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Grandfather Campground

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Grandfather Campground Overview

Rating

Phone (800) 788-2582

Address 125 Profile View Rd, Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA

Website http://www.grandfatherrv.com/

Hours Monday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday, 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Grandfather Campground Location & Map

North CarolinaWatauga CountyBanner ElkProfile View Road

Grandfather Campground About

For North Carolinians eager to immerse themselves in the majestic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Grandfather Campground in Banner Elk offers a prime location and a range of camping options. Situated within the enchanting High Country, this campground serves as an excellent base for exploring one of the state's most iconic natural landmarks, Grandfather Mountain, and a plethora of other outdoor activities. Whether you’re an experienced RVer, a traditional tent camper, or looking for the comforts of a cabin, Grandfather Campground aims to provide a memorable mountain escape for families and adventurers alike.

North Carolina is renowned for its stunning four-season beauty, and the Banner Elk area, in particular, captivates with its cool summers, vibrant fall foliage, and winter sports opportunities. Grandfather Campground leverages this natural splendor, offering views of the famous Grandfather Mountain directly from its grounds. Being open year-round, it caters to all seasons of mountain exploration, from summer hiking and fishing to winter skiing and snowboarding. The campground provides various site types to accommodate different preferences, ensuring that most visitors can find a suitable spot for their stay.

While some past guest feedback has highlighted areas for improvement regarding cleanliness and site spacing, the fundamental appeal of Grandfather Campground lies in its exceptional location and the convenience it offers to surrounding attractions. It's important for prospective visitors to consider their own camping style and expectations. For those who prioritize being close to nature's wonders and have self-contained facilities, the campground's proximity to major points of interest like Grandfather Mountain State Park remains a significant draw. It’s a place that allows local users to easily tap into the adventure and tranquility that defines North Carolina's High Country.

Location and Accessibility

Grandfather Campground is strategically located at 125 Profile View Rd, Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA. This address places it directly in the scenic heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering incredible accessibility to some of North Carolina's most beloved attractions. The most significant highlight of its location is its immediate proximity to Grandfather Mountain State Park and the Grandfather Mountain attraction, featuring the iconic Mile High Swinging Bridge, wildlife habitats, and extensive hiking trails. Guests can often enjoy views of Grandfather Mountain directly from the campground.

Banner Elk, a charming and popular resort town, is just a short drive away, providing convenient access to local restaurants, unique shops, and seasonal events. The town is also a hub for winter sports, with Sugar Mountain Resort and Beech Mountain Resort within easy reach for skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating during the colder months. Major mountain towns like Boone (approximately 10 miles northeast) and Blowing Rock, known for their vibrant arts scenes, diverse dining options, and additional outdoor recreation, are also easily accessible from the campground.

The campground's location on Profile View Road provides a sense of being nestled in nature while remaining connected to main roads. US Highway 105 and the Blue Ridge Parkway are vital arteries in the region, making Grandfather Campground a convenient base for exploring the broader High Country. Whether you're planning to hike, bike, fish, or simply enjoy a scenic drive, the campground’s position minimizes travel time to your chosen adventures, making it an ideal spot for North Carolinians looking to maximize their mountain experience.

Services Offered

Grandfather Campground aims to provide a variety of services to accommodate different camping preferences and ensure a comfortable stay for its guests, operating year-round.

  • RV Sites with Full Hookups: The campground offers numerous RV sites, including both 30-amp and 50-amp full hookups (water, electric, and sewer connections). These sites are designed to accommodate a range of RV sizes, from smaller campers to large motorhomes.

  • Tent Sites: For those who prefer a more traditional camping experience, dedicated tent sites are available. These sites typically include space for a tent, along with a picnic table and fire ring for outdoor cooking and relaxation.

  • Cabin Rentals: Grandfather Campground also provides several types of cabin rentals. These options offer a more comfortable and less rustic experience, often including amenities like beds and climate control, bridging the gap between camping and a hotel stay.

