Camping along the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway allows visitors to enjoy the mountainous scenery and various healthful activities such as hiking and cycling. The Parkway runs through Virginia and North Carolina, from Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and has nine designated Parkway campgrounds along the way, as well as dozens of other campgrounds.
Designated Campgrounds
Enjoy the nine Blue Ridge Parkway campgrounds located near popular sightseeing destinations along the drive. Reservations are available at six of the nine at Peaks of Otter, Mt. Pisgah, Doughton Park, Price Park, Linville Falls, and Rocky Knob; the other three are first-come, first-served only. Tourist locations near the campgrounds include the 1930s Johnson Farm, Rockcastle Gorge, and Basin Cove.
Other Campgrounds
Campgrounds come in various types, including tent-camping, family-style, RV resorts, motorcycle camps, and others, giving you the opportunity to stay at a campground that suits your individual desires and needs. Amenities throughout these campgrounds vary, as do the activities they offer. Some, such as Raccoon Holler, are within walking distance of the Blue Ridge Parkway while others are located a little further away, with access to the Parkway via vehicle.
Amenities
If you stay at a Parkway-designated campground, your amenities will be limited to picnic tables, fire rings, toilets, and water. Staying at one of the other campgrounds offers the opportunity for other amenities. Raccoon Holler Campground, located just outside Glendale Springs, offers level sites, hookups, a fully-stocked camp store, laundry facility, and other features, along with several other parks that offer similar conveniences.
Exercising Along the Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway offers a bounty of activities that benefit your active, healthy lifestyle. Try hiking along the trails, many of which are accessible from the Parkway's campgrounds. Trails vary greatly in length and ease of use. Some trails, such as the 1/2-mile Linville Falls/Plunge Basin Trail, are short and strenuous. The 1-mile Abbott Lake Loop Trail, on the other hand, is considered easy. Bring out your bike for some cycling along the road, but beware of laws that pertain to cyclists, as they vary from state to state and sometimes county to county. Bikes aren't allowed on the trails, just the parkway itself.
Other Parkway Activities
While driving to your campsite, stop at one of the pull-offs and spread a blanket on the ground for a nice, healthy picnic in the Appalachian air. Enjoy photographing the Blue Ridge Mountains from the many lookouts or exploring the historic homesteads and buildings perched along the drive. The Parkway runs through national and state parks, as well, giving you additional opportunities for sightseeing and recreational activities.
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