Camp Observer1 of 11 photos
Rocky Knob Campground
Overview
Located on the famous Blue Ridge Parkway in the hills of rural Virginia, Rocky Knob Campground is nestled amid rolling meadowlands with impressive displays of seasonal flowers, endless night skies and green pastures. Numerous nearby overlooks and the winding parkway provide an ideal backdrop for a traditional camping experience.Recreation
The campground is located in the Rocky Knob Recreation area, surrounded by more than 4,000 acres of forest.
The site offers easy access to the Rock Castle Gorge Trail, a 10.8-mile (17.4 km) loop trail ranging in elevation from 1,700 to 3,572 feet (518 to 1,089 m). Rock Castle Gorge, a 1,500-foot (457 m) ravine carved by the waters of Rock Castle Creek, is the focal point of this trail, offering hikers breathtaking scenery.
Black Ridge Trail: a moderate 3-mile loop passing through the forest on a seldom-used gravel road and through a meadow. Accessed from the Rocky Knob Visitor Center.
Numerous tours and interpretive talks are given near the Gorge and surrounding trails during the summer, offering campers the chance to learn more about the area's historical significance and abundant plants and wildlife.
Facilities
Rocky Knob Campground combines the exhilaration of a traditional outdoor camping experience with modern amenities like flush toilets, dump station, and drinking water. Both RV and tent sites are available, each equipped with picnic tables, lantern poles, and fire rings/grills--perfect for picnics, barbecues or late night s'mores.
The campground almost always has campsites available. In addition to the 44 sites available for advanced reservation, 62 campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Availability of the first come, first served sites cannot be tracked through Recreation.gov. The sites must be booked in person at the campground kiosk.
Primitive Backcountry Camping is available at Rock Castle Gorge. Obtain a free permit from the Rocky Knob campground office (May-October) (540-745-9664) or the Rocky Knob District Office (540-745-9660).
Natural Features
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic byway that stretches almost 500 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains through North Carolina and Virginia. It offers plenty of natural attractions and recreational opportunities for visitors, as well as a cross-section of Appalachian mountain history from pre-historic times to early European settlements, and on to today. Rocky Knob Campground, one of the first established sites along the Blue Ridge Parkway, is home to several famous geological attractions. Rock Castle Gorge, known for its beautiful rock crystalline quartz formations, was once home to several mountain families. Visitors can still find remnants of their old apple orchards and abandoned stone chimneys along parkway trails.Nearby Attractions
The nearby town of Floyd offers entertainment, shopping, food, gas and lodging. There are also multiple wineries nearby that offer tours and tastings.
Visit Mabry Mill at milepost 176 near Meadows of Dan, Virginia.
The campground is about 30 miles from Mount Airy, North Carolina, the birthplace of actor Andy Griffith and the inspiration for the fictional TV-series town of Mayberry. Mount Airy also offers grocery stores, gas stations and medical facilities.
Camp site features
Across 106 camp sites:
- Picnic table: 76 of 106 sites
- Pets allowed: all 106 sites
- Group sites: 1 of 106 sites
- Longest rig: 55 ft
- Largest party: 20 people
Directions
Rocky Knob Campground is located at Milepost 167.1 on Blue Ridge Parkway, 1.8
miles south of the intersection of the Parkway and State Route 8, about 8
miles (13 km) from the town of Floyd, or about 90 minutes south of Roanoke by
car. Visitors are advised that directions from resources like Google Maps and
GPS devices are not always correct and should be double-checked.
Stay Limit
Check in from 3 PM, check out by 12 PM.
Reviews
Ratings (229)
5 stars
154
4 stars
56
3 stars
14
2 stars
2
1 stars
3
Caroline L
Loop:T
Site:T25
Reviewed 5 days ago
This campground is one of our favorites. The setting is lovely, and the campground host was excellent. We keep it in our rotation because it is so pleasant.
Lauren M
Loop:T
Site:T17
Reviewed 6 days ago
Diamond in the rough. They aren’t the best sites in the world, but the infused nature, peace, and quiet you will receive makes up for it.
William F
Loop:T
Site:T17
Reviewed 9 days ago
Beautiful National Park Campground. Always consistent. Clean, we'll kept. Not always the most level sites but a little effort and we got level!
Jenny E
Loop:A
Site:A19
Reviewed 11 days ago
Campground hosts were amazing! Helped me find a level spot and helped me back my little camper into it. Bathrooms were clean and nicer than I expected. Good water pressure in the sinks, and I think the campground hosts quietly provided soap at the sinks, very kind. They were knowledgeable of a good place to get breakfast (Tuggle's Inn), and were to find laundromats in both Floyd and Meadows of Dan. Lots of shaded areas in the campground, and it's located right next to a great trail that has some of the oldest most amazing trees I've ever seen.
