Camping at Elk Knob State Park
Available Camping Facilities
Elk Knob State Park has backcountry campsites. It is a pleasant hike down into a cove forest with beautiful streams.
There are three campsites that can accommodate no more than six people and two tents each. There is also a zone camping area that can accommodate three sites of no more than six people and two tents each.
These are primitive campsites with no facilities. The sites are approximately a 1- to 2-mile hike from the trailhead. All supplies, including water, must be packed in to the sites. To drink water from nearby creeks and streams, use a filtration device or boil the water for at least 5 minutes.
Campfires are not allowed. Cooking by camp stove is permitted.
These campsites are available on a first-come, first-served walk-up basis only and cannot be reserved. Each site is $15 per night. You are required to pay the reservation fee. There is a self-registration box at the trailhead where you place your payment in an envelope. Please fill out all required information, including all vehicle information.
Elk Knob State Park has two group sites that can accommodate up to 26 people each. A minimum of 7 people is required to use the group sites, and the group sites are for organized groups only.
A pit toilet is shared by the two group sites. All supplies, including water, must be packed in to the sites — they are located 1 to 2 miles from the trailhead. To drink water from nearby creeks and streams, use a filtration device or boil the water for at least 5 minutes.
Campfires are not allowed. Cooking by camp stove is permitted.
Reservations are required for group campsites.
Cancellation Policy for Group Campsites
Please note that if you need to cancel your group campsite reservations, you have until 14 days prior to the scheduled arrival date. No refunds are issued after the 14-day mark, but campers may reschedule to another date and will be charged only the cancellation fees.
Important Information
Check-In and Check-Out Times
Check-in at all state parks is 3 p.m. and check-out is 12 p.m.
Leave No Trace
Camp on designated sites only. Your camping equipment must be on the tent pad or within the designated limits of each site. When leaving, inspect your campsite, food preparation areas, and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter.
Campfires are not permitted at Elk Knob State Park.
Learn About the Seven Principles
Gate Access
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. Vehicles left overnight must have a camping tag.
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 business hours for the after-hours emergency phone number.
Firewood
Campfires are prohibited at Elk Knob State Park.
Making Reservations
All North Carolina state park campgrounds are designated for recreation only. A single campsite can be reserved for a maximum of 14 consecutive nights within any 30-day period. Upon reaching that limit, a camper must vacate the park for 16 nights before returning.
The backpack and zone camping sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations for the group campsites can be made up to 6 months in advance.
Changes and Cancellations
You can now cancel reservations online by logging into your account on ReserveAmerica. Please note that there is a $6 fee per night to cancel your reservation. The fees will be deducted from your refund.
Please note that group camping reservations must be cancelled at least 14 days prior to the scheduled arrival date. No refunds are issued after the 14-day mark, but campers may reschedule to another date and will be charged only the cancellation fees.
If you need to make changes to your reservation, please call ReserveAmerica at 1-877-722-6762. You cannot switch dates, campsites, or parks using your account online — you will be charged the cancellation fees, even if you book a new site.
In the event of a closure for a campsite, campground, or the entire park, you will be contacted automatically by ReserveAmerica to cancel or change your reservation. You will receive a full refund for cancellations due to park closures.
No refunds are issued for "no-shows," early departures, or cancellations made after the arrival date.
Camping Rates per Night
All prices listed on the page include the $3 reservation fee.
| Campsite Type | Nightly Rate |
|---|---|
| Backpack tent sites and zone tent sites | $15 |
| Group campsite — minimum of 7, and up to 26 people — reservations required |
$45 |
Senior Citizen and Military/Veteran Discount
Campers 62 years old or older and any veteran or active military members are eligible for a $6 discount per night on most reservations (except group campsites). When making a reservation online, check the box for the discount program to apply it to your reservation. When you check in at the park, please make sure you have a valid ID with your birthdate or proof of military service or veteran status to confirm the discounted rate.
There are no other discounts or passes for camping.