Vanderpool Campground

- 120 Campground Rd, Vilas, NC 28692

Are you a North Carolina local yearning for a refreshing mountain retreat, where the summer air is cool and the sounds of nature lull you into relaxation? Do you appreciate well-maintained grounds and the convenience of modern amenities, even when you're seeking an escape? Vanderpool Campground in Vilas, NC, presents itself as a potential answer to your desires for a memorable outdoor experience in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. This campground aims to offer a peaceful haven for RV and tent campers alike, with a focus on comfortable sites and a prime location.

North Carolina's High Country is a cherished destination, known for its breathtaking vistas, vibrant small towns, and an abundance of outdoor activities throughout all four seasons. From the lush greenery of summer to the snowy slopes of winter, the appeal of the Blue Ridge Mountains is undeniable. Vanderpool Campground positions itself as a year-round base camp for exploring this beloved region. While some reviews offer contrasting perspectives on certain aspects, the campground highlights its core offerings: well-equipped sites, a convenient location, and the promise of that cool mountain air. This article will provide an overview of Vanderpool Campground, detailing its location and accessibility, the services it aims to provide, its advertised features and highlights, and ultimately, why it could be a suitable option for North Carolinians looking for their next mountain adventure.

Vanderpool Campground is strategically located at 120 Campground Rd, Vilas, NC 28692, USA. This address places it firmly within the scenic and popular High Country of North Carolina, specifically in Vilas, a community nestled between the vibrant town of Boone and the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The accessibility of Vanderpool Campground is a notable advantage for North Carolina residents. It is situated just 9 miles north of Boone, a hub for shopping, dining, and Appalachian State University activities. This proximity means that campers can easily access essential services, cultural attractions, and entertainment options within a short drive. The campground is also conveniently located for accessing major roadways in the region, ensuring a straightforward journey from various parts of the state. For instance, it's a "convenient drive" to popular ski resorts like Appalachian Ski Mountain, Seven Devils, Sugar Mountain, and Beech Mountain, making it an appealing option for winter sports enthusiasts.

Beyond direct road access and proximity to towns, the campground's location offers immediate entry to the iconic natural attractions of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Blue Ridge Parkway, renowned for its stunning scenic overlooks and numerous hiking trails, is within a reasonable distance, providing endless opportunities for exploration. Areas like Grandfather Mountain, with its famous swinging bridge and diverse hiking, are also easily reachable. The cool summer weather, a highlight mentioned by a guest, is a testament to its elevation and mountain setting, providing a welcome escape from the heat of lower elevations. The presence of a "flowing river" nearby, as noted in a review, further enhances the natural appeal of the location, providing potential opportunities for riverside relaxation or enjoyment.

Vanderpool Campground aims to provide a range of services to ensure a comfortable stay for its guests, catering primarily to RV and tent campers. Based on available public data, these services include:

• RV Sites with Full Hookups: The campground offers 37 full hookup sites with 20, 30, and 50 amp service, water, and sewer connections, accommodating "big rigs" easily. There are also 8 additional electric and water sites.
• Pull-Thru Sites: Ten pull-thru sites are available, providing ease of access for larger RVs.
• Tent Camping: Dedicated sites are available for tent campers, allowing for a more traditional outdoor experience.
• Heated Bathhouse and Restrooms: A bathhouse with flush toilets and hot showers is available and is heated for comfort, especially beneficial during colder months.
• Heated Laundry Room with Microwave: A heated laundry room equipped with coin-operated machines and a microwave provides convenient facilities for extended stays.
• On-site Sales: The office sells essential camping supplies, including ice, firewood, and basic RV supplies.
• High-Speed Wi-Fi: High-speed Wi-Fi is available at each site, allowing guests to stay connected, stream content, and work remotely if needed.
• Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is available for RVs.
• LP Gas: LP gas is available for purchase, by meter or by weight.
• Campground Host On-Site: A host (owner/manager Giedre Snipas) lives on-site, offering assistance and ensuring the smooth operation of the campground.

Vanderpool Campground promotes several features that aim to enhance the guest experience and highlight its unique appeal in the Appalachian Mountains:

• Year-Round Operation: The campground is open all winter, making it a convenient option for skiers and snowboarders visiting nearby resorts like Appalachian Ski Mountain, Seven Devils, Sugar Mountain, and Beech Mountain.
• Cool Summer Weather: A consistent highlight is the refreshing "cool Summer weather," providing a welcome escape from the heat often found at lower elevations.
• Beautiful Scenery and Mountain Views: Guests can enjoy "beautiful scenery," including trees, birds, a mountain stream, and "the Beautiful View of the Blue Ridge Mountains," contributing to a peaceful outdoor ambiance.
• Well-Maintained Grounds: Positive reviews mention "beautifully kept" flowers and fruit trees, and "well maintained grounds" that are "rock or grass," noting "NO MUDDY Puddles" even when it rains, indicating good drainage and upkeep.
• Spacious and Level Sites: RV sites are described as "level spacious sites that easily accommodate big rigs," and can include concrete pads, offering comfort and ease of setup.
• Family-Oriented Atmosphere: The campground states it is "very family-orientated," fostering a welcoming environment for all ages. It also maintains a policy of "No alcohol, drugs, firearms or foul language allowed," aimed at ensuring a quiet and respectful environment.
• Outdoor Games: Complimentary outdoor games like horseshoes, beanbag toss, and volleyball are available in the office for guest use, providing on-site recreation.

It's important to acknowledge that one review described a less favorable experience, noting "abandon RV's that are falling apart," a "terrible hygiene problem" with the camp manager, and an office "loaded with garbage and smells like a pigsty," calling the website pictures "deceptive." Prospective visitors should consider these contrasting perspectives when planning their stay and perhaps reach out directly to the campground for current conditions.

While specific, time-limited promotional offers for Vanderpool Campground are not explicitly detailed in the provided information or readily available general searches, many campgrounds, especially those open year-round and catering to RVers, may have various ongoing or seasonal specials. These can include:

• Extended Stay Rates: It is noted that 33 of their sites are "Extended Stay," suggesting potential weekly or monthly rates that offer savings for longer visits.
• Off-Season Discounts: Given its year-round operation and proximity to ski resorts, there might be different pricing structures for peak winter ski season versus other times of the year, or perhaps discounts during quieter shoulder seasons.
• Affiliations/Memberships: Some campgrounds offer discounts for members of specific camping clubs (e.g., Good Sam, Passport America), though this is not confirmed for Vanderpool Campground.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on rates, any available discounts, or special packages, interested North Carolinians are strongly advised to contact Vanderpool Campground directly using the provided phone number. Inquiring about current deals can help in planning a budget-friendly mountain getaway.

If you're ready to plan your trip to the cool Appalachian Mountains or have questions about what Vanderpool Campground offers, you can reach them using the following contact details:

• Address: 120 Campground Rd, Vilas, NC 28692, USA
• Phone: (828) 297-3486

It's always a good practice to call ahead, especially for reservations, to confirm availability for your desired dates and specific site needs (e.g., 50 amp service, pull-thru, tent site). This also provides an opportunity to inquire about any specific concerns or to get the most current information directly from the management.

For North Carolina residents, Vanderpool Campground in Vilas offers a potentially suitable option for experiencing the beauty and recreational opportunities of the Appalachian Mountains. Its primary suitability stems from its strategic location, year-round accessibility, and the range of amenities it provides for both RV and tent campers.

The campground's proximity to Boone means locals have easy access to a vibrant town for supplies, dining, and entertainment, balancing the rustic appeal of camping with urban conveniences. Its year-round operation is a significant advantage, allowing for spontaneous weekend getaways or planned vacations in any season, from summer hikes and river activities to winter skiing. The availability of full hookup RV sites, including 50 amp service and pull-thrus, caters to the growing number of RV enthusiasts, while dedicated tent sites ensure options for all types of campers.

The described features, such as well-maintained grounds, cool summer weather, scenic mountain views, and on-site recreation, contribute to an enjoyable and relaxing stay. While acknowledging some mixed reviews, the positive experiences highlight the potential for a pleasant and welcoming environment, particularly under attentive management. For North Carolinians seeking a convenient and equipped base camp for exploring the High Country's natural wonders, enjoying its recreational activities, or simply unwinding amidst beautiful mountain scenery, Vanderpool Campground offers a practical and appealing choice for their next outdoor escape.

Vanderpool Campground

120 Campground Rd, Vilas, NC 28692, USA