Christian S
Loop:A
Site:A07
Reviewed 13 days ago
Very nice located campground.
The pavement of our campsite was very small and partly damaged.
But overwise very nice.
Laurie B
Loop:C
Site:C16
Reviewed 14 days ago
Fantastic campground and host. Well maintained and a sense that management is dedicated to providing a safe and rewarding time. As a solo car camper, I value the woodsy, private sites and C loop was everything. Site C16 backs up to moderately hilly, tree-covered expanse. The dark night with starry sky was incredible. Would eagerly camp here again.
Merton and Toni B
Loop:T
Site:T25
Reviewed 16 days ago
Jasper (at ranger station) Dennis and Colleen (camp host and hostess) were absolutely wonderful--personable and friendly. Assisted us with any questions or information requested. We hope to see them again on our next visit.
jackie a
Loop:T
Site:T03
Reviewed 16 days ago
Great layout with lots of shade and privacy. Friendly, helpful staff. Clean and well kept. Enjoyed the concert and educational chat!
Douglas H
Loop:B
Site:B13
Reviewed 20 days ago
My favorite place to camp for the past 10 years! While in the area, should visit Chateau Morrisette and Buffalo Mountain Brewery. One half mile from campground is overlook called The Saddle with views to east and west. I call it the "Happy Hour" overlook. Great hiking trails along ridgeline and throughout the area. The only negative to campground is no showers, but there are bathroom buildings with sinks and mirrors for cleaning up.
Max w
Loop:C
Site:C24
Reviewed a month ago
Campground was very clean and well kept. Very beautiful spot to stay in the blue Ridge mountains. Close to the town of Floyd that has shopping, food and grocery store for supplies. Will definitely stay again.
John D
Loop:T
Site:T14
Reviewed 2 months ago
This is a quiet place to unwind. Close to Floyd, which has shopping and restaurants. There is a water fill along with the dump station near the entrance. Restrooms are clean and well maintained.
Michael M
Loop:T
Site:T03
Reviewed 2 months ago
Hosts were great and I love the campsites. I enjoyed the Saturday evening concerts and ranger talk.
William M P
Loop:A
Site:A17
Reviewed 2 months ago
Great hosts. Clean. Very knowledgeable and informative. Everything as advertised. The trails were great. The location is close to Floyd and Stuart. Many things to see and do. Great food and a farmers' market. I dropped into an oldtime bluegrass jam, too.
Timothy H
Loop:A
Site:A07
Reviewed 7 months ago
Nice, peaceful campground in a beautiful section of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Camp staff is friendly and helpful. Most sites are roomy. This is one of our favorite campgrounds for a quick weekend getaway.
Efrim S
Loop:A
Site:A07
Reviewed 9 months ago
Very nice amenities, great views, and wonderful spot overall.
Jennifer D
Loop:T
Site:T17
Reviewed 9 months ago
Site 17 was perfect for me! Proximity to bathroom was good. Quiet night to camp. Camp Host was awesome, friendly and helpful. I walked the entire campground - there are a ton of tent sites with clean restrooms, this is a bargain for those who want to camp and don't need all the frills! The road into the trailer/RV site is narrow and a bit bumpy, but take your time!
Pierre K
Loop:T
Site:T18
Reviewed 9 months ago
This is God's country and if you can't help protect nature then you don't deserve places like this.
Louise B
Loop:T
Site:T04
Reviewed 9 months ago
Very nice quiet campground on the parkway bathrooms were very clean. Will definitely go back. We stayed in an RV site T4. Nice spacious sites not close together.
Josh C
Loop:A
Site:A14
Reviewed 9 months ago
Beautiful fall colors everywhere. Very quiet campground. I wish that loops B, C would have been open.
Rebecca S
Loop:T
Site:T03
Reviewed 9 months ago
Nice quiet campground right on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The campground host was very helpful. The bathrooms were clean. Our site wasn't very level but was otherwise nice. We were there mid-week so didn't get to enjoy the live music on the weekend. We would definitely come back.
Pierre S
Loop:T
Site:T25
Reviewed 9 months ago
Nice wooded campground near the Blue Ridge Parkway but sites are close together and just off the road. Close to the cute town of Floyd where we enjoyed music Friday night at the Country Store. The CG also had music Saturday night which was nice. The ranger was friendly and very helpful.
Catherine S
Loop:A
Site:A14
Reviewed 9 months ago
We tent camped at A14 down the hill. It was a very large site and had an okay place to put up a tent. However, some of the sites inside the A circle had a lot fewer flat spots to tent camp and may be better for hammock camping, such as A15. The bathroom facilities were clean and tidy. The camp host was incredibly friendly and helpful answering all our questions about the area. We would definitely stay again when traveling on the parkway.
