Established Camping
Wagoner — New River State Park
Wagoner — New River State Park, near Jefferson, North Carolina, is a peaceful campground that offers a great escape into nature. With its spacious, wooded sites and clean facilities, it’s a solid choice for families and friends looking to unwind.
The campground features well-maintained bathhouses and plenty of picnic tables, making it easy to enjoy meals outdoors. Campers have noted the cleanliness of the grounds and the friendly atmosphere, with one visitor saying, “The campground was very nice and well kept.” You can also enjoy campfires under the stars, which adds to the cozy vibe.
For those who love outdoor activities, the nearby New River is perfect for tubing and fishing. Reviewers have highlighted the easy access to hiking trails, with options ranging from leisurely strolls to more challenging hikes. Plus, the visitor center offers educational displays that can enhance your experience.
While some sites are more secluded than others, most provide a good amount of privacy thanks to the dense greenery. Whether you’re a first-time camper or a seasoned pro, Wagoner — New River State Park has everything you need for a memorable outdoor adventure.
Description
State Park
New River State Park
New River State Park is located in Ashe and Alleghany counties. The Wagoner Road Access Area, at river mile 26, is located eight miles southeast of Jefferson. The U.S. 221 Access Area, at river mile 15, is located eight miles northeast of Jefferson and may be reached by US Hwy 221. The Kings Creek Access Area, at river mile 7, is located on Kings Creek Rd. The Alleghany County Access Area, at river mile 1, may be reached only by canoe.
Rugged hillsides, pastoral meadows and farmlands surround what is believed to be one of the oldest rivers in North America. Its waters are slow and placid. Its banks are fertile and covered with wildflowers. Dedicated as a National Scenic River in 1976, this gentle river is the centerpiece of New River State Park.
The New River area still maintains an old-fashioned charm. Mountain roads are narrow and winding, dotted with small farms, churches and country stores. The river itself is tranquil, offering good bass fishing, trout streams, excellent birding and inspiring mountain scenery. But perhaps the best way to absorb and appreciate the river's peacefulness is from the seat of a canoe as it glides across the slow-moving waters. Four areas with access to this waterway make up more than 2,200 acres of New River State Park and provide spots for camping, canoeing, picnicking and fishing.
Due to conditions beyond our control, in most cases using the park's address in any brand of vehicle GPS unit will not give you directions to the central park area, U. S. Hwy 221 access. This location is misidentified on the master map that these units use to pin point addresses. Instead, we suggest using either the actual GPS coordinates, 36.467680,-81.340350. And for Wagoner Access we suggest using GPS coordinates, 36.414044, -81.389622.
Park gate hours:
Wagoner Access and US 221 Access:
December, January, February: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
March, April, October: 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.
May - September: 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
November: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Closed Christmas Day
King's Creek Area:
April, October: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
May - September: 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Closed: November - March
Visitor Center Office Hours:
March – November: 7 days 8:30am till 4:30pm
December – February: Monday - Friday 8:30am till 4:30pm; Saturday and Sunday 10am till 3pm.
Closed Christmas Day
The front gate is closed and locked at posted closing times for your protection. There will be no exiting or entering the gate after this time and the combination will NOT be given out. All visitors not spending the night will need to be out by closing time. If you leave the park and do not return before closing time, you will not be able to re-enter. If you have an emergency, see camp host. Please notify camp hosts for emergencies only.
Location
Wagoner — New River State Park is located in North Carolina
Directions
**221 Access :** GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude): 36.46768, -81.34035 36°28'4"N, 81°20'25"W **221 Access Address and Directions:** 358 New River State Park Road, Laurel Springs, NC 28644 From Jefferson take US 221/Hwy 16 N. for 4.7 miles to Tom Fowler Rd, turn right on Tom Fowler Rd and go 1.3 miles and dead end at Old US 221, turn left for 2.6 miles to park entrance on the right. **Wagoner Access** GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude): 36.414044, -81.389622 N 36 degrees, 24 minutes, 50.6 seconds W 81 degrees, 23 minutes, 22.6 seconds **Wagoner Access Address and Directions:** 1477 Wagoner Access Road, Jefferson, NC 28640 From Jefferson take NC-16S/US 88 E for 4.6 miles, turn right onto Wagoner Access Rd and go 1.2 miles until you enter the park.
Address
358 New River State Park Road
Laurel Springs, NC 28644
Coordinates
36.41474463 N
81.38866597 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiAvailable
- VerizonAvailable
- AT&TAvailable
- T-MobileAvailable
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 23 min from Winston-Salem
- 1 hr 51 min from Johnson City
- 1 hr 59 min from Kingsport
- 2 hrs 4 min from Blacksburg