Camping along the Parkway allows the visitor to experience the majesty of the Blue Ridge Mountains “up-close and personal.” As the mountain folk like to say about a special thing: “there ain’t much common about it.” Each of the eight Parkway campgrounds offers an uncommon opportunity to become deeply engaged with the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge.
The following information is designed to help make your stay as pleasant and safe as possible. Please take this information to heart: their purpose is to protect you and your property, preserve the magnificent natural and cultural features of the Blue Ridge Parkway and ensure that all visitors have a safe and enjoyable stay. We hope you enjoy a rewarding and memorable visit.
List of Blue Ridge Parkway Campgrounds
In general, Parkway campgrounds are open from early May – October. The campground areas along the Parkway offer a variety of facilities and activities, including scheduled seasonal activities for adults & children, campsites equipped with grills and tables, and self-guiding hiking trails. Each campground loop has a common comfort station with running water.
Milepost | Information |
---|---|
63 |
Otter Creek and James River James River/Otter Creek highlights the importance of the James River to regional development. |
86.0 |
Peaks of Otter A major developed area of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Peaks of Otter features a living history farm, camping, hiking, lodging, and plenty of natural beauty. |
169.0 |
Rocky Knob Rocky Knob, an area of exceptional beauty, is a must-see. |
241.1 |
Doughton Park The open meadows of this park are some of the best locations along the Parkway for viewing wildlife, and the area is rich in preserved Appalachian history. |
297.1 |
Julian Price Memorial Park Julian Price Memorial Park is a favorite of tourists and locals alike. Bring a picnic and relax in the park or enjoy hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and bouldering. |
316.4 |
Linville Falls Linville Falls is a beautiful series of dramatic falls that drop to a deep gorge, accessed by a trail lined with rare virgin stands of white pine and hemlock. |
339.5 |
Crabtree Falls Found at Crabtree Falls Campground. Take the road into the campground and stop at the campground information building to pick up a map. Parking area next to information building. |
408.6 |
Mount Pisgah Equipped with lodge, restaurant, campground, and miles of hiking trails, Mount Pisgah sits at a higher elevation than any other developed area on the Parkway, and offers extraordinary views and solitude. |
You can find other privately operated campgrounds near the Blue Ridge Parkway in Travel Directory.
Getting Your Parkway Campsite
Season Length – Blue Ridge Parkway campgrounds can open on a varying schedule beginning in early Map but typically all close at the end of October. Find exact opening dates on our Blue Ridge Parkway opening schedule page. Winter camping is occasionally available, weather permitting. Inquire in advance. During the winter, when no fee is charged, services are limited; only chemical toilets and frost free faucets are provided.
Daily Campground Fee – The per night fee for campsites is posted in each campground and available at http://www.nps.gov/blri. The daily permit is valid only at the campground where purchased and until noon the following day. Holders of the Inter-agency Senior, Access, Golden Age, or Golden Access passes are entitled to a 50% discount on campground fees. Passports can be obtained at any visitor center or campground along the Parkway and at most federally-operated recreation areas.
RVs and Trailers – Parkway campgrounds have sites that will accommodate trailers of varying lengths, although larger sites are fewer. Dump stations are available at all campgrounds; no water or electrical hookups are available. If you are traveling with a large recreational vehicle, click here for a list of Blue Ridge Parkway tunnel heights and lengths.
Group Camping – Limited opportunities for group camping are available in some areas. Call the nearest district office for details: Ridge District (Milepost 0-106, 540-377-2377), Plateau District (Milepost 107 – 217, 540-745-9681), Highlands District (Milepost 218 – 305, 336-372-8568), and Pisgah District (Milepost 306-469, 828-456-9530.)
Reservations – Campsites are available on a “first come, first served” basis, with the following exceptions: selected sites can be reserved online can be made for Peaks of Otter, Rocky Knob, Doughton Park, Linville Falls, Julian Price, and Mt Pisgah at www.recreation.gov. In fairness to all campers, please pay only for sites that you occupy each day. For security’s sake, do not leave your site or possessions unattended for extended periods of time. Please report all lost and found articles to a ranger.
Camping Limit – Camping is limited to no more than 30 days at any one campground.
Back-Country Camping – Limited back-country camping is available at Basin Cove in Doughton Park (336-372-8568), Rock Castle Gorge in Rocky Knob District (540-745-9660), and Julian Price Park in Highlands District (828-295-7591). Permits must be requested in advance. Check with a Park Ranger to learn about access to neighboring US Forest Service back-country areas along the Parkway.
Handicap Access – Campgrounds with the universal handicap symbol have at least one wheelchair usable site.
