Camping
A Memorable Blue Ridge Adventure
Unlike Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park, Blue Ridge Parkway access is free. However, most campgrounds do charge for campsites, taking cash or checks only. 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 is permitted only in formal sites at designated campgrounds-and 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.
CAMP AT THESE BOONE AREA CAMPGROUNDS
Doughton Park Campground (Milepost 239.2)
There are 110 campsites, 25 trailer sites, restrooms, a 250-person campfire circle, and a camp store.
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. 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.
CAMPGROUND BASICS:
The use of gas stoves and grills is permitted and encouraged. Fires are permitted in designated fireplaces, at campgrounds, and at 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 animals to your campsite and properly dispose of all litter and food waste.
