Along the Johns River Road corridor of the Blue Ridge Parkway, this free, drive-in backcountry campground sits near the river and provides picnic tables for established camping without a fee. It accommodates big rigs. Reservations are available, and the National Park Service manages the site. Campers who want a developed base along the Parkway without paying for a full-service site may find Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway just 0.6 miles west, or explore campgrounds near Blowing Rock for additional context when planning a route through this stretch of western North Carolina.
Description
Johns River Road near Julian Price Park (MP 296.9)
2 sites Group limit: 12
The Parkway has three backcountry campgrounds. Backcountry camping is permitted only at designated sites. A permit is required for backcountry camping.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsJohns River Road Backcountry Campground is located in North Carolina near Blowing Rock
Public CampgroundCoordinates
36.141139282741655 N
81.7216554148542 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/20/26
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/20/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
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 Johns River Road Backcountry Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 31 min from Johnson City, TN
- 1 hr 47 min from Kingsport, TN
- 2 hrs 1 min from Asheville, NC
