Unlike Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park, Blue Ridge Parkway access is free. However, most campgrounds charge for campsites online. On average, the Parkway's nine campgrounds offer a chance every 43 miles to set up a tent or park your RV. You'll find 712 tent sites and 337 RV sites, all available on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping overnight is permitted only in formal sites at designated campgrounds each campground has a handicapped-accessible site.
You can reserve campsites ahead of time at Boone area campgrounds Julian Price Park (the largest campground on the Parkway and the only one with lakeside camping) and Linville Falls. Each site has a fireplace and picnic table. The campgrounds have no showers or electrical hook-ups-but they're otherwise comfortable and provide water, restrooms, firewood for sale, and trailer dumping stations.
Doughton Park Campground (Milepost 239.2)
There are 110 campsites, 25 trailer sites, restrooms, a 250-person campfire circle, and a camp store. Campsites are available for reservation on recreation.gov from May - October.
Julian Price Park Campground (Milepost 296.9)
Julian Price Park Campground is the closest campground to Boone and Blowing Rock. The Parkway's largest campground has 129 tent sites, some directly on the shore of Price Lake. If you can snag a lakeshore site, it's a perfect "golden pond" camping experience. There are also 68 RV sites, an amphitheater, and boat rentals. Great hiking options include the memorable lakeshore loop of the Price Lake Trail. Camping is available May - October.
Contact the ranger offices for Price Park at (828) 963-5911.
Linville Falls Campground (Milepost 316.4)
The only Parkway campground with group camping. There are 55 tent and small R/V sites; 15 large R/V sites, a 150-person campfire circle, and many trails to the falls. Campsites are available for reservation on recreation.gov from May - October.
The use of gas stoves and grills is permitted and encouraged. Fires are permitted in designated fireplaces, campgrounds, and picnic areas. Major Parkway campgrounds can have camp stores with firewood and basic supplies for sale. While camping, remember basic camping etiquette. Remember to store all food items in a locked vehicle to avoid attracting wildlife to your campsite and properly dispose of all litter and food waste.
Make it your nature to practice the 7 Outdoor NC principles while enjoying the natural environment on the Blue Ridge Parkway and be a part of preserving this awe-inspiring area for generations to come.