|
Campgrounds along the parkway offer a variety of facilities and activities, including scheduled seasonal activities for adults and children, and self-guiding hiking trails. The following rules and regulations are designed to help make your stay as pleasant and safe as possible. They are also intended to help maintain and preserve the magnificent natural and cultural features of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
General Information
Season Length
Blue Ridge Parkway campgrounds are open May through October, conditions permitting. Stay Limit
Camping is limited to a maximum length of 30 consecutive days in any one campground and/or 30 days total per calendar year across alll Parkway facilities.
Daily Campground Fee
Per night charge for campsites is posted in each campground. Holders of the Interagency Senior, Access, Golden Age, or Golden Access passes are entitled to a 50% discount on on the base fee of the site physically occupied by the pass holder. Passes can be obtained at all campgrounds. Party Size
A maximum of 6 persons may occupy a site.
Group Camping
Available at Linville Falls, Doughton Park, and Rock Knob campgrounds by online reservation through www.recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. These tent sites are limited to groups of 20 people. Interagency Senior and Access pass discounts do not apply.
Checkout Time
12:00 p.m. (noon)
Wheelchair Access
All campgrounds except Rocky Knob in Virginia offer at least one wheelchair accessible campsite and adjacent accessible restroom.
RVs and Trailers
Parkway campgrounds have sites that will accommodate trailers of varying lengths, although sites that can accommodate trailers or RVs over 30' may be limited. Dump stations are available at all campgrounds. No water or electrical hookups are available.
Reservations
Although the majority of campsites are sold on a "first come, first served" basis, a number of sites in all campgrounds may be reserved online at www.recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance of desired camping dates. In fairness to all campers, please pay only for site(s) that you occupy each day.
Security
Don't leave valuables at your site. Don't leave possessions unattended for extended periods of time. Please report all lost and found articles to a ranger or visitor center.
Back-Country Camping
Limited back-country camping is available at Basin Cove in Doughton Park (336-372-8877), Rock Castle Gorge at Rocky Knob (540-745-9664), and Johns River Road at Julian Price Park (828-963-5911). Permits must be requested in advance. Check with a Park Ranger to learn about access to neighboring U.S. Forest Service back-country areas along the Parkway.
Regulations
The following rules and regulations are established under the authority of Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Their purpose is to protect you and your property, preserve the park's resources and facilities, and ensure that all visitors have a safe and enjoyable stay.
Designated Campsites
Camping is permitted only at designated sites. Sites are for use by a single family or parties not exceeding six people.
Tents
When tent pads are provided, all tents must be on pads. Only one tent is allowed per site unless there is adequate space for multiple tents on a single tent pad.
Hammocks Hammocks may be used within established campsites. Established campsite is defined as within 50 feet of the existing grill/fire pit. They must be at least 20 feet from any public use areas such as trails, water spigots, restrooms, or other facilities.
Hammocks may not be connected or tied to any facility. If tied to a tree, the tree must be at least 4 inches in diameter and anchor ropes/webbing must be ½ inch or greater in width. Padding must be used if less than ½ inch in width. Trimming of trees and underbrush is prohibited. . Driving and Parking
Campground speed limit is 15 mph. Vehicles are to be parked on the pavement of an assigned site or in designated parking areas. Most tent sites are limited to one vehicle, while some RV sites have a maximun of two vehicles (i.e., trailer and car, two cars, two motorcycles). Bicycles, motorcycles, mopeds, all-terrain vehicles, and other forms of motorized vehicles are not permitted on hiking trails. With the exception of mopeds, all motorized vehicles operated on public roads must be properly registered and the operators licensed in accordance with state laws.
Food Storage
All food, coolers, equipment used to cook or store food, and anything that may smell like food (such as toothpaste) must be stored in a closed vehicle or a camping unit made of solid, non-pliable material. Use provided food lockers where installed.
Fires
Only charcoal should be used in any grill provided. Gas grills and stoves are allowed. Extinguish all fires before leaving the campground or picnic area. Do not leave any fire unattended. Beginning May 1, 2017, only heat-treated firewood that is bundled and certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state agency may be brought onto the Parkway. For more information, please visit our destructive pests page.
Wood Gathering
Wood gathering for use in park campgrounds is limited to dead material on the ground lying no more than 100 yards from the camp or picnic site.
Quiet Hours
Respect quiet hours between 10:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m. Use of generators is prohibited between the hours of 9:00 p.m.-8:00 a.m. Please keep in mind that continuous, loud generator or audio equipment noise, at any time of the day, disturbs other campers.
Animal and Plant Life
Wildlife must not be disturbed in any way. The hunting or trapping of animals is prohibited. Do not interfere with animals by feeding, touching or teasing them. Plant life is protected, too. Do not drive nails into trees or strip bark, leaves or branches from trees or shrubs. Use the lantern posts provided at each site. Do not hang lanterns from trees or loop them over branches or vegetation; these practices always damage and sometimes kill trees and vegetation.
Dogs, Cats, and Other Pets
All dogs, cats, and other pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet or under physical restraint at all times. Do not leave pets unattended in the campground or your car. Please prevent excessive barking and properly dispose of pet waste.
Weapons
Firearms are permitted in accordance with state law, but the use of any weapon on Parkway lands is prohibited. Firearms are prohibited in any government building where posted signs are present.
Skateboards, Roller Skates, Bicycles
The use of skateboards and roller skates, and other coasting devices is not permitted in the park or campground. Bicycles are permitted on roads only. NC law requires persons under 16 years of age to wear an approved bicycle helmet when operating a bicycle. In Virginia, bicycle helmet regulations vary by county.
Metal Detectors
Metal detectors are prohibited.
Clean Camps
Campers are responsible for maintaining clean camps at all times. Thoroughly clean campsites before leaving; remove camping equipment and dispose of trash in dumpsters and recycling bins.
Use of Hydrants
Hydrants are for emergency use only. Cleaning fish, bathing, or washing dishes or clothes at water hydrants is prohibited. Trailer hoses may not be connected to water hydrants.
|
Last updated: December 6, 2021