Best Camping Near Greensboro, NC (2026 Guide)
Greensboro is genuinely one of the best-positioned cities in North Carolina for camping. Within 15 minutes you can be setting up camp at a 409-acre county park with fishing ponds and natural surface trails. Within 45 minutes you’re at Pilot Mountain. Within an hour you’re in the Uwharrie National Forest for primitive backcountry camping. And for those who prefer full hookups and resort amenities, there are several excellent private campgrounds and RV parks right in the Greensboro area. Here’s your complete guide to camping near Greensboro, NC.
Camping Near Greensboro — By Distance
Within 30 Minutes of Greensboro
Hagan-Stone Park
5920 Hagan-Stone Park Rd, Pleasant Garden, NC 27313
Phone: (336) 641-2090
Website: guilfordcountync.gov
Distance: 15 min south of Greensboro on US-421
Sites: 86 total | Rates: $15/night (no hookups) | $20/night (with hookups)
Reservations: Call (336) 641-2090 or visit guilfordcountync.gov
The closest and most convenient camping destination to Greensboro — and one of the best county campgrounds in North Carolina. At just 15 minutes south of downtown on US-421 toward Pleasant Garden, Hagan-Stone Park puts you on 409 acres of wildlife refuge and family campground without a lengthy drive. Most Greensboro locals don’t realize their best camping option is this close.
Camping sections:
- Section C — 41 open, grassed sites popular for camping clubs and large groups. Accommodates units up to 45 feet with 30- and 50-amp service. Dump station on-site.
- Section B — 29 wooded sites with more privacy. 30-amp electrical service, campfire ring and picnic table at each site.
- Individual Tent Sites — 16 tent sites with water and restroom/shower facilities. No electrical connections. Maximum 8 people per site. Each includes tent pad, fire ring, picnic table, and parking.
- Group Tent Camping — 3 group sites for organized groups of 10–40 people with large fire rings and space for multiple tents.
On-site activities: 9.1 miles of natural surface trails, 4 fishing ponds + lake ($1 permit), Aquatic Center (seasonal), Bradley’s Fun For All Playground (fully accessible), kayak and canoe rentals, dog park, picnic shelters, horseshoes, volleyball, cross-country running trail.
Quiet hours: 11 PM–7 AM
Best for: Families, first-time campers, RV camping, tent camping, fishing, groups, the most convenient camping from Greensboro
Don’t miss: Section B’s wooded sites for the most private tent camping experience
Oak Hollow Campground — High Point
3431 N Centennial St, High Point, NC 27265
Phone: (336) 883-3498
Website: highpointnc.gov
Distance: ~20 min from Greensboro
Sites: 107 RV full hookup sites + 13 tent platforms
Open: Year-round
Located within the 1,550-acre Oak Hollow Park, many of the campsites border the scenic shores of Oak Hollow Lake. The most comprehensive campground within 20 minutes of Greensboro with 107 full hookup RV sites and 13 tent platforms. Reviewers consistently praise the state park-like atmosphere, reasonable prices, clean facilities, and beautiful lakeside settings. Fishing and paddling on Oak Hollow Lake right from camp.
Best for: RV campers, full hookup needs, families, lakeside camping
Don’t miss: Request a lakeside site — they book fast and the views are exceptional
Greensboro Campground (KOA)
2300 Montreal Ave, Greensboro, NC 27406
Phone: (336) 274-4143
Website: koa.com/campgrounds/greensboro
Distance: ~10 min from downtown Greensboro (in-city)
Open: Year-round
The Greensboro KOA is pet-friendly with partially or fully-shaded full-hookup sites with up to 50-amp service. Sites are large and can accommodate big rigs up to 70 feet. Wi-Fi, pool, propane, and firewood on-site. The most convenient campground for those visiting Greensboro for events, concerts at First Horizon Coliseum, or exploring the city’s restaurants and attractions.
Best for: RV campers, big rigs, Greensboro base camp, pool access, Wi-Fi
Note: Urban, amenity-focused experience — perfect if you want to explore Greensboro while camping
30–60 Minutes from Greensboro
Pilot Mountain State Park
1792 Pilot Knob Park Rd, Pinnacle, NC 27043
Phone: (336) 325-2355
Website: ncparks.gov/state-parks/pilot-mountain-state-park
Distance: ~50 min west
Sites: 49 total | Rates: $20/night standard | $13/night primitive
Reservations: ncparks.gov (up to 6 months in advance)
One of the most iconic camping experiences in the NC Piedmont. The Jomeokee Campground sits near the base of Pilot Mountain’s stunning quartzite knob — the same distinctive landmark that’s been visible across the region for centuries. The combination of summit views, hiking trails, Dan River access for paddling and fishing, and the overall atmosphere makes Pilot Mountain one of the best overnight camping destinations within an hour of Greensboro. Peak fall foliage arrives around October 23rd — one of the most beautiful camping weekends of the year.
On-site activities: Hiking (Jomeokee Trail, Ledge Spring Trail), fishing, paddling on the Dan River, mountain biking, rock climbing.
Features: Hot showers, flush toilets, picnic tables, fire rings. Primitive sites available.
Best for: Hiking enthusiasts, families, fall foliage, Dan River paddling
Don’t miss: Summit views at sunrise — arrive early on peak fall weekends
Hanging Rock State Park
1790 Hanging Rock Park Rd, Danbury, NC 27016
Phone: (336) 593-8480
Website: ncparks.gov/state-parks/hanging-rock-state-park
Distance: ~45 min north
Sites: 73 (Family Campground) | Rates: $20/night
Reservations: ncparks.gov
⚠️ 2026 Important Notice: The Family Campground at Hanging Rock State Park is closed for approximately 10-12 months for the construction of two new shower house facilities and campsite improvements. Confirm current status at ncparks.gov before booking. Primitive Group Camping remains available (Sept 5, 2026–March 4, 2027) with reservations required at least 1 day in advance.
When the Family Campground reopens, Hanging Rock is a peaceful mountain getaway about 45 minutes from Greensboro with five waterfalls, a swimming lake, 20+ miles of hiking, mountain bike and horse trails, and Dan River access for tubing and kayaking.
Best for: Hikers, waterfall seekers, fall foliage (peaks mid-to-late October)
⚠️ Confirm Family Campground status at ncparks.gov before reserving
Heaven In The Hills Campground
Westfield, NC (between Hanging Rock and Pilot Mountain)
Website: Search hipcamp.com or campspot.com for availability
Distance: ~45 min from Greensboro
A peaceful private campground on 85 acres of lush forest with scenic trails, two tranquil creeks, and spacious campsites. Perfectly located between Hanging Rock and Pilot Mountain State Parks with quick access to hiking, ziplining, and disc golf. Dog park, playground, and serene walking paths on site. An excellent private alternative when state park campgrounds are full or while Hanging Rock’s campground is under improvement.
Best for: Dog owners, families, private campground with trail access, base camp for two state parks
Deep River Campground
Asheboro, NC (~45 min southeast)
Website: deeprivercampground.com
Distance: ~45 min southeast
Nestled along the historic Deep River, this scenic hillside park features full-service RV sites, cozy cabins, a five-acre stocked fishing lake, and 20 acres of groomed nature trails. Guests can relax by the hillside pool, enjoy the playground, game room, and camp store, or explore the riverfront park with an 1800s-era dam and small beach area. An excellent option for combining camping with a visit to the NC State Zoo in Asheboro.
Best for: RV camping, families, NC State Zoo visit, fishing, cabins available
1–1.5 Hours from Greensboro
Uwharrie National Forest
Multiple access points | Troy, NC 27371
Phone: (910) 576-6391
Website: fs.usda.gov/nfsnc
Distance: ~1 hr south
Rates: From $5/night primitive | Developed sites vary
Reservations: recreation.gov
The oldest mountain range in North America and the most rewarding backcountry camping experience near Greensboro. The Uwharrie National Forest covers 50,000+ acres in Randolph and Montgomery Counties with options from developed Badin Lake sites to primitive walk-in camping along the Uwharrie Trail.
