Carl’s Campsites - Riverside
58 acres hosted by Laura B.
2 RV/tent sites · 14 tent sites
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Laura is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Off-leash friendly
Pets can be off-leash at some sites.
Activities
Fishing
Hiking
Paddling
Climbing
Natural features
Beach
Forest
Lake
River, stream, or creek
Reviews
97% Recommend58 ratings · 51 reviews
The campsite offers a classic camping experience with its serene riverside location, well-maintained amenities, and welcoming hosts, Laura and Steve. Most visitors praise the peaceful atmosphere, and the thoughtful provision of essentials like firewood and water. The personalized touches, such as on-site toilets and occasional cookouts, enhance the overall experience. However, access can be tricky for small cars in adverse weather, and some find the sites closer together than expected.
Summary AI-generated from real reviews
I was not sure what I was getting into when booking this reservation. The area had wonderful signage, you definitely cannot miss the camp store. Definitely a doozy getting in and out so most definitely be prepared. But Laura was the perfect hostess with the mostess. She was there upon arrival to greet you with the welcoming committee. She made sure that you were well stock and included in the activities going on. Her and husband were so sweet with the conversations.
We had to cut the trip short due to weather but Laura made sure that everyone was aware and her husband even offered to help if we needed it.
Will be back for more fun this summer
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Triona F.
5 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent ·
#6 - River Rest
If you love old school camping, and don't want to spend it on a state park this place is great. The host is kind and attentive, she will make sure you have everything you need to be comfortable.
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Jeffery S.
1 review
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent ·
#2 - Bear Den
Amazing place! Laura and Steve were great hosts. We had a great weekend with them. The toilets at each site made it very nice. We didn’t have a shower bag but they provided one. We didn’t catch a catfish in the river. Amazing place to stay we will definitely be returning!
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Bobbi P.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2025
Tent ·
#3 - Toad Hollow
Beautiful property the Ararat River! Well maintained campsite! We will be back!
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R. C.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
Tent ·
#6 - River Rest
Had a great time at this campsite! Everything was super well set up, and Steve, the owner, was really friendly and helpful. Definitely recommend if you're looking for a chill and well-kept place to stay.
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Anayeli C.
10 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2024
Great spot! Hosts were wonderful and the property was very peaceful!
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Scott H.
7 months on Hipcamp
# 6 is a fantastic camp site, access to the river was lovely and there are a few good trees to hang your hammocks, the bathrooms are well constructed and easy to use. Laura was a lovely host! she was available when we needed but not overbearing like some. The property is only 10 minutes from pilot mountain and around 40 minutes to hanging rock/Moore's wall, so it's a great base of operations for a climbing excursion! I felt very safe as a queer, non gender conforming human as well, which is always a difficult part of going camping.
Thanks Laura and Steve, I'll likely be back next season!
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Kit R.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2024
Tent · With pets ·
#6 - River Rest
Loved our long weekend at Carl’s Campsites! Laura and Steve were super sweet. Bathroom accommodations were above expectations and are what made this camp stellar! Potable water provided and fill up available. Super dog friendly! Fairly quiet, but sites are pretty close together. Loved being able to access the river and trails on the property. Will definitely be planning a trip here again.
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Sarah M.
8 months on Hipcamp
Absolutely loved our stay! Laura and her husband were amazing and so kind. They made sure we had everything we needed. The place was clean and so beautiful. Bathroom/shower room was really clean and nice. The location was great, so close to everything and the river was beautiful! We will be back soon!!!
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Holly S.
7 months on Hipcamp
We had such a great time with the hosts. We loved everything about the campsite. The people, our neighbors, and we loved having Saturday night cookout. We even played games with the hosts and had such a great time. The river was beautiful. The site was clean and we even had our own toilet and shower. Highly recommend this place. Definitely coming back. Thank you for such a wonderful three day weekend and thank you so much for being so lovely and so kind to us. See you next time 💕
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Melissa H.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2024
Tent · With kids ·
#6 - River Rest
Cozy riverside site at the end of the campground with its own toilet/shower. A bit snug for parking, I would recommend 1 vehicle and not two. Hosts were very welcoming and attentive! Highly recommend this!
Eric E.
4 years on Hipcamp
This was my second time here with my son, and we booked again for September before we left. Here is why I love coming here. The site is incredibly well maintained, I always feel that my son is safe, and the location can’t be beat. We alway hike pilot mountain on our way to and from the campsite, a campsite right on the river with a well built change room/camping tolit room. As a dad, and a person who loves being outside, I plane to make this a regular place for years to come. See my pictures and previous reviews for more. Lastly, the owners are awesome.
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Ethan T.
6 reviews
My family needed a quick night away, and Laura’s campsite was perfect! The onsite toilet with privacy and soap/water was an unexpected amenity. The river was a great place for the kiddos to play! We requested firewood and kindling, and it was waiting for us when we arrived. Simple, beautiful, just what we needed. We will definitely be back!
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Amanda B.
1 year on Hipcamp
This was our second camping experience here within a year. This time we brought the whole family and had a wonderful time together.
