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1975 reviews
Bandits Roost campground offers beautiful lake views, clean and well-maintained facilities, and spacious sites, making it a popular choice for campers. Guests appreciate the friendly and helpful staff, as well as the peaceful and quiet atmosphere. However, some areas, including the bathhouses and fire pits, require updates and maintenance, and there are occasional issues with the entrance gate and site cleanliness between campers. Overall, it remains a beloved destination for many.
Based on guest feedback
4.5
Based on 1975 reviews
Showing 1975 reviews
October 31, 2021 Stayed at: 08, Loop: A
Such a peaceful and scenic campground. It has easy access to the lake if you are kayaking or boating. The volunteer attendants are very helpful and knowledgeable about passes for seniors. I go to Bandits Roost every October.
Helpful
October 31, 2021 Stayed at: 25, Loop: A
Always enjoy our trips to the lake.
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October 31, 2021 Stayed at: 08, Loop: A
Such a peaceful and scenic campground. It has easy access to the lake if you are kayaking or boating. The volunteer attendants are very helpful and knowledgeable about passes for seniors. I go to Bandits Roost every October.
Helpful
October 29, 2021 Stayed at: 26, Loop: A
Was very pleased with our stay at Bandits Roost. We stayed at site 25 and liked it so much we extended the stay on site 26. These sites were on the point and was nearly surrounded by views of the lake.
Both site’s were gravel and had very little grass, but there was a nice grassy slope to the lake just across the street.
The shower closest to us was terrible. Very small with no place to hang clothes or rest a bag. The entire floor from the entrance was a puddle (Yuk!). The curtains gave almost no privacy. Time to update this shower?
The other shower was very good. Clean, lots of hooks and tables. Privacy, size, water flow and shower head was very good.
The campground is surrounded by an excellent trail system built by the local Mountain Bike Community. The trails are mostly beginner and intermediate. The trail system maps can be found on MTB Project. There is a trail head right next to the campground entrance gate.
Helpful
October 29, 2021 Stayed at: 64, Loop: A
Beautiful, clean and well managed.
Helpful
October 29, 2021 Stayed at: 86, Loop: B
Most sites are away from lake with shade and room.
Most lakeside sites are close together and unshaded.
CG is about an hour's drive from Boone and surrounding attractions.
Helpful
October 29, 2021 Stayed at: 26, Loop: A
Was very pleased with our stay at Bandits Roost. We stayed at site 25 and liked it so much we extended the stay on site 26. These sites were on the point and was nearly surrounded by views of the lake.
Both site’s were gravel and had very little grass, but there was a nice grassy slope to the lake just across the street.
The shower closest to us was terrible. Very small with no place to hang clothes or rest a bag. The entire floor from the entrance was a puddle (Yuk!). The curtains gave almost no privacy. Time to update this shower?
The other shower was very good. Clean, lots of hooks and tables. Privacy, size, water flow and shower head was very good.
The campground is surrounded by an excellent trail system built by the local Mountain Bike Community. The trails are mostly beginner and intermediate. The trail system maps can be found on MTB Project. There is a trail head right next to the campground entrance gate.
Helpful
October 29, 2021 Stayed at: 64, Loop: A
Beautiful, clean and well managed.
Helpful
October 29, 2021 Stayed at: 86, Loop: B
Most sites are away from lake with shade and room.
Most lakeside sites are close together and unshaded.
CG is about an hour's drive from Boone and surrounding attractions.
Helpful
October 29, 2021 Stayed at: 26, Loop: A
Was very pleased with our stay at Bandits Roost. We stayed at site 25 and liked it so much we extended the stay on site 26. These sites were on the point and was nearly surrounded by views of the lake.
Both site’s were gravel and had very little grass, but there was a nice grassy slope to the lake just across the street.
The shower closest to us was terrible. Very small with no place to hang clothes or rest a bag. The entire floor from the entrance was a puddle (Yuk!). The curtains gave almost no privacy. Time to update this shower?
The other shower was very good. Clean, lots of hooks and tables. Privacy, size, water flow and shower head was very good.
The campground is surrounded by an excellent trail system built by the local Mountain Bike Community. The trails are mostly beginner and intermediate. The trail system maps can be found on MTB Project. There is a trail head right next to the campground entrance gate.
Helpful
667 Jess Walsh Road, Wilkesboro, NC 28697-0182 United States
Elevation: 339 ft
From Winston-Salem, North Carolina, take Highway 421 North (approximately 55 mi) to Exit 286B, turn left onto Highway 268 and continue for approximately 5 mi. Turn right onto Jess Walsh Road. Campground entrance is located at the end of the road....
From Winston-Salem, North Carolina, take Highway 421 North (approximately 55 mi) to Exit 286B, turn left onto Highway 268 and continue for approximately 5 mi. 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 mi) before merging onto Highway 421 North towards Wilkesboro/Boone. Continue to Exit 286B (approximately 20 mi), turn left onto Highway 268 and continue for approximately 5 mi. 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.
Last updated: October 22, 2026
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Population: 3,646
Nearby city: Mooresville, NC
Approx. 45 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 1,040 ft
Wilkesboro, NC
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