Question 1

What variety of campsites do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Main Campground: $55
Taj Mahal Field: $45
Stargazing Field: $35
Hike-in Primitive: $30

Main campground sites are $55/night. These include picnic tables, hammocks, and fire pits. Each site proudly features it's own toilet tent, connected to a wooden structure where you can hang a solar shower bag (BYOB suggested) to wash off in private. There are 6 riverfront tent sites and 4 set back about 60 feet from the river. See map on homepage.

We also have two open fields away from the main campground that provide more space and privacy, but fewer amenities. There are no toilets or individual fire pits on field sites. Taj Mahal Field has a communal first come first serve fire pit area, and Stargazing Field does not. Taj Mahal is priced at $45/night, and Stargazing is priced at $35/night.

Our most bare-bones option are the Hike-in Primitive sites, priced at $30/night. This basically means that you may set up your tent or hammock anywhere on our 58 acre property, with no included amenities. Bring your own rustic toilet, or rent one of ours, listed in Extras.

Question 2

I've never used a rustic bucket toilet. What is it like?

Accepted Answer

It's kinda like a porta-potty, but a lot cleaner and a lot nicer! Each site has a privacy tent built on a wooden structure with a real toilet seat, and is connected to a separate clothes changing area where you can also hang a solar shower bag (BYOB suggested) to wash off in private. Rustic luxury! We have a washstation and handsoap, plus a battery powered light inside each toilet tent so you can see what you're doing in the dark. Seats and buckets are cleaned and sanitized between guests.
 
Bags with absorbant pellets are provided for the bucket toilets. Change the bags after every 2-3 pee's, and after every poop! Tie the bags up, and put used bags in larger trash cans on site.

We recommend bringing your own roll of toilet paper, as we cannot guarantee that the toilet tents remain fully stocked at all times. Additional toilet paper is also for sale in Extras.

If left too long it tends to smell, so please be respectful and do not leave all your 'leavings' in the bucket for Host to take care of! It is your DUTY to take care of your own DOODIE!!

Question 3

Is there a place to shower, or rinse off?

Accepted Answer

Solar showers may be available upon asking. We now have private wooden structures on each site for showering. Motion Sensor light is attached to tin roof as you enter shower area.

Solar shower bags will be available at camp only on a first come availability, so BYOB, bringing your own bag is recommended, in case of high demand! Our attendant will fill with water and sanitize between guests. Tips are appreciated for service.

For just a quick rinse, campers may also use the hose and sprayer in front of the A-frame house.

Question 4

Is there a water spigot we can use?

Accepted Answer

Campers may fill water containers with well-water at the hose in front of the A-frame house.

It can also be used as a make-shift shower with the sprayer if desired, HOWEVER, we do offer solar shower bags upon request, which can be used inside the rustic luxury toilet structures located at each site on the main campground.

Question 5

What about firewood or ice?

Accepted Answer

Firewood bundles, dry kindling, and 9lb bags of ice are available for sale in Extras when booking your campsite.

If you arrive after a rainy day and still want a campfire to light, instead of searching the woods, a dry kindling bucket is a great way to get you started, to pair along with your firewood bundle! Collected during dry spells by Host, it's a great Extra to have for Communal or private campfire pit!

Cubes of ice from owner's commercial icemaker. Clear bags weighed to equal 9 pounds and stored in freezer.

Can pick up at A-Frame or at campground.

Question 6

How to I get to the campsite area from the main road?

Accepted Answer

When you turn onto Flinchum Lane, the road becomes dirt and gravel. Go straight - do not make a right or a left into neighbor's property. Carl points the way! Watch for the blue and red signs.

Please drive slowly! Watch for oncoming traffic, and any creatures that may come across your path! Our dogs like to roam, and they may run or stand in front of the cars that come and go on the campground. Other creatures you may see include kids, turtles, or snakes crossing the road. Let them pass or stop and assist. Do Not Remove or take turtles to campsites.

You will see a log cabin on your right. Keep going straight to the A-Frame house at the end of the road. Contact host when you are 20-30 minutes away and Laura or Steve can guide you through.

There is parking at tent sites for four wheel drive only! 2 parking spaces per site. If one of your guests has a vehicle that can't make it to the main campsite area, let your host know, and we may be able to accommodate parking at the A-frame.

(If you need to fill water containers, use the hose located across from the A-Frame house. If extras such as firewood, toilet rental, or ice bags purchased, you can also pick up at A-frame or we can take to your site.)

When the gravel road splits into two, follow the pointing Carl's Campsite signs toward the site. Right past the Host house is the entrance road leading to the campground.

Follow road down through the woods toward the river, make left into campground.

Muddy and slick at times. Dogs run to cars inside campground. Kicks up dust. Be respectful of neighbors.

Question 7

What other activities are there to do in the area?

Accepted Answer

Activities on or nearby the property include fishing, hiking, paddling, climbing, swimming, and wildlife watching.

Pilot Mountain State Park, Hanging Rock, and MANY wineries are located close by. We are also near Horne Creek Living Historical Farm, and 20 minutes from Mt Airy, the homeplace of Andy Griffith, and the inspiration for the fictional town of Mayberry.

Every First Saturday in the town of Pilot Mountain, there is a gathering on Main Street of antique cars and a free outdoor music fest to enjoy with purchase of beer or wine. Take a chair and relax, or get up and dance! You will find food kiosks, and the local shops and restaurants participation in the festivities.

Question 8

What does "Kayakers Welcome" mean?

Accepted Answer

If you put your kayaks in on 268 bridge access, between the County Trash receptacles and Ararat River bridge, the float is roughly  2-2.5 hours to Carl’s Campsites. When you reach the campsite, check for either of the two access points and tie kayaks to deadwood or trees at the shallows away from the swim area.

If your driver is also a kayaker, we offer a $20 drop-off service! You may park at the A-Frame house and Owner (Steve) will take you back to the launch site, which is only a 5 minute drive from the campground – while your party waits for you! Just contact Laura by phone 443-797-5115 to set up a ride.

We also have 4 sit-on kayaks available for rent, life vest and paddles included, for $25 each per day. Steve's drop-off service is included with your kayak rental! Dock and exit at campsite to return equipment.

If you are floating in and continuing downriver the next day with a light load, you may be inclined to select the "Hike-In Primitive Site" option to camp with just your hammock or tent. We can always find a spot!

However, if you desire a campsite at the main campground with a fire pit, picnic table, rustic toilet with bags of pellets in a privacy tent, wash station and hand soap, and trash receptacles with removal, then Select from available Sites 2-10.

Question 9

Do you have RV accommodations?

Accepted Answer

We do not have electricity hookups for RV campers.

Self-contained pop-up campers are welcome as long as you bring your own generator.

No long term camping allowed.

Question 10

Where did the cookouts go?

Accepted Answer

If you're a return camper, you may have some fond memories of our Saturday Night Cookouts.

Unfortunately this year, with the price of groceries and the extra work it involves, we have decided to take an indefinite break from this tradition.

Carl's Campsites
at Pilot Mountain

Seasonal Camping: April 16th - October 31st

Frequently asked questions

What variety of campsites do you offer?

I've never used a rustic bucket toilet. What is it like?

Is there a place to shower, or rinse off?

Is there a water spigot we can use?

What about firewood or ice?

How to I get to the campsite area from the main road?

What other activities are there to do in the area?

What does "Kayakers Welcome" mean?

Do you have RV accommodations?

Where did the cookouts go?

Carl's Campsites at Pilot Mountain

Seasonal Camping: April 16th - October 31st

Frequently asked questions

What variety of campsites do you offer?

I've never used a rustic bucket toilet. What is it like?

Is there a place to shower, or rinse off?

Is there a water spigot we can use?

What about firewood or ice?

How to I get to the campsite area from the main road?

What other activities are there to do in the area?

What does "Kayakers Welcome" mean?

Do you have RV accommodations?

Where did the cookouts go?

Carl's Campsites
at Pilot Mountain