  • Restroom Facilities with Showers: The campground provides bathhouses with restrooms and showers for guest use. While some reviews have noted concerns about cleanliness in these facilities, they are available for campers who may not have self-contained bathrooms in their RVs or for tent campers.

  • Laundry Room: A laundry facility is available on-site, offering convenience for guests on longer stays or those needing to refresh their clothes after outdoor activities.

  • Pet-Friendly Policy: Grandfather Campground is generally pet-friendly, welcoming dogs on a leash in RV and tent sites. Specific rules apply, and pets are not permitted inside cabins.

  • On-site Amenities (General): While detailed information on a camp store or other specific on-site amenities is limited, campgrounds of this size typically offer basic supplies like firewood and ice. A playground is also available for children.

Features / Highlights

Grandfather Campground's primary appeal lies in its key features and its enviable position amidst the High Country's natural wonders.

  • Stunning Mountain Views: A significant highlight is the direct view of Grandfather Mountain from various points within the campground. This iconic peak provides a breathtaking backdrop for your camping experience.

  • Proximity to Grandfather Mountain Attraction: The campground's location makes it incredibly convenient for visiting the Grandfather Mountain attraction. This includes access to the Mile High Swinging Bridge, interactive wildlife habitats, and the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, all just minutes away.

  • Year-Round Operation: Being open all year allows campers to experience the Blue Ridge Mountains in every season – from vibrant spring blooms and lush summer greenery to spectacular fall foliage and snow-covered winter landscapes perfect for skiing and snowboarding.

  • Diverse Site Options: The availability of full hookup RV sites, tent sites, and various cabin rentals provides flexibility for different camping styles and comfort levels, catering to a broad range of visitors.

  • Access to Outdoor Recreation: Beyond Grandfather Mountain, the campground serves as a gateway to extensive hiking trails, fishing spots, scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and proximity to ski resorts like Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain.

  • Family-Friendly Environment: With a playground on-site and its close ties to family-oriented attractions, Grandfather Campground is positioned as a suitable destination for families traveling with children.

  • Location by the River (for some sites): Some reviews mention camping "by the river," suggesting that certain sites offer picturesque riverside access, which is ideal for those who enjoy the sounds and activities associated with a flowing stream.

Promotions or Special Offers

While specific, publicly advertised "promotions or special offers" for Grandfather Campground are not widely detailed in general information, it is always recommended for prospective guests to inquire directly. Campgrounds often implement various types of deals depending on the season, duration of stay, or specific events.

Potential offers might include:

  • Off-Season Rates: During quieter periods, particularly in late fall (after peak leaf season) or early spring, campgrounds may offer reduced rates to attract visitors.

  • Extended Stay Discounts: Guests planning to stay for a week or longer might be eligible for a discounted nightly rate compared to short-term stays.

  • Special Event Packages: If the campground hosts or is near local events (e.g., music festivals, craft fairs), they might occasionally offer packages that include a stay and event access, though this is less common for standard campgrounds.

For the most accurate and current information on any promotions, it is best to contact Grandfather Campground directly or visit their official website if available.

Contact Information

To plan your visit or inquire about reservations at Grandfather Campground, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 125 Profile View Rd, Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA

Phone: (800) 788-2582

Mobile Phone: +1 800-788-2582

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For North Carolina residents, Grandfather Campground offers a highly suitable and convenient gateway to experiencing the best of their state's iconic High Country. Its prime location, nestled at the base of Grandfather Mountain, means that some of North Carolina's most breathtaking scenery and popular attractions are literally at your doorstep. This unparalleled proximity allows locals to minimize travel time and maximize their enjoyment of hiking, sightseeing, and outdoor adventures, making it ideal for weekend escapes or longer family vacations without venturing too far from home.

