Camping at Pilot Mountain State Park in Pinnacle
Camping at Pilot Mountain State Park in Pinnacle
Pilot Mountain State Park offers some of the best camping opportunities in Pinnacle, North Carolina, with scenic landscapes, well-maintained campsites, and convenient access to outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a rustic experience or a family-friendly getaway, this park provides a unique way to experience the natural beauty of the region.
Adventure Guide to Camping at Pilot Mountain State Park
Family & Group Camping at Pilot Mountain Campground
- Location: Inside Pilot Mountain State Park, near the visitor center.
- What Makes It Special: This campground features 42 tent and trailer sites that accommodate both RV and tent campers. Each site comes with a picnic table and fire ring, providing a comfortable camping setup for families and friends.
- Amenities: Shower and restroom facilities, drinking water, and nearby hiking trails.
- Local Insight: Sites fill up fast during peak months, so reserve well in advance.
Equestrian Camping at Pilot Mountain
- Location: Stokes County side of Pilot Mountain State Park.
- What Makes It Special: This section of the park features sites designed for horseback riders, allowing campers to bring their horses and explore over 15 miles of riding trails.
- Amenities: Horse trailer parking, access to horse-friendly trails, water spigots for animals.
- Local Insight: Stay during fall for stunning fall foliage views along the Bridle Trail.
Backcountry Camping Near Yadkin River Section
- Location: Remote area along the Yadkin River section of the park.
- What Makes It Special: For a primitive camping experience, these sites provide a quiet, remote atmosphere accessible only by foot or canoe.
- Amenities: Fire rings, limited facilities (no water or restrooms).
- Local Insight: Arrive early to secure your ideal camping spot. Bring all necessities, as no services are available.
Visitor Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer milder temperatures and scenic landscapes with blooming wildflowers or autumn colors.
- What to Bring: Firewood (gathering is prohibited), flashlights, extra water, and sturdy shoes for park trails.
- Getting There: Located about 30 miles north of Winston-Salem, Pilot Mountain State Park is accessible via US-52, taking around 40 minutes by car.
Adventure Map
Reviews
Shanah Bell5 months ago
We parked at the bottom of the mountain at the visitors center and began our hike up to the top following the blue trail markers. The sign at the bottom said it was 3.5 miles each way. My watch showed that was pretty darn close, since our round trip was approximately that.
It's a good hike up to the top. Some windy trails, but not too difficult overall. Some steeper elevations at times. But it was a nice, quiet hike, as it appears that most people just like to drive up to the top, park, take pictures and then drive back down. That made the trails less populated for us, which was nice.
The views from the top (and close to the top) are gorgeous. I loved the signage about tyke surrounding areas and the birds to keep an eye out for.
Ultimately, always a great experience. I love that they have bathrooms at the bottom and the top of the mountain and a water filtration device at the bottom now. Nice touch for all of us thirsty hikers!!
Beloved 14 months ago
Great mountain date with the hubby Sunday.10/20/2024. Been wanting to view it during the fall for a few years and glad we got to do so. Happy we could get to the peak. Lovely view. God is good! 🙌🏼
Jonathan Lamb2 months ago
Pilot Mountain State Park is a true gem with a mix of natural beauty and intriguing history. It’s incredible to think that this striking peak was once the sandy floor of an ancient ocean—what a reminder of how much the earth has changed over time! The fact that the summit is now a sanctuary for birds makes it even more special, offering a peaceful space for wildlife to thrive. The park’s trails provide fantastic views and opportunities to connect with nature, whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking for a scenic escape. A visit here is both relaxing and inspiring—a must-see in North Carolina!
H Ra month ago
Absolutely amazing hike with stunning views—I already can’t wait to go back, especially in the fall when the leaves are changing! This trail came highly recommended, and it completely lived up to the hype.
The hike itself is easy and enjoyable, with a mild climb that’s perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a relaxed outdoor experience. We parked at the top, which made for a shorter trek, but if you’re up for a longer hike, starting from the lower parking lot is a great option. The weather was perfect, and the temperature made it even more enjoyable.
The trail is clean and well-maintained, with nice, tidy bathrooms at the top—always a plus! It’s a very family-friendly spot; we saw lots of families with young kids and even a few dogs happily making their way up the trail. Loved watching a group of rock climbers scaling the cliffs. It was awesome to see their skill and determination up close!
Pictures and videos don’t fully capture how beautiful this spot is, but trust me—it’s worth seeing for yourself 🥹 Whether you’re here for the views, a peaceful hike, or just to soak in nature, this place is a gem!
Angie Parker3 months ago
Had a beautiful day on this mountain!! Views were breathtaking! It was a little confusing on getting up the mountain. They only open the gate limited times per day. I would suggest driving up. There is only one transport bus, and it runs every 20 min. So we waited almost an hour each way. They were doing the best they could, and we appreciated them for it! But definitely go if you are in the area!
