About Bandits Roost
Number of accommodations: 103
Nearby Activities & Attractions
Boating
Fishing
Hiking
Swimming
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
RV Utilities and Hookups
- Dump station on site
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Rates, Sites & Availability
103 Sites Available
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Site Details
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103 Sites Available
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Reviews (1821)
What Guests Are Saying
Bandits Roost is praised for its spacious, clean, and beautiful campsites, with many guests highlighting the welcoming staff and peaceful atmosphere. The campground offers convenient access to local attractions and activities, making it a favorite for returning visitors. While some maintenance issues, such as the boat ramp and bathhouse updates, were noted, the overall experience remains highly positive.
What Guests Are Saying
Bandits Roost is praised for its spacious, clean, and beautiful campsites, with many guests highlighting the welcoming staff and peaceful atmosphere. The campground offers convenient access to local attractions and activities, making it a favorite for returning visitors. While some maintenance issues, such as the boat ramp and bathhouse updates, were noted, the overall experience remains highly positive.
Review Summary
mary s
VerifiedApril 15, 2022 • Stayed at: 32, Loop: A
Site was right on the water. Fire pit was clean, site was clean, restrooms were very clean. Marvin, the gatekeeper, is a hoot. A funny older man who loves to joke and have a good time. We go to the Roost 4-5 times a year.
kevin s
VerifiedApril 15, 2022 • Stayed at: 91, Loop: B
Had a great time very friendly campers very nice camping sites
Jack H
VerifiedApril 12, 2022 • Stayed at: 75, Loop: B
This campground is in dire need of maintenance and the contractor hired to perform the maintenance does more damage with their equipment than they fix. I saw many widow makers next to campsites and many broken limbs hanging over the sites including mine. There is no enforcement for barking dogs and rowdy groups. Also no speed enforcement on the roads. I’ve camped at Bandits Roost since childhood and I’m really disappointed at how bad the campground has deteriorated ever since the COE crews stopped performing the maintenance. There is very little Ranger patrol compared to just a few years ago. The dog noise has gotten out of control. It’s like camping at a animal shelter. Also the maintenance contractor is using large aggregate crusher run on the campsites. This should never be placed in a campsite area. The aggregate is so large that it causes twisted ankles and makes setting up camp difficult not to mention the fines track everywhere on our shoes when wet. The large aggregate punched holes in our camp rug. I have mentioned this to campground staff several times but it has fallen on deaf ears. 78m stone is for campsites. Not 2” crusher run. Let’s take this constructive criticism and make Bandits Roost the campground that it once was.
Jack H
VerifiedApril 12, 2022 • Stayed at: 75, Loop: B
This campground is in dire need of maintenance and the contractor hired to perform the maintenance does more damage with their equipment than they fix. I saw many widow makers next to campsites and many broken limbs hanging over the sites including mine. There is no enforcement for barking dogs and rowdy groups. Also no speed enforcement on the roads. I’ve camped at Bandits Roost since childhood and I’m really disappointed at how bad the campground has deteriorated ever since the COE crews stopped performing the maintenance. There is very little Ranger patrol compared to just a few years ago. The dog noise has gotten out of control. It’s like camping at a animal shelter. Also the maintenance contractor is using large aggregate crusher run on the campsites. This should never be placed in a campsite area. The aggregate is so large that it causes twisted ankles and makes setting up camp difficult not to mention the fines track everywhere on our shoes when wet. The large aggregate punched holes in our camp rug. I have mentioned this to campground staff several times but it has fallen on deaf ears. 78m stone is for campsites. Not 2” crusher run. Let’s take this constructive criticism and make Bandits Roost the campground that it once was.
Jack H
VerifiedApril 12, 2022 • Stayed at: 75, Loop: B
This campground is in dire need of maintenance and the contractor hired to perform the maintenance does more damage with their equipment than they fix. I saw many widow makers next to campsites and many broken limbs hanging over the sites including mine. There is no enforcement for barking dogs and rowdy groups. Also no speed enforcement on the roads. I’ve camped at Bandits Roost since childhood and I’m really disappointed at how bad the campground has deteriorated ever since the COE crews stopped performing the maintenance. There is very little Ranger patrol compared to just a few years ago. The dog noise has gotten out of control. It’s like camping at a animal shelter. Also the maintenance contractor is using large aggregate crusher run on the campsites. This should never be placed in a campsite area. The aggregate is so large that it causes twisted ankles and makes setting up camp difficult not to mention the fines track everywhere on our shoes when wet. The large aggregate punched holes in our camp rug. I have mentioned this to campground staff several times but it has fallen on deaf ears. 78m stone is for campsites. Not 2” crusher run. Let’s take this constructive criticism and make Bandits Roost the campground that it once was.
Steve M
VerifiedApril 11, 2022 • Stayed at: 49, Loop: A
Love camping there!!
Steve M
VerifiedApril 11, 2022 • Stayed at: 49, Loop: A
Love camping there!!
Steve M
VerifiedApril 11, 2022 • Stayed at: 49, Loop: A
Love camping there!!
John L O
VerifiedApril 10, 2022 • Stayed at: 16, Loop: A
This was our first camping trip of 2022. The Camp Host were very friendly and Bandit’s Roost is our favorite campground.
Jamie P
VerifiedApril 10, 2022 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: A
Fantastic site and beautiful campground!
Location Bandits Roost
Address:
667 Jess Walsh Road
Wilkesboro, NC, 28697-0182
United States
From Winston-Salem, North Carolina, take Highway 421 North (approximately 55 miles) to Exit 286B, turn left onto Highway 268 and continue for approximately 5 miles. Turn right onto Jess Walsh Road. Campground entrance is located at the end of the road.
From Charlotte, North Carolina, take I-77 North (approximately 60 miles) before merging onto Highway 421 North towards Wilkesboro/Boone. Continue to Exit 286B (approximately 20 miles), turn left onto Highway 268 and continue for approximately 5 miles. Turn right onto Jess Walsh Road. Campground entrance is located at the end of the road.
Travel times from:
Winston Salem: 1 hour.
Charlotte: 1.5 hours.
The campground is accessible via Highway 421, which is approximately 5 miles from Highway 268, and I-77 is also within reach, merging onto Highway 421 toward Wilkesboro/Boone.
Latitude & Longitude: 36.1219 / -81.2507
Elevation: 339 feet
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Last updated: June 4, 2026
