One of the most stunning scenic routes in the United States, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers a variety of campsites that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region.
And during the summer months, the Blue Ridge Parkway becomes an ideal family vacation destination, offering a refreshing escape from the heat and the opportunity to reconnect with nature in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina.
Additionally, camping on the Blue Ridge Parkway not only provides the experience of sleeping under a starry sky and waking up to the sounds of nature, but also allows you to explore various trails, waterfalls and picturesque landscapes that characterize this wonderful area.
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Here are four great places to camp along the Blue Ridge Parkway:
1. Linville Falls Campground
Linville Falls Campground is a perfect retreat for nature lovers and families looking for an unforgettable camping experience.
Situated on the banks of the Linville River, this campground offers direct access to trails leading to the stunning Linville Gorge Wilderness Area and the majestic Linville Falls.
With 50 tent sites, 20 RV sites, and 2 wheelchair accessible, facilities include flushing toilets and drinking water, ensuring a comfortable stay without sacrificing connection to nature.
Surrounded by a dense pine canopy, the campground is an ideal base to explore Linville Gorge and enjoy activities such as fishing on the Linville River.
Linville Waterfall, with three distinct views within a one-mile hike, is one of the area's top attractions.
Amenities include grills/fire rings and picnic tables at each site, creating a perfect atmosphere for family barbecues or evening s'mores roasting.
In addition to the 39 sites available for advance reservation, the campground offers 25 sites on a first-come, first-serve basis, which must be reserved in person at the campground kiosk.
The surrounding natural environment, known as “The Grand Canyon of North Carolina,” offers rolling hills, dense forests, and a rich history of early European settlement in the Appalachian Mountains.
The variety of flora, from hemlocks to wildflowers, and the vibrant colors of fall foliage make this campground an ideal destination for any time of year.
Location : Milepost 316, Blue Ridge Parkway.
More information and advance reservations: Linville Falls Campground
2. Crabtree Falls Campground
Crabtree Falls Campground is known for its proximity to the Crabtree Falls Trail, a scenic drive that leads to one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
With 70 tent sites, 22 RV sites, and 4 wheelchair accessible, this campground offers a rustic and peaceful experience.
Open from mid-May to October, it operates on a first-come, first-served basis, perfect for those looking for a quiet getaway in nature.
Considered a hidden gem of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Crabtree Falls Campground offers a serenity that attracts campers and wildlife alike.
The morning fog adds a magical touch, and sightings of coyotes, deer, and barred owls are common. The spectacular 70-foot waterfall, accessible from the campground, is one of the most photographed in the area.
The campground has toilets, dump stations, and drinking water. Grills and picnic tables at each site create an ideal atmosphere for family barbecues or evening roasting of marshmallows.
In addition to the 27 sites available for advance reservations, 54 sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, reserving in person at the campground kiosk.
Crabtree Falls Campground stands out for its meadows filled with wildflowers in spring and its imposing forests of oak, birch and hickory.
Near the campground, you can explore places like Mount Mitchell State Park and the North Carolina Mineral Museum.
Location : Milepost 340, Blue Ridge Parkway.
More information, reservations and rates : Crabtree Falls Campground
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3. Mount Pisgah Campground
Mount Pisgah Campground, one of the most notable campgrounds on the Blue Ridge Parkway, is located in the mountains of western North Carolina.
At an elevation of 4,980 feet, it offers a cool, shady retreat during the summer, surrounded by lush hardwood forests.
Campers can enjoy panoramic sunrise and sunset views from nearby viewpoints, as well as various hiking trails ranging from moderate to strenuous.
This area, rich in history, used to be part of George Vanderbilt's estate and home to his hunting camp, Buck Springs.
The campground has RV and tent sites, with modern facilities such as toilets, drinking water, dump station and a country store.
Each site has picnic tables and fire rings, ideal for barbecues and roasting marshmallows.
In addition to the 53 sites available for advance reservation, there are 71 sites that are first come, first serve and must be reserved at the campground kiosk.
Hiking trails accessible from the campground include the Frying Pan Trail, which leads to the Fire Tower, and the Spring Buck Trail, which runs through dense forests and rocky terrain.
A short drive away is Asheville, North Carolina, a historic city that offers additional services such as shopping, fuel, and medical facilities. The combination of its natural surroundings and recreational opportunities make this campground an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.
Location : Milepost 408, Blue Ridge Parkway.
More Information : Mt. Pisgah Campground
4. Julian Price Park
The Julian Price Park Campground is perfect for those looking to camp under the stars.
With 190 sites available, the campground offers a comfortable experience with facilities such as toilets, drinking water, and dump stations.
Campers can enjoy picnic tables and fire rings at each site, ideal for barbecues and s’mores nights.
The camp operates seasonally, so it is important to check opening dates.
Located next to Price Lake, a pristine lake that sparkles against the backdrop of rolling mountains, this campground is a true natural paradise.
In spring, the surrounding forest fills with a colorful variety of wildflowers, and in fall, the foliage turns vibrant shades of orange and red.
Visitors can rent canoes on the lake and enjoy fishing opportunities from the dock.
Hiking trails in the area include the Price Lake, Boone Fork, Green Knob and Tanawha trails.
Campers can spot a variety of wildlife, including bears, grouse, turkeys, owls and hawks.
The campground has 73 RV-only sites and 90 tent-only sites. Some sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, while others can be reserved up to six months in advance.
Location : Milepost 297, Blue Ridge Parkway.
More information and reservations: Julian Price Park / (877) 444-6777
More campgrounds on the Blue Ridge Parkway:
The Blue Ridge Parkway has eight camps developed, which are open from May to the end of October.
In general the cost per night is $30 and can be booked in advance on this site or, in some cases, directly on site.
All of these campgrounds have facilities including drinking water, bathrooms with toilets, and RV dump stations.
Campers can enjoy showers at the Julian Price and Mount Pisgah campgrounds for an additional fee.
Reservations can be made up to six months in advance through recreation.gov.
In addition to the campgrounds already mentioned (Julian Price, Linville Falls, Crabtree Falls and Mount Pisgah), other notable campgrounds include Otter Creek, Peaks of Otter, Rocky Knob and Doughton Park, each offering access to hiking trails and various outdoor activities free.
Would you like to know more places to camp in North Carolina? Write to us on WhatsApp or let us know in the comments below.
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