Pilot Mountain State Park

Star4.32
19 reviews
1721 Pilot Knob Park Rd, Pinnacle, North Carolina, 27043, United States

Quick Facts

2,000 ft

Price

$6/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

42 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

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Pilot Mountain State Park
$6.00 - $6.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Firewood is available for $6 per bundle (cash only). No other fee information is available.
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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.32

Recommended

Based on 19 reviews

6246 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsscenerycleanhiking

"Reviews highlight the park's stunning natural beauty, well-maintained facilities, and variety of recreational activities. Some visitors noted rocky and uneven campsites and limited parking as drawbacks. Interactions with staff ranged from exceptional to disappointing, reflecting mixed experiences."

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Campground Map

1721 Pilot Knob Park Rd, Pinnacle, North Carolina, 27043, United States

Pilot Mountain State Park

1721 Pilot Knob Park Rd, Pinnacle, North Carolina, 27043, United States

Driving directionsTo reach the campground take Pilot Mountain State Park exit 131 and follow the brown signs. At the traffic circle take the first exit to stay on Pilot Knob Park Road. In 0.3 miles turn right onto Family Campground Lane.
Accessible via paved roads with clear signage. Seasonal closures apply as the Family Campground gate locks at posted closing times during open season.
Nearby places
Pinnacle, NC (approximately 2 miles), Winston-Salem, NC (approximately 25 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are accessible in Pinnacle, NC, approximately 2 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Pilot Mountain State Park

Each season paints Pilot Mountain in dramatically different hues. Spring arrives with crisp, comfortable air and wildflower-dotted trails, while autumn transforms the landscape into a brilliant canvas of reds and golds under crystal-clear skies. Summer brings warm, languid days perfect for early morning hikes before the afternoon humidity settles in. Winter occasionally dusts the peak with snow, creating a magical wonderland where cold, clear days reward bundled-up hikers with unparalleled visibility stretching for miles.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Open in summer with many activities, but weekends are busy and summit parking is limited.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Autumn 'brilliant canvas' and excellent summit views; highly recommended season.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring brings crisp air and wildflowers with pleasant hiking conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Family campground closed Nov 30–Mar15, leaving fewer services though canoe-in remains open year-round.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Not specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Family Campground season runs from March 15th through November 30th. Canoe-In sites are open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal closures apply to the Family Campground gate, which locks after closing hours.

About Pilot Mountain State Park

Rising like a natural beacon above the rolling Piedmont landscape, Pilot Mountain State Park beckons adventurers with 42 thoughtfully positioned family camping sites and secluded canoe-in camping spots for those seeking waterfront solitude. This iconic peak transforms camping into an elevated experience where rock climbers test their mettle on ancient cliff faces, hikers wind through diverse ecosystems, and rappellers dance down sheer granite walls. From the summit's breathtaking vantage point, the world unfolds in a spectacular tapestry where the gentle Piedmont plains meet the distant, misty silhouettes of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Pilot Mountain State Park offers family camping with both drive-in and canoe-in options. There are no utilities provided, making the experience more rustic.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Not stated.
Check-out
Not stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit not specified.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Pilot Mountain State Park offers various recreational activities like hiking, rock climbing, picnicking, and canoeing. Visitors can enjoy the scenic trails, explore the summit, or engage in outdoor adventures such as fishing and wildlife viewing.
HikingThe park features numerous hiking trails suitable for all hiking skill levels. Trail lengths and difficulties vary, including the 6.5-mile Corridor Trail and a shorter, .8-mile trail ideal for children. 'The hiking was a little challenging in places but highly doable' and 'The trails around Pilot Mountain offer beautiful views and are well-suited for all kinds of hikers,' according to reviews.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
FishingFishing is permitted, though one user expressed a wish for better access to fishing areas without requiring a truck.
BoatingCanoeing is a highlighted activity with canoe-in campsites accessible by paddling 0.75 miles or hiking 0.5 miles. 'The Canoe-In campsites offer a unique camping experience by the Yadkin River.'
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities are available with sightings likely due to the park's diverse flora and fauna. Specific details on species or viewing areas were not included.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSteep cliffs require caution for hikers and climbers. Limited parking at the summit can cause delays. Rocky and unlevel camping sites may pose challenges for tents.
Active AlertsSeasonal closures apply to the Family Campground gate, which locks after closing hours.

Weather at Pilot Mountain State Park

Reviews

4.3
19 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Pilot Mountain State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the park's stunning natural beauty, well-maintained facilities, and variety of recreational activities. Some visitors noted rocky and uneven campsites and limited parking as drawbacks. Interactions with staff ranged from exceptional to disappointing, reflecting mixed experiences.
Review Summaries
Based on 19 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviews emphasize the park's stunning scenery, diverse hiking options, and clean facilities. 'Amazing scenes from the top and good trails around the Pilot Mountain itself.' 'The summit was...
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Based on 19 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include limited parking at the summit and rocky/unlevel campsites like site 10. One review expressed dissatisfaction with a park ranger's behavior, which 'ruined our family's day.'
Based on 19 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend checking parking availability before arriving and avoiding site 10 due to its uneven terrain. Canoe-in sites offer a unique experience but require a 0.75-mile paddle or 0.5-mile...
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Based on 19 reviews

Seasonal Insights

User experiences highlight the park's beauty in all seasons, though summer weekends can be busy with limited parking at the summit. Winter months offer quieter visits but lack seasonal activities.
Based on 19 reviews

Camper Quotes

'The drive up to the observation area is stunning. I highly recommend it.' 'Great place to hike, camp, and climb!' 'The bathrooms/showers were much nicer than some other campgrounds I've stayed at...
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Based on 19 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 10 was noted as being rocky and unlevel, which made it less desirable. Visitors suggested other sites with flatter terrain.
Based on 19 reviews

Accessibility Features

Handicap access is noted as available, but no reviews specifically from users with disabilities were provided.
Based on 19 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome in the park, but they must be leashed and cannot be left unattended. Visitors appreciated the pet-friendly environment.
Based on 19 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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