Camping
1792 Pilot Knob Park Road
Pinnacle, NC 27043
336-325-2355
pilot.mountain@ncparks.gov
- December to February:
8:00am to 6:00pm
- March to April:
7:00am to 8:00pm
- May to September:
7:00am to 9:00pm
- October:
7:00am to 8:00pm
- November:
7:00am to 6:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
- November to February:
8:30am to 5:00pm
- March to April:
8:30am to 7:00pm
- May to September:
8:30am to 8:00pm
- October:
8:30am to 7:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
- March to April:
7:00am to 9:00pm
- May to September:
7:00am to 10:00pm
- October:
7:00am to 9:00pm
- November:
7:00am to 8:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
*PLEASE NOTE: Gates are locked promptly at closing. There is no gate entry before or after hours, including campgrounds, except in the case of a medical or law enforcement emergency. No vehicles other than those registered to campers may be left in the park overnight.
- 8:00am to 4:30pm – daily
- Closed Christmas Day
Due to wet conditions the North River Section Bean Shoals Access road is closed. Trails remain open to hiking. Vehicles blocking gates or obstructing traffic are subject to being towed.
Due to wet conditions Bridle trails and Corridor parking lots are closed. Corridor trail remains open to hiking. Vehicles blocking gates or obstructing traffic are subject to being towed.
As part of a erosion control effort and to reduce visitor use conflicts, the upper part of the Grindstone Trail below the summit parking lot has been rerouted, effective immediately.
Hikers- The new Grindstone trail starts next to the picnic area, then leads downhill 1 mile to the Ledge Springs Trail. The blazes remain blue and the total trail distance is still 3 miles one way ending at the park office. It remains a better hike to start the Grindstone Trail from the park office. The Ledge Springs trail is now only the lower trail below the cliff line, it does not parallel the Grindstone at any point.
Climbers- The approach to the routes has changed. Temporary signage is in place while permanent signage has been ordered.
For top rope access to Chickenbone/Parking lot area: The access remains the same (the climber gate just below the registration kiosk). To access the bottom of the cliff, follow the Jomeokee trail (behind bathroom) to its first right hand turn to walk to the bottom of Chickenbone.
For all other routes and areas: Use the new grindstone trail adjacent to the new picnic area. Follow the blue blazed Grindstone Trail downhill to the new shortcut trail to 3 Bears Gully. Access all routes uphill of 3 Bears - such as the Big Arete, Amphitheatre, Black Rain etc. by walking uphill from the midway point of 3 Bears Gully.
A map of the new trail route is linked here: https://files.nc.gov/ncparks/maps-and-brochures/pilot-mountain-state-park-climbing-accesses-map.pdf
Also linked from the front page of our website as the climbing map
Last updated on: Sunday, January 12, 2020Camping
RESERVATIONS
Find and book a campsite online
Or make your reservation at 1-877-722-6762
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT AMENITIES:
Not all campsites have identical amenities. Read the campsite information on the reservations website to see photos of campsites; check availability and fees; find out whether a specific site is wheelchair accessible, has access to water, bathouses or pit toilets, or has electric hookup; and learn other important information.
Tent and trailer camping
The lower slopes of Pilot Mountain house the family camping area where 42 campsites for tents and trailers are scattered among oaks and hickories.
Each site has a tent pad, table and firepit/grill. Drinking water is available throughout the campground, and two washhouses with hot showers are located nearby.
Some campsites can accommodate RVs. Hookups and dump station are not provided. Check the reservations website for more details.
Firewood may be obtained for sale from the campground host. 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.
Paddle-in camping
Two canoe campsites on the south bank of the river are available by reservation. Reservations must be made in advance.
No water or toilet facilities are provided. You must bring your own water and pack out all trash and waste.
Camping is allowed only in designated areas. No camping is allowed on the Yadkin River Islands.
NOTE – Gate access for campers:
Park gates are closed and locked at posted closing times for your protection. There will be no exiting or entering the gates after the closing time. All visitors who are not spending the night need to be out by closing time. If you leave the park and do not return before closing time, you will not be able to re-enter. Check with the park office during office hours for the after-hours emergency phone number. Please notify camp hosts for emergencies only.
Park Maps and Brochures:
