Hikers seeking a creek-side camping experience will find Basin Cove accessible via a one-mile walk along the Basin Creek Trail. This National Park Service campground requires advance reservations and permit pickup from the ranger station, with no vehicle access to the sites themselves. The walk-in sites feature tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets, though water sources may be unreliable during winter months.
Campers set up directly beside Basin Creek, where the sound of flowing water provides natural nighttime ambiance. The gravel trail crosses a bridge before reaching the well-spaced sites, which offer privacy despite regular hiker traffic during morning and midday hours. Cell service is unavailable at this primitive location. The area serves as a base camp for exploring surrounding trails and provides access to pet-friendly camping near Blue Ridge Parkway throughout the region.
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
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBasin Cove is located in North Carolina near Blue Ridge Parkway
Coordinates
36.38983614 N
81.16220274 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Pets
- Fires
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Basin Cove — Blue Ridge Parkway needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 27 min from Winston-Salem, NC
- 2 hrs 17 min from Blacksburg, VA
- 2 hrs 20 min from Kingsport, TN
- 2 hrs 25 min from Johnson City, TN
