Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping

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

Rocky Knob Recreational Area Milepost 167.1, Blue Ridge Parkway
Floyd, VA 24091

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

Campfire rings and food storage lockers are at each campsite. A portable toilet is available for campers. There is plenty of shade, Rock Castle Creek runs adjacent to the campground.

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

Camp site features

Across 8 camp sites:

Fire pit: all 8 sites
Pets allowed: all 8 sites
Largest party: 6 people

Fees

Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Campground 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

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.

Stay Limit

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

Reviews

9 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

Natalie A

Loop:Rock Castle Gorge

Site:

Reviewed 12 days ago

Wonderful campsites!

Charles D

Loop:Rock Castle Gorge

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Great place to camp.They have added a port a John and the stream runs right by the campsite. And it's not to long of a hike from the gate where you park.If you want to do the primitive camping but don't want a long hike then I highly recommend this campground.

Mark K

Loop:Rock Castle Gorge

Site:

Reviewed 5 months ago

Spots are a great 10 minute walk from the lot. Well spread out and excellent care.

Kenneth J

Loop:Rock Castle Gorge

Site:

Reviewed 6 months ago

We backpacked the loop over two days, starting at the Visitor Center and going clockwise. I think it was the best route. The eastern side of the trail has a section that's very rocky and a little technical. That section is about 3/4 of a mile long. My wife found herself sliding over boulders during several parts. Leaving from the visitor center also puts the designated campground at the halfway point (about 5 or 6 miles into the loop). We didn't see any wildlife, but there were others on the trail with us because it was a spring weekend. Day 2 was a long, gradual uphill climb out of the gorge. Lots of scenic views and beautiful "creek running through gorge" scenery. I'll definitely go back.

dan s

Loop:Rock Castle Gorge

Site:

Reviewed 7 months ago

8 flat sites by the creek. Love this place.

Isaac D

Loop:Rock Castle Gorge

Site:

Reviewed 10 months ago

Very nice and large campsite! It has a convenient stream, port a potties, and bear boxes. There’s an easy half mile road walk to get there, and parking appears limited.

Availability

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

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