The massive granite dome at Stone Mountain State Park keeps watch on park visitors enjoying nearly every type of outdoor activity – camping, hiking, climbing, fishing, picnicking, horseback riding and more. There are more than 18 miles of trails, matched by more than 20 miles of designated trout waters in this park that spreads below the Blue Ridge Parkway. A campground offers 90 sites, some with utility hookups, and group and backpacking campsites are nearby. Rock climbing is allowed by permit on the towering, 600-foot granite face of the landmark mountain, and climbers look down on Hutchinson Homestead, a restored mid-19th century mountain farm. Expansive picnic grounds with shelters invite reunions and community gatherings.
Camping
Tent, trailer and RV camping
Just past the park office, a turnoff leads to the family campground where 90 campsites for tents and recreational vehicles are located on three loop roads.
Each site has a tent pad, picnic table and fire ring / grill. Drinking water and two washhouses with hot showers are located nearby.
Electric and water hookups are located on some sites and a dump station for use by registered RV campers is adjacent to the campground.
The campground and bathhouse are open year-round.
There is a fee for camping and a limit of six persons per site. Reservations are encouraged but any site not reserved is available on a first-come-first-served basis. Park gates are locked daily at posted closing hours. Family and group campgrounds remain open after hours via the Royal Camp Lane road.
Should you need assistance after hours you may contact our Campground Host located in A Loop-site 27. For a medical or law enforcement emergency call 911. An emergency phone is located at the Campground Contact Station.
Group camping
Four group sites are available for a fee by reservation only. Each site will accommodate 25 people.
Each site has a fire ring, grill, tables and access to water, restrooms and showers.
Backpack camping
Six backpack camping sites are located along Widow's Creek. The trailhead leading to the sites is located in the backpack parking lot. Distance to the sites ranges from 1.5 to 3 miles from the trailhead.
All supplies must be packed to the camping area, and minimum impact camping procedures should be followed.
Backpack camping is by permit only with a maximum of six people per site. Self register at the backpack camping parking lot. Backpack camping is prohibited in all other areas of the park.
Activities
Hiking
The park is a great place for a hike!
Fishing
Designated Trout Streams: More than 20 miles of park streams are designated trout waters. Rainbow and brown trout dominate the lower parts of the streams while brook trout inhabit the higher, cooler stretches of water. Garden, Widow's, Big Sandy, Bullhead and Rich Mountain creeks are Wild Trout Waters where only single hook artificial lures may be used.The East Prong of Roaring River is a stocked stream and is classified as delayed harvest. For approximately eight months of the year, no trout may be harvested from the river and only single hook artificial lures may be used.
For season dates and regulations for each type of trout water, contact the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC). A valid North Carolina fishing license and trout license are required for all streams, and regulations of the WRC are enforced throughout the park.
Accessible Fishing Piers: Two accessible fishing piers are located along the East Prong of Roaring River. Accessible parking spaces are provided at each pier. Intended for use by individuals with mobility impairments, other individuals may use the piers when space is available.
Picnicking
The picnic area is located near the visitor center and offers a peaceful woodland experience. Included in this area are 75 individual picnic sites and three large picnic shelters. The picnic area offers tables, grills, a water fountain and restrooms. The picnic shelters may be reserved for a fee. Available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis, if not reserved. A short trail connects to the main loop trail to provide access to a waterfall and Stone Mountain's summit.
Rock Climbing
Climbing is permitted in designated areas on the cliffs of Stone Mountain. Because of the dangers of rock climbing and rappelling, climbing is not recommended for beginners unless they are accompanied by an experienced climber.
All climbers must register with the park by completing a climbing permit which is available at the climber's area at the base of the mountain. There is no fee for this permit. Prior to activity, a copy of the permit must be deposited in a registration box or given to a park ranger. An additional copy is provided for participants and must be held in their possession while engaged in climbing or rappelling.
Participants are responsible for their own personal safety, including securing proper training and equipment, and adhering to safe practices. Basic rock climbing safety equipment and techniques must be used at all time.
