New River US 221 Access Drive-To Campground — 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.