Rocky Knob Camping, Meadows of Dan, Virginia

Overlooks and trails offer breaks during a drive, and there are ranger programs at most developed areas during the summer and autumn months. The Parkway provides wonderful opportunities for:

Hiking - The Parkway offers 100 trails ranging from short "leg-stretcher" walks to the Appalachian Trail.
Wildflowers & Fall Colors - The Parkway provides an excellent location for both wildflower walks in the springtime and brilliant leaf color in the autumn. May is probably the best month for wildflowers. Look for Rhododendron in mid June!
Photography - The combination of historical and natural areas make the park an excellent destination for photographers.
Historical and Cultural Demonstrations - Several developed areas offer hands-on demonstrations of mountain life and culture.
Ranger Guided Walks and Evening Programs - During the summer season, most developed areas offer evening programs, or more traditional campfire programs, along with guided walks and special programs.
Horseback Riding - In the Roanoke area and at the Moses H. Cone Estate, horseback riding trails are available.
Birdwatching - Because the Appalachian Mountains shape the flyway for most eastern migratory

Camping is a traditional and enjoyable way for families to enjoy their National Parks. On the Blue Ridge Parkway, nine campgrounds serve the visitor from early May through the fall color season. Camping is $16 for all campgrounds.

Otter Creek (MP 61) is located at the Parkway's lowest elevation near Virginia's James River.
Peaks of Otter (MP 86) near the Peaks of Otter Lodge, Abbott Lake, the restored 1930s Johnson Farm, and a magnificent trail system.
Roanoke Mountain (MP 120) with easy access to the largest city along the Parkway corridor.
Rocky Knob (MP 167) with easy access to Rockcastle Gorge and just nine miles from Mabry Mill.
Doughton Park (MP 241) near Basin Cove, Bluffs Lodge, and an extensive trail system
Julian Price Park (MP 297) near Boone and Blowing Rock, North Carolina and close to the Moses Cone Estate. This is the Parkway's largest campground and reservations can be made for portions of this campground on-line at RECREATION.gov or by calling 1-877-444 6777.
Linville Falls (MP 316) on the Linville River and with access to the trail system into Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. Reservations can be made for portions of this campground on-line at RECREATION.gov or by calling 1-877-444 6777.
Crabtree Meadows (MP 340) near the Crabtree Falls Trail and within fifteen miles of Mt. Mitchell State Park.
Mt. Pisgah (MP 408) is the highest Parkway campground at almost 5,000 feet elevation. Formerly part of the Vanderbilt Estate and near the US Forest Service's Cradle of Forestry site. Reservations can be made for portions of this campground on-line at RECREATION.gov or by calling 1-877-444 6777.

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