Mayo River State Park

4.06

17 reviews

500 Old Mayo Park Road, Mayodan, North Carolina, 27027, United States

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

784 ft

Price

$40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Mayo River State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

784 ft

Price

$40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Mayo River State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Mayo River State Park

$40.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The fee for group camping is $40 per night for up to 40 people. This is mentioned as a flat rate.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$40.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.06

Satisfactory

Based on 17 reviews

589 Google reviews

Most mentioned

water

"User reviews emphasize the park's natural beauty, quiet atmosphere, and suitability for group gatherings. Positive feedback highlights spacious group sites and well-maintained facilities, while some complaints focus on litter and site cleanup issues."

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Campground Map

500 Old Mayo Park Road, Mayodan, North Carolina, 27027, United States

Mayo River State Park

500 Old Mayo Park Road, Mayodan, North Carolina, 27027, United States

Driving directions500 Old Mayo Park Rd, Mayodan, NC 27027

The campground is accessible via paved roads, but the gate operates on seasonal park hours. No details on challenging terrain or seasonal closures are provided.

Nearby places

Mayodan (5-minute drive), Madison, Stoneville (approximately 15-20 minutes away)

Nearby supplies

Marathon gas station nearby offers locally harvested honey. Additional supplies and food may be found in Mayodan, Madison, or Stoneville, but no specifics are provided.

Best Time to Camp at Mayo River State Park

The changing seasons paint Mayo River State Park in dramatically different palettes. Winter mornings greet campers with crisp air hovering in the 30s, warming to comfortable 50-degree afternoons perfect for trail exploration. Summer transforms the landscape into a vibrant green sanctuary, with temperatures climbing into the balmy 80s and occasionally touching the 90s—ideal for those who love the warmth. Throughout the year, gentle rains nourish the forest canopy, creating that fresh, earthy scent outdoor enthusiasts cherish. Savvy campers know that spring and fall offer the sweet spot: mild temperatures, lower rainfall, and nature putting on its most spectacular shows as wildflowers bloom or leaves burst into autumn flames.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Hiking, fishing and paddling available in summer though swimming is prohibited and it may be warm.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Visitors note strong appeal in fall for foliage viewing and scenic trails.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring praised for mild weather and wildlife/birdwatching; trails and scenery are appealing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round; winter visits less common, cold mornings noted but facilities remain accessible.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: The primitive group campground is open year-round.
Current Alerts: No active advisories or alerts mentioned beyond user reviews related to E. coli.

About Mayo River State Park

Deep in the heart of Mayo River State Park lies a unique treasure: a single group camping site that beckons organizations and non-profit groups to embrace the authentic wilderness experience. This isn't your typical campground—it's a rugged outdoor sanctuary where groups gather to forge connections under the stars. Beyond the campsite, the park unfolds with scenic picnic shelters, winding hiking trails that reveal hidden vistas, tranquil fishing ponds teeming with possibility, and easy access to remarkable natural and cultural landmarks that tell the story of this special place.

Mayo River State Park offers primitive group camping designed for organized groups who prefer a rugged experience. There are no individual campgrounds, RV accommodations, or glamping facilities.

Historical SignificanceAt the heart of this camping experience stands a remarkable piece of living history. In the 1940s, visionary architect Antonin Raymond crafted more than just a shelter—he created a gathering place that would serve generations. This architectural gem, designed as a community hub, has witnessed countless stories unfold beneath its thoughtful design. Today, it remains the crown jewel of Mayo River State Park, where modern adventurers connect with both nature and the enduring spirit of community that Raymond envisioned over 80 years ago.

Weather and SeasonsThe changing seasons paint Mayo River State Park in dramatically different palettes. Winter mornings greet campers with crisp air hovering in the 30s, warming to comfortable 50-degree afternoons perfect for trail exploration. Summer transforms the landscape into a vibrant green sanctuary, with temperatures climbing into the balmy 80s and occasionally touching the 90s—ideal for those who love the warmth. Throughout the year, gentle rains nourish the forest canopy, creating that fresh, earthy scent outdoor enthusiasts cherish. Savvy campers know that spring and fall offer the sweet spot: mild temperatures, lower rainfall, and nature putting on its most spectacular shows as wildflowers bloom or leaves burst into autumn flames.

ElevationThe landscape here tells a story of ancient geological forces, with rolling hills that create natural amphitheaters around the shelter site. These varied elevations offer more than just exercise for hikers—they provide ever-changing perspectives of the park's beauty, from intimate forest hollows to commanding viewpoints that reveal the scope of this protected wilderness.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living tapestry where stately hardwoods mingle with towering pines, creating a diverse forest ecosystem that changes with every season. The group shelter commands an enviable position overlooking serene park lakes, their surfaces mirror-calm in the morning mist. Below, a historic dam stands as a testament to human engineering harmonizing with nature. While the mighty Mayo River lends its name to the park, this particular corner offers a different water story—one of peaceful lakes and gentle shores perfect for quiet contemplation or spirited group activities.

