Established Camping
Doughton Park Campground
Doughton Park Campground, near the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, is a peaceful retreat surrounded by stunning mountain views and lush greenery. This campground offers a mix of tent and RV sites, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The campground is known for its well-maintained facilities, including picnic tables and fire rings, which make it easy to enjoy evenings by the fire. Visitors often highlight the friendly campground hosts and the clean comfort stations, which feature flush toilets but no showers. As one camper noted, “The staff are always polite,” adding to the welcoming atmosphere.
Nature lovers will appreciate the nearby hiking trails that lead to breathtaking views and the chance to spot local wildlife, including white-tailed deer. The rolling hills and misty mornings create a serene backdrop for outdoor activities. Many campers have enjoyed the quiet ambiance, with one reviewer mentioning, “Sitting by a fire at night is quiet,” making it an ideal spot for relaxation.
While the campground can get busy during peak season, there’s usually enough space to spread out, and some sites offer more privacy than others. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer stay, Doughton Park Campground provides a charming escape into nature.
Description
National Park Service
Blue Ridge Parkway
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. 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. Doughton Park Campground usually has campsites available. In addition to the 24 sites available for advanced reservation, 97 campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Campsites are shaded under an umbrella of thick trees, and provide campers with tables, campfire rings and grills. The site also offers camper conveniences like flush toilets, drinking water and a dump station. Primitive Backcountry Camping is available at Basin Cove.
Reservation Info
Obtain a free permit from the Doughton Park campground office (May-October) or the Bluffs District Office 828-348-3487.
Location
Doughton Park Campground is located in North Carolina
Directions
Milepost 239 Blue Ridge Parkway 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.
Coordinates
36.42875493 N
81.15696296 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonFair
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites