Johns River Road Backcountry Camping

Show on map 828-276-2300 blri_campgrounds@nps.gov

Overview

Old John’s River Road Backcountry Camping is a primitive camping location along the Mountains to Sea Trail near Blowing Rock, North Carolina. There are 2 sites available, each with a fire ring. Maximum capacity is 6 people per site and the maximum stay length is 3 nights. Access this location either by hiking the Boone Fork Trail from the Julian Price Park Picnic Area, or Old John’s River Road between mile 296 and 297 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Black bears and other wildlife frequent this area, so bring an approved bear cannister or hang food or any scented items from a tree at least 10 feet high and 4 feet from the trunk. No toilets are available. All human waste must be buried a minimum of 6 inches deep and a minimum of 100 feet from any stream. All trash must be packed out. Water should be purified before consumption. Bathing and washing dishes with soap in the nearby stream is prohibited. There is likely no cellphone service at this site.

Recreation

Julian Price Memorial Park has 3 main loop trails. Price Lake Loop Trail is an easy to moderate 2.3-mile trail around the Price Lake through mixed hardwood forest and rhododendron thickets. The Green Knob Trail is a moderate 2-mile loop that runs along Sim’s Creek through a mixed hardwood forest, with a small section through an open cow pasture. The Boone Fork Trail is a strenuous 4.9-mile loop that traverses a variety of landscapes along Boone Fork Creek. It features stream crossings and trail ladders and lots of uneven footing. The most popular feature of this trail is the Hebron Colony Falls, which is a section of the Boone Fork Creek that cascades through a boulder field. Hikers are advised to allow for 3-4 hours for this trail, bring plenty of water and snacks, and wear sturdy shoes.

Price Lake offers fishing and paddling opportunities. A North Carolina or Virginia fishing license is required. Price Lake Boat Rentals offers canoes, kayaks, and standup paddleboards. There is also a public boat ramp. No motors or sails are allowed.

Natural Features

Julian Price Memorial Park offers hiking through hardwood and coniferous forests as well as open pasture and Creekside riparian zones. The Boone Fork Creek and Price Lake provide fishing opportunities and boat rentals are available at Price Lake near the Julian Price Campground.

Nearby Attractions

Things to Do in Boone, NC Things to do in Boone, NC

Grandfather Mountain State Park Grandfather Mountain State Park

Julian Price Park Julian Price Park - Milepost 297

Moses H. Cone Memorial Park Moses H. Cone Memorial Park - Milepost 294

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (828) 276-2300.

Camp site features

Across 2 camp sites:

Fire pit: all 2 sites
Pets allowed: all 2 sites
Largest party: 6 people

Fees

Johns River Road Backcountry Camping reservations are available on a 6-month rolling basis prior to planned start dates. The backcountry camping permit fee is $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

Trailhead Parking is at the Julian Price Memorial Park Picnic Area between mile 296 and 297 on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Stay Limit

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

Reviews

4 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

Caroline H

Loop:Johns River Road

Site:

Reviewed 4 months ago

I have camped here before and it’s a great spot. Fire rings are solid and very close to the creek to take a dip. The trail that we were going to take to get there was inaccessible because of road construction so had to take the long way from price lake. After settling in to camp tried to get some rest but had an unsettling feeling so packed up camp around midnight and hiked back. Nothing happened but always follow your gut instinct.

Jenifer C

Loop:Johns River Road

Site:

Reviewed 6 months ago

Unfortunately, there was a notable amount of trash and toilet paper at the site which is the reason we can't give this review 5 stars.

Rebekah K

Loop:Johns River Road

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

The hike took 45 minutes (with breaks) from the Price Park Picnic area on the Boone Fork trail. Would recommend a hiking stick if you're loaded down with gear because the MTS/Hebron Falls trail gets steep right before you get to the campsite. The campsite was located pretty close to the trail but it's not very high traffic. Campsite 1 is more visible and open, campsite 2 is a bit more tucked behind trees.

SARA R

Loop:Johns River Road

Site:

Reviewed 2 years ago

Campsite is flat, includes a fire ring, and is close to water. Hike in is easy enough. There are plenty of nicely spaced trees to hang hammocks and nooks in the rhododendrons to tuck your tent. We reserved both spaces for a group of 8 and it was a wonderful trip.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve