By Tucked into the rolling woods of Pleasant Garden just south of Greensboro, Hagan-Stone Park is one of the Triad’s most under-appreciated outdoor escapes: more than 400 acres of forest, fishing ponds, and quiet trails that have served Guilford County families since 1964. It is the rare local park where you can hike a wooded loop in the morning, cool off in a swimming pool at midday, and sleep in your own campsite under the trees that same night, all without leaving the county line. Whether you live ten minutes away or you are passing through on US 421, here is everything you need to plan a visit.
What Makes Hagan-Stone Park Special
Established in 1964 and operated by Guilford County Parks, Hagan-Stone is a 409-acre wildlife refuge named for Anne Hagan and Joseph Stone, two conservationists whose work helped preserve this stretch of Piedmont woodland. The result is a park that feels far more remote than its location (about 20 minutes from downtown Greensboro) would suggest. Mature hardwoods, several ponds, and open meadows give it a genuinely rural character, and because it sits off the typical tourist path, it rarely feels crowded outside of pool season and big event weekends.
For locals, it functions as a true all-day destination rather than a quick playground stop. For visitors, it is an easy add-on to a Greensboro trip when you want green space, a place to fish, or an affordable overnight in the outdoors.
Trails and Hiking
Hagan-Stone is laced with a network of natural-surface trails that wind through forest and along the park’s ponds. The terrain is gentle Piedmont rolling rather than steep, which makes it friendly for families, casual walkers, and runners alike. Named routes include the Schoolhouse Trail, the Ridge Trail spur, and connecting loops that let you string together a short stroll or a longer ramble depending on your time and energy.
The Schoolhouse Trail is a favorite for a reason: it leads to a preserved historic one-room schoolhouse, a small piece of the area’s past sitting quietly in the woods. It is a low-effort payoff that kids tend to love and a reminder that this land was farmed and settled long before it became a park.
Hagan-Stone is also well known in regional running circles for its cross-country course. Each fall the park hosts collegiate and high school cross-country competitions, and on race weekends the meadows fill with runners from across the state. If you visit in September or October, it is worth checking ahead in case a meet is scheduled, both to catch the action and to plan your parking.
Fishing and the Ponds
Several ponds are scattered across the park, and fishing is one of the most popular reasons to visit. The ponds are stocked-style community waters where you can cast for bass, bream, and catfish from the bank. Fishing at Hagan-Stone is free, but anglers ages 16 and older need a valid North Carolina fishing license, which you can purchase through the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. The ponds are a low-key, family-friendly spot to spend a slow afternoon, and they are quiet enough that beginners can practice casting without much pressure.
The Aquatic Center
In the warm months, the park’s aquatic center is a genuine draw, especially for families looking for an affordable alternative to a crowded waterpark. Admission is just $5 per person, with children under 2 admitted free, which makes it one of the better swimming values in the Triad. The pool typically operates on a summer schedule, so call ahead before you go to confirm the current operating days and hours, which vary year to year and with staffing.
Camping at Hagan-Stone
The campground is what sets Hagan-Stone apart from most day-use county parks. With roughly 86 sites spread across four distinct areas, it accommodates everyone from tent campers to large RVs, and it is one of the closest established campgrounds to Greensboro.
Site Types and Fees
- RV and trailer sites (water and electric): $25 per night. Section “C” offers 41 gravel sites in an open area that can handle units up to 45 feet with slide-outs, served by 30/50-amp electric and two bathhouses with showers and restrooms. Section “B” has 29 wooded sites with 30-amp service and campfire rings.
- Individual tent sites: $15 per night. There are 16 tent sites with tent pads, fire rings, picnic tables, and parking for two vehicles. These sites do not have electrical hookups, but water and restroom/shower facilities are within walking distance.
- Group tent camping: $60 per site. Three group areas accommodate organized groups of 10 to 40 people, each with a large fire ring, several tables, and a lantern pole.
A few practical notes for campers: Wi-Fi and cable are not available, and there are no laundry facilities on site, so plan accordingly. Sites tend to be quiet and wooded, which is part of the appeal but also means you should bring everything you need. For longer stays, the park has historically offered monthly RV rates during the off-season (roughly November through March), so ask the office if you are looking for an extended booking.
How to Reserve
Standard campsite reservations can be made online (at least 72 hours in advance) or by phone at 336-641-7275. Group camping sites are booked separately by calling 336-641-2090. On summer weekends and around fall events, sites fill up, so reserve early if your dates are fixed. Full details and the online booking portal are on the Guilford County camping page.
Picnic Shelters, the Activity Center, and the Chapel
Hagan-Stone is a popular spot for reunions, birthday parties, and group outings. Reservable picnic shelters (with charcoal grills nearby) range from roughly $60 to $125 depending on size and duration, and the indoor activity center rents for about $50 to $200 depending on how many hours you need. The park also has a small chapel on the grounds, which makes it a quietly popular venue for simple outdoor weddings and gatherings. Playgrounds and open meadows round out the family amenities. If you are planning an event, call the park office well ahead to check availability and current rates.
Disc Golf and Other Activities
One of the park’s lower-profile gems is its disc golf course, which threads through the forested terrain and is free to play. It is a mix of beginner-friendly and more challenging holes, making it a good introduction to the sport or a relaxed round for regulars. Between disc golf, trails, fishing, and the pool, it is easy to fill a full day here without spending much money.
Plan Your Visit
- Address: 5920 Hagan-Stone Park Road, Pleasant Garden, NC 27313
- Phone: 336-641-7275 (general and reservations); 336-641-2090 (group camping)
- Website: Guilford County Parks: Hagan-Stone Park
- Park hours (seasonal): January through March 11, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; March 12 through September, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; October, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; November through December, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
- Admission: Free park entry. Aquatic center is $5 per person (under 2 free). Fishing is free with a valid N.C. license for ages 16 and up.
- Pets: Welcome on a leash.
If you want to make a weekend of it but prefer a hotel over a campsite, you will find a full range of Expedia-bookable lodging clustered around Greensboro’s airport and I-40 corridor, about 20 to 25 minutes north of the park, with more options downtown if you want to pair your park day with the city’s restaurants and museums. For trip-planning ideas and current event listings around the area, Visit Greensboro and Visit NC are both worth a look.
Planning tip: Hours, pool schedules, and event closures shift with the season at Hagan-Stone, so make one quick call to 336-641-7275 before you drive out, especially if you are coming for the aquatic center in summer or hoping to catch a fall cross-country meet.