RV Campgrounds Near the Blue Ridge Parkway

The 469-mile stretch between Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains national parks is one of the most spectacular and popular scenic drives in the U.S..

The Blue Ridge Parkway winds through the blue hues of the Appalachian mountains, which is even more colorful during fall foliage season. This scenic byway allows roadtrippers to explore the natural and historical landscape from mile marker 0 in Waynesboro, Virginia, to mile marker 469 in Cherokee, North Carolina.

Photo by: Ashley Rossi

Last year, the Blue Ridge Parkway saw more than 14 million recreation visitors, making it the most visited national park unit in the U.S.—ahead of the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite national parks. Most visitors drive the parkway between May and October for the best weather and vibrant colors.

Driving this scenic byway is a must-do road trip for any RVer. Here are some of the campgrounds near the Blue Ridge Parkway where you can stay along the way.

Loft Mountain Campground | Crozet, VA – Photo by: Lynne

Loft Mountain Campground, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

• Number of Sites: 207
• Pad Type: Concrete
• Reservations: Yes
• Tent Camping: Yes

Situated at 3,018 feet, Loft Mountain Campground is an ideal place to catch the sunrise and sunset in Shenandoah National Park. The campground offers access to a dump station, full-service bathrooms, and laundry services.

Otter Creek Campground, Big Island, Virginia

• Number of Sites: 69
• Pad Type: Concrete
• Reservations: Yes
• Tent Camping: Yes

Otter Creek Campground is the lowest point along the Blue Ridge Parkway at 649 feet above sea level. It’s situated near James River so you have easy access to hike Otter Creek Trail, Otter Lake Loop Trail, and Trail of Trees.

The campground features simple amenities like a dump station, flushable toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, and grills.

Julian Price Park Campground | Blowing Rock, NC – Photo by: Adventures of Dave and Ann

Julian Price Park Campground, Blowing Rock, North Carolina

• Number of Sites: 197
• Pad Type: Concrete
• Reservations: Yes
• Tent Camping: Yes

Julian Price Park Campground is located at milepost 297 near Blowing Rock outlook that gives way to a panoramic view of Johns River Gorge. Julian Price Park offers basic amenities like a dump station, flushable toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings.

Linville Falls Campground, Newland, North Carolina

• Number of Sites: 70
• Pad Type: Mixed
• Reservations: Yes
• Tent Camping: Yes

Linville Falls Campground is nestled in the North Carolina wilderness near the Linville Gorge and Linville Falls. The rugged gorge is carved with hiking trails to picturesque viewpoints, while Linville Falls is a three-tier cascading waterfall. There’s a visitor center located at mile 316 for hikers.

The campground has no hookups, but it offers a dump station, potable water, and basic restrooms.

Mama Gertie’s Hideaway Campground | Swannanoa, NC – Photo by: Wherearedaveanddar

Mama Gertie’s Hideaway Campground, Swannanoa, North Carolina

• Number of Sites: 33
• Pad Type: Gravel
• Reservations: Yes
• Tent Camping: Yes

Located near Asheville, North Carolina, Mama Gertie’s Hideaway Campground is a hidden gem along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This campground features a dump station, full hookups, full-service bathrooms, WiFi, and a variety of other amenities. Some sites are perfectly situated on the mountaintop, so you can wake up to the sun rising over you and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Lake Powhatan Campground, Asheville, North Carolina

• Number of Sites: 97
• Pad Type: Concrete
• Reservations: Yes
• Tent Camping: Yes

Another option to stay near Asheville, North Carolina, is Lake Powhatan Campground. This campground is situated within walking distance of the shores of Lake Powhatan. In addition to full hookups, a dump station, and full-service bathrooms, this campground is also home to mountain biking trails, sandy beaches, and proximity to Looking Glass Falls, the North Carolina Arboretum, and Asheville.

Lake Powhatan Campground is a can’t-miss campground near the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can also try out glamping at this national forest campground in one of the 12 new custom-designed, fully-furnished canvas platform tents.

Photo by: Ashley Rossi

Indian Creek Campground, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

• Number of Sites: 74
• Pad Type: Gravel
• Reservations: Yes
• Tent Camping: Yes

Nestled in the southern corner of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the Cherokee Indian Reservation is Indian Creek Campground. This RV park offers a dump station, hookups, WiFi, and full-service bathrooms. Most sites are situated along Bunches Creek for a peaceful and serene stay.

• Similar to other scenic byways across the country, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a winding road with steep drop-offs and tight turns. Know your RV’s length, height, and other restrictions when planning your route.
• From May to October, the Blue Ridge Parkway is busy and campgrounds should be reserved ahead of time. Most campgrounds charge a nightly rate, although there are a variety of dispersed campgrounds to choose from.
• Take advantage of the various visitor centers along the parkway, especially Linn Cove Viaduct Visitor Center and Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center.
• Catch epic sunrises and sunsets at various outlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway, like Afton Overlook, Quarry Overlook, and Chimney Overlook.