Festival · North Carolina
MerleFest 2027 (40th)
Apr 29 – May 2
Tell us your North Carolina datesWilkesboro (Wilkes Community College campus, NC) · North Carolina
Dates confirmed on the organizer's site · checked Sep 26, 2026
- Start looking
- by Nov 12
- Arrive
- Apr 28
- Head home
- May 3
MerleFest 2027 — 40th anniversary Americana + bluegrass weekend in the Blue Ridge foothills.
What you need to know
MerleFest 2027 (40th) runs Apr 29 – May 2, 2027, in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Warrior Creek COE campground on W. Kerr Scott Reservoir (10 mi west of MerleFest gate via NC-268) has full hookups at $30/night and a lakefront view — book via recreation.gov 6 months out.
- When
- Apr 29 – May 2, 2027
- Where
- Wilkesboro (Wilkes Community College campus, NC)
- How long
- 4 days
- RV camping nearby
- 10 verified North Carolina campgrounds below, none tied to this venue
MerleFest 2027 (the festival's 40th anniversary year) runs April 29 to May 2 at Wilkes Community College, Wilkesboro NC.
Founded 1988 by Doc Watson in tribute to his late son Merle Watson, the festival features 80+ artists across 13 stages over 4 days. On-site RV camping available via merlefest.org's Lakeside Camping reservation (full hookups, fills by January). Off-site: Stone Mountain State Park (~25 mi west, electric only, Blue Ridge views), W. Kerr Scott Reservoir COE campgrounds (Bandits Roost, Warrior Creek — both ~10 mi west, full hookups), Doughton Park NPS campground (~45 mi northwest on the Blue Ridge Parkway, no hookups).
Safety rules and an insider tip
Safety + legal. Western NC late April runs 70°F day / 50°F night with thunderstorm probability — pack rain gear and a tarp for instrument cases. The Blue Ridge Parkway (closest scenic route) has 25 mph speed limits and is restricted to vehicles under 30 ft on most tunnels — verify length restrictions via the NPS Parkway map before routing.
Insider tip. Warrior Creek COE campground on W. Kerr Scott Reservoir (10 mi west of MerleFest gate via NC-268) has full hookups at $30/night and a lakefront view — book via recreation.gov 6 months out. Far quieter than on-site Lakeside Camping, and the lake itself is a great paddle-day option between sets.
Official source: merlefest.org
Where to sleep in North Carolina
None of the North Carolina campgrounds we verify is matched to this event's town.
Going to MerleFest (40th)? Tell us the nights.
Local owners list their own rigs here. You get a single email when one is listed for your window.
Around MerleFest (40th)
Frequently asked about MerleFest (40th)
When is MerleFest 2027 (40th)?
MerleFest 2027 (40th) runs Apr 29 – May 2, 2027, in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.
Where is MerleFest (40th) held?
Wilkesboro, North Carolina (Wilkes Community College campus).
What are the exact 2027 dates?
Apr 29 – May 2, 2027.
What RV should I rent for MerleFest (40th)?
Best categories: rv, trucks-vans. MerleFest 2027 (the festival's 40th anniversary year) runs April 29 to May 2 at Wilkes Community College, Wilkesboro NC. Founded 1988 by Doc Watson in tribute to his late son Merle Watson, the festival features 80+ artists across 13 stages over 4 days. On-site RV camping available via merlefest.org's Lakeside Camping reservation (full hookups, fills by January). Off-site: Stone Mountain State Park (~25 mi west, electric only, Blue Ridge views), W. Kerr Scott Reservoir COE campgrounds (Bandits Roost, Warrior Creek — both ~10 mi west, full hookups), Doughton Park NPS campground (~45 mi northwest on the Blue Ridge Parkway, no hookups).
How early should I book an RV?
Recommended lead time: 24 weeks. Event windows book up early, so search and lock your dates as soon as your plans firm up.
What safety and legal guidance applies?
Western NC late April runs 70°F day / 50°F night with thunderstorm probability — pack rain gear and a tarp for instrument cases. The Blue Ridge Parkway (closest scenic route) has 25 mph speed limits and is restricted to vehicles under 30 ft on most tunnels — verify length restrictions via the NPS Parkway map before routing.
What's an insider tip?
Warrior Creek COE campground on W. Kerr Scott Reservoir (10 mi west of MerleFest gate via NC-268) has full hookups at $30/night and a lakefront view — book via recreation.gov 6 months out. Far quieter than on-site Lakeside Camping, and the lake itself is a great paddle-day option between sets.
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Important: travel + safety + insurance disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. PickRV is not an insurer, legal advisor, or vehicle-safety authority. Trip planning, route selection, rig suitability, weather, and emergency decisions are the renter's responsibility. Always consult the rig manufacturer's owner's manual, your insurance provider, the U.S. National Park Service (nps.gov), NOAA / NWS weather alerts (weather.gov), state and local emergency-management agencies, and current local regulations before and during travel. Cost figures, season windows, road conditions, and fee references on this page are estimates as of May 2026 and vary by season, location, rig, carrier, and operator. Mentions of brand names, state-tourism marks, national-park feature names, or third-party programs are informational only and do not imply affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement.
Before you rent in North Carolina — key local rules
CDL rules start at 26,001 lbs — below that the standard license applies — NC DMV
Boating Education required for operators born after 1988 — NCWRC — Boating Safety Education
Brown Mountain + Wayehutta OHV areas — a USFS OHV pass is required — USFS — Off-Highway Vehicles, National Forests in North Carolina
North Carolina BAC 0.08%; open container in passenger area prohibited — NC Gen. Statutes §20-138.1
Editorial summary, not legal advice. Verify with NC DMV before relying. Reviewed in the last 5 months (as of 2026-05-24).
North Carolina rules · last verified 2026-05-10
- State rental tax
- 7% · not collected by PickRV
- Min driver age
- 18+ std · 21+ Class A
- Gravel roads
- Allowed — disclosure required
- Generator quiet
- 22:00-07:00