Camping

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Ban on Open Fires in Effect

October 11, 2019: A ban on all open fires, excluding cook stoves, has been placed in effect by the Virginia counties of Amherst, Floyd, Franklin, and Patrick counties. Open fires are banned at all visitor facilities, including campgrounds and picnic areas, between mileposts 36-64, 132-148, and 163-193. This affects the following ares:

• Otter Creek Campground
• James River Visitor Center
• Rocky Knob Campground
• Rocky Knob Visitor Center
• Rocky Knob Picnic Area
• Rock Castle George
• Groundhog Mountain Picnic Area
• Mabry Mill

Firewood Regulations: Only heat-treated firewood that is bundled and certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state department of agriculture may be brought onto the Parkway. Campers may also collect dead and down wood found in the immediate vicinity of campgrounds and picnic areas.

Certified heat-treated firewood is packaged and clearly marked with a state or federal seal. Heat-treated wood is available from a growing list of private businesses in communities around the Parkway. Concessioners at Peaks of Otter Sharp Top Store, Price Lake Boat Rental, and Pisgah Inn Country Store sell heat-treated firewood during their operating season (typically May-November). Visit firewoodscout.org for a map of local stores and businesses that sell certified firewood. Additional information about this regulation.

Developed Campgrounds

The Parkway's eight campgrounds are open from May through late October, weather permitting. Current schedule of campground seasonal dates. All campgrounds have potable water, comfort stations with flush toilets and sinks, and a dump station for recreational vehicles. Showers are available at Julian Price and Mount Pisgah campgrounds. There is a $3.00 fee for non-campers to use showers or dump stations. Each camp site includes a picnic table and fire ring.

Camping is permitted only in designated campsites. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis at a fee of $20 per night. In addition, advance reservations can be made for all campgrounds except Crabtree Falls. The fee for campsites reserved in advance in $20 per night. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance by visiting www.recreation.gov or by calling [phone]. Reservations are not accepted for the final week of the season to accommodate possible early closing due to inclement weather.

Please follow all campground regulations.

 

Campground	Milepost	Tent Sites	RV Sites	Wheelchair Access Sites	Activities	Showers
Otter Creek Map Reservations	60.8	45	24	1	Hiking Fishing Visitor Center	No
Peaks of Otter Map Reservations	85.9	86	58	1	Hiking Fishing Visitor Center Ranger Programs	No
Explore Park	115				Please visit Explore Park's website for information about camping and activities.
Rocky Knob Map Reservations	167.1	81	28	0	Hiking Fishing Visitor Center	No
Doughton Park Map Reservations	239.2	110	25	2	Hiking Fishing	No
Julian Price Map Reservations	297.0	119	78	5	Hiking Fishing Ranger Programs	Yes
Linville Falls Map Reservations	316.4	50	20	2	Hiking Fishing Visitor Center Ranger Programs	No
Crabtree Falls Map All sites are first-come, first-served.	339.5	70	22	4	Hiking	No
Mount Pisgah Map Reservations	408.8	64	62	3	Hiking Ranger Programs	Yes

 

Backcountry Camping

The Parkway has three backcountry campgrounds. Backcountry camping is permitted only at designated sites. A permit is required for backcountry camping.

• Rock Castle Gorge near Rocky Knob (MP 167.1)
• Basin Cove near Doughton Park (MP 239.2)
• Johns River Road near Julian Price Park (MP 296.9)

Group Camping

Group Camping is available through reservation only at Linville Falls Campground. Reservations can be made online at www.recreation.gov or by calling [phone]. Limit of 20 people per site. Rate:$35 per night.

Nearby Campgrounds

Numerous campgrounds are located in communities, and on state and federal lands, adjacent to the parkway. Many of these offer amenities such as water and electric hookups. Please check Virginia state parks, North Carolina state parks, and the US Forest Service for additional camping options. City and county parks and recreation departments, or tourism departments, also provide camping information.

 

Hiking Trails Near Campgrounds

 

Area	Trails
Otter Creek	Trail of Trees, Otter Creek, Otter Lake Loop, James River Canal
Peaks of Otter	Sharp Top, Elk Run, Harkening Hill, Johnson Farm
Rocky Knob	Rock Castle Gorge, Black Ridge, Rocky Knob Picnic Area, Round Meadow Creek
Doughton Park	Bluff Mountain, Fodder Stack
Julian Price	Green Knob, Boone Fork, Price Lake, Gwyn Memorial, Tanawha
Linville Falls	Flat Rock, Camp Creek, River Bend, Duggers Creek, Linville River Bridge
Crabtree Falls	Crabtree Falls Loop Trail
Mount Pisgah	Buck Spring, Mount Pisgah, Picnic Area Loop, Frying Pan Mountain