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Free Camping Collection

Established Camping

Basin Cove — Blue Ridge Parkway

Basin Cove, located near the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, offers a camping experience surrounded by forested terrain and rolling hills. Temperatures can range from 30°F in winter to 85°F in summer, providing varied seasonal conditions for campers. Nearby attractions include the scenic overlooks of the Blue Ridge Parkway and hiking trails that explore the natural beauty of the area.

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

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Location

Basin Cove — Blue Ridge Parkway is located in North Carolina

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

36.38983614 N
81.16220274 W

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Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Poor

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.

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General Info

Reservations

Drive Time


Reviews

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4.5

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3 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 15, 2021

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.

Site8
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Dec. 28, 2020

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

  • Review photo of Basin Cove — Blue Ridge Parkway by Christian , December 28, 2020
  • Review photo of Basin Cove — Blue Ridge Parkway by Christian , December 28, 2020
  • Review photo of Basin Cove — Blue Ridge Parkway by Christian , December 28, 2020
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Aug. 28, 2020

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Basin Cove — Blue Ridge Parkway?

    Basin Cove — Blue Ridge Parkway is located at 3465 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Basin Cove — Blue Ridge Parkway?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Basin Cove — Blue Ridge Parkway, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.