Key camping areas:
- Badin Lake Campground — main developed campground with flush toilets, some electric hookups, excellent lake access for boating, fishing, and swimming
- Arrowhead Campground — on the shores of Badin Lake with direct fishing and paddling access
- Primitive camping — dispersed primitive camping throughout the forest with a free permit; the Uwharrie Trail offers multi-day backpacking with primitive camping along the route
On-site activities: 20+ miles of hiking on the Uwharrie Trail, mountain biking on designated trails, off-road vehicle trails, fishing and paddling on Badin Lake, swimming.
Best for: Backpackers, mountain bikers, paddlers, backcountry experience, budget camping ($5/night primitive)
Don’t miss: A sunrise paddle on Badin Lake; multi-day backpacking on the Uwharrie Trail
Stone Mountain State Park
3042 Frank Pkwy, Roaring Gap, NC 28668
Phone: (336) 957-8185
Website: ncparks.gov/state-parks/stone-mountain-state-park
Distance: ~1.5 hrs west
Sites: 37 standard + primitive backcountry | Rates: $20/night standard | $13/night primitive
Reservations: ncparks.gov
One of the most spectacular camping destinations near Greensboro. Stone Mountain State Park’s 4,000-foot granite dome rising from the Appalachian foothills creates a dramatic backdrop. The park has excellent waterfall trails, premier granite rock climbing — one of the best climbing destinations in the Southeast — and backcountry primitive camping for those who want to earn their views.
On-site activities: Hiking (Stone Mountain Trail to the granite dome summit), rock climbing, fishing in headwater streams, waterfall trails, backcountry camping.
Best for: Rock climbers, waterfall hikers, backcountry backpackers, fall foliage (peaks mid-October)
Quick Reference Table
| Campground | Distance | Sites | Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hagan-Stone Park | 15 min south | 86 | $15–$20/night | Closest to GSO, families, RV, tent |
| Greensboro KOA | 10 min (in-city) | Various | Varies | RV, big rigs, city base camp |
| Oak Hollow (High Point) | 20 min | 107 RV + 13 tent | Varies | Lakeside, full hookups |
| Pilot Mountain SP | 50 min west | 49 | $13–$20/night | Iconic views, hiking, fall foliage |
| Hanging Rock SP | 45 min north | 73 | $20/night | ⚠️ Family campground closed 2026 |
| Heaven In The Hills | 45 min north | Various | Varies | Private, between two state parks |
| Deep River Campground | 45 min SE | Various | Varies | RV, cabins, NC Zoo |
| Uwharrie NF | 1 hr south | Various | From $5/night | Backcountry, biking, paddling |
| Stone Mountain SP | 1.5 hrs west | 37 + primitive | $13–$20/night | Rock climbing, waterfalls |
Tips for Camping Near Greensboro
- Book early for state parks — Pilot Mountain and Uwharrie fill up on fall weekends. Reserve up to 6 months in advance at ncparks.gov.
- ⚠️ Hanging Rock Family Campground is closed in 2026 — confirm status before booking. Primitive Group Camping available.
- Hagan-Stone is massively underrated — 15 minutes from downtown, 9.1 miles of trails, fishing ponds, and 86 sites. The best-kept camping secret near Greensboro.
- Fall is the ideal season — September through November means cool nights, fall color, fewer bugs, and less crowded parks. Peak Pilot Mountain foliage arrives around October 23rd.
- Uwharrie for budget camping — at $5/night for primitive sites, the Uwharrie National Forest is the best value camping near Greensboro by a mile.
- Spring is the second best season — April and May bring wildflowers and comfortable temps before summer heat.
