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National Park
Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping
Blue Ridge Parkway · Asheville, VA
Verify with the National Park Service
NPS publishes current conditions, alerts, and reservation availability on the park website. Site counts and hours can change without notice — confirm before traveling.
8 Tent
Official sources & verification
Managed by National Park Service
Source of truth
- Recreation.gov details
Federal source for hours, fees, closures, and current availability.
Managing agency
- Blue Ridge Parkway — official page
Park unit page with alerts and visitor information.
Verify by phone or mail
- Operator:828-276-2300
- Email:blri_campgrounds@nps.gov
- Address:C/O REVENUE AND FEE BUSINESS SPECIALIST · Asheville, VA · 28803
Live availability
via Recreation.govSee every open campground nearbySame dates & filters, across the whole area
Availability is a recent snapshot, not a live hold — you always complete the booking on recreation.gov.
About
Overview
Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Campground is a primitive camp located along the Rock Castle Gorge Trail in the Rocky Knob Recreational Area which is part of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Campsites can be reached from various points ranging in distance from 1/2 mile to 8 miles.
The complete Rock Castle Gorge Trail is a 10.8 mile loop, there are several other loop trails that connect to it. Rock Castle Creek, Little Rock Castle Creek and many other streams and creeks meander along the trail and run right by the campground. Fishing requires a Virginia Fishing License, and the State of Virginia laws and regulations apply.
The year-round campground has eight campsites. Each has a fire ring/pad and food storage lockers. A Portable Toilet is available.
Plan to pack in your water for safety.
Summers are hot (70 to 88 Degrees) and humid as Rock Castle Creek is adjacent to the campground. Winter temperatures (Daytime 30 to 50 Degrees) can easily drop below freezing at night.
Recreation
Hiking, sightseeing, majestic Blue Ridge Parkway views and simple relaxation are all in store in the Rocky Knob Recreational Area.
Facilities
Campfire rings and food storage lockers are at each campsite. A portable toilet is available for campers. There is plenty of shade, Rock Castle Creek runs adjacent to the campground.
Natural Features
Venture into one of the Parkway’s more rugged areas at Rocky Knob. Hike through forests, explore mountain ridges, or enjoy spring wildflowers and rhododendrons. Rock Castle Creek, Little Rock Castle Creek and many other streams and creeks abound. Bare Rocks and other geological outcrops and long distance views from the upper elevations of the Rock Castle Gorge Trail are sure to please. Plenty of wildlife including black bears.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (828) 276-2300.
Nearby Attractions
Floyd, VA is less than 8 miles away, known for eclectic shops, mountain music venues and great places to eat along with grocery stores, variety stores and pharmacies.Visit Floyd Virginia
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Campground Rules
- Campfires generally permitted — verify current fire restrictions before lighting
Individual Sites (8)
Within ~30 miles
Trails near Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping
Trail
Rock Castle Gorge Loop
Virginia
10.4 mi3,228 ftgain
Difficult
Trail
Rocky Knob
Virginia
2.3 mi682 ftgain
Moderate
Trail
DeHart Bontanical Gardens Gorge Trail
Virginia
3.0 mi1,335 ftgain
Moderate
Trail
Round Meadow Creek Trail
Virginia
0.3 mi72 ftgain
Easy
Trail
Pinnacle Loop Trail
Virginia
1.6 mi669 ftgain
Moderate
Trail
Whiskey Run Trail
Virginia
1.8 mi420 ftgain
Easy
Nearby Campgrounds
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