Geological RegionNestled within the park's North District, this camping area showcases the region's signature blend of hardwood and pine forests—a botanical crossroads where different ecosystems meet and flourish. The strategic placement of the shelter area capitalizes on the natural topography, perched above tranquil park lakes and near the historic dam. Though the Mayo River itself flows elsewhere in the park, this location offers its own aquatic charm, with still waters that reflect the surrounding forest canopy and create a sense of secluded serenity that makes every camping trip feel like a private retreat.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

8:00 AM

Check-out

30 minutes before closing

Stay Limit

No maximum consecutive nights are mentioned explicitly.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 40 people for group campsites.

Groups

The group site accommodates up to 40 people, with additional space for tents and vehicles. User reviews confirm its spacious and quiet setting.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of an open field for tents near the picnic shelter. Facilities include pit privies, fire rings, picnic tables, and water spigots.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are required but no details about platforms (e.g., websites or apps) are provided.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up or first-come-first-served sites are indicated. Reservations are required for group camping.

Cancellation PolicyRules and regulations are found on the NC State Park website, but specific cancellation details are not mentioned.

AccessibilityThe facilities, including restrooms and picnic areas, are described as easily accessible via paved pathways, making them suitable for visitors with mobility challenges.

Site SizeThe group site accommodates up to 40 people, providing ample space for multiple tents and vehicles.

PrivacyThe group site is described as quiet and relaxing by user reviews, indicating a reasonable level of privacy.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesThe group site accommodates up to 6 tents and 6 cars comfortably, with picnic tables and grills available.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Mayo River State Park offers a range of recreational activities including hiking, picnicking, and fishing. The park features trails ranging from short walks to more scenic routes, a picnic shelter area, and access points for fishing and paddling. User reviews highlight the appeal of the park's natural beauty and its suitability for birding and family outings.

HikingMultiple hiking trails are available, including a 1.3-mile out-and-back trail to Fall Creek Falls. Reviews describe the trails as easy and suitable for families and birders.

FishingFishing is permitted in the park's ponds and along the Mayo River, though it must adhere to North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission regulations. Some access points provide paddling and fishing opportunities.

BoatingBoating is supported at some river access points, such as Anglin Mill, which provides paddling access to the Mayo River.

Wildlife viewingThe park is a wildlife preserve, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching and observing local flora and fauna.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMothballs were found on the site and are toxic to pets. Wildlife preserves require caution, and some user reviews mention E. coli water advisories for the Mayo River.

Active AlertsNo active advisories or alerts mentioned beyond user reviews related to E. coli.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed only in designated areas such as shelter fireplaces and picnic site grills. Gathering firewood within the park is prohibited.

Emergency ServicesPark office serves as interim headquarters on Mayo Mountain Access for emergencies. No specific information about hospitals or police stations provided.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative or user-provided data.

Water FeaturesThe shelter is near park lakes and a dam but does not provide direct access to the Mayo River.

Camp HostNo specific information about campground hosts or on-site rangers provided.

Weather at Mayo River State Park

Reviews

4.1

17 reviews

Satisfactory

Mayo River State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews emphasize the park's natural beauty, quiet atmosphere, and suitability for group gatherings. Positive feedback highlights spacious group sites and well-maintained facilities, while some complaints focus on litter and site cleanup issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 17 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers praise the park's scenic trails, tranquil setting, and the adequacy of amenities for group camping. Access to waterfalls and fishing opportunities are also commonly mentioned.

Based on 17 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues raised include poor site cleanup by previous occupants, with specific mentions of hazardous items like mothballs left on-site, which are toxic to pets.

Based on 17 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users suggest checking the park's website for updates on water quality, such as E. coli advisories. Visitors also recommend bringing adequate supplies as firewood is not provided.

Based on 17 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The park is well-received year-round, with some visitors specifically noting its appeal in fall for foliage viewing and spring for mild weather. Winter visits are less frequently mentioned.

Based on 17 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The beauty of camping at Mayo River State Park is that there is only 1 campsite and it is a group site.' - Shannon McColgan 2. 'Fall Creek Falls and Mayo River Trail: 1.3mi out and back trail in...

Based on 17 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The group site is praised for its spaciousness and quiet environment, suitable for tents and vehicles. However, users recommend improved site cleanup between uses.

Based on 17 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features such as paved paths to restrooms and picnic areas are noted as positive by some visitors, making the park inclusive for mobility-challenged guests.

Based on 17 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must remain leashed at all times. Some reviewers express concern about hazardous items like mothballs left behind, which pose a risk to pets.

Based on 17 reviews

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