Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites
Reviewed Aug. 1, 2021

Free Camping but Lots of Foot Traffic

There are two great things about this campsite. It’s free, and it is close to great views of the mountains near the Blue Ridge Parkway. Located off of Highway 215, you do hear road noise, but that is not too much of a problem. During the day, you get a lot of day use hikers since the largest campsite is right beside the trail. There is a large flat area to set your tent if you are lucky enough to be the first one there, and there is a fire pit. Beyond that, there are no facilities. You can hear the sounds of water all night long from Flat Laurel Creek. The last time I was in that area, I tried to cross Flat Laurel Creek over slippery rocks against my better judgment, and the weather was in the upper 30s. I fell, got soaked, and nearly froze to death. This time, it was summer and I learned to cross in my bare feet despite the fact that the rocks were dry this time. The trail eventually takes you to Sam’s Knob, which offers beautiful views, and there is lots of scenery along the way. This campsite is fairly high in elevation, so it gets cool at night. Don’t make the mistake of taking a summer sleeping bag. You could, but you take a chance of being cold even during the peak of summer. This is not a good place for RVs or travel trailers. It is mainly for tent camping even though you do not have to hike in. Just make sure to take water or a water filter. Overall, I recommend this campsite if you are going to hike somewhere else during the day. However, you will not get solitude of any kind here because of all the day hikers.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites by Myron C., August 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites by Myron C., August 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites by Myron C., August 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites by Myron C., August 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites by Myron C., August 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites by Myron C., August 1, 2021
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  • Review photo of Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites by Myron C., August 1, 2021
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