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Sandy Creek Family Campground

Sandy Creek Family Campground

Sandy Creek Family Campground has been open to the public as a place of lodging since the year 2015. Currently, the property is owned by Barry Hutchinson and Judy Swaim who are siblings. A total of 39 sites are available for reservation, all of which are classified into different groups of either RV sites, tent sites, or primitive sites, depending on the provided amenities of each reservable space. Several on-site activities are available to patrons during their stay, including a playground, corn hole, volleyball, badminton, and soccer, among others. Barry and Judy have the goal of maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere at the campground, and they try to make themselves accessible to guests if they have any questions or concerns. A notable attraction near the campground, which Barry and Judy recommend to visitors, is Stone Mountain State Park. 

About

Located in the northwestern region of North Carolina, Sandy Creek Family Campground covers an expanse of nearly eight acres. Sites that visitors can reserve vary depending on the offered amenities as well as the area in which the site is located. About ten RV/camper sites are situated along the creek that runs through the property. These particular spaces are the original sites that date back to when the owners first converted the property into a campground, as reported by Barry, one of the owners. With regard to the RV sites, Barry mentions that the majority are 60-foot-wide back-in sites. The ten RV sites provide both water and 30 amp electrical service. 

Furthermore, a total of seven tent sites can also be found adjacent to the creek, and two separate sites are located in the woodland areas of the acreage. The two sites in the forested land both offer 50 amp electrical service. Five full hookup RV sites are also available, all of which provide sewer service. Additionally, about twelve primitive sites can be reserved, and two of these twelve spaces are relatively larger in size, as Barry considers them to be "group sites."  These two larger sites both feature a fire ring and ample space for multiple tents to be placed. Lastly, three overflow tent sites that include a table and fire ring are available for guests to reserve. Every site, with the exception of the twelve primitive sites, offers a table and fire ring. Campground-wide Wi-Fi is also supplied for all patrons who stay at Sandy Creek Family Campground. Apart from the sites, a main office building can be found on the premises as well as other facilities such as a bathhouse. It should be noted that the bathhouse contains handicapped accessible showers.

The property is equipped with a fair amount of on-site activities, namely corn hole, volleyball, badminton, soccer, Wiffle ball, frisbee, and other similar games. A playground area for younger visitors is also provided in a generally spacial, grassy area of the property. Barry further explains that the acreage of which the campground constitutes is characterized by a relatively leveled and flat landscape. Some who previously stayed on the grounds have considered this feature of the property to work in the favor of those who are utilizing the provided activities. In addition to the playground and games, a number of previous guests, especially those of a younger age, have played in the creek and waterfalls that can be found on-site. Barry notes that "there's a whole lot of things [to do] that can allow people to enjoy the property."

Outside the borders of the campground, a local store can be found about three minutes away where visitors can purchase items that may similarly be offered at a gas station. One of the most notable draws for tourism in the area is Stone Mountain State Park, which has several walking trails that wind down near the campground about twelve minutes away. According to Barry, Stone Mountain State Park reaches a height of 610 feet with three waterfalls that run down into the property. Other attractions include the many wineries that are in close proximity to Sandy Creek Family Campground. For visitors who are in search of places to eat, Barry directs them to Pirate's Landing and John Boys, both of which are located in Elkin.

Culture

A few noteworthy policies are implemented at Sandy Creek Family Campground. One of the most important guidelines that the owners try to emphasize is that they try to keep the campground family-friendly. In an effort to create this family-friendly atmosphere, the owners prohibit the use of any alcohol or drugs on the premises. Sandy Creek Family Campground is also a pet-friendly property, and they expect pet owners to take responsibility for their pets during their stay by picking up after them. Additionally, a quiet time is  enforced starting at 10:00 PM. 

Barry Hutchinson and Judy Swaim, the two owners, want their guests to know that they can come to them if they have any questions or concerns during their time at the campground. Barry remarks that he has the goal of allowing guests to "enjoy [their stay], relax, and to have a good time with their family." In an attempt to provide this experience to patrons, the owners try to make themselves accessible and to "help in any way that we can," as stated by Barry. He says that interaction between guests and the owners occur frequently as he tries to check in on visitors every evening or during the day. 

One of the most unique aspects of Sandy Creek Family Campground is the "peaceful and quiet" atmosphere, according to Barry. Many previous guests have commented on this particular element of the campground in reviews. Others have made remarks about the service provided by the camp hosts. A visitor who stayed at the campground said, "The owner was welcoming and kind. The campsites were spacious, and the play area offered things for children of all ages. There is a beautiful creek that runs through the property, a direct hiking trail into Stone Mountain national forest, and the property is well-lit at night. I felt safe when I took my dog out in the middle of the night as well as the entire stay." 

Sandy Creek Family Campground is open year-round with the busiest season of operation typically occurring during the winter. Barry explains that visitations decrease throughout the summer as temperatures tend to become "too hot," especially from June to July. On Memorial Day specifically, the property receives a considerable amount of visitors. Guests of varying ages constitute the general demographics of those who stay at the campground, as Barry explains that there isn't one particular age group that frequents the property.

History

Since 2015, Sandy Creek Family Campground has been in business as a place of lodging. Barry Hutchinson and Judy Swaim are siblings who currently own and operate the campground. In 1944, Barry and Judy's parents purchased the acreage with the purpose of residing near Stone Mountain State Park. For nearly twenty-three years prior to becoming a campground, the property served as a dairy house. Barry explains that they made cheese in the dairy barn for about ten of those twenty-three years.

After years of working in the dairy industry, the family decided to convert the acreage entirely into a campground. The majority of changes and renovations that were made to the property were conversions that transformed the business from a dairy house to a place of lodging. 

Barry acquired several injuries from a few of his previous jobs. Concerning how he was led into the lodging industry, he mentions, "I had to do something that I could help with." He has found that assisting with the campground has been a suitable position that can conform to his health. Barry says that one of his favorite parts of his job as an owner is "meeting the people that come here." He further explains, "I never really thought I'd get to meet so many people from all around the world." Some of the visitors that the campground has received, according to Barry, come from France, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Slovakia, Austria, Australia, China, Canada, Sweden, various places in England, and places from the United States.

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Location

969 Traphill-Brown Rd
Traphill, North Carolina 28685
United States

Type

Campground

Owners

Barry Hutchinson and Judy Swaim

Owned Since
2015
Reviews
4.8 (132 Reviews)
4.8/5 132 Reviews
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