Setting up Your Campsite
Designated Campsites – Camping is permitted only at designated sites. Sites are for use by a single family or parties not exceeding six people.
Driving & Parking – Campground speed limit is 15 mph. Park vehicles on the pavement of an assigned site or in designated parking areas. Two vehicles are allowed in each site (i.e. trailer and car, two cars, two motorcycles). Bicycles, motorcycles, mopeds, all-terrain vehicles and other forms of motorized vehicles are not permitted on hiking trails. With the exception of mopeds less than 50 ccs, all motorized vehicles operated on public roads must be properly licensed in accordance with state laws.
Tent Pads – When tent pads are provided, all tents must be on pads. Only one tent is allowed per site unless there is adequate space on a single tent pad.
Camp Fires & Wood Gathering – Fires are permitted only in the fireplace provided. Gas grills and stoves are allowed. Extinguish all fires before leaving the campground or picnic area. Do not leave any fire unattended. Wood gathering for use as fuel in park facilities is limited to dead material on the ground lying no more than 100 yards from the camp or picnic site.
NOTE: Firewood from the states of Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Quebec, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin should not be brought onto Parkway lands. The US Department of Agriculture has quarantined firewood from these states to prevent the spread of highly destructive insects that may be in the wood.
Food Storage – Store all food, coolers, utensils or anything that may smell like food in locked vehicles or a camping unit made of solid, non-pliable material.
Know the Rules & Regulations of Blue Ridge Parkway Camping
The rules & regulations are established under the authority of Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Quiet Hours – Respect quite hours between 10:00pm and 6:00am. Use of generators is prohibited between the hours of 9:00pm and 8:00am. Please keep in mind that continuous, loud generator or audio equipment noise, at any time of the day or evening, disturbs other campers.
Checkout Time – Checkout time is 12:00 noon.
Camp Clean-up – Campers are responsible for maintaining clean camps at all times. Thoroughly clean campsites before leaving; remove camping equipment and dispose of trash in dumpsters and recycling bins.
Skateboards, Roller Skates, Bicycles – The use of scooters, skateboards, roller or inline skates, and other coasting devices is not permitted in the park or campground. Bicycles are permitted on roads only. NC law requires persons under 16 years of age to wear an approved bicycle helmet when operating a bicycle. In Virginia, bicycle helmet regulations vary by county.
Weapons – Firearms are permitted in accordance with state laws, but the USE of any weapon on Parkway lands is prohibited.
Animal & Plant Life – Wildlife must not be disturbed in any way. The hunting or trapping of animals is prohibited. Do not interfere with animals by feeding, touching, or teasing them. Plant life is protected, too. Do not drive nails into trees or strip bark, leaves or branches from trees or shrubs. Use the lantern posts provided at each site. Do not hang lanterns from trees or loop them over branches or vegetation; these practices always damage and sometimes kill trees and vegetation.
Dogs, Cats & Pets – All dogs, cats and other pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet or under physical restraint at all times. Do not leave pets unattended in the campground or your car. Please prevent excessive barking and properly dispose of pet waste.
Use of Hydrants – Cleaning fish, bathing or washing dishes and clothes at water hydrants is prohibited. Trailer hoses may not be connected to water hydrants.
Additional Camping Resources
Appalachian National Scenic Trail (U.S. National Park Service)
(http://www.nps.gov/appa/index.htm)
National Park Service website providing information on the Appalachian Trail.
Cabela's Outfitters - Camping Gear
(http://www.cabelas.com/category/Camping/104795280.uts)
Shop at cabelas.com for all the gear you'll need on your camping trip, from tents and bedding to tools, survival gear, and hiking gear.
Camping.com - The Blue Ridge Parkway
(http://www.camping.com/hit-the-road/1904-the-blue-ridge-parkway)
Reserve a campsite, buy gear, get information or connect with other campers on the Blue Ridge Parkway -- one click does it all at Camping.com.
High Country Hikers of Boone (Hiking Group)
(http://www.meetup.com/High-Country-Hikers/)
A hiking group formed to help coordinate group hikes in the High Country area of North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and southwest Virginia.
Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics
(https://lnt.org/)
The member-driven Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics teaches people of all ages how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly, and is the most widely accepted outdoor ethics program used on public lands. - See more at: https://lnt.org/about#sthash.WlmxXV4W.
National Park Service - Blue Ridge Parkway Camping
(http://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/camping-on-the-blue-ridge-parkway.htm)
A list of campgrounds directly accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway and their amenities, regulations, and opening dates.
Recreation.gov - Blue Ridge Parkway Camping Reservations
(http://www.recreation.gov/recreationalAreaDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=2593&recAreaId=2593&agencyCode=70904)
Make a reservation at one of the seven campgrounds located directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway.