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Doughton Park Campground

Overview

Nestled in a landscape of mountains, open meadows and pioneer cabins, Doughton Park Campground is surrounded by 30 miles (48 km) of hiking trails offering opportunities to view wildlife as well as get a feel for the lives of those who lived here long ago. Originally known as The Bluffs, the area came by its present name in honor of Congressman Robert L. Doughton, a long-time advocate and supporter of the Parkway.

Recreation

Over 30 miles of trails are available varying from strenuous to easy. Bicycles and motorized vehicles are prohibited on trails. Mileage listed is only traveling one way. Double the trail mileage to include out and back trip. Trail elevations can change more than 2,000 feet as trails descend into the Basin Cove Creek area from the parkway. Maps available on the Blue Ridge Parkway.gov website.

Bluff Mountain Trail (7.5 miles) offers many scenic vistas and traverses relatively flat terrain. The trail runs near the parkway and is accessible from many locations along its route from Brinegar Cabin to Basin Cove Overlook.

Cedar Ridge Trail (4.4 miles) descends a forested ridgeline to Grassy Gap Fire Road. Trailhead is located at the Brinegar Cabin.

Grassy Gap Fire Road (6.1 miles) is wide enough for hikers and horseback riders to travel side by side. The trail starts at Milepost 243.9 and ambles down the mountainside past the primitive campground to State Route 1730 (Longbottom Road). Horseback riders must enter and exit at Longbottom Road.

Flat Rock Ridge Trail (5.0) miles begins on the mountain-top meadow of Basin Cove Overlook. And ends on the damp, cool banks of Basin Cove Creek. NC Thurmond Game Lands and bear sanctuary border the south side of the trail.

Basin Cove Creek Trail (3.2 miles) is accessible only from the grassy Gap Fire Road at the Long Bottom Road (State Hwy 1730). A 1.7-mile hike is required to reach the beginning of the Basin Cove Creek. It winds past cascading waterfalls to the century-old Caudill Cabin, former home of the Martin Caudill family. Part of the once-thriving Basin cove Community, this cabin was one of the few structures that withstood the devasting 1916 flood. Prepare for over 26 creek crossings on this trail. The total trip one way is 4.9 miles and 9.8 miles for the total trip.

Bluff Ridge Primitive Trail (2.7 miles) is the shortest but steepest route into Basin Cove. The strenuous climb up the trail makes the hike seem much longer. Trailhead location is in the Bluffs Picnic Area.

Fodder Stack Trail (1.4 miles roundtrip) shows off its delicate display of wildflowers in the spring. It is the easiest hike through a mixture of pine and hardwood forest with a short, steep brief beginning. Recommended for families. Trailhead is at Wildcat Rocks Overlook.

The Brinegar Cabin dates from about 1885 and was the home of Martin Brinegar and his family. Brinegar was a cobbler as well as a farmer. His home is open Memorial Day weekend days through October. Hand-loom weaving and other craft demonstrations are often given during the summer months. The one-room Caudill Cabin exhibit can be viewed from the scenic Wildcat Rocks (milepost 240.6).

Historic Cemetery: near milepost marker 245.5. The cemetery contains some three dozen graves dating from the 1880's to more recent times.

The Basin Cove Creek complex (mileposts 238 - 244) (located off the Parkway on Longbottom Road) has Rainbow and Brook Trout where the streams are stocked. Anyone with a valid Virginia or North Carolina fishing license is welcome, but please check with the visitor center for any special regulations.

Facilities

Doughton Park has a picnic area (at milepost 241), a campground (milepost 239), comfort stations, drinking water and access to 30 miles (48 km) of trail over bluegrass bluffs. The historic Bluff’s restaurant has reopened (at milepost 241). The restaurant’s web page, www.bluffsrestaurant.org, provides information on hours and menu.

Campsites are shaded under an umbrella of thick trees, and provide campers with tables, latern posts, plus, campfire rings and grills. The site also offers camper conveniences like flush toilets, drinking water and a dump station.

Doughton Park Campground usually has campsites available. Three group sites are available by reservation at www.recreation.gov. In addition to the 33 sites available for advance reservation, 70 campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Availability of first come, first served sites cannot be tracked through Recreation.gov. These sites must be booked in person at the campground kiosk.

With regard to backcountry camping: A permit is required to camp at Basin Cove Backcountry Camping. The cost is $15 per night. Permits and other details are available at https://www.recreation.gov/.

