Free Camping Collection
Established Camping
Basin Cove — Blue Ridge Parkway
About
National Park Service
Blue Ridge Parkway
Reservation Info
A signed backcountry camping permit is required for all overnight use of the primitive camping areas on the Blue Ridge Parkway. By signing a permit, the signer agrees to abide by all park rules and regulations and is responsible for all members of the camping party.
Backcountry camping permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis and are available at applicable campgrounds from May 1 to October 31. From November 1 through April 30, permits are available at the corresponding District Office. Site inventory is limited, so advance reservations are encouraged. See chart below.
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 approximate dates and location of entry and exit, number of overnight campers, and identification of any vehicles parked overnight are required for permit issuance
Location
Basin Cove — Blue Ridge Parkway is located in North Carolina
Coordinates
36.38983680533353 N
81.1622026989046 W
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Pets
- Fires
VERY Primative
This site should not be confused with any other sites in area by similar name. You have to make a reservation with the park office for your site and drop by the ranger station to pick up your permit. The sites have NO vehicle access at all, you have to hike a mile into the campsite. The hike in is excellent, as it follows the river along the way.
There is NO clean water source, you have to bring a filter system with you. There are no picnic tables but each site does have wood logs as seats. There are fire pits and food storage lockers on site.
The site is surrounded by excellent hiking trails and is a great place to set as "base camp" for day hikes.
Very nice, quiet,Primative camping
This camp ground is very small and on the side of a very quiet road next to beautiful fields with breath taking views it has no paved roads so bring a truck or suv sedans will get stuck easily there is no cell service and it is very clean of trash perfect quiet getaway
- (5) View All
Great for taking beginner backcountry tent/hammock campers!
Easy hike in, but far enough that you won’t find High-maintenance campers or crowds. Maybe some horseback people. Campground has tent pads, picnic tables, fire pits, pit toilets, water pump. (I doubt the water pump will be working in the winter.) Near a creek as well. Just follow the basin creek trail for about a mile and then cross bridge. The campsites are well spread out so there is enough room for privacy, but keep in mind that a lot of hikers pass through morning-midday. The trail is amazing—but some spots may be very difficult to cross in the spring. (PS The mike to the campsite is on a gravel road closed to cars/motorized vehicles.) May be accessible for some basic wheelchairs with special wheels that can deal with sand and gravel and shallow fording, but unfortunately not a good option for more high tech wheelchairs.
Campsite is right next to the creek—fun to hear the water at night. Stars are amazing!