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About
Hanging Rock State Park
Just 30 miles north of Winston-Salem, Hanging Rock State Park is located in the Sauratown Mountain Range. Named for the early Saura peoples who once inhabited the area, this range towers over the surrounding country, with peaks reaching nearly 2600 feet in elevation. The park derives its name from the large quartzite escarpment that “hangs” over the valley below. Established in 1936, the park initially encompassed 3100 acres, but has grown to 7900 acres since 2015. With its proximity to the suburban areas of Stokes County, the park serves as a backyard playground for hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, rock climbers, paddlers, anglers and campers.
The 73-site campground in Hanging Rock State Park is an ideal basecamp for enjoying all the outdoor activities the park has to offer. Campsites can accommodate tents, popups and limited RVs; there are no hookups or dump stations at this location. Each site is equipped with picnic tables, grills and tent pads. Drinking water is available at several locations in the campground, and there are two bathhouses with hot showers. There are also five primitive group campsites with picnic tables and fire circles; drinking water and vault toilets are available nearby. If you don’t feel like roughing it, the park also offers 10 vacation cabins. Each of these are equipped with a kitchen, bathroom and sleeping accommodations for up to six.
When you’re ready to play, there are more than 20 miles of multiuse trails in Hanging Rock State Park for hiking, biking and riding. Trails vary in length and difficulty, so drop by the visitor center and pick up a trail map. For the mobility impaired, there is a 0.1-mile path to the Rock Garden. Anglers can enjoy casting for bass, sunfish, and catfish either by boat or wading on the park’s small lake. Canoe and rowboat rentals are available for paddling on the lake, or you can bring your own gear for paddling or fishing on the Dan River. Rock climbing is permitted on the 400-foot-high Cook’s Wall and Moore’s Wall. For just kicking it under the trees, the park has several picnic areas, as well as an exhibit hall and concession stand.
Operator
State
Access
Drive In
Walk In
Hike In
Boat In
Contact
Location
Hanging Rock State Park
is located in
North Carolina
24 Reviews of Hanging Rock State Park
Clean campground
Great camp sites. Only one trail out of campsites. Others you have to drive to. Great hiking for all levels.
Everything you could want in a campground
NC campgrounds do it right! There are trash and recycling receptacles located every few campsites. Four dishwashing stations set up behind the restroom. This park has lots of hiking trails, waterfalls, a swimming lake, great fishing, newts to catch, places for kids to explore. We hammock camped and it was wonderful. Located in a beautiful area of NC with the cutest towns surrounding it. I'd love to go back.
Quiet and Private
Another large but empty campground, with 73 campsites and two loops you have lots of spots to choose from. Every site is tent or trailer ready, with picnic tables, campfire ring, tent pads, and the ability to pitch two tents. However, there is no hookups or dumping station at this campground. They do have hot showers, sinks, drinking water, and flush toilets. The sites are not able to be reserved, so it is a first-come-first-serve basis.
The trails here are great, right in the middle of the campground you can hike basically straight up for a mile or so and reach the observation tower which overs amazing 360 degree views. Definitely a must see view.
Something for Everyone
We take an annual summer trip here. The waterfall hikes, beach with concession area and nearby tubing down the Dan River make this a great campground to explore the beautiful NC mountains. The campsites and restrooms are well maintained and the camp hosts are knowledgeable and friendly.
Great first experience with a toddler
This was a close (1 hour drive) from Winston Salem and was the perfect first tent camping experience! Tons of beautiful trails, some with waterfalls, and a great beach! Camp site was mexcellent! Just enough privacy and clean bathrooms, plenty of water spickets! We will be back!
Lots of hiking trails!
Great campground for car camping with great views! There are over 20 miles of trails to hike that lead to waterfalls and beautiful mountain views. Swimming is also an option during the summer months. The bathhouse is closed during the winter months to avoid frozen pipes. There is a privey available just across the road from the bathhouse but you need to bring your own toilet paper.
Well run and clean
Great campground for car/ family camping. Access to the hiking trails in Hanging Rock is great! Just be aware of the times the gates close because you can get locked out!
Laid back easy going.
Amazing bath houses with plenty of hot water.
They had a controlled burn during our stay and refused a full refund because it was very neat to watch and didn't bother us.
Ranger was very nice and helpful with firewood and directions.
We go at least once a year.
Kids bring your bikes!!
spacious
Spacious camp sites within walking distance to the lake which offers daily swimming for $5 a person. They also offer canoe rentals for $5/hr. Camp site restrooms offer free hot showers. The negatives are the camp sites are rocky and bathrooms are bug ridden, but hey you are camping in NC, so that should be expected. overall we enjoyed ourselves. we’ve camped here twice and we will return.
Nice simple campground
This is a decent campground in a great area for hiking and exploring. I will say the tent pads are hard packed so tough on the back unless you bring air mattress. Bathrooms are very clean and rangers patrol a lot to keep things in control although sometimes it feels as though they are 'watching you' a bit much. I've never had problems here with noise or crowds.
