How much does camping cost at Bandits Roost?

Camping fees at Bandits Roost are $20 - $85/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Bandits Roost first-come first-served or reservation?

Bandits Roost accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Bandits Roost before I book?

Yes! Bandits Roost has 2 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve.

What is the best time to visit Bandits Roost?

Bandits Roost is open April 15 to October 14. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Bandits Roost?

Yes, Bandits Roost has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Bandits Roost?

Cell phone service at Bandits Roost is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Bandits Roost have?

Bandits Roost has 102 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Bandits Roost?

Yes, pets are allowed at Bandits Roost. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Bandits Roost?

Bandits Roost offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Bandits Roost?

Popular activities at Bandits Roost include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Bandits Roost

4.52

1.1K reviews

667 Jess Walsh Road, Wilkesboro, NC 28697-0182, USA

C+Report Card

Summer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Blue Ridge Parkway

Quick Facts

1,119 ft

Price

$20 - $85/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

102 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

1,119 ft

Price

$20 - $85/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

102 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Bandits Roost

$20.00 - $85.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC: $85.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $30.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online...

Group Site Fee$85.00

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Provider

336-921-3190

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

667 Jess Walsh Road, Wilkesboro, NC 28697-0182, USA

Bandits Roost

667 Jess Walsh Road, Wilkesboro, NC 28697-0182, USA

Nearby places

Winston-Salem: approximately 55 miles (~1 hour)

Charlotte: approximately 80 miles (~1.5 hours)

Boone: approximately 45 miles (~45 minutes).

Driving directionsFrom Winston-Salem, North Carolina, take Highway 421 North (approximately 55 miles) to Exit 286B, turn left onto Highway 268 and continue for approximately 5 miles. Turn right onto Jess Walsh Road. Campground entrance is located at the end of the road. From Charlotte, North Carolina, take I-77 North (approximately 60 miles) before merging onto Highway 421 North towards Wilkesboro/Boone. Continue to Exit 286B (approximately 20 miles), turn left onto Highway 268 and continue for approximately 5 miles. Turn right onto Jess Walsh Road. Campground entrance is located at the end of the road. Travel times from Winston-Salem: 1 hour; Charlotte: 1.5 hours.

Weather at Bandits Roost

Best Time to Camp at Bandits Roost

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, vivid hardwood foliage, and top-tier hiking and wildlife-viewing at Bandits Roost; daytime highs are typically in the mid-50s to low 70s°F with crisp nights in the 40s. Early fall (late September–first half of October) is prime for scenic drives and lakeside photography as poplars, oaks and hickories turn color, while trails and bike routes are at their most pleasant without summer heat. Crowds are lighter than midsummer except on holiday/ Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Best season: comfortable temps, vivid hardwood foliage, top-tier hiking and wildlife viewing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 15 to October 14. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground operates during peak season from April 15 to October 14.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Bandits Roost

Bandits Roost sits on W. Kerr Scott Reservoir in North Carolina's foothills, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This large campground offers electric and water hookups, modern restrooms with showers, and direct access to a multi-use lake popular for fishing, boating, and swimming. Spacious sites and fall foliage draw families and anglers during the seasonal operating window.

Bandits Roost accommodates different camping preferences with 17 tent-only sites, 85 standard sites featuring water and electric hookups, and a group tent area. The group area includes a shelter with water, electricity, a grill, six tables, and seven tent pads. RV-friendly sites are available, but sewer hookups are not provided.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, vivid hardwood foliage, and top-tier hiking and wildlife-viewing at Bandits Roost; daytime highs are typically in the mid-50s to low 70s°F with crisp nights in the 40s. Early fall (late September–first half of October) is prime for scenic drives and lakeside photography as poplars, oaks and hickories turn color, while trails and bike routes are at their most pleasant without summer heat. Crowds are lighter than midsummer except on holiday/ Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation1119 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies Yadkin River Valley terrain at 1,119 feet elevation, where sycamores line the reservoir edge and poplars, oaks, and hickories cover the hillsides. White-tailed deer graze at dawn and dusk. Black bears roam the surrounding forest. The hardwood canopy provides shade across much of the property, though some campers report concerns about dead tree hazards in heavily wooded areas.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 nights during a 30-day rolling period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact guest limits for individual sites are not provided.

Groups

The group tent area features a covered shelter equipped with water and electricity, a grill, and seating at six tables. Seven tent pads are available for group use.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov, by phone (877-444-6777), or via the Recreation.gov mobile app.

AccessibilityAccessibility is mixed, with some sites featuring steep slopes or steps to access picnic tables and fire pits, making them challenging for elderly visitors or those with mobility issues. Mobility scooters require prior registration with the park.

Site SizeSites vary in size, with some being large and spacious while others are described as narrow and sloped. Pull-through sites are available for larger RVs, but leveling can be challenging.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary widely across sites. Some are secluded and spacious, while others are close together with minimal privacy. Tent sites are noted to be more private.

Total Campsites102 campsites

Recommended SitesFor waterfront views, choose Loop A sites like 33 or 25. Loop B offers secluded sites such as 75 for privacy.

Best CampsitesLoop A holds the waterfront sites with reservoir views. Loop B offers more shade and better privacy between sites. Campers recommend booking waterfront spots early and checking site-specific reviews, as some sites are sloped or narrow while others are spacious.

Need help booking Bandits Roost?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Bandits Roost offers a wide range of amenities tailored for campers seeking both comfort and recreation. The campground features flush and pit toilets, showers, and potable water. For RV campers, the site provides water and electric hookups and dump stations. Recreational amenities include a swim beach, basketball court, amphitheater, and a playground. Fire rings and picnic tables are present at all campsites while firewood is available for purchase, making it convenient for families planning campfires. The campground has 102 sites, including tent-only sites and group campsites with covered shelters equipped with water and electricity.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Bandits Roost

Bandits Roost provides extensive recreational opportunities, capitalizing on its scenic location by the W. Kerr Scott Reservoir. Activities include fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife observation. The campground is adjacent to the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail and offers access to 25 miles of trails at Warrior Creek and Dark Mountain areas.

Fishing4.0/5

Reservoir popular for fishing: channel catfish, largemouth/smallmouth bass, bluegill, hybrid striped bass.

Biking4.0/5Top 16% in North Carolina

Area highly regarded for mountain biking; trails for beginner and intermediate riders.

Boating4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

White-tailed deer, black bears, cottontails and birds frequent the hardwood woods and shoreline.

Water Sports4.0/5

Hiking3.5/5

Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail accessible directly from campground; good foothills trails.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Reservoir vistas, fall foliage, wildlife and shoreline provide many photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

Rate Bandits Roost

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From Booking Sources

4.5

1.1K reviews

Top-Rated

Bandits Roost is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Bandits Roost has received mixed reviews from users, with many praising its natural beauty, recreational activities, and friendly staff. However, concerns about outdated facilities, maintenance issues, and privacy at campsites are recurring themes.

Review Summaries

Based on 1050 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 1050 reviews.

Site 14Mentioned
Site 14 is described as being unusually close to site 15, making it better suited for groups.
Site 64Issues noted
Site 64 offers a private swimming area but has issues with strangers cutting through.

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include spacious campsites, proximity to water, clean bathhouses, friendly staff, and excellent recreational opportunities such as fishing and kayaking.

Based on 1050 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints center around outdated bathrooms, maintenance issues with trees and site leveling, lack of sewer hookups, and crowded conditions during peak times.

Based on 1050 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend booking early to secure waterfront sites, bringing padding for tents due to gravel bases, and checking for tree safety in heavily shaded areas.

Based on 1050 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Positive reviews peak during spring and fall, with visitors noting the pleasant weather and beautiful foliage. Summer reviews highlight crowded conditions and maintenance issues exacerbated by high...

Based on 1050 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The campground is surrounded by an excellent trail system built by the local Mountain Bike Community.' 2. 'This is one of the nicest federal campgrounds that I have ever stayed at.' 3. 'Bathrooms...

Based on 1050 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility issues include steep slopes and steps at some sites, which may pose challenges for older visitors and those with mobility impairments.

Based on 1050 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but concerns about leash enforcement and waste management are noted by several users.

Based on 1050 reviews

Reviews on Outdoorithm

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Bandits Roost

$20.00 - $85.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC: $85.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $30.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online...

Group Site Fee$85.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

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Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

336-921-3190

Go if

you want scenic surroundings, good recreational activities, and friendly staff, and you don't mind older facilities

Skip if

you need well-maintained infrastructure or private, secluded campsites, since site spacing and upkeep are inconsistent

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Bandits Roost

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Bandits Roost

Campground Map

Weather at Bandits Roost

Best Time to Camp at Bandits Roost

Planning Tips

About Bandits Roost

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Bandits Roost?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Bandits Roost

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Nearby alternatives

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How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Directions

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Ask Camp Sage about Bandits Roost

Best Time to Camp at Bandits Roost

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Bandits Roost?

Amenities available

Things to do at Bandits Roost

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Nearby alternatives

Fort Hamby Park

Warrior Creek

Doughton Park Campground