Natural Features

Rolling ridgetop meadows and steep mountainsides characterize the 7,000-acre Doughton Park. The elevation is a cool 3688 feet. It is one of the best places along the motor road to view white-tailed deer, raccoons, red and gray foxes, and bobcats. Visitors can enjoy spectacular shows of flame azalea and rhododendron in the late spring and fields of Dense Blazing Stars in mid to late July. Nearby Bluffs picnic area features open areas for night sky viewing with limited light pollution.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic byway that follows the high crests of the central and southern Appalachians for 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.

Nearby Attractions

Mount Airy, NC: Andy Griffith's hometown, the ideal American town that was the inspiration for Mayberry--Hwy 52 South; 12 miles south of Fancy Gap, VA: https://www.visitmayberry.com/

New River National Wild and Scenic River offers excellent opportunities for tubing, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Multiple access points and several local outfitters are available within a 30‑minute drive of the campground. https://www.fws.gov/rivers/river/new

Sparta, NC & Allegheny County: https://www.alleghanycountychamber.com/

West Jefferson, Jefferson Lansing, and Todd: https://ashechamber.com/

Wilkes County: https://wilkescountytourism.com/#/

Yadkin Valley, NC: North Carolina Wine Country - Yadkin Valley, NC

Camp site features

Across 122 camp sites:

Picnic table: 120 of 122 sites
Pets allowed: all 122 sites
ADA accessible: 4 of 122 sites
Group sites: 3 of 122 sites
Longest rig: 88 ft
Largest party: 20 people

Directions

Note: GPS devices and mapping programs do NOT provide accurate directions to Doughton Park Campground. GPS devices and mapping programs may take campers onto steep grades and gravel or dirt country roads not suitable for RV or trailer travel. From Charlotte: Take I-77 North. Merge onto US-21-BYP N via EXIT 83 on the left toward Roaring Gap/Sparta. Go 2.9 miles. Merge onto US-21. Go 18.1 miles. Turn left to take the Parkway South ramp. Turn south onto Blue Ridge Parkway. Go 10 miles to Doughton Park Campground. From Raleigh: Take I-40 West. Merge onto US-421 North via EXIT 188 toward Yadkinville/Wilkesboro. Go 28.3 miles. Merge onto I-77 N via EXIT 265A toward Elkin. Go 10.1 miles. Merge onto US-21-BYP N via EXIT 83 on the left toward Roaring Gap/Sparta. Go 2.9 miles. Merge onto US-21. Go 18.1 miles. Turn left to take the Parkway South ramp. Turn south onto Blue Ridge Parkway. Go 10 miles to Doughton Park Campground.

Stay Limit

Check in from 3 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

Ratings (149)

5 stars

107

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Lauren M

Loop:A

Site:A16

Reviewed 6 days ago

It was beautiful, peaceful, and well maintained. The only reason I am giving a 4star is for service (for others). We are comfortable with no service (starlink), but for others, it may be a bit tough.

David H

Loop:B

Site:B04

Reviewed 6 days ago

Very quiet

THOMAS L

Loop:A

Site:A01

Reviewed 7 days ago

great time lots of great folks , good picking and singing

Sherri L

Loop:A

Site:A19

Reviewed 8 days ago

Quiet campground, restful. Enjoyed the Bluffs Restaurant and the Brinager Cabin programs a lot. Had some nice hikes, but others are very steep or very long, check a map before you come. Rangers were extremely helpful when we had some mechanical issues with our rig. Only issue was our site was quite close to the site next to us, we didn't expect that from the pictures. We still would definitely return, just probably try a different site.

Tex W

Loop:A

Site:A01

Reviewed 10 days ago

My wife and I love going there to camp. Honestly the only thing wrong with Doughton campground is that we don’t live closer to it. The host and the Park Rangers are absolutely incredible. The bathroom is always so nice and clean. My wife says it’s her happy place. Doughton Campground is absolutely the Best there is. We love it.

Steve P

Loop:A

Site:A16

Reviewed 18 days ago

We always enjoy Doughton Park! It is a very nice quiet campground. The staff is extremely nice and helpful. We can ride our bikes to the Bluff restaurant. In July the flowers are in the fields in full bloom, beautiful,

Christopher C

Loop:A

Site:A16

Reviewed 19 days ago

Always a great experience at Doughton. Quiet and relaxing.

Christopher Y

Loop:B

Site:B18

Reviewed a month ago

Overall, Rangers and staff were really helpful and we had a great time on the Parkway.

Erich S

Loop:A

Site:A19

Reviewed a month ago

Love the quiet.

David N

Loop:A

Site:A19

Reviewed a month ago

The RV side of the park was a nice mix of open space and tree cover. Relatively small number of sites. Dump station and potable water fill worked well. The lone bathroom was at the end of the campground and was basic, but clean. Very scenic and very quiet. We bought wood in nearby town off the parkway as we did not see anywhere to get it onsite. Host was not present when we were there. Just a sign at their site. Tent camping was across the parkway.

Teagan H

Loop:B

Site:B18

Reviewed a month ago

Super beautiful area!! In my opinion, the most underrated part of the parkway :)

Caroline R

Loop:A

Site:A09

Reviewed 2 months ago

Great rustic campground. Camping the way it should be!

Nathan T

Loop:A

Site:A01

Reviewed 2 months ago

Excellent road trip pit stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Camping sites are well sized but pretty tight to other spots, but everything is well marked, the campground itself is very cool, and the rangers we met were some of the nicest folks!

Brett C

Loop:A

Site:A21

Reviewed 6 months ago

Nice location, with many shaded sites. Bathrooms may be a bit of a walk, depending on site. Beautiful surroundings, as well as the drive to get there.

Pam F

Loop:A

Site:A01

Reviewed 7 months ago

Doughton Park just may be my favorite place on earth! The hiking is great, the camping is peaceful, the trails are well maintained, and the majesty of the mountains is beyond words. Add in the history of the area, the Bluffs restaurant, the picnic area, Brinegar cabin and so many more features, it is a must stop along the BRP.

Nate A

Loop:B

Site:B62

Reviewed 9 months ago

Beautiful location. Camp host was really helpful. Just a great spot.

Leanne g

Loop:A

Site:A20

Reviewed 9 months ago

Beautiful surroundings, quiet, and enough private space to enjoy. Will return!

Jennifer C

Loop:B

Site:B65

Reviewed 9 months ago

The tent pad wasn't big enough for even a small tent. The site was really small too. We had to leave, because we couldn't fit our tent. I asked for a refund and they refused. They don't have good customer service.

Bill M

Loop:A

Site:A01

Reviewed 9 months ago

Very friendly campground is GREAT! Rangers and hosts are the best!! One of our favorite campgrounds

Peter W

Loop:A

Site:A21

Reviewed 9 months ago

Great campground! The music center is a must see.

Susan B

Loop:A

Site:A14

Reviewed 9 months ago

The campground was clean and so peaceful. Star gazing at night was amazing. We went riding on the Parkway and the views were beautiful. We had a great trip.

Brandon C

Loop:A

Site:A18

Reviewed 9 months ago

Quiet and peaceful, very clean and close to town if you need to venture

Donna T

Loop:A

Site:A18

Reviewed 9 months ago

It would be nice if there were fresh water spigots throughout the park like other parks. Other than that--it was wonderful.

Betty G

Loop:A

Site:A20

Reviewed 10 months ago

Nice quiet Campground!

STEPHANIE M

Loop:A

Site:A09

Reviewed 10 months ago

Just a very beautiful place! No words! 😶

Stephen F

Loop:A

Site:A20

Reviewed 10 months ago

Beautiful setting. Very quiet and peaceful. Well maintained.

John O

Loop:B

Site:B39

Reviewed 10 months ago

This area is one of the best hidden gems on the Blue Ridge Pkwy. Great hiking in every direction, interesting historic stops, and an incredible campsite. A few things to note: bring your own heat treated firewood, they have running water but no showers, be aware of closures for the restaurant/ranger station, and be prepared for close neighbors at the campground if visiting during busy times (many sites are still closed). Overall, this is a very pretty and super quiet area perfect for relaxing in the woods and hiking in relative solitude.

Elizabeth T

Loop:A

Site:A19

Reviewed 10 months ago

I met the ranger right away and she helped me find the site and park my camper. Loved the quiet and dark skies.

Pam F

Loop:A

Site:A20

Reviewed 10 months ago

The hiking options in the Doughton Park area are great, the trails are well maintained. While there be aure to vist The Bluffs reataurant, food and service ate great!

Doug D

Loop:A

Site:A19

Reviewed a year ago

Campground looks great! New pavement is a big improvement.

Jennifer H

Loop:B

Site:B55

Reviewed a year ago

I arrived after the check in had closed, but still was easily able to find my campsite. Be ready to carry your stuff a little bit from car to campsite. All sites and surrounding areas were well maintained. Easy to find off of the Blue Ridge Pkwy.

Bret C

Loop:A

Site:A21

Reviewed a year ago

Great weekend in the clouds! Cool temps and quiet nights, well - once everyone around us turned off their generators. I mean come on people, can you NOT watch tv for a couple nights?? Doughton park, you’re a little shining star in our eyes! Nice hosts and rangers were glad we were there. See you next year!

Alexandra D

Loop:B

Site:B51

Reviewed a year ago

Running water, bathrooms were nice and clean, campground was open and private!

Pam F

Loop:A

Site:A16

Reviewed a year ago

We love Doughton Park! The campground is convenient to hiking and picnicking. The Bluffs restaurant is just a short hike away. And being up on a mountain the summertime temperatures are much lower than on the piedmont.

Daniel G

Loop:B

Site:B39

Reviewed a year ago

If you like to camp, this is a good campground. The whole Doughton Recreation area is filled with hiking opportunities. You can hike all over starting from the campground. One trail, Bluff Mountain Trail is only a short 1.5 mile to Bluffs Restaurant where there is definitely something you'll love to eat on the menu. Outside at the restaurant, every 2nd and 4th Sunday, they have live appalachian music from 2 to 4pm at least from April to October. Talk to a park ranger and find out about history, vegetation, any information, they're all very friendly and knowledgeable. Find a map of the hiking trails at the visitor center beside the restaurant and discover a historic cabin amidst rambling creek water or meander through open balds with amazing views. Whatever you decide to do, take your time and enjoy some of the greatest natural beauty in the world.

Kiersten H

Loop:A

Site:A18

Reviewed a year ago

Great views and park. Friendly staff. Will be back.

Ronald S

Loop:A

Site:A16

Reviewed a year ago

Nice, clean and quiet campground. Weather was perfect. Had a great time. Will definitely camp here again.

Roger H

Loop:A

Site:A20

Reviewed a year ago

Friendly staff. Park is like a little island surrounded by closed portions of the Parkway. Wonderfuk place to be isolated. Worth the effort of getting there.

Danny S

Loop:A

Site:A19

Reviewed 2 years ago

Located right on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Clean, fairly level sites. Clean restroom. Great hiking from the campground. The Bluff’s Restaurant is in hiking distance.

Betina B

Loop:B

Site:B41

Reviewed 2 years ago

There were no campers here, no staff, our tent site was taped off and there was a broken table top across from it. There are road closers on either side of this campground on the Blueridge Parkway making it difficult to get to or away from. :(

James T

Loop:A

Site:A19

Reviewed 2 years ago

I think it was the best campground out of the 5 I stopped at on my recent trip. Very well maintained.

Christopher C

Loop:A

Site:A16

Reviewed 2 years ago

Park was very clean. Rangers friendly. Campers quiet and respectful of others space.

Kushan P

Loop:B

Site:B51

Reviewed 3 years ago

Excellent experience site 51 is great for stargazing

Megan S

Loop:A

Site:A09

Reviewed 3 years ago

Love this campground in the fall, quiet campground, good hiking, beautiful scenery

Michael Z

Loop:C

Site:C86

Reviewed 3 years ago

The site was easy to access, apart from seasonal road closures which I was made aware of beforehand. Directions and maps around the campsite were great. Water was accessible, and bathrooms were good. My parking spot even had a little card with my name on it--luxurious!

Harvey Maxcy D

Loop:B

Site:B08

Reviewed 3 years ago

Went very late October. Tent camped. Was -very- quiet. Campground near empty. One of my goals was to set up portable telescope in an open, lightless area. Found one very convenient spot and another that would have required more of a walk.

Ken B

Loop:A

Site:A18

Reviewed 3 years ago

Just a beautiful campground especially for those looking for a National campground experience. A bit more effort to get there due to the road construction on the Blue Ridge Parkway but well worth it. We stayed three nights in October.

Glenda G

Loop:A

Site:A09

Reviewed 3 years ago

Have been here several times and always return. Lovely, quiet campground. The campground host did a great job. In many locations we have rarely seen the hosts, but here at Doughton Park he was very friendly and visible, a welcome difference.

Debra S

Loop:A

Site:A19

Reviewed 3 years ago

Conveniently located on the Blue Ridge Parkway and good rate. Campground has a dumpstation, dumpster and potable water. Sites are tight due to the age of the campgrounds on the parkway but we knew that beforehand. Never saw the camphost although there was a camper and vehicle in the host's site. Didn't use the restroom so can't speak to its cleanliness. Our fire ring had not been cleaned and the grate couldn't be moved (not sure if it was due to rust or age).

Jack B

Loop:A

Site:A18

Reviewed 3 years ago

Due to road Construction North and South of Doughton Campground prevented me from enjoying the site.