8
Total Campsites
Campground
—
Reservable Sites
Mostly first-come
—
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping
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 Hiking, sightseeing, majestic Blue Ridge Parkway views and simple relaxation are all in store in the Rocky Knob Recreational Area. 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
- 8 total campsites listed.
- Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
- Most common site type: unknown (8).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Our Take
What makes Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping special
Strung along the Rock Castle Gorge Trail within the Rocky Knob Recreation Area, Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping drops hikers into one of the Blue Ridge Parkway's most dramatic and least visited landscapes. The gorge plunges nearly two thousand feet from the parkway ridge down to Rock Castle Creek, passing through old-growth forest, abandoned homestead clearings, and rhododendron thickets so dense they form natural tunnels along the trail. Eight backcountry sites are scattered along the route, each offering a primitive overnight experience with no amenities beyond the trail itself. You will need to carry everything in and everything out. Water is available from the creek but must be filtered or treated. The full loop trail runs about ten miles and gains significant elevation, so a reasonable level of fitness and proper footwear are essential. Late spring through mid-fall is the hiking window, with May bringing mountain laurel and rhododendron blooms that light up the gorge in pink and white. October delivers some of the finest fall color along the entire Blue Ridge Parkway. Summer is pleasant at elevation, though afternoon thunderstorms can roll in quickly. A backcountry permit is required and can be obtained at the Rocky Knob Visitor Center. Plan your trip midweek for the best solitude, and do not underestimate the trail's elevation changes. This is one of the Parkway's hidden treasures for serious hikers.
Campsite Inventory
8 sites to choose from
Unknown
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
CAMPFIRE RINGS
Campfire Rings
CREEK ACCESS
Creek Access
Campfire Allowed
No, Yes
Site capacity
Double
Check-in time
3:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
FOOD STORAGE LOCKER
Food Storage Locker
Fire Pit
Fire Pit
Max guests
6
Minimum guests
Yes
PORTABLE TOILETS
Portable Toilets
Pets allowed
Yes
Proximity to Water
Springs
Shade
Yes
Site Access
Hike-In
TRAILHEAD PARKING
Trailhead Parking
TRAILHEADS
Trailheads
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
828-348-3490
blri_campgrounds@nps.gov
Getting There
It really depends on where you decide to park. The closest place to park is at the end of Virginia State Road 605, also known as CC Camp Lane. State Road 605 is gravel and turns into mostly dirt near the campground parking area which is not too far past where state road maintenance ends. State Road 605 is directly off Virginia State Highway 8 which runs from Stuart, Virginia from the South to Floyd, VA on the North. Other locations to park are along the Blue Ridge Parkway as follows: Rocky Knob Campground - Milepost 167 The Saddle Overlook - Milepost 168 The Rock Castle Gorge Overlook - Milepost 168.7 The Rocky Knob Visitor Center - Milepost 169 The Twelve O'clock Overlook - Milepost 169 The Blue Ridge Parkway runs from close to Waynesboro, VA (Milepost 1) on the North to close to Cherokee, NC (Milepost 469) on the South, Virginia Highway 8 provides the closest access to this area of the Parkway at Milepost 165.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping.
How do reservations work for Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping?
Reservation availability for Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping?
Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping currently lists Unknown (8).
Where is Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping located?
Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping is in Virginia near Floyd. Coordinates: 36.8064, -80.3364.
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