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.

Hanging Rock State Park Campground

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.

This is a great state park for hiking, seeing waterfalls, and for views!

We had some awesome hikes here! The campground was so close to the trail heads and it was off season so we had the place to ourselves! Has a very safe feel to it- even when it's just you there. Loved checking out the fall foliage- this place is a must see!

Cool little spot!

We camped here for the Reach the Peaks trail running race and it was a great experience.  The trails were very challenging and the views were spectacular. Definitely worth the trip.

Hanging Rock States Park

We had an amazing experience here. There are not many campsites so make sure you make reservations in advance. When we stayed, the weather was absolutely perfect. You are just close enough to the mountains to feel that refreshing mountain air. Yet, it's only a 3 hour drive from the Triangle. We will most definitely be back. This has been our favorite NC campground so far.

Awesome place to camp with family

Another great getaway from the suburb hustle and bustle of Greensboro. Only a short 45 minute drive will get you to this spot for a quick day trip or a few nights. Super pet friendly and well maintained campground. The campground bathrooms/facilities close in December and re-opens mid March. There are pit toilets available during the off-season. Amenities include picnic tables, grills and tent pads. There are showers, flush toilets and large utility sinks for dish washing and other non-hygiene related tasks.

The hiking here is top-notch especially in the fall as the leaves turn all sorts of amazing colors. There are several waterfalls with nice swimming pools (for you or your pups). Take a few days to explore this spot!

Beautiful Waterfalls!

had a wonderful time with children .many waterfalls and hiking trails

very nice

**RANGER REVIEW: Mountain House New Homestyle Turkey Dinner Casserole at Hanging Rock State Park, Danbury, NC**

**CAMPGROUND REVIEW**: **HANGING ROCK STATE PARK**

Locating Hanging Rock State Park was not a simple task as it is well off the beaten path… most great parks are…but once there, you’ve found a gem! (Google Maps directions were inaccurate).At over 8,000 acres…offering trails of all length and difficultly level, multiple waterfalls, lake, scenic long views and picnic areas…it is no wonder it is claimed to be the most beautiful park in North Carolina. [https://www.ncparks.gov/hanging-rock-state-park](https://www.ncparks.gov/hanging-rock-state-park)

Rich in history, the mid 1930’s through 1942 saw the CCC construct most of what you still see and use here at Hanging Rock. Their stonework and creativity has stood the test of time. During an earlier war many elevated locations were were used as hideaways for British by sympathizers

Park roadway signage directs you to your desired destination within the park.

[https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CHLjG8FrpRg](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CHLjG8FrpRg)

There are 73 campsites, separated into two loops…sites 1-42 in the main loop and 43-73 in the second more linear “loop”. Campground loop roads are one way to eliminate confusion.

Individual camp sites are rather spacious, and offer 40-50’ between sites. Gravel parking pads are different lengths and shapes (most appear long enough for a pop-up or medium length RV/Camper) and are outlined by 12”x12” timber pylons jutting from the ground about a foot high. These short massive posts no doubt keep vehicle and trailer from wandering beyond the parking pad…but are a fantastic tripping hazard day or night. There is some “breakup” between sites from mature trees but your neighbors are still visible.

The tent pads are elevated 3-4 inches, outlined by horizontal timbers and backfilled with fine pea gravel and sand. Easy on the knees, tent floor and when inserting tent stakes. Site 35’s tent pad was 13’x 19’ And fairly level. However, it appeared each site had a different sized pad based on terrain and available space. Some outer loop sites have some steeper drop-aways, so split-rail fences outline the tent pad, picnic area or both for safety.

The park is heavily forested, so shade is abundant. During mid-May, it was warm, dry and enjoyed a constant refreshing breeze.

Water spigots dot the campground loop roadway every few sites, so it is a short walk to fill up. Secure trash receptacles are spread out further but still plentiful. No electric and sketchy cell service (at best)…of which the payphone at the information board reminds you. Make the hike up to Moore’s Knob and you’ll find decent cell phone reception, if need be.

Reservations are recommended and online is suggested. Arriving during business hours, available sites can be reserved and paid at the Visitor’s Center. After hours, payment of cash or check only can be made with the campground host as you enter the campground area. Each numbered site marker has a unique flag that flips up and over it’s site number denoting the site is reserved. Site cost per night were $18, which is a great price considering what this park offers.

The centrally located showerhouse is clean and functional. The ladies called it ‘dated’ …but I liked the authentic retro look. The lights remain illuminated throughout, so it draws local insects…some monstrous! Huge beetles and stink bugs clung to the screen door desiring entrance. A hornet the size of a hummingbird circled the yellow porch light, with its buzzing eclipsing all other night sounds.

The second loop is more linear, has a newer showerhouse (with electrical outlets). Sites to the left have the campground roadway behind them, so they may experience traffic noise…but with gates locking at 10 p.m. traffic is halted…and those sites appeared to be closer together. The outer sites are more private and enjoy spacious forest behind them.

Shower houses are not open year-round, even though the park is. So there are still “outhouse style” singular pit latrines present.

Whitetail deer mosey past your site and linger during the evening…ample squirrel and robins, woodpeckers and cardinals compete for air time. Skinks, newts and salamanders populate these wooded lands and scurry about. There are snakes, some venomous, but unfortunately, none were observed on our visit.

The miles of trails are wonderful and well-traveled. Being known as “the mountains away from the mountains,” we did not hike any flat trails. Trails either go up or down…but each offer spectacular destinations and views. I highly recommend every trail and every waterfall. And yes, both Moore’s Knob and Hanging Rock are the highest elevations…offering fabulous views.

The visitor’s center is the hub where many trails originate…and is a tremendous little facility full of local information. Staff personnel and Park Rangers are extremely helpful. Restrooms and water are located inside and outside the facility. The parking lot is expansive and the large number of day-use picnic tables, grills and shelters let you know this park gets a tremendous amount of use during peak times.

Another, often overlooked feature is 7.2 miles of the Mountain To Sea Trail travels through this splendid park.

For a mid-May Monday night, we shared the campground with five other campers…but weekends and holidays are ordinarily full so secure your reservations online well in advance.

Hanging Rock State Park made my list for future visits!

**PRODUCT REVIEW: MOUNTAIN HOUSE NEW HOMESTYLE TURKEY DINNER CASSEROLE**

Having enjoyed Mountain House dinners on numerous camping and backpacking occasions, I welcomed the opportunity to try Mountain House's new Turkey Dinner Casserole.

Mountain House's heritage is a rich Red, White and Blue one. Many don't realize that Oregon Freeze Dry began making nutritious meals, named LRP "Long Range Patrol" rations for our U.S. Military Special Operations units. MCW, "Meals Cold Weather" were designed to meet the needs of Special Forces operating in every adverse climate and condition on the planet. As opportunities arose and civilian demand increased, Mountain House began labeling and producing wonderful meals for both the front and backcountry. [https://www.mountainhouse.com/](https://www.mountainhouse.com/)

The convenience of preparing a delicious meal by merely boiling water and adding it to the pouch is quick and easy. In fact, you can even eat it directly from the pouch without having to use a separate pot or bowl. Just open the pouch, remove the silica packet, pour in the boiling water, stir for a minute or so…seal the pouch with it's "ziplock" style closure…wait five minutes, open and stir again…Presto! Your meals awaits!

Mountain House's new Turkey Dinner Casserole is the real deal. I found it delicious and very much like a Thanksgiving meal. Let it be known, I do not prefer stuffing and don't eat it at Thanksgiving or any other time…but..I found it to be very tasty and satisfying in this meal. [https://www.mountainhouse.com/M/product/homestyle-turkey-dinner-casserole.html?variant_id=235](https://www.mountainhouse.com/M/product/homestyle-turkey-dinner-casserole.html?variant_id=235)

My wife and I enjoyed this as our anniversary meal while camping…I spare no expense (free meal at an inexpensive campground…think frugal:) This particular meal provides two (2) servings, and if we had not been hiking most the day, it would have sufficed. I found myself desiring a bit more. Real chunks of turkey, stuffing, veggies, smothered in a thin gravy.

Mountain House offers various size pouches, some 1 serving, as well as, 2 serving, 2.5 serving pouches, Pro-paks, #10 cans, and multi-packs. They offer delicious breakfasts and delectable desserts.

Let’s just hang out!

This is a great campground for families! Fun lake to swim at during the summer and easy hikes to beautiful waterfalls. One of the best campgrounds in NC!

Great family campground

Hanging Rock campground is a popular spot for locals and visitors. It has both hook-ups and tent sites, with bath houses that provide showers, toilets and sinks. This campground is within walking distance to the lake - with a little beach where the kids can play and swim! There is a charge to swim in the lake, as well as rowboat rentals available! We enjoy hiking several trails in the area and there are many creeks for kids to explore! Several waterfalls are accessible in this park and enjoyed by all! Trails show signs of heavy traffic as pieces of trash are often found while hiking. The campground is kept very clean and we enjoy it!

Popular campground for locals and weekenders - great little hikes!  

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!

Well run and clean

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.

Lots of hiking trails!

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.

Quiet and Private

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.

Everything you could want in a campground

Facilities were clean and decent, although distances to restrooms can be pretty long from some sites.

Nice campground

Plenty of sites, clean facilities. The campsite is nestled in the trees. The staff was very helpful and friendly. Nice hikes with great views. Several waterfalls in the area, can’t wait to go back. 

Perfect 

Small, quiet, well shaded camp ground. Level gravel tent pad. Good hammock tees. Fire ring and table. Dogs welcome. Lots of nice trails and views. 

Love it

Positives:  

Decent sized sites
Quiet 
Tent pad, picnic table
Waterfalls on trails
Firewood sold $5
Hot showers 


Cons:

Lots of roots above ground on site
Trash can in front of site (slamming door not fun to listen to)
Needs better signs and more bathrooms
Needs more security 
Poor cell service
Pamphlets for local attracts not close 
Check in process

Nice Campground 

Hanging Rock is one of the best state parks in North Carolina. With breathtaking views from the cliffs, miles of hiking trails, a lake, and 5 waterfalls, it can keep you busy for a few days, or just over a weekend. I have been to the park throughout the year, in sunshine, rain, and snow, and always enjoyed it. I stayed at the family campground a few times. I usually book sites 3, 4 or 6 - they are spacious and conveniently located close to the bathroom as well as the hiking trail and the little stream behind the campground.

  

The sites are bigger than you would expect from a typical state park campground. The bathrooms and showers are clean and nice. The host is very nice.

One of the most diverse state parks in NC

Family campground is clean and well spaced. Facilities are reasonably clean.
But the view from the top is why we go, and keep going!

This is an NC “must hike” spot

Nice campground. Sites were level and bathrooms/showers were clean. Tons of great hiking trails all around. No hook ups. They clearly post no alcohol allowed as you enter the park and campground, but really? Well... rangers wander through at night to say hi but also to see if you have any banned beverages out. If so they will make you pour EVERYTHING out. Poor group of guys next to me lost about 4 cases of beer and a couple bottles of whiskey. Keep in mind and be discreet. 


No Alcohol Allowed!

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 &amp; 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! 

Perfect campground and location

I stayed at site #003 in the Family Campground at Hanging Rock State Park. This was a nice site with a decent amount of privacy thanks to the slight hill that backs the site. Each site has a sand pad for the tent, a concrete fire ring, and a picnic table - and each section is defined by railroad ties. There really isn't an option to put a tent up anywhere outside of the pad on this site. Water is located right next to the site, and the bathroom is right up the hill behind the site. The bathroom has flush toilets and showers, but the showers aren't very inviting. The sites are pretty spaced out, and you don't feel like you are too close to your neighbor. Overall, my stay was nice, but I definitely prefer a more primitive campground.

Well spaced sites

Spent two nights at Site 67. Nice large site with no other sites behind it and nice distance to neighbors on either side. Camp ground host and park rangers very welcoming and helpful. Wood $5 a bundle from camp host. Self check-in board at camp host site. Completely full Saturday night in September, but lots of empty sites on Sunday night. 

Good for Tent Camping

Campground is a good size and the trail is challenging but short. I visit mostly for the views at the top. It's a beautiful spot to look out and see Winston Salem! It is a good area for family camping. 

Great view

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.

Cozy Campsite for Tent Campers and Small Trailers

Great open and spacious camping lots in the trees. They are also located along the hiking path for Moore's Wall and a short walk to the beach where you can swim out to a large floating platform or just hang out in the sand.

Hanging Rock NC

Nice campground with spacious campground sites.  If you like hiking... this park is perfect!  Hanging rock is a beautiful spot.. go early cuz it gets busy.  Lots of waterfalls as well.  

But if you want the lake you’ll have to pay extra per person to use. As well as rent boats &amp; boards... can’t bring your own. 

Pretty campground, great hiking, lame lake

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 &amp; 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 :)

Lovely, but March was maybe not the *best* time to go for us ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Campground was clean with large camp sites. Quiet at night. Family friendly. Nice restroom and shower facilities. Close proximity to canoeing, kayaking, and great hiking trails.

Hanging Rock

It’s all pretty much primitive, but it is so beautiful. The streams are so clean so much hiking there’s a lake that you can go swimming there’s never anything not to do.