Can You Camp In Blue Ridge Parkway?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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.

Where can I sleep on the Blue Ridge Parkway?

  • Peaks of Otter Lodge – Milepost 85.6. …
  • Mabry Mill Restaurant and Gift Shop – Milepost 176.2. …
  • Northwest Trading Post/Sally Mae's – Milepost 258.7.

Can you camp on the side of the road on Blue Ridge Parkway?


Camping on Parkway lands outside of designated campgrounds or without a permit at backcountry sites is prohibited

. The Parkway's eight campgrounds were built years ago and do not currently offer RV hookups.

How many cars have fallen off the Blue Ridge Parkway?

In 2019, the parkway had

349 motor vehicle crashes

, ranging in severity from fender benders that incurred only property damage to fatal accidents, Labrie said. Of those crashes, nine resulted in a fatality, and five of those involved a motorcycle.

Can you get on and off the Blue Ridge Parkway?

Q: Where does the Blue Ridge Parkway start and end? A: The Blue Ridge Parkway connects Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, stretching 469 miles from Rockfish Gap, VA to Cherokee, NC.

Visitors can see the route and the many places to get on and off (access points) on our interactive map.

Can I grill on the Blue Ridge Parkway?


Parkway picnic areas can have restrooms, grills or fireplaces

, water fountains, picnic shelters, and refuse disposal/recycling facilities.

Is Blue Ridge campground open?

Current Conditions: Hike-in only. Water: No Restroom: Vault Toilet (2) Passes: Adventure Pass/Interagency Pass required. Operated By: Forest Service

How long does it take to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway from start to finish?

This is why the parkway is the most visited single unit in the U.S. National Parks System. Driving straight through without stopping would take about

ten to twelve hours

, but three to seven days is needed to explore it well.

Is alcohol allowed on the Blue Ridge Parkway?

08 percent across the country, including on the parkway. The national park site has even more rules about drinking alcohol. It can be tempting to enjoy a beer or a glass of wine on a picnic or watching the sunset at the Lane Pinnacle Overlook — or any overlook or pull-off. But

it is illegal

.

Is Blue Ridge Parkway safe?


The Blue Ridge Parkway is a safe road

. While it may seem like a detractor, the road is regularly closed in sections for repairs. There are also closures in inclement weather, so you'll never get caught out in the snow or floods.

What is better Blue Ridge Parkway or Skyline Drive?


Blue ridge parkway

goes through wilder terrain but is a bit more like a normal road than skyline drive (and toll free). It's also much longer at about 450 miles to the 100 or so of Skyline drive. And it skirts closer to civilization at times than skyline.

Can you spend the night on the Blue Ridge Parkway?

The communities of the Blue Ridge Parkway (and surrounding areas)

offer accommodations for overnight stays from rustic mountain cabins to to luxurious resorts and bed & breakfast inns with all the amenities

.

Can you drive the Blue Ridge Parkway in one day?


You could also drive the entire 469 miles in one day if you really wanted to

. Driving straight on the parkway, without any stops or getting off the parkway to see any of the nearby cities and towns would take about 6 hours.

How much does it cost to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway?

The Parkway runs from the southern terminus of Shenandoah National Park's Skyline Drive in Virginia to U.S. 441 at Oconaluftee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee, North Carolina. There is

no fee

for using the Blue Ridge Parkway; however, commercial vehicles are prohibited, except for tour buses.

Are there bathrooms on the Blue Ridge Parkway?

Though mainly serving as a large arts and craft store, Parkway information is available at NPS office at the Cone Family mansion.

Trails and restrooms are available

.

Can you pull a trailer on the Blue Ridge Parkway?

Overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Most overlooks will have ample space for you to pull your RV into.

Some, however, may not be suitable for large RVs or trailers

. These are generally marked with a “No Trailers” sign below the overlook sign.

Can you drive to the top of Grandfather Mountain?

Do I have to drive or can I take a shuttle bus to the top of the mountain?

You drive your own vehicle up the two-mile road to the summit

, stopping at overlooks, picnic areas and the Nature Museum as fits your own schedule.

What is the prettiest part of the Blue Ridge Parkway?

  • Mabry Mill. Milepost 176. This pitstop is one of the most photographed sites on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and for good reason. …
  • Rough Ridge. Milepost 302.8. …
  • Beacon Heights. Milepost 305.2. …
  • Flat Rock. Milepost 308.3. …
  • Mount Mitchell. Milepost 355.4. …
  • Craggy Pinnacle. Milepost 364.1.

What is the best month to motorcycle the Blue Ridge Parkway?

The best time to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway is from

spring to autumn

. Roads are not maintained in the winter, so it is a good idea to call ahead of time for road closure information by phoning (828) 298-0398, day or night, 24/7.

Are Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway the same?

There is often confusion about the distinction between Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway, but

the two are closely connected

. As you enter Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive is the road that runs the 105 miles through the park. The Blue Ridge Parkway does not enter the national park.

What vehicles are not allowed on Blue Ridge Parkway?

Trails.

Bicycles and motorized vehicles

are not permitted on Parkway trails. Helmets are required for motorcycle operators and passengers.

Is it free to drive on Blue Ridge Parkway?


No fee is charged

to travel the Blue Ridge Parkway.

What vehicles are allowed on the Blue Ridge Parkway?

Part of the beauty and enjoyment of the Parkway is limited access and

no commercial signs or vehicles

. Short drives off of the Parkway into any nearby community will allow you to experience the charm and delight of the region.

Is Woods Canyon Lake Open 2020?


Open April thru October weather permitting

. Forest Service roads leading to Woods Canyon Lake are closed during the winter and open after the snow recedes usually in April.

Is Blue Ridge Truck Trail open?

Blue Ridge Road

closes mid-November for winter/spring seasons, reopens mid May

.

Can you camp at Craggy Gardens?


There are no campgrounds at Craggy Gardens

, but there are some close by: Crabtree Falls, located at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 339.5 – 340.2, offers great hiking, a beautiful waterfall, and a large campground with 92 sites. It's open from mid-May until early November every year.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.