Martha T
Loop:A
Site:A07
Reviewed 9 months ago
Very convenient location right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The lady who checked me in was very friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. Bathhouse was clean. Great experience.
Diana S
Loop:T
Site:T13
Reviewed 9 months ago
Peaceful, spacious sites, great music on Saturdays, educational ranger programs, excellent hiking in the area, clean bathrooms, and such a kind and helpful Park Ranger as well as the camp host & hostess.
Drury F
Loop:A
Site:A16
Reviewed 9 months ago
Fine campground in a great location. The Rock Castle Gorge Loop is epic. Campground lacks any seclusion between sites. Bathroom could have been bigger for the number and in better condition.
Angela C
Loop:A
Site:A12
Reviewed 10 months ago
Great secluded campground off the BRP. Sites are well-spaced, and the entire area was pretty empty although on a more normal year that may not be the case. Close to the town of Floyd with its shops, restaurants, and live music. Also close to two wineries which make for a nice afternoon excursion. Decent amount of hiking trails nearby as well.
Russell H
Loop:T
Site:T20
Reviewed 10 months ago
Our second stay at site T20. We had stayed at T20 for a week the previous month and enjoyed it so much that we reserved it a second time. We like its location in the T loop. The site's terrain made for easy leveling of our camper. The grassy area at the site has shade trees (great for hammocks) and the fire ring & picnic table are on level ground. We look forward to staying at T20 again in the future!
Vick K
Loop:A
Site:A07
Reviewed 10 months ago
Beautiful area! Most of the sites are designed for tent camping, only a few sites were large enough for a trailer or other type RV.
Walter J
Loop:T
Site:T22
Reviewed 10 months ago
Our favorite place to visit. Wayne is an excellent and friendly Ranger. Good food nearby and great scenery.
MARK D
Loop:A
Site:A04
Reviewed 10 months ago
Fabulous! From the park attendants on site to the volunteers, the park employees were a delight. Clean restrooms, incredible hiking right from our campsite and the park program on Sat night made the experience extra special! Thank you!
Joshua R
Loop:A
Site:A19
Reviewed 10 months ago
Not all the sites were good. The ground is steep and the picnic tables were leveled up with loose rocks. Basically, the tables were falling off the hill.
The men's bathroom had no toilet paper.
Michael C
Loop:A
Site:A12
Reviewed a year ago
The campground was surprisingly empty with only part of the campground being open. It is a beautiful cg directly adjacent to the BRP. The camp hosts were very helpful and knowledgeable. A true gem on the parkway.
Van B
Loop:A
Site:A14
Reviewed a year ago
We love this campground! It’s a shame that only the “A” loop was open. The “C” loop has great tent sites, but our site (A-14) was nice. We loved the Ranger talk followed by local music on Saturday night.
Linda M
Loop:T
Site:T22
Reviewed a year ago
We love this campground and have been going there for many years. One recommendation to the park is to put up a sign at the second dumping station that it is "not" a dumping station. Both stations have fresh water, but a sign needs to let campers know that second dumping station will overflow if used!
Sylvain C
Loop:A
Site:A07
Reviewed a year ago
This place looks like it has been forgotten in the last century. Nothing worked. 80% of the grounds closed.
James T
Loop:A
Site:A12
Reviewed a year ago
The campground was excellent. Be aware that they do have firewood, but only available when the booth is manned.
Ronald H
Loop:T
Site:T18
Reviewed a year ago
We stayed at site T18. The site is relatively small, but it is on a lush green mountain top. We had to drive the wrong way on the road to orient ourselves correctly at the site, but that wasn't an issue. The site was asphalt and very uneven. The bathrooms were clean, but no showers. Everything was clean and well-maintained. The camp host was great.
Chateau Morrisette and Villa Appalaccia wineries are nearby and make an excellent option for spending an afternoon. Floyd, VA is a quaint town about 20 minutes away with the Buffalo Mountain Brewery, an eclectic pub with some great beer.
The senior discount ($10 per night) makes this a must return location.
Kevin R
Loop:T
Site:T25
Reviewed 2 years ago
I have stayed at Rocky Knob several times. It is a beautiful area, near Floyd and two miles from Chateau Morrisette Winery. The winery has live music in the courtyard on weekends. It is a great experience
The real reason I am leaving this review is to thank Wayne the campground host. When I woke up the 1st morning of my trip I realized I did not find my wedding band where I usually put it. I had never lost it in 40 years. I rationalized that I was getting ready for the trip the previous morning and left it at home. After 12 days, I returned home and realized it wasn’t there. Within a couple ours i got a message from