Please note: Our coastal parks and their operations, including campgrounds, may be impacted or closed in the event that Hurricane Maria’s path comes closer to the North Carolina coast. Please check the individual park website when planning travel this weekend.
Posted on: Friday, September 22, 2017 - 5:02pmCamping
Park Maps and Brochures:
Upcoming Events:
The park will be over capacity every weekend it is not rainy or cold. We have a limited amount of parking and once it fills, cars will only be let in as space allows. Once inside the park you can expect a wait for a parking space. Hikers can easily avoid this by visiting our yadkin river section or corridor trail parking. Visitors whose goal is a scenic drive only will be better served to visit the blue ridge parkway, as there is no through traffic possible when we fill up.
We encourage visitors that can visit during the week to do so, or arrive early.
You can check the parks traffic status by using the app "Waze". We also post warning signage near the park entrance.
No drones, UAV's, flying machines, or RC aircraft are allowed at Pilot Mountain State Park. Drones also cannot be launched from the state road or US highway outside the front gate.
Posted on: Saturday, February 18, 2017 - 7:24amThe creek crossing on the bridle trail near Stony Ridge Road is closed due to the trail being washed out. Parking and riding the trail is possible at either end of the trail and the trail is opened for riding approximately 3 miles in either direction.
Posted on: Wednesday, June 21, 2017 - 1:17pmPilot Mountain St Park staff conducted a prescribed burn on 40 acres on the mountain yesterday 9/19/17 , west of the campground, below the mountain trail. Smoldering is normal and will be visible afterwards but will be contained within firelines and allowed to burn out. Do not call 911.
Posted on: Wednesday, September 20, 2017 - 1:37pm
Family camping
The lower slopes of Pilot Mountain house the family camping area where 49 campsites for tents and trailers are scattered among oaks and hickories. Each site has a tent pad, table and grill. Drinking water is available throughout the campground, and two modern washhouses with hot showers are located nearby. Hookups are not provided. Firewood may be obtained for sale from local vendors. Gathering wood in the park is not allowed. The maximum number of people who can occupy a site is six. Sites are open March 15 through November 30.
Youth tent camping
On the north side of the Yadkin River, a camping area for youth groups includes tables, a fire circle and waterless toilets. Campers must carry in drinking water and firewood. This area is reserved for large organized groups. Reservations must be made in advance. To access the group campsites, you must drive through three shallow stream crossings. There are no bridges. During periods of heavy rain these campsites may be unavailable due to flooding.
Canoe camping
Two canoe campsites on the south bank of the river are available by permit. No water or toilet facilities are provided. You must bring your own water and pack out all trash and waste. No camping is allowed on the Yadkin River Islands or anywhere within the River Section except in designated areas by permit. This area is reserved for canoeists traveling through the park on the Yadkin River Canoe Trail. Reservations must be made in advance.
IMPORTANT: Not all campsites have identical amenities. Read the campsite information on the reservations website to preview photos of campsites; check availability and fees; and find out whether a specific site is handicap accessible; has access to water, showers, or restrooms; has electric hookup; and other important information.
Pilot Mountain State Park
The Mountain Section:
March to November : Opens at 7am, Closes at Sunset.
December to February : Opens at 8am, Closes at Sunset.
Campers only may enter the mountain section until the following times:
March,April, October- 9pm
May-September- 10pm
November- 8pm
Yadkin River Section:
November to February: 8:30am - 5pm
March, April: 8:30am - 7pm
May, June, July, August, September: 8:30am - 8pm
October: 8:30am - 7pm
Please note the North and South River Sections are 10 and 20 miles from the mountain section of the park and have different operating hours. Gates are locked promptly at closing. There is no gate entry before or after hours, including campgrounds, except in case of medical or law enforcement emergency. No vehicles other than those registered to campers may be left in the park overnight.
Park Office
8am - 4:30pm 7 days a week
The park is closed Christmas Day