The best camping near Blue Ridge Parkway

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Blue Ridge adventure.

89% (29 reviews)

Buckle up for 469 miles of driving perfection along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Blue Ridge Parkway

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Blue Ridge Parkway

The Milky Way from Rocky Knob Campground

90%

(16)

Rocky Knob Campground

110 sites · RVs, Tents In Blue Ridge Parkway

88%

(13)

Peaks of Otter Campground

140 sites · RVs, Tents In Blue Ridge Parkway

Top-rated campgrounds near Blue Ridge Parkway

100%

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New River Yacht Club

2 sites · Tents10 acres · Independence, VA

Riverfront camping on the New River. Breathtaking views. Scenic and relatively secluded, yet easily accessible. 10 acres in total, 650 feet of river frontage. Excellent location for fishing, tubing, and kayaking. Located less than 5 miles from Independence, Virginia and 10 miles from Galax Virginia.

97%

(101)

Campjames

1 site · TentFries, VA

I started purchasing land in 1984 to create a forest animal wildlife preserve. After retiring from my construction business in New York I have returned to the New River to continue the project. I have a biology degree and raise various types of animals on the landLearn more about this land:Campsite with fire pit with river view near the double shoals . Wood available. Private, beautiful trail to river with immediate access to 60-mile long New River Trail in less than 5 minutes.

99%

(850)

Rivers Edge Trail Camp

7 sites · RVs5 acres · Allisonia, VA

LIKE us on FACEBOOK at https://www.facebook.com/riversedgetrailcamp Standing on the New River Trail looking up where the campsites are located will give you the feeling that you truly are sleeping on the edge at Rivers Edge campground. Unique limestone formations can be found on the property. Large birds and even an eagle or two seem to prefer this area for hunting. Watch from a distance as farmers cut hay throughout the summer. This private cliff top setting has 6 newly created camp sites on 5 Acres. Enjoy less crowds and more nature! The long range views or the river and farmlands will take your breath away. At the bottom of the drive you have access to the New River and the New River Trail so bring your bike, or kayak for more fun. Bike the trail, bird watch, or star gaze; the choices are endless. Don't be surprised to see bear, turkey, eagles, deer, or a coyote. PLEASE give us a rating on YELP also if you enjoyed your stay! The direct link to our place on Yelp is https://www.yelp.com/biz/rivers-edge-trail-camp-barren-springs?osq=Camping Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK at https://www.facebook.com/riversedgetrailcamp This is a great spot for people looking for peace and quiet. 26 Minutes upriver of Claytor Lake State Park. There is a zoo in nearby Ft. Chiswell. Each site has full hook ups. No tent sites at the present time. Area grocery stores are located about 30 minutes away in Wytheville, Pulaski and Hillsville. A portion of the profits will be donated to a non-profit! Bookmark the direct link to our site here on HipCamp: https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/discover/virginia/rivers-edge-trail-camp

New River Bridge Family Campground,

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Independence, VA

Welcome to the New River Bridge Family Campground located at 4762 Pleasant Grove Road, Independence, Virginia 24348. We are a family friendly campground operating on the banks of the New River. We offer camping, canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and more! We welcome you and your family to come visit us soon!

99%

(709)

OnTop.camp - NW NC Ashe Co

5 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Jefferson, NC

www.ontop.camp Update! 11.11.23 the leaves down opening up views that were not there before! If sites are booked still msg asking for availability, there’s a chance! Welcome! Our farm is vast and sparse, focusing on sustainability while giving back to the community. We are a safe haven for animals and humans alike. Situated on and between two peaks of Little Phoenix Mountain range in Jefferson Ashe County. Our sites’ altitudes range from 3100 feet to over 3600 feet, which is a lot of slope and hillside to say the least. As a guest you will be offered insane long views and limited exposure to the oldest registered breed of bovine in the world. Our Scottish Highland Cattle are majestic and fit in quite well in the NC mountainside. Located in the Blue Ridge mountains, we have natural water springs popping out, some of which are tapped to drink from. (10.1.23 currently farm springs are not accessible to guests, shatley springs up the road approx 4miles north has a public spring that we highly recommend) If you are looking for a camping spot that is only 5-10 minutes from town (Jefferson NC or the quaint Downtown West Jefferson) but feels like you're in the middle of no where, then we have it! The Blue Ridge Parkway is less than 20 minutes away and the New River equally close. OnTopOfTheWorld.camp *firewood is available if you pay on site you will have to use Venmo OnTop.camp

99%

(101)

Waterdog Campground

18 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Crumpler, NC

Spend the night under the stars… On our quaint 12 acre river bottom tucked away behind the mountains. The campsite is on the edge of the New River, overlooking its clear waters and abundance of wildlife. Listen to the sounds of nature as you fish right off the bank. Enjoy tubing/kayaking/canoeing 5 miles to Zaloo’s or 4 miles to New River Outfitters or take a 1 mile “kid’s trip” from a secluded access to J E Gentry bridge. Our family-friendly site is an economical way to have fun and get in touch with nature. And yes! we are dog-friendly as well! Please note that cell service is very limited and WiFi is not provided. Prolonged rainy conditions in the river bottom may get muddy, so please be prepared for your stay!

99%

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The Human Spirit

1 site · RV, Tent100 acres · Hays, NC

True off-grid, primitive camping in untouched nature with almost 100 acres all to yourself! The entire property is secluded with an amazing view of Stone Mountain. - Perfect for 4-wheelers, dirt bikes, side by sides. - Discover several hidden springs throughout - Firepit provided. Firewood bundles and starter bundles are available for purchase. - You can pull right up to the campsite. - Higher clearance vehicle is recommended (truck, SUV, or crossover), however, 4-wheel drive is unnecessary. Please know the 2-mile road up to the campsite is bumpy and narrow. ~70 minutes from Charlotte ~20 minutes from Wilkesboro ~50 minutes from Boone ~50 minutes from the Winston-Salem area ~30 minutes off I-77 ~30 minutes from Stone Mountain public entrance ~30 minutes from Warrior Creek trails ~10 minutes from Doughton Park trailhead Unplug, recharge, and immerse yourself in untouched nature! A couple of highly recommended nearby restaurant options: (both ~20 minutes from campsite) Roaring River Vineyards - great outdoor atmosphere right on the banks of the Roaring River, pet friendly, entertainment, wine, and beer tasting 493 Brewer Mill Rd, Traphill, NC Nonna & Pops Mercantile - small sandwich and ice cream shop catered to campers, the homemade focaccia bread is TO DIE FOR 6278 Sparta Road North Wilkesboro, NC

95%

(31)

'Possum Creek Ranch

2 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Elk Creek, VA

My land has a long history... come visit and I'd love to share it.Learn more about this land:2 tent sites offered, Site 1 is on the top of hill shaded by trees overlooking a field and is tent only. Site 2 is a nice level spot on the edge of the woods, which can accommodate tents or an RV. There are fire pits at each site, firewood available. A 120v outlet centrally located in the field. For toilet there's a clean, cute, not creepy, outhouse onsite. No water but there is a small creek that's great for taking a dip in. See photos for camp map. Located in beautiful Elk Creek, this quiet homestead offers a place to pitch a tent, and enjoy nature with endless local adventures at every direction. Lots of biking, hiking, fishing at your fingertips. All attractions are connected by some of Virginia's best dirt and paved roads, motorcycles encouraged! Message me for help route planning. Less than a mile from Falls road, waterfalls snaking along a scenic drive 5 miles from Comers Rock and Jefferson Nat. Forest, birds eye view of Elk Creek valley 8 miles from Hale lake, bring a rod and reel 13 miles to the New River, one of 5 oldest rivers in the world, canoe/kayak/tube rentals available 30 miles from Grayson Highlands and Mt Rogers state parks, highest point in Virginia, wild ponies! Multiple old-time and bluegrass festivals in Elk Creek, Fries, Galax..etc

100%

(5)

Rogue Trout Retreat

4 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Woodlawn, VA

Rogue Trout Retreat is a brand new recreation destination, offering ~5 open acres of primitive camping and 700+ feet of private trout fishing that connects to the Crooked Creek Fee Fishing park and Wildlife Reserve. The creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout multiple times throughout the week between the months of April and October. Native and Brown Trout are also very commonly found in these waters. The Wildlife Reserve "next door" offers opportunities for 5 miles of stocked trout fishing, 2 miles of wild trout fishing, 1800+ acres of hunting, hiking, horseback riding and wildlife watching. Nearby you'll find all you need in the way of food, supplies, gas, entertainment, sights, and more in the city of Galax, or town of Hillsville. Don't forget to enjoy the Blue Ridge Parkway, kayak the New River, bike the New River Trail, pick at the Fiddler's Convention, shop multiple boutiques, antique stores, flea and farmer's markets, and visit plenty more small town events that are sure to bring you back to visit Rogue Trout Retreat very soon!

88%

(4)

Camp Roadrunner

1 site · RV, Tent30 acres · Woodlawn, VA

Camp Roadrunner is a private 30-acre campground, with lots to do. Large open area for camping. Private access to stocked trout stream. Amenities: 30 Amp, 110v power on a pole in the camping area, a portapotty next to the camping area, a large fire pit, a picnic table, horseshoe pits, and hiking trails. There is also a sandy beach area where you can relax in private. From the bridge to the property down past the beach is over 1000ft of stocked trout stream. The property backs us to a large nature preserve and is in a quiet valley. Feel free to reach out with any questions. It is 10 minutes away from great restaurants, wineries, and breweries in downtown Galax Va. FB page for more info https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090859038872

New River Trail Cabins

11 sites · LodgingGalax, VA

Welcome to New River Trail Cabins. We offer twelve unique, cozy cabins, nestled in the scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. New River Trail Cabins is adjacent to beautiful New River Trail Park, where you can enjoy any number of activities, including hiking, biking, and horseback riding. And, we're just a short walk from downtown Galax, Virginia, a traditional American small town, known as the Gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains. New River Trail Cabins is the perfect location for your romantic getaway, escape from the city or family vacation. We often have large bike groups and family reunions. At New River Trail Cabins, we offer clean, cozy cabins with a Creek View of Chestnut Creek off your back porch. You'll have all the privacy, peace, and quiet you could ever want here. Typical amenities for our cabins include the following. - 2-person Jacuzzi - Kitchenette - Rockers on the Back Porch - Fireplace during cold months - WiFi - Cable Television - Creek View from Every Cabin - Smoke-Free - Heating and Air Conditioning While you're here, you can enjoy hiking, biking, and fishing on-site. And, you'll have endless opportunities to enjoy various outdoor activities along the New River Trail, which we have direct access to. Or, if you prefer, relax and simply watch Chestnut Creek flow by your cabin. The choice is yours when you stay at New River Trail Cabins.

100%

(22)

Chestnut Hill Camping

1 site · RV, Tent11 acres · Jefferson, NC

Hilltop camping along the New River in the Blue Ridge Mountains. We have a 20 x 30 primitive camping site available, topped with mulch, a chiminea, and a picnic table. The site is surrounded by trees for hammocks and has room for 2 large tents. A fire ring is available for use 100 yards up the hill on a cleared knoll. Please note: The driveway is steep all-wheel or 4-wheel drive is needed for towed campers and camper vans. The driveway leads directly to the campsite. Our secluded 11-acre hilltop property lies just across Chestnut Hill Road from the New River. It is within walking distance of New River Outfitters where you can rent kayaks and canoes, or purchase a fishing license. The New River State Park is just 2 miles away for additional access to the New River and numerous hiking and nature trails. We are located 20 minutes from the charming town of West Jefferson in one direction and 20 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway in the other. The famous Motley’s BBQ restaurant is only 10 minutes away, and Thistle Meadow Winery is only a 15-minute drive away. Our goal is to provide a quiet, secluded spot for campers to enjoy the beauty of Western North Carolina. Our cleared knoll with a fire ring offers minimal light pollution for night star gazing. A walking trail circles the property and accesses the lower knoll. Enjoy the abundance of wildflowers as you search the wooded hillside for two rocky outcroppings that allow for beautiful views of the river. Welcome to bring all your furry family members, dog bowls can be provided at request. Firewood is available for scavenging throughout the property. A well-maintained and clean Porta Potty screened by a fence is available near the campsite.

The best camping near Blue Ridge Parkway guide

Overview

About

There’s not a single stoplight on the Blue Ridge Parkway to interrupt your driving reverie, but deer, turkey, and the occasional bear might slow you down. The byway links Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. You won’t find any commercial developments along the nation’s most popular scenic drive, but there are eight campgrounds, all of which accommodate tents and RVs, and provide restrooms, water, and dump stations. If parkway campgrounds (open May through October) are full, descend on a state park or mountain town.

Where to go

Shenandoah National Park & Rockfish Gap

The parkway begins at Rockfish Gap on Afton Mountain just south of Shenandoah National Park. Explore the new Crozet Tunnel Trail (bring your flashlight), then kick off your drive south. Nearby campgrounds include Loft Mountain Campground in Shenandoah National Park and Sherando Lake Campground in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest.

Northern Blue Ridge Parkway

The Parkway curves south along the spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with the Appalachian Trail running alongside it all the way to Roanoke. Scenic overlooks share views of rolling farmlands to the east and the lush Shenandoah Valley to the west. Hiking trails climb to overlooks while side roads lead to charming small towns. Spend the night at Otter Creek Campground or continue south to the campground and lodge at the Peaks of Otter, a high-elevation crossroads.

Southwest Virginia

Anchoring southwest Virginia, Roanoke is a welcoming place for a meal and regional culture. Don’t miss a climb to the Roanoke Star, a neon beacon shining over the Roanoke Valley at night. The Parkway continues south, twisting past wineries, mountain music venues, and a historic mill. Camp at Rocky Knob Campground or a nearby state park.

North Carolina High Country

With dark tunnels, roaring waterfalls, and a lush forest backdrop, the Parkway feels untamed in the high country, a region also known for its Appalachian culture and fun mountain towns, which include Boone and Blowing Rock. Brake for the gorgeous scenery at Linville Falls and Mount Mitchell, which is the highest mountain east of the Mississippi River. You’ll find campgrounds at Doughton Park, Julian Price, and Linville Falls.

Asheville & Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Hikers, hippies, and craft beer fans coexist in Asheville, a just-about-perfect mountain town. Camp at the Crabtree Falls Campground or Mount Pisgah Campground along the Parkway or wait until entering Great Smoky Mountains National Park at the end of your scenic journey. There are nine developed campgrounds in the national park. Glamping options, from cabins to tiny houses to yurts, are plentiful in the surrounding mountain foothills.