Discover the best lakeside campgrounds near Mount Airy, North Carolina with fishing

Home to the largest granite quarry in the world, Mount Airy (aka Granite City) is a geological paradise with mountains, rivers, and rocks that shimmer. Notes of nostalgia fill the air as visitors enjoy cozy small town amenities in a place often referred to as Mayberry (from the 1960s “The Andy Griffith Show”). Mount Airy offers simple campgrounds, cabin rentals, sanctuaries, and retreats that allow Hipcampers to explore with ease. Sitting center stage amid surrounding state parks, the town is a convenient homebase for hiking and biking to unforgettable views, paddling along the rivers, or simply relaxing and recharging year-round. Visit nearby Pilot Mountain and Stone Mountain State Parks for further geological wonders.

Where to go

Hanging Rock State Park

Hunker down at Hanging Rock State Park, 30 miles east of Mount Airy. Originally a Civilian Conservation Corps project, this park blossomed into an outdoor oasis featuring hiking, biking, horseback riding, swimming, and rock climbing. Explore part of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail, or swim, paddle, and fish along the Dan River. Offering campsites, showers, vacation rentals, and picnic areas, the park is perfect for holiday getaways or one-day stays. Note that while trailers and RVs are welcome, there are no hookups, so campers must plan for dry sites.

Pilot Mountain State Park

Pop over to Pilot Mountain State Park to find the legendary geological knob at its center. Less than 15 miles from Mount Airy, the park features two areas: mountain and river. The mountain section highlights hiking, picnicking, and rock climbing, while the river section features horseback riding, paddling, and fishing. The Mountains-to-Sea Trail crosses through both areas, allowing campers to flow seamlessly throughout the park. On-site dry camping is available with showers for campers in tents, trailers, and RVs (no hookups available).

Stone Mountain State Park

Wander 35 miles southwest to Stone Mountain State Park—a scenic 600-foot granite dome. A Natural National Landmark, the dome provides panoramic views with the historical Hutchinson Homestead at its base. The park also features a portion of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, perfect for hiking, biking, paddling, and fishing. On-site camping includes tent sites, backpacking sites, backcountry options, and spots for trailers and RVs. Not all RV sites are equipped with hookups, though the camping area does provide showers and communal dump stations.

When to go

With year-round activities and beautiful landscapes, Mount Airy welcomes campers in every season. Summertime temperatures reach average highs of 87°F—ideal for water activities, rock climbing, backpacking, tent camping, and RVing without heat. As winter approaches, be prepared for temperatures to drop below freezing. The area sees yearly snowfall in December, January, and February, meaning campers should be equipped and experienced in cold weather camping or consider heated rentals.