendly trails: Some areas offer hiking appropriate for less experienced campers. Hollz describes Basin Cove as "great for taking beginner backcountry tent/hammock campers" with an "easy hike in, but far enough that you won't find high-maintenance campers or crowds."
Consider amenity access: Family camping often requires more facilities. Kristen J. noted at Blue Bear Mountain Camp that "I wish there was a playground for the kids but overall it was very nice," indicating the campground otherwise met family needs with "nice and clean" bathhouses.
Seek activity variety: Families benefit from multiple recreation options. Yuriy-Sarah G. appreciated that Growing Faith Farms & Retreat offered "plenty of great things to do locally, from hiking and waterfalls to apple picking."
Tips from RVers
Water fill stations: Many campgrounds lack direct hookups but offer alternatives. At Boone Fork Campground, campers can access drinking water at central locations rather than individual sites, requiring advance planning for water needs.
Site spacing: RV campers often value separation between sites. Mandy R. notes that at Blue Bear Mountain Camp, "the camper spots are very spacious" with spots C1-C3 being "completely shaded," with C3 described as "the best by far!"
Access road considerations: Large vehicles face challenges on mountain roads. Kristen J. cautions that at Blue Bear Mountain Camp, "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."
Electric without water: RV campers should note unusual hookup configurations. Mandy R. explains that Blue Bear Mountain Camp does "not have water hookups - you fill your camper tank with water at the office area. They have spots with electric hookups."
