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Last-Minute Campsites Still Available for MerleFest; Camping is One of the Best Experiences at the Festival

April 25, 2012. MerleFest starts tomorrow, and if you haven’t found campsite yet, continue reading. Camping is one of the most fun experiences regarding MerleFest. While some of the sites are quite, peaceful and for families, other sites are mainly for the owls and those looking for a little rowdiness after the festivities on the MerleFest grounds. Many of the sites are on a first serve, first come basis, though you might want to call and double check for availability. 

Read below or check out a forum regarding camping at http://merlefest.org/forums.aspx.

Rivers Edge Campground

Located along the riverbank behind the festival’s blue lot parking area, Rivers Edge Campground sites are available with the purchase of a three- or four-day festival pass. The primitive campground features a restroom complex, shuttles to the festival, cold showers and hot showers for a fee. First come, first serve. The charge is $75 per campsite for up to four people, one tent and one car. Limited RV sites and single-day campsites are also available. No alcohol, drugs or pets. For more info, call 1-800-343-7857 or email emmgt@wilkes.net.

YMCA Family Campground
The family-friendly YMCA Campground is located on Highway 268 adjacent to the Rivers Edge Campground and the festival’s blue lot parking area. The facility features 150 camping sites, including 30 campfire sites and 20 sites for pop-up vans or small campers (no hook-ups). A $150 fee is good for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights of the festival with access to the YMCA facility—hot showers included. No alcohol, drugs or pets. For more info, call in advance at 336-838-3991 or email a.vestal@ymcanwnc.org.

VFW Campground
The VFW property is located along the Yadkin River in North Wilkesboro, about four miles from the festival site, with indoor hot showers, restrooms, free firewood and free transportation to and from the festival. The VFW serves breakfast and operates concessions. Dogs are allowed if leashed. Tent, camper and RV sites without hookups are available ranging from $25 for more than two nights and $30 for one night. Generators for electricity are welcome. Dump station is included as well. Nighttime jams are common. For more info, call 336-667-1655 or click to http://www.vfwcampground.moonfruit.com/#/merlefest/4543500198

Wilkesboro Fire Department Campground (Sewerfest)
Don’t let the nickname dissuade you—Sewerfest is one of the most happenin’, popular campgrounds near MerleFest. Located two miles east of the festival, Sewerfest features hot showers, free firewood, a heated building for jam sessions, shuttles to the festival, and concessions. Tent sites are $80 per weekend. RV sites with electrical hookups are $150 per week, but only a few are left. For more info, call 336-667-2391 or email mtesterman@abts.net.

North Wilkesboro Rotary and Fire Department Campground
The North Wilkesboro Rotary and Fire Department campground is located three miles east of the festival venue and features hot showers and a large covered area for jam sessions. Sites are $65 per week or $20 nightly; RV sites with electric and water hookups are $125 per week or $45 nightly. RV sites with no hookups are $90 per week or $35 nightly. (These figures might be out of date; High Country Press did not receive response on current figures.) For more info or reservations, call in advance at 336-838-2552.

Masonic Campsites on Moravian Creek

Liberty Lodge #45 is located just two minutes off Highway 421 at 1228 School Street, directly across the creek from MerleFest. The lodge offers a $6 breakfast, hot showers and indoor restrooms. Sites are for a minimum of two nights at $40 per night with a $100 for three nights. A 50 percent deposit is required to make a reservation. For info, click to www.ncmason.net/liberty45/MerleFest.shtml or emailmerlefestmasoniccampsites@yahoo.com.

High Country Motorcycle Camp
High Country Motorcycle Camp is a motorcycle-only campground about 20 miles from MerleFest. Facilities include a clean bathhouse with hot showers, picnic tables, fire rings, grills and tent camping. Tent camping is $12 per night, and a bunkhouse is available for $30. For more info, call 336-973-3911 or click to www.highcountrymotorcyclecamp.com.