The campground's year-round operation further enhances its suitability for locals, providing a consistent option for outdoor recreation across all four distinct seasons. Whether you're drawn to the vibrant autumn leaves, the serene winter snowscapes for skiing, or the refreshing summer air for hiking and exploring, Grandfather Campground serves as a reliable base. The variety of accommodation types, from RV sites with full hookups to tent sites and cabins, caters to different comfort levels and budgets, making mountain getaways accessible to a wider range of North Carolinians.

While some past reviews mention concerns regarding cleanliness, for those who primarily use their own camper facilities or value location and access above all else, Grandfather Campground remains a strong contender. Its family-friendly atmosphere, coupled with being pet-friendly, means that it can accommodate the needs of many local families looking for an inclusive outdoor experience. Ultimately, for North Carolina residents seeking to connect with the majestic beauty and recreational opportunities of Grandfather Mountain and the surrounding High Country, this campground offers a practical, accessible, and potentially rewarding choice for their next adventure.

Customer Reviews

4.0
592 reviews
D
D MLMC
Jun 01, 2025

Things I liked about this campground were the proximity to Grandfather Mountain SP and the view of the mountain as I walked through the campground. Things I did not like were the lack of proper cleanliness (especially in the bathrooms). Our campsite had food left behind on the ground. Picking up papers on the floor in the bathrooms is not enough. The sinks need wiping down and the shower stalls definitely need some love. The tiles appeared to have mold. If you will be using the bathroom in your camper then this won’t be an issue. A NO Smoking sign should be placed in the bathrooms. There was a gentleman who constantly smoked in there (by the B sites). The floor in the laundry room was just as dirty when I left, as when I got there. The electric pedestal placement was super awkward on our site (B28). There is no gate at the entrance/exit. So, anyone can come in and out, making it feel not so secure. A good chunk of the sites are pretty close together (this may or may not bother some).

B
Brandon Perry
Jun 11, 2025

Great location close to alot of stuff. We camped from a Thursday-Monday. But with 3 people in one small camper we typically use the bathhouses for showers etc. The bathhouses were dirty when we arrived and were never cleaned during our whole stay. Trash cans in bathhouses overflowing, dirty showers, spiders, smelled like urine and even a random stick on the men’s urinal that stayed there the whole entire stay. Nice campground but won’t be back to do how dirty the bathhouses were… we camped by the river and even went up the hill to the other side of the campground and the bathhouses were the same way.

J
Jillian Sylvester
Jan 06, 2025

We stayed here for the weekend to go skiing. We were in cabin #2, the cabin itself was cozy but dated. Everything worked and we had a great stay. My only real complaint was that the windows have either a film in-between the panes of mold in-between the panes it made it impossible to look out all but 3 windows.

S
Sarah Taylor
Dec 13, 2024

Great folks running this campground. Open year round which is great for our needs. Perfect location to attractions yet still peaceful at night. Be patient as they are still rebuilding river sites due to the hurricane. The rest of the campground is still up and running though! Bonuses are the playground, open fields, and roads/trails to walk along.

R
Rosebud Hugs
Dec 20, 2024

Went for my 6 year anniversary with my boyfriend in Feb 2024 and it was magical. I talk about my trip there still almost everyday and it’s coming up on 7 months since I’ve been there. It was snowing and it was desolate. I’ll never forget my time here. Nice staff and I would go back in a heartbeat. Little update: My now fiancé (aka the boyfriend I referenced to in the first review) told me that this was the place where we had so much fun and shared such a great time that, in that moment, he decided he wanted to propose to me in the coming months. (Side note- Reviews mentioning how it’s not luxurious should know that this is a campground not a luxury hotel. I had the lowest tier cabin I could get and it was amazing. It had the absolute bare minimum and I was just as happy. Camping is supposed to be in the wilderness not some 5 diamond resort. I would walk in 10 degree temperatures while snowing to the bathroom and I still didn’t complain. I was just happy I had a place to go. 5 stars everyone don’t let any review upset that a campground is indeed a campground deter you to go somewhere else)