Rider's Roost Motorcycle Resort, Inc — Hotel in Lenoir

I spent an evening at The Rider's Roost on Thursday, May 9, 2013. My intent was to camp but I arrived around 7:00 P.M. after running my motorcycle along the Blue Ridge Parkway and visiting Mount Mitchell. Dave, one of the owners, immediately greeted me as I arrived and I opted for a bunkhouse bed for $20. Camping is $13.

The bunkhouse is comprised of a single building with walls separating the structure into three individual rooms. Each room has a door in front and a window in the rear. Two beds (each on either side of the door and against a wall) are in each room. Fresh bed linens and blankets are kept in plastic storage bins under the window. Linens and blankets were top-notch. There's a single yellow "bug light" and a couple electrical outlets in the room. Screens were solid so no bugs of any kind seen. Outside, the bunkhouse has a large overhang which provides a sheltered porch with two picnic tables.

All restroom facilities are near the office where there's a shower house and toilets. I didn't use the showers but did go in the building. Immaculate.

A highlight is the game room. There's a pool table, steel tip darts, and a really nice sound system where they take great pride in finding any song you can imagine. I challenged them to play "What Love Can Be" by Kingdom Come and within two minutes, it was blasting out the speakers.

The grounds have a river running along it which can rise and fall dramatically based on rainfall. They also have a big spit for roasting large animals. Unfortunately, I was there on a Thursday and except for one other camper, I owned the place. So no roasting of meats on this night.

Dave and his DJ / helper Jack are two of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. Very congenial and accommodating. Upon waking up Friday morning, they personally got me a couple cups of hot coffee.

GPS coordinates to the resort are: 36.072609, -81.403624. Be aware there's a short yet steep grade going downhill along a hairpin turn once in the resort area. Going downhill is no issue but I guess they've had motorcyclists in the past dump their stuff going uphill and out. Frankly, if you can't negotiate the turn, you probably shouldn't have an 'M' class endorsement on your license.

One final note, there's a gas station / convenience store a few hundred yards south of the resort. They even sell cold beer, which is nice after a long...

From the moment we turn on Elk Creek Rd, I feel the world slip away and I instantly feel the stresses of life melt. It is only when we glide through the gate and hear the familiar bark of Dazzy that I know I am home. Once settled in with a cold drink in hand I decide that I am never leaving. As Pam and Dave make their rounds, greeting the campers, and sharing stories of life; the creek begins to call the this hot weary traveler. Once meals are cooked and consumed and the sun is setting behind the hills, that is when the dancing, singing and brotherhood/sisterhood begins. No one is a stranger, no matter how strange. When my head has had too much music and fun, I retreat back to camp and think about the day. Tomorrow is another day in heaven on earth. If you have never been to Riders Roost, you need to give it a try. Ask Pam and Dave About the Rooster Tail...60 miles of God's beauty mapped out to bring you full circle back to The ROOST. I hope to see...

Definitely my Fav Slice of Paradise! #cheap #best #secret #place to visit in NC ! Amazing campground with tons of variety, geared for bikers (cars allowed but separate parking). So many different types of places to stay here, from deluxe cabins with air conditioning to acres for tent camping! The river has small waterfalls & is so clear! Great for swimming & fishing. The roads are beautiful for riding & biking. So many places to ride horses or hike. Way too many options around this area! Riders Roost is so great because they have a clubhouse with music, sometimes even bands for events, & pool table. Open Alcohol is all good. This is a “come as you are” place. Bathrooms & showers are spotless & awesome! Love the owners so much! They are the most genuine, accommodating people...