Roanoke Mountain — Blue Ridge Parkway

Within the Blue Ridge Parkway, Roanoke Mountain provides a National Park Service-managed camping area that operates seasonally from May through October. The site offers both drive-in and walk-in access, with basic amenities including drinking water, restrooms, and picnic tables.

Current camping operations have been limited due to budget constraints, though the area remains open for day use. Daniel P. notes "You can get the best views of Roanoke from Roanoke mountain!" The location provides access to Mill Mountain's illuminated star, which reviewers identify as a major landmark visible from the camping area. Multiple visitors mention the trail system, with one camper completing a seven-mile run on various paths near the parkway.

The mountain setting offers elevated views over the Roanoke Valley below. Summer visitors may encounter bluegrass music sessions on Sunday evenings, creating an informal gathering atmosphere. Trail conditions vary, with some paths showing overgrowth according to recent reports. Campers exploring the region can find campgrounds around Blue Ridge Parkway for additional overnight options.

Contact the National Park Service directly before arrival to confirm current camping availability, as operational status has changed in recent years due to funding adjustments.

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Location

Public Campground

Roanoke Mountain — Blue Ridge Parkway is located in Virginia

Detail location of campground

Directions

From town: Go 5 mi S on US 220, then 1 mi N on Blue Ridge Pkwy to milepost 120.5, then 1 mi W on Mill Mt Spur.

Coordinates

37.2303143 N
79.94953836 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 2/4/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 5/4/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 2/4/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 5/4/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets

Drive Time


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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the beautiful mountain views and excellent trail system. However, several visitors reported the campground has been closed for overnight camping due to budget cuts, though day use remains available.

Reviewed May. 2, 2019

Flatfooting summer fun!

This campground is closed and has been since I’ve been in the area for overnight use. HOWEVER, over the summer, Sunday evenings it’s open due to an awesome bluegrass jam session! I learned how to flatfoot here, enjoyed a sweet tea while sitting in my camp chair, and much more! The trails are a little overgrown, but still a fun experience!

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Roanoke Mountain — Blue Ridge Parkway by Casey H., May 2, 2019
Reviewed May. 2, 2018

:(

wish this place was still open

Reviewed Mar. 22, 2017

No longer open for camping

This used to be an awesome quick getaway for camping near Roanoke, but it's been shut down, as a campground, due to budget cuts. It's still open for day use, but no overnight stays... :-(

Reviewed Oct. 1, 2016

Great Overlooks of Star City

You can get the best views of Roanoke from Roanoke mountain! You can take pictures and walk around the huge Star and see why they call Roanoke "Star City". Apart from the huge star, there are excellent walking/running trails. I managed to do a good 7mile run on the different trails right there near the parkway. I would highly recommend visiting Roanoke Mountain if you are in Roanoke or near the area!

Reviewed Sep. 30, 2016

Beautiful views, great weather

We drove this section of the Blue Ridge parkway! Besides beautiful views, there were designated places you were allowed to pull off and camp. The Roanoke area was very fun. We loved Mill Mountain (AKA Star Mountain because of the huge illuminated star at the top-- the largest in the US!). We ran to the top and explored. There are lots of great hiking trails and a zoo-- great for children.

  • Review photo of Roanoke Mountain — Blue Ridge Parkway by Sarah M., September 30, 2016
  • Review photo of Roanoke Mountain — Blue Ridge Parkway by Sarah M., September 30, 2016
  • Review photo of Roanoke Mountain — Blue Ridge Parkway by Sarah M., September 30, 2016
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2016

Blue Ridge Parkway

So beautiful outside of roanoke-- definitely recommend visiting mill mountain park while you are there

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there cell phone reception at Roanoke Mountain — Blue Ridge Parkway?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is good coverage for AT&T, good coverage for T-Mobile, and excellent coverage for Verizon.