Camping is a traditional and enjoyable way for families to enjoy their National Parks. On the Blue Ridge Parkway, nine campgrounds serve the visitor from early May through the fall color season. Camping is $16 for all campgrounds. Camping is permitted only in designated campsites.
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.
Otter Creek (MP 61) is located at the Parkway’s lowest elevation near Virginia’s James River. Open in early April.
Peaks of Otter (MP 86) near the Peaks of Otter Lodge, Abbott Lake, the restored 1930s Johnson Farm, and a magnificent trail system. Reservations can be made for portions of this campground on-line atRECREATION.gov or by calling 1-877-444 6777.
Roanoke Mountain (MP 120) with easy access to the largest city along the Parkway corridor.
Rocky Knob (MP 167) with easy access to Rockcastle Gorge and just nine miles from Mabry Mill. Reservations can be made for portions of this campground on-line at RECREATION.gov or by calling 1-877-444 6777.
Doughton Park (MP 241) is near Basin cove and an extensive trail system. Reservations can be made for portions of this campground on-line at RECREATION.gov or by calling 1-877-444 6777.
Julian Price Park (MP 297) near Boone and Blowing Rock, North Carolina and close to the Moses Cone Estate. This is the Parkway’s largest campground and reservations can be made for portions of this campground on-line at RECREATION.gov or by calling 1-877-444 6777.
Linville Falls (MP 316) on the Linville River and with access to the trail system into Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. Reservations can be made for portions of this campground on-line at RECREATION.gov or by calling 1-877-444 6777. Open in early April.
Crabtree Falls (MP 340) near the Crabtree Falls Trail and within fifteen miles of Mt. Mitchell State Park.
Mt. Pisgah (MP 408) is the highest Parkway campground at almost 5,000 feet elevation. Formerly part of the Vanderbilt Estate and near the US Forest Service’s Cradle of Forestry site. Reservations can be made for portions of this campground on-line at RECREATION.gov or by calling 1-877-444 6777.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING… The Blue Ridge Parkway plans to increase and implement the following new user fees for the 2013 season:
- increase campsite fees from current fee of $16 per night to $20 per night at all campgrounds (increase for Interagency passholders would be increased from the current fee of $8 per night to $10 per night).
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increase group campsite fees at Linville Falls campgrounds from current fee of $30 per night to $35 per night.
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implement a shower fee of $3 for non-campers at Mt. Pisgah Campground
· implement a dump station fee of $5 for non-campers at all campgrounds
· Standardize camping fees regardless of whether a camper has a reservation or is a first-come first serve camper. All campers would pay $20 per night, unless they have an Interagency Pass ($10).
Currently, the reservation contractor charges $3 per night for camping, making camping fees $19 and $11 (passholders) per night. First come-first serve campers pay $16 and $8 per night. This change would make all campers pay the same rates regardless of having a reservation or being a first-come first-serve camper.
The Blue Ridge Parkway has not increased camping fees since 2006; operating and maintaining the campgrounds have increased; and we offer reservations and take credit cards. Revenues generated by these fees are reinvested in the recreation sites in which they are collected.
We seek the public’s input prior to going forward. Please contact Teresa Lovelace, Blue Ridge Parkway, 199 Hemphill Knob Road, Asheville, NC 28803 or e-mail us
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 106 – 217, 540 745 9681), Highlands District (Milepost 217 – 305, 336 372 8568), Pisgah District (Milepost 305-469, 828 350 3821.)
The text on this page was provided by the National Park System.