Explore lakes, the Uwharrie National Forest, and Blue Ridge Mountain foothills from High Point.
Despite its name, High Point sits at just 922 feet in elevation in central North Carolina. But what High Point lacks in height, it makes up for in beautiful lake and forest camping. The town sits just north of the Uwharrie National Forest, a sprawling preserve of pine and oak forests loaded with campgrounds, trail systems, and recreation opportunities on Badin Lake. Multiple river parks are also set near High Point, where you can go fishing, try out paddling, and camp out beneath the stars. It’s also about 90 minutes from the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills, a prime area to experience alpine parks with objectively high points.
High Point sits right on Oak Hollow Lake and High Point Lake. The city operates a campground at Oak Hollow Lake with tent and RV camping sites, and kayaks and SUPs can be rented nearby at the Oak Hollow Marina. RV travelers will find RV parks with full hookups and wifi in High Point.
The Uwharrie National Forest’s Badin Lake Campground is 60 minutes from High Point and features tent and RV camping sites with picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and restrooms. There are opportunities for fishing, mountain biking, boating, and OHV use throughout this 50,645-acre preserve.
Mayo River State Park is 45 minutes north of High Point at Mayo Mountain. The park has fishing holes, hiking trails through hardwood forest, and paddling access to the Mayo River’s class II rapids.
You can hike, rock climb, and rappel at the 2,000-foot tall Pilot Mountain west of High Point at Pilot Mountain State Park. Camp out among hickory and oak trees at the park’s campground, or paddle on the Yadkin River Canoe Trail.
Stone Mountain is a 2,305-foot peak west of High Point that culminates in a 600-foot granite dome. You can summit the mountain, hike among creeks and waterfalls, try some fishing, and camp out at Stone Mountain State Park.
High Point has a subtropical climate that can make summers hot and humid. Lake or mountain camping is a good way to go during summer visits—meanwhile, spring and fall tend to be pleasant with cool nights. Fall foliage is renowned in the area around the Blue Ridge Mountains, while spring visitors may be treated to gushing waterfalls and wildflowers. In winter, temperatures can drop below freezing and snow is possible.