- Thread starter
- #21
Didn't mak it camping but tried to salvage the weekend. Running Boards came off and we went exploring.
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
Here is a quick search on the NC State Park site for Drive In Camping. Many of these are closed for the season, though.
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
The site of Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, with impressive cliffs overlooking the Neuse River, has been a landmark for centuries.
Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Falls Lake State Recreation Area is a collective of seven access areas scattered around the shoreline of this undeveloped, 12,000-acre reservoir.
Goose Creek State Park
The eight miles of trails at Goose Creek State Park lead visitors through a broad range of coastal experiences—live oaks draped in Spanish moss, wetlands along the Pamlico Sound and a cypress swamp
Hanging Rock State Park
Since its creation as a 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps project, Hanging Rock State Park has offered the best of a traditional outdoor experience with 73-site campground, picnic grounds, stocked
Jones Lake State Park
Jones Lake State Park has long been a community destination for lazy picnics under the shade of tall pines and swimming in the lake’s shallow, warm waters.
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is a collective of nine access areas scattered around the shoreline of this undeveloped, 14,000-acre reservoir.
Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
Kerr Lake State Recreation Area is a collective of eight access areas scattered around the shoreline of this 50,000-acre reservoir that reaches into Virginia.
Lake Norman State Park
Lake Norman State Park, on the largest manmade lake in North Carolina, boasts one of the region’s more popular mountain biking network, offering 30.5 miles of single-track trail.
Lumber River State Park
On a national wild and scenic river, Lumber River State Park is all about eastern North Carolina paddling, fishing and exquisite scenery.
Medoc Mountain State Park
Serenity seems to pervade Medoc Mountain State Park, enhanced by gentle Fishing Creek and a scenic open meadow that spreads from the picnic grounds.
Merchants Millpond State Park
Southern swamp and hardwood forest mingle at Merchants Millpond State Park, adorning the landscape with massive bald cypress trees, beech groves, Spanish moss and exotic wildlife.
Morrow Mountain State Park
Choose an adventure at Morrow Mountain State Park, whether it’s hiking, camping, paddling, fishing, horseback riding, swimming or just taking in scenery on one of the highest points in the piedmont
New River State Park
The New River was named a National Wild and Scenic River in 1976 and it wildly winds through some of the best North Carolina mountain scenery.
Pettigrew State Park
Visitors can explore 16,000-acre Lake Phelps and its surrounding landscape by land or water at Pettigrew State Park.
Pilot Mountain State Park
Rising abruptly more than 2,000 feet, Pilot Mountain has been a navigational landmark for centuries, and is a recreational landmark as well, offering miles of trails, camping, climbing and spectacu
South Mountains State Park
In one of the state’s most rugged areas, South Mountains State Park features elevations to 3,000 feet, an 80-foot waterfall, mountain streams and more than 40 miles of trails for hikers, equestrian
Stone Mountain State Park
The massive granite dome at Stone Mountain State Park keeps watch on park visitors enjoying nearly every type of outdoor activity – camping, hiking, climbing, fishing, picnicking, horseback riding
William B. Umstead State Park
Hikers, trail runners, bicyclists and equestrians cherish the extensive network of hiking and multi-use trails at William B. Umstead State Park.
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
The site of Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, with impressive cliffs overlooking the Neuse River, has been a landmark for centuries.
Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Falls Lake State Recreation Area is a collective of seven access areas scattered around the shoreline of this undeveloped, 12,000-acre reservoir.
Goose Creek State Park
The eight miles of trails at Goose Creek State Park lead visitors through a broad range of coastal experiences—live oaks draped in Spanish moss, wetlands along the Pamlico Sound and a cypress swamp
Hanging Rock State Park
Since its creation as a 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps project, Hanging Rock State Park has offered the best of a traditional outdoor experience with 73-site campground, picnic grounds, stocked
Jones Lake State Park
Jones Lake State Park has long been a community destination for lazy picnics under the shade of tall pines and swimming in the lake’s shallow, warm waters.
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is a collective of nine access areas scattered around the shoreline of this undeveloped, 14,000-acre reservoir.
Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
Kerr Lake State Recreation Area is a collective of eight access areas scattered around the shoreline of this 50,000-acre reservoir that reaches into Virginia.
Lake Norman State Park
Lake Norman State Park, on the largest manmade lake in North Carolina, boasts one of the region’s more popular mountain biking network, offering 30.5 miles of single-track trail.
Lumber River State Park
On a national wild and scenic river, Lumber River State Park is all about eastern North Carolina paddling, fishing and exquisite scenery.
Medoc Mountain State Park
Serenity seems to pervade Medoc Mountain State Park, enhanced by gentle Fishing Creek and a scenic open meadow that spreads from the picnic grounds.
Merchants Millpond State Park
Southern swamp and hardwood forest mingle at Merchants Millpond State Park, adorning the landscape with massive bald cypress trees, beech groves, Spanish moss and exotic wildlife.
Morrow Mountain State Park
Choose an adventure at Morrow Mountain State Park, whether it’s hiking, camping, paddling, fishing, horseback riding, swimming or just taking in scenery on one of the highest points in the piedmont
New River State Park
The New River was named a National Wild and Scenic River in 1976 and it wildly winds through some of the best North Carolina mountain scenery.
Pettigrew State Park
Visitors can explore 16,000-acre Lake Phelps and its surrounding landscape by land or water at Pettigrew State Park.
Pilot Mountain State Park
Rising abruptly more than 2,000 feet, Pilot Mountain has been a navigational landmark for centuries, and is a recreational landmark as well, offering miles of trails, camping, climbing and spectacu
South Mountains State Park
In one of the state’s most rugged areas, South Mountains State Park features elevations to 3,000 feet, an 80-foot waterfall, mountain streams and more than 40 miles of trails for hikers, equestrian
Stone Mountain State Park
The massive granite dome at Stone Mountain State Park keeps watch on park visitors enjoying nearly every type of outdoor activity – camping, hiking, climbing, fishing, picnicking, horseback riding
William B. Umstead State Park
Hikers, trail runners, bicyclists and equestrians cherish the extensive network of hiking and multi-use trails at William B. Umstead State Park.
Hanging Rock looks close and interesting - any advice here from those who may have gone?
- Thread starter
- #25
Me and my Wife have been to hanging rock hiking. I haven't camped there but the sites look nice. The trail goes through the camp ground.
Well "life" had different plans again. We left Friday morning and were going to come back Monday. Since I had Isla, the loose plan (open for what ever changes happen) was Grayson Highlands Friday, Grandfather Mountain Sat, Hanging rock Sunday and head back Monday. Me and my daughter did make it up to Grayson Highlands Yesterday. We hiked around the afternoon, saw the Ponies, played, threw snow and had a good time.
The Lady in the Office at Grayson Highlands said they only had Backpack camping available. I was planning on staying at the primitive horse camp. I thought no big deal, we're in the mountains of VA, there's plenty of other places. Earlier in the day I had lost service before lunch and needed to check in with my wife so sometime around 5 we left and headed to the next town over to check in. We traveled west toward Damascus on Hwy 58.
When I was a teenager and through out my twenties I used to drive up from Alabama in my 91 Wrangler and wonder around the mountains. I always could spot the local shops/stores that give you a local feeling. It's the feeling that you don't get when you go in the chain and big box stores we all live around. When you walk in these places they are run by people that don't wear uniforms, they have tattoos typically and have real experiences to share with you. I spotted that feeling after checking in with Brit. Isla was asleep in the car, so I pulled up to Sundog Outfitters in Damascus. I walked in and told the guys I was looking for a place to stay. They steered me in the right direction. A few miles back off Hwy 58 not far off the Appalachian Trail they showed me a few primitive spots on the creek I could pull up to. A few miles back down the curvy road we found it and set up camp. It was super relaxing listening to the creek run all night.
Today the plan was to head toward Boone. I had booked a place at the base of Grandfather Mtn, in Banner Elk. We were going to head to the campground, set up, and head to the top of grandfather and spend the day exploring.
Heres where "Life" threw a cure. Literally as we were pulling up to the general store to check into the Grandfather Camp Ground, Projectile Vomit. Yep, you read that right. All over her, the door panel, back of the seat, all in the crevice of the car seat, even the Ipad playing "Rio," on the back of the head rest. I honestly had no idea she could hold that much. Isla didn't sleep good, and this morning on the way she kept saying her tummy hurt. She is two and recently potty trained so I thought she had to poop. Every time we stopped, nothing.
I had a crying upset 2yr old covered in vomit that smelled like a mix between sour milk and old Chinese food. This is the point i knew we were headed home. Needless to say I changed Isla, unpacked the water and Lysol wipes, and cleaned everything best I could. I informed the lady at the desk of the misfortune and said we would return but the trip has been cut short.
Of course as I type this, Isla is sound asleep in her bed and has been all laughs and giggles since she woke up from her nap around Greensboro. I cant help but shake my head thinking even though the weekend got cut short, We had another adventure.
This was the goal so I guess it is another successful trip.
Sorry for rambling with my hack writing.
Last edited: