Camping near Blue Ridge Parkway
Campgrounds along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia provide diverse camping experiences across both North Carolina and Virginia sections. Established sites like Doughton Park Campground offer tent and RV camping directly on the parkway at milepost 239, while Stone Mountain State Park provides more developed facilities with electric hookups, showers and cabin options. The region includes both higher-elevation sites with cooler temperatures and valley locations near rivers and creeks, accommodating everything from basic tent camping to full-hookup RV sites.
Access to many campgrounds is seasonal, with most Blue Ridge Parkway facilities operating from May through October. Campgrounds at higher elevations provide relief from summer heat but may experience unexpected weather changes. "A lovely weekend by the parkway! The proximity to the parkway was great. So many hikes and views," noted one visitor about Doughton Park. While many campgrounds offer water sources and toilets, amenities vary significantly between locations. Cell service is generally limited throughout the region, particularly in more remote areas. Reservations are recommended during peak summer and fall color seasons, as campgrounds often fill quickly during these periods.
The camping experience varies widely across elevation levels. Mountaintop campgrounds like Doughton Park offer panoramic views and cooler temperatures, attracting visitors seeking escape from summer heat. As one camper observed, "Doughton park campground is absolutely beautiful! The elevation is high enough to have escaped hot summer days elsewhere." Wildlife sightings, particularly deer, are common at many campgrounds in the region. Basin Cove offers a more primitive backcountry experience with a one-mile hike to reach campsites. Several campgrounds feature access to hiking trails directly from campsites, including connections to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail and other regional trail systems. Despite their rustic nature, many campgrounds maintain clean facilities with picnic tables and fire rings, though some reviewers note facilities reflect the older nature of the park system.