Laura and Steve are great hosts and Steve cheffed up a huge spread for dinner on Saturday.
Everyone had plenty to eat and our kids really enjoyed the abundant frogs of all sizes on the property 😊
D
Don O.
8 reviews
Host was very friendly and invited us to a cookout. Sites were clean and maintained well though a bit small. Rustic toilets were different than what we are used to, but were not difficult to use and didn’t smell bad. Being near a creek was nice and we were able to take a swim. It may be hard for small cars to get in and out of the site, especially if it rains.
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Katrina K.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2024
Tent · With kids ·
#10 - Owl Hoot
My son (5) had a great time on his first ever camping trip. He wants to come back. We threw rocks in the river for an hour.
M
Mc Kenzie S.
1 year on Hipcamp
Steve and Laura were great hosts! The campsites were perfect. We will definitely be back!
R
R. C.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2024
Tent · With kids ·
#6 - River Rest
We pick campsite 6 and it was amazing. It was right next to the river, had it's own hammock, primitive toilet, washing station, picnic table, and fire pit. We were able to park two suvs but it was a tight fit for parking.
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Mathew P.
1 year on Hipcamp
Best host we have ever had. This place is a gem! Fishing was spectacular. The scores were amazing. Cannot wait to go back with my bestie!!
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Zachariah C.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2023
Tent ·
#3 - Toad Hollow
My husband and I loved camping at Carl’s Campsite!! The property was beautiful and well stocked. We had plenty of space. Already planning a trip back in the spring!
Jordan W.
2 years on Hipcamp
Great spot, easy river access. Piles of firewood and bucket toilets right at your site. Hosts are easygoing and cool. Easy in, easy out. Nice and close to Pilot Mountain State Park. Heed the 4x4 warnings- if conditions are anything besides perfectly dry you WILL need it.
J
James M.
2 reviews
Laura was a great host. 10/10 would recommend I will definitely be coming back. The camp spot we were at was within sight of the river and was amazing. The whole camp area was secluded down a dirt road. It was quiet and private. They had wood chopped and ready for us plus a 7 gallon water tank for us to use as well! My wife and I plus our dog car camped and loved it I can't recommend this place enough. It was only a short drive to Pilot Mt.
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Spencer L.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2023
Tent · Group trip ·
#6 - River Rest
This was a great site and hosts. I'll stay again for sure.
S
Scott T.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2023
Tent ·
#10 - Owl Hoot
The positive reviews mentioning the beauty and tranquility of the campground's location next to the river and the hospitality of Laura and Steve were spot on. Had a short but lovely stay. My first experience with bucket toilets :-)
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Allison R.
2 reviews
My seven year old Son said he wanted to go camping on short notice as a boys trip with just him, our dog barney and I.
Trying to find a camp site last minute in Late September on a Saturday seemed like an impossible task until I found this amazing little slice of Heaven.
My dog spent the entire visit off leash having the best time with all of the other dogs at camp!
My Son had fun playing in the river and creek, catching baby frogs and toads and even a snake and a turtle.
The camp hosts Steve and Laura were wonderful and served a great meal for everyone Saturday night.
Upon returning home I told my wife that I have found my new happy place close to home!
We will definitely be back over and over again 😊
D
Don O.
8 reviews
The owner hospitality is unbelievable. They are so accommodating and welcoming, and they thought of everything. The campsite is great, the river is amazing. We'll be back.
J
Jesse G.
1 year on Hipcamp
We loved camping at Carl's Campsites with Laura and Steve. We opted for the Saturday night Dinner and it was delicious and enjoyable to eat and chat together.
They have a gorgeous property with a beautiful River that you can swim, fish, float, or splash in. We had 3 kids with us and we spent time finding interesting rocks and skipping them across the water.
They have a nice hiking trail on their property, and horseshoes, a volleyball net and they provided wood for our campfire and a hammock to lounge in. They even covered our wood to keep it dry from the showers the first day and offered to get a fire going for our arrival.
This is my second time at their campsites and I loved both experiences. I will definitely be back and recommend to anyone camping near Pilot Mountain. Wonderful hosts!
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Elizabeth G.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2023
Tent · Group trip ·
#9 - Coyote Way
The best time ever!!! Our group of 15 women loved the camp site and our hosts. We will be back many more times!
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Brittany Q.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2023
We had a group of 15 women out there this weekend and Laura and Steve were the best! The food they mad was out of this world and we had soo much left over. The grounds were very well kept and easy to walk. They had set up volleyballs, horse shoe, and other games for us. The bathroom situation was so easy for never experiencing a bucket before. We will be back here regularly.
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Brittany Q.
1 year on Hipcamp
One of my favorite new getaways!! Had the best time for 3 nights and truly missed the tranquil rapids when we had to drive away.
Loved the river and memories made with new friends! Loved loved the super dog friendly space!! Site 5 is fairly close by but wonderful community/neighbors made the stay even better !!
Morgan T.
4 years on Hipcamp
Location
Pilot Mountain, Surry, North Carolina, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Laura B.
Joined in December 2022Things to do nearby
Similar campgrounds nearby
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