How much does camping cost at Bandits Roost?

Camping fees at Bandits Roost range from $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. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

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

Summer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Blue Ridge Parkway

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

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.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

336-921-3190

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Bandits Roost

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

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

Fall offers comfortable temps and peak foliage; reviews and seasonal notes highlight this as best time.

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.

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

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

Activities you can enjoy

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our 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.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Bandits Roost

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

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

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

You want a full-service lakeside base camp for fishing, boating, and autumn foliage trips in the North Carolina foothills.

Skip if

You need quiet enforcement guarantees or recently renovated bathhouse facilities.

Nearby Campgrounds

1534 S. RECREATION ROAD, WILKESBORO, NC, 28697, USA

Fort Hamby Park sits on the shores of W. Kerr Scott Reservoir in the North Carolina foothills, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The mid-sized campground offers electric and water hookups, showers, and a dump station alongside access to hiking trails, fishing, and swimming. Spacious, wooded sites provide privacy, though narrow roads and steep inclines can challenge larger RVs.

$30.00 - $125.00 / night

Warrior Creek sits on the W. Kerr Scott Reservoir in North Carolina's Yadkin Valley foothills, operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. This mid-sized campground offers electric and water hookups alongside tent sites, with access to hiking and biking trails that wind through hardwood forests and along the reservoir shoreline. Reviewers consistently praise the spacious, wooded sites and gated security, though restroom facilities can feel stretched during busy periods.

$22.00 - $85.00 / night

1956 Rendezvous Mtn Rd, Purlear, North Carolina, 28665, United States

Rendezvous Mountain sits in the northern Appalachian foothills near Purlear, offering day-use access to steep ravines, waterfalls, and hiking trails. The park has one picnic shelter that holds up to 60 people. Visitors consistently mention maintenance issues and unreliable hours. It's worth confirming the park is open before you drive up the steep, one-lane gravel access road.

1 campsites

Reservable

12.981 km

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Frequently Visited

3.9

(214)

Doughton Park Campground

Milepost 239 Blue Ridge Parkway

Doughton Park Campground sits in the Blue Ridge foothills along the Blue Ridge Parkway, operated by the National Park Service. The large campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group sites with flush toilets, a dump station, and potable water. Visitors hike the surrounding trails, fish nearby streams, and watch wildlife in ridgeline meadows, with fall foliage drawing the heaviest crowds from late September through mid-October.

$30.00 - $45.00 / night

Less Visited

3.8

(10)

Stone Mountain State Park

3042 Frank Parkway, Roaring Gap, North Carolina, 28668, United States

Stone Mountain State Park sits in North Carolina's West District at 1,808 feet elevation, offering tent and RV camping with electric and water hookups. The campground is a base for the Stone Mountain Loop and Wolf Rock trails, which climb through ancient rock formations and weathered peaks. Tent sites are open-air with minimal tree cover.

Tents

RVs

35.664 km

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Frequently Visited

4.6

(10)

Mount Jefferson State Natural Area

1481 Mt. Jefferson State Park Rd, West Jefferson, North Carolina, 28694, United States

Mount Jefferson State Natural Area sits at 4,800 feet near West Jefferson, offering free access to hiking trails, mountain views, and a single group camping site. The park draws far fewer crowds than nearby attractions, though weekend visitors increase in fall. LTE cell service works even at elevation.

1 campsites

Reservable

36.589 km

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

358 New River State Park Road, Laurel Springs, NC 28644

New River State Park offers 20 campsites along one of Earth's oldest rivers, nestled in the Appalachian highlands at 2,703 feet. The campground includes tent, RV, primitive, and group sites, with amenities ranging from full hookups to walk-in riverside spots. It's a quiet, well-maintained base for paddling, fishing, and exploring the surrounding mountains.

$0.00 - $7.00 / night

Campgrounds you may also like

$22.00 - $85.00 / night

Highly Popular

Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn)

4.4

(428)

Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, Tn)

4900 Asheville Highway, Greeneville, TN, 37743, USA

Rock Creek Recreation Area sits in the foothills of Cherokee National Forest near Erwin, Tennessee, operated by the US Forest Service. The mid-sized campground offers tent and RV sites with electric hookups, showers, and a dump station, plus access to a creek-fed swimming pond and trailheads into the Unaka Wilderness. Campers hike to Rock Creek Falls, fish, bike forest roads, and watch wildlife during the seasonal operating window.

$20.00 - $50.00 / night

Frequently Visited

4.4

(446)

Cardens Bluff Campground

4400 Unicoi Drive

Cardens Bluff Campground sits on Watauga Lake in Cherokee National Forest near Unicoi, Tennessee. Operated by the national forest, this mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with showers, flush toilets, and lake access for swimming, fishing, and boating. Reviewers consistently highlight the lake views and peaceful atmosphere, though some note inconsistent shower cleanliness and limited water access at certain sites.

$12.00 - $12.00 / night

Less Visited

4.4

(54)

Pound River Campground (Va)

1182 Pound River Campground Rd, Clintwood, VA 24228

Pound River Campground sits on the shores of John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir in the Virginia foothills near Clintwood. Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, this mid-sized campground offers electric hookups, showers, and a dump station for tent and RV campers who come to fish, boat, and bike around the reservoir. Reviewers consistently praise the attentive host and daily-cleaned facilities, though low water levels can occasionally limit boating access.

$20.00 - $26.00 / night

Highly Popular

4.5

(284)

Rocky Knob Campground

Milepost 167.1 Blue Ridge Parkway

Rocky Knob Campground sits at 3,000 feet elevation on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Floyd, North Carolina, operated by the National Park Service. The large campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group sites with flush toilets, a dump station, and potable water but no showers. Visitors hike the Rock Castle Gorge trails, watch for wildlife, and attend occasional live music events during the seasonal operating period.

$30.00 - $45.00 / night

Less Visited

3.5

(52)

Rocky Bluff Campground

2145 NC-209, HOT SPRINGS, NC, 28743

Rocky Bluff Campground sits along Spring Creek in the Appalachian foothills near Hot Springs, operated by the Appalachian Ranger District Office. This small, budget-friendly site offers primitive and tent camping with direct creek access for trout fishing and wading. Visitors come for the seclusion and wildlife viewing, though maintenance issues have been reported.

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campgrounds

W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir

Bandits Roost

About W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir

Context for the broader area surrounding Bandits Roost, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

W. Kerr Scott Reservoir is located in the beautiful Yadkin River Valley in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Authorized purposes of the reservoir are flood control, water supply, recreation, and fish and wildlife management.

Directions

From Winston-Salem, north on US 421 to Wilkesboro, then 5 miles west on NC Highway 268.From Charlotte, NC, north on 77 to Wilkesboro, then 5 miles west on NC Highway 268.