Doughton Park Campground sits along the Blue Ridge Parkway in the North Carolina highlands, managed by the National Park Service and open from mid-May through October 31. The campground is split by the Parkway itself: an RV loop on one side and a tent section on the other, each with its own comfort stations. Elevation here runs high enough that summer temperatures stay noticeably cooler than the surrounding lowlands, a detail multiple visitors mention as a reason to plan a stop.
The layout includes a mix of site types. Some spots are close enough together to function better as group sites, while others, particularly in the outer loops, provide more separation. Roger W. describes site 9 as "one of the best sites we have had in almost 4 years of travel," noting that regulars call it the "honeymoon site" for its heart-shaped rock arrangement. Asphalt pads are the norm, and reviewers note they were sized for shorter vehicles, so drivers of large rigs should factor that in. The campground is set in deciduous forest, and white-tailed deer are frequently spotted moving through. Bears have also been reported in the area, and staff ask that all scented items be stored in vehicles.
Facilities are functional rather than elaborate. Comfort stations have flush toilets and are consistently described as clean, though showers are not available. One reviewer flags that the tent loop has only one toilet for roughly 23 sites, which can create problems on busy weekends. A dump station and potable water faucet are located near the entrance. Firewood is available on-site. Nearby, the Basin Cove Backcountry Camping area provides an alternative for those looking for a more remote experience. Pets are welcome, and dog-friendly campgrounds near Blue Ridge Parkway are also worth exploring if this one is full.
Reservations are available and recommended, especially for fall weekends, though the campground does not always fill even during peak October color. Sites are a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served, and rangers have been noted as willing to help campers switch to a better available site on arrival. Payment is by credit card at a kiosk. Booking 10 days out in early October still left options, but the most-requested sites go quickly, so earlier reservations improve the odds of landing one of the more private outer-loop spots.
Description
Overview
Nestled in a landscape of mountains, open meadows and pioneer cabins, Doughton Park Campground is surrounded by 30 miles (48 km) of hiking trails offering opportunities to view wildlife as well as get a feel for the lives of those who lived here long ago. Originally known as The Bluffs, the area came by its present name in honor of Congressman Robert L. Doughton, a long-time advocate and supporter of the Parkway.
Recreation
Over 30 miles of trails are available varying from strenuous to easy. Bicycles and motorized vehicles are prohibited on trails. Mileage listed is only traveling one way. Double the trail mileage to include out and back trip. Trail elevations can change more than 2,000 feet as trails descend into the Basin Cove Creek area from the parkway. Maps available on the Blue Ridge Parkway.gov website. Bluff Mountain Trail (7.5 miles) offers many scenic vistas and traverses relatively flat terrain. The trail runs near the parkway and is accessible from many locations along its route from Brinegar Cabin to Basin Cove Overlook. Cedar Ridge Trail (4.4 miles) descends a forested ridgeline to Grassy Gap Fire Road. Trailhead is located at the Brinegar Cabin. Grassy Gap Fire Road (6.1 miles) is wide enough for hikers and horseback riders to travel side by side. The trail starts at Milepost 243.9 and ambles down the mountainside past the primitive campground to State Route 1730 (Longbottom Road). Horseback riders must enter and exit at Longbottom Road. Flat Rock Ridge Trail (5.0) miles begins on the mountain-top meadow of Basin Cove Overlook. And ends on the damp, cool banks of Basin Cove Creek. NC Thurmond Game Lands and bear sanctuary border the south side of the trail. Basin Cove Creek Trail (3.2 miles) is accessible only from the grassy Gap Fire Road at the Long Bottom Road (State Hwy 1730). A 1.7-mile hike is required to reach the beginning of the Basin Cove Creek. It winds past cascading waterfalls to the century-old Caudill Cabin, former home of the Martin Caudill family. Part of the once-thriving Basin cove Community, this cabin was one of the few structures that withstood the devasting 1916 flood. Prepare for over 26 creek crossings on this trail. The total trip one way is 4.9 miles and 9.8 miles for the total trip. Bluff Ridge Primitive Trail (2.7 miles) is the shortest but steepest route into Basin Cove. The strenuous climb up the trail makes the hike seem much longer. Trailhead location is in the Bluffs Picnic Area. Fodder Stack Trail (1.4 miles roundtrip) shows off its delicate display of wildflowers in the spring. It is the easiest hike through a mixture of pine and hardwood forest with a short, steep brief beginning. Recommended for families. Trailhead is at Wildcat Rocks Overlook. The Brinegar Cabin dates from about 1885 and was the home of Martin Brinegar and his family. Brinegar was a cobbler as well as a farmer. His home is open Memorial Day weekend days through October. Hand-loom weaving and other craft demonstrations are often given during the summer months. The one-room Caudill Cabin exhibit can be viewed from the scenic Wildcat Rocks (milepost 240.6). Historic Cemetery: near milepost marker 245.5. The cemetery contains some three dozen graves dating from the 1880's to more recent times. The Basin Cove Creek complex (mileposts 238 - 244) (located off the Parkway on Longbottom Road) has Rainbow and Brook Trout where the streams are stocked. Anyone with a valid Virginia or North Carolina fishing license is welcome, but please check with the visitor center for any special regulations.
Facilities
Doughton Park has a picnic area (at milepost 241), a campground (milepost 239), comfort stations, drinking water and access to 30 miles (48 km) of trail over bluegrass bluffs. The historic Bluffs restaurant has reopened (at milepost 241). The restaurants web page, www.bluffsrestaurant.org, provides information on hours and menu.__Campsites are shaded under an umbrella of thick trees, and provide campers with tables, latern posts, plus, campfire rings and grills. The site also offers camper conveniences like flush toilets, drinking water and a dump station._Doughton Park Campground usually has campsites available. Three group sites are available by reservation at www.recreation.gov. In addition to the 33 sites available for advance reservation, 70 campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Availability of first come, first served sites cannot be tracked through Recreation.gov. These sites must be booked in person at the campground kiosk. _With regard to backcountry camping: A permit is required to camp at Basin Cove Backcountry Camping. The cost is $15 per night. Permits and other details are available at https://www.recreation.gov/._
Natural Features
Rolling ridgetop meadows and steep mountainsides characterize the 7,000-acre Doughton Park. The elevation is a cool 3688 feet. It is one of the best places along the motor road to view white-tailed deer, raccoons, red and gray foxes, and bobcats. Visitors can enjoy spectacular shows of flame azalea and rhododendron in the late spring and fields of Dense Blazing Stars in mid to late July. Nearby Bluffs picnic area features open areas for night sky viewing with limited light pollution. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic byway that follows the high crests of the central and southern Appalachians for 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.
Nearby Attractions
Mount Airy, NC: Andy Griffith's hometown, the ideal American town that was the inspiration for Mayberry--Hwy 52 South; 12 miles south of Fancy Gap, VA: https://www.visitmayberry.com/New River National Wild and Scenic River offers excellent opportunities for tubing, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Multiple access points and several local outfitters are available within a 30minute drive__of the campground. https://www.fws.gov/rivers/river/newSparta, NC & Allegheny County: https://www.alleghanycountychamber.com/West Jefferson, Jefferson Lansing, and Todd: https://ashechamber.com/Wilkes County: https://wilkescountytourism.com/#/Yadkin Valley, NC: North Carolina Wine Country - Yadkin Valley, NC
Reservation Info
Obtain a free permit from the Doughton Park campground office (May-October) or the Bluffs District Office 828-348-3487.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsDoughton Park Campground is located in North Carolina near Sparta
Directions
Note: GPS devices and mapping programs do NOT provide accurate directions to Doughton Park Campground. GPS devices and mapping programs may take campers onto steep grades and gravel or dirt country roads not suitable for RV or trailer travel. From Charlotte: Take I-77 North. Merge onto US-21-BYP N via EXIT 83 on the left toward Roaring Gap/Sparta. Go 2.9 miles. Merge onto US-21. Go 18.1 miles. Turn left to take the Parkway South ramp. Turn south onto Blue Ridge Parkway. Go 10 miles to Doughton Park Campground. From Raleigh: Take I-40 West. Merge onto US-421 North via EXIT 188 toward Yadkinville/Wilkesboro. Go 28.3 miles. Merge onto I-77 N via EXIT 265A toward Elkin. Go 10.1 miles. Merge onto US-21-BYP N via EXIT 83 on the left toward Roaring Gap/Sparta. Go 2.9 miles. Merge onto US-21. Go 18.1 miles. Turn left to take the Parkway South ramp. Turn south onto Blue Ridge Parkway. Go 10 miles to Doughton Park Campground.
Address
Milepost 239 Blue Ridge Parkway
NC
Coordinates
36.4288889 N
81.1544444 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 7/13/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 7/13/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 36 min from Winston-Salem, NC
- 2 hrs from Blacksburg, VA
- 2 hrs 16 min from Kingsport, TN
- 2 hrs 21 min from Johnson City, TN
