Backcountry Camping

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Primitive Camping on the Blue Ridge Parkway

A backcountry camping permit issued by www.Recreation.gov is required for all overnight use of the primitive camping areas on the Blue Ridge Parkway. By securing a permit, you agree to abide by all park rules and regulations and are responsible for all members of the camping party.

Backcountry camping permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Site inventory is limited. Permits are available year-round.
Please Note:

Do not print your permit until you have confirmed you will be completing your backcountry trip. Once the permit has been printed you cannot cancel or modify the reservation.

Permits are issued under the following conditions:

• No more than 6 people per campsite
• Groups larger than 18 people are prohibited
• Permits cannot be issued for more than 3 consecutive nights
• The beginning and ending dates of camping, the number of overnight campers, and the identification of vehicles parked overnight are required for permit issuance

Milepost	Location	Permits Available At	# of Sites	Group Limit
167.1	Rock Castle Gorge	www.recreation.gov	8	18
244.7	Basin Cove	www.recreation.gov	8	18
296.9	Johns River Road	www.recreation.gov	2	12

You may also call Recreation.gov at 1-877-444-6777 to secure a permit.

 

Backcountry Use Regulations

1. A backcountry camping permit is required for all overnight use and must be in your possession at all times.

2. Camping outside of the designated sites is prohibited.

3. Campfires are allowed only inside the government provided fire grill. Only wood that is dead and down on the ground may be collected for use as firewood. The cutting of standing trees, whether live or dead is prohibited. The use of camp stoves is encouraged. All fires may be banned during periods of high fire danger.

4. All trash must be carried out upon vacating the site. Do not leave litter or cans in the fire rings. DO NOT burn or bury any trash.

5. Historic and archeological resources are protected by federal law. The damaging, defacing or removal of these resources is prohibited.

6. Natural resources are protected by federal law. Do not disturb or remove any animal or plant life.

7. Hunting and trapping are prohibited. Fishing is subject to state and federal laws and limits.

8. Persons who can legally possess firearms under federal, state, and local laws are able to possess firearms on the Blue Ridge Parkway, subject to the laws of the state they are in at the time. It is the visitor's responsibility to understand and comply with all applicable state (North Carolina and/or Virginia) and federal firearms laws. Firearms should not be considered a wildlife protection strategy. The discharge and/or use of firearms remains prohibited at all times.

9. Pets must be on a 6 foot maximum leash at all times while in the park. Horseback camping is not permitted. Horses are allowed on the Grassy Gap Fire Road during the day.

10. All human waste must be buried at least 6 inches deep and at least 100 feet from any stream. Pack out all diapers, tampons, and sanitary napkins in a sealed plastic bag.

11. Campsite improvements such as bough beds and trenching around tents is prohibited, as is the use of nails or spikes in trees for clotheslines, shelter construction or hanging lanterns.

12. Bathing or washing dishes or utensils in streams is prohibited. All unprotected water should be treated before consuming.

13. Food and other scented items must be in bear-proof containers, stored in park provided bear boxes (if available) or hung in a tree at least 10 feet above the ground and 4 feet from the trunk of the tree.