Camp ObserverBasin Cove Backcountry Camping
Show on map828-276-2300blri_campgrounds@nps.gov
Doughton Park Recreation Area Milepost 238, Blue Ridge Parkway
Laurel Springs, NC 28644
Laurel Springs, NC 28644
Camp site features
Across 8 camp sites:
- Fire pit: all 8 sites
- Pets allowed: all 8 sites
- Largest party: 6 people
- Equipment: Hammock, Tent
Fees
Basin Cove Backcountry Campground reservations are available on a 6-month rolling basis prior to planned start dates.
Backcountry Camping Permit Fee: $15 per night per site.
Do not print your permit until you have confirmed you will be completing your backcountry trip. Once the permit has been printed you can not cancel or modify the reservation.
Changes/Modifications
Changes may be made prior to the day the reservation begins.
If a customer wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee.
There is no change fee if a customer extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes dates from the original reservation.
If a reservation is made that includes dates beyond the maximum booking window, that reservation cannot be changed until 18 days have passed from the original booking date.
Cancellations
Customers may cancel their reservation prior to day of arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 cancellation fee will be withheld from any refund due back the customer. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation (see below).
Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window
A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will have a $10.00 cancellation fee withheld from their refund AND will forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.
Directions
Grassy Gap Fire Road on Long Bottom Road is the shortest and easiest route into the backcountry.
Long Bottom Road from Blue Ridge parkway
· From the Blue Ridge Parkway, Head South on NC 18 for 6.2 miles.
· Turn Left on Longbottom Road and go 6.4 miles to a small Bridge with Black & Yellow Marker signs.
· Parking Area (36.3752 -81.1447) is beside the Bridge. Elevation 1440.
· Trail to Basin Cove Primitive Camping Area is across the Road from the Parking Area. Look for gated road.
Note:
Long bottom road can be accessed from other routes.
1/ Basin Cove from Wilkesboro, NC
From US Hwy 421 in Wilkesboro, take Hwy 18 North towards Sparta. Travel approximately 17.6 miles to Longbottom Road in the community named McGrady.
Turn right on Longbottom Road and go 6.4 miles to a small Bridge with Black & Yellow Marker signs.
2/ Alternative routes from the east include US hwy 21 and from Stone Moutain State Park.
Other locations to park are along the Blue Ridge Parkway as follows:
Bluff Mountain Overlook - Milepost 243.4 (36.408341666666 -81.195863888888)
Basin Cove Overlook - Milepost 244 (36.391030555555 -81.20025833333)
Grassy Gap Fire Road - Milepost 243.9 (36.404694444444 -81.19649722222)
Bluff's Restaurant - Milepost 241 (36.433525000000 -81.17739166666)
Doughton Park Picnic Area - Milepost 241 (36.433525000000 -81.17739166666)
Brinegar Cabin - Milepost 238.5 (36.419452777777 -81.14617222222)
Stay Limit
Check in from 3 PM, check out by 12 PM.
Reviews
Shannon L
Loop:Basin Cove
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
My husband and I parked at the top of the Bluff Ridge Primitive trail, hiking down the mountain to the Basin Cove Backcountry campground. Luckily, since it was a Wednesday night, we had the entire campground to ourselves. We camped in slot one, but if I had to rate the sites, I'd choose site 8, as it was the most removed from the other sites. I'd say sites 2, 3, and 6 are the least private, but the whole campground was magnificent! The creek surrounds the campground, so you'll hear the water no matter where you are. There are loads of old trees towering above, with easy access to the creek in multiple areas. There were bear boxes for every site, all set a fair distance from where one would pitch their tent. Frankly, I loved that there was no cell service.
The hike back up the trail lived up to its strenuous moniker. At just under 3 miles, it took us a little over 2 hours to hike it up. Our dog, Sammy, loved it! Although steep, there are numerous flatter areas in which to recatch your breath. There aren't any views to speak of. It's just a primitive trail with sporadic red blazes through the forest, and you'll have to crawl over or around a dozen fallen trees to make the trek. Still, we saw no one, which is generally what I look for in a backcountry trail.
The water was plentiful at the campground, and we had no issues drinking it once filtered. There were tons of pinecones, which made for free fire starter, and we had no trouble gathering plenty of wood for two roaring fires, despite it having rained the day before.
We will return.
Pam F
Loop:Basin Cove
Site:
Reviewed 6 months ago
The creeks are beautiful and create a lovely audible backdrop to the campground. We had the opportunity to view the blue fireflies late in the evening.
Joren M
Loop:Basin Cove
Site:
Reviewed 6 months ago
We slept at campsite 1, which is closest to the stream nearby. It was very peaceful sleeping to the sound of rushing water. We filtered the stream water for drinking and had no problem. There is wild honey suckle that smells really good. The hike is also pretty much flat from the parking lot to the campsite. A very easy backpacking experience for people who don't want anything too extreme. There is a fire restriction going on currently, so we didn't get to use the fire pit (camp stove only).
David P
Loop:Basin Cove
Site:
Reviewed 6 months ago
If backpacking, I recommend the Doughton Loop as your route. To access the Flat Rock Ridge Trail from the primative camping area you must cross the bridge on Longbottom Road, once crossed you will see the trailhead on your right. The area trails are well maintained, and do not appear to have been damaged by the recent tropical storm that ravaged areas of Western North Carolina.
The water source at the Grassy Gap backcountry site is dependable. Each campsite is equipped with a bear box for food storage and a fire ring. A small footbridge spans the adjacent creek and provides access to the primitive camping area, as shown on the site map. Site 1 is the closest campsite to the footbridge.
At the time of my stay, there were no restroom facilities. In the past, a porta‑john had been located adjacent to the primitive (backcountry) campsites, but it was not present during my visit.
Tony H
Loop:Basin Cove
Site:
Reviewed a year ago
Nice large campsites with some good trails to hike.
Steve V
Loop:Basin Cove
Site:
Reviewed a year ago
Great location for base camp. Easy 1.7 mile hike in from the parking lot then choose from two 13 mile loops or a 20 mile loop around the entire area. Bluff Ridge Primitive trail is… primitive.
Season dates
Peak season
Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026
Reservable online
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