Hanging Rock State Park Campground

We went late April on a weekend. The place was pretty packed. I think many people from Raleigh and Winston Salem come here because it's so close. We stayed until Monday, most of the people left on Sunday and Monday it was fairly empty. The park has 5 waterfalls I believe. Some are shorter hikes but almost all the hikes involve a steep hill climb of stairs. We got our workout in seeing all the sites. The bathhouses seemed kind of dated, the showers were very small with even smaller doors that didn't leave much to the imagination. You could see everything from chest up and knees down. They gave you hooked to hang your things outside the door but that would involve being naked in front of everyone to retrieve your things. We had a camper so I used my own shower. Most of the sites are small and very close together. They do control burns often so there isn't any bushes giving you privacy. I'd suggest going during the week when there is less people. We stayed in site 11 because it was one of the few long enough for our 25ft camper. No hook ups or dump stations.

We pitched a tent at campsite #20, and the area was really well kept. Fairly private, very quiet, and opened up to a big forest area. It was low/mid 30's overnight so the kids were really cold and we ended up having to cut the trip short (warmed up nicely during the day, though). 

I'm not sure if it was the season or another issue, but water spigots and restrooms on our loop were not functional. Working restrooms on the other loop were very nice and well-maintained, but a pretty good drive away. Dishwashing stations on both loops did not have taps so they were also non-functional… again, I'm not sure if it's a seasonal thing or if everything was just out of commission for whatever reason. 

I think firewood was supposed to be available to purchase from the host site near self-check-in, but we didn't see any. Husband went out & eventually found some at what he called a "general store" with an honor box – not sure where exactly. 

Hiked the Hanging Rock Trail and it was AWESOME! Easy/moderate hike to the big warning sign, then more strenuous going all the way up to the top of the cliff. The views were incredible and definitely worth it! Sore the next day 😆 There were a lot of people and dogs on the trail, it's a popular spot. 

Our experience was honestly 4-star, but I know this is a great spot and deserves 5. Wish we could have stayed longer and seen more, but we'll have to go back when it's warmer. Great place with a lot to see and do that's close to home for us :)

We spent one night at Hanging Rock State Park on our way home to West Virginia from South Carolina. Unfortunately, lack of time and rain kept us from taking advantage of the myriad of trails to explore in the park. After our arrival on Saturday afternoon, we had enough time to hike to the top of the overlook and enjoy the scenic views before returning to our campsite for dinner. Sadly, Mother Nature thought we needed some rain, which continued all evening into the next day.

While the sites in the campground can accommodate small RV's or trailers, they aren't easy to get into. Many of the parking areas in the sites aren't diagonal to the roadway, which makes backing in difficult. It is evident this campsite was designed primarily for tent camping.

The views from the overlook are spectacular but the hike was a bit more strenuous than anticipated. The sign at the visitor center parking lot says it is 1.3 miles but it seems much further. The path is wide and well maintained up to the base of the overlook. Beyond that much of the ground has been washed out around the rock steps, which can be a bit difficult to navigate. Especially for those with shorter legs.

The bathrooms were clean and well kept but we ran out of hot water late in the evening, which was likely due to campers showering after a recent rainstorm.

Overall the park and campground are nice but the sites aren't very accommodating for travel trailers. Even one as small as ours, which is only about 10' long. The views from the overlook were the best part of the experience.

Our site was HUGE, private and right near the bathroom with hot showers and large basin sinks for doing dishes. But the best part was that right behind the site was a trail and stream where I relaxed and had my coffee in the mornings while my dog cooled off in the water. There was no one at any of the sites near us, it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. I do not drink but the friends I went with do and we did not see anything posted on the website about alcohol not being allowed until we arrived at the campground, kind of misleading but I prefer it as the campgrounds are usually quieter if they are dry. There are trails right around the campsite but so many greats spots nearby not to be missed; Lower Cascades, Hanging Rock Trail (yes that looming rain cloud got us), Upper Cascades, Rock Garden, Tory’s Den Waterfall & Cave. All easy hikes, only the Hanging Rock Trail was a bit long for my 12 year old dog but he rocked it and the view at the top was amazing. All of these places get crowded so definitely go, but go early!

Two weeks ago, my Scout troop (Troop 2 out of High Point)  used campsite 3 in the group area.  It was perfect for us.  We've stayed at several others before as well.  While a student at Wake, I hiked the trails frequently.   So, I know the park pretty well. 

The SP is in a great location, especially if you are in Central NC.  There is easy access, and good roads for a decent driver.  The roads are marked well.  

The park is also close to a good canoe/kayak rental outfitter called The Dan River Company.   (If you want a craft beer after your trek, they have a small tavern there.)

The campsites in the group areas were good and clean.  There were picnic tables and fire rings.  Our site actually had 3 fire rings with benches and 4 picnic tables.   These are rustic, which is fine for me.  If you are looking for showers and gravel tent pads, don't stay there.   Frankly, I'd just as soon as camp on concrete as a gravel tent pad.  There is also a mowed field next to the group campsites to play in or just chill and watch the stars. Oh, and the ranger basically encouraged us to hike and roam the park at night.  I don't think I've ever had a ranger ask if I planned to drive around a park at night. 

The trails to the top are made for hikers and people who walk.  You will not get up to either summit by driving or riding anything.  The trails aren't that tough, but are going to test you if you do not get out much.   I prefer the view from Moore's Knob.

There are a lot of reasons to love Hanging Rock State Park. That’s why it is probably my favorite state park in North Carolina.  However, I am torn between giving it two stars and giving it five stars.  In general, I would give the park five stars, but for the camping facilities, I would rate it two stars.  There is so much to do without having to leave the state park.  First, let’s look at the park itself, and close to the end I will discuss the campground.

To get to the park, you drive through beautiful rolling hills. The park has a modern visitor center with a nature center and friendly rangers.  There are lots of trails to explore, but they are not just trails to nowhere.  There are five waterfalls to see, a climbing access area, Cook’s Wall, and much more.  Moore’s Wall Loop Trail is a 4.3 mile strenuous hike, and it begins by walking by the lake.  There is a platform about halfway through the hike in which you can see the skylines of Greensboro and Winston-Salem.  My favorite trail is the Hanging Rock Trail, which is listed as moderate.  Parts of it are moderate, very short stretches are easy, and much of it is strenuous.  The last part of the Hanging Rock Trail is the most difficult, but the view at the end is worth the hike because it is spectacular.  From the hanging rock (I should say rocks since there are more than one), you can see for many miles across several counties.  The shortest hike to see a waterfall is relatively easy and is only three-tenths of a mile one way.  The lake has a swimming beach with mountains in the background, and there are also rowboats and canoes for rent.  According to what I understand from their website, canoe rentals and concession stands at the lake are open weekends only in the spring and fall (10am - 5:30pm).   I was hoping to take my kayaks next time, but unfortunately, private boats are not allowed.  Two large picnic shelters are also close to the lake. 

Here is why I would give it two stars.  The camping sites are shaded and spacious with picnic tables, lantern poles, and fire rings, but the bathroom facility is outdated (built in the 1960s).  Even though it has hot water, it is NOT handicap accessible, and the shower doors are narrow.  If you are not a skinny person, you might have trouble squeezing through the shower doors.  There are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups; however, there is access to water by way of frostproof hydrants. The campground hosts were very helpful and answered my questions.  You can also purchase bundles of firewood since taking your own firewood into the park is frowned upon.  If you are like me, however, and camp to experience the outdoors, you will not want to stay at your campsite very long.  There are just too many things to explore at this state park.  If you are going and want to truly experience the park, plan to camp at least three nights.  One day you can explore Upper Cascades falls and the hanging rock.  On another day, you can hike the Moore’s Wall trail and cool off in the lake.  On another day, see a couple more waterfalls or hike the Reuben Mountain Trail.

There is also a group camping area.  I took the Boy Scouts there once, so I decided to visit this time to see if it was still the same.  They have added bathrooms and more well-defined tent sites—quite an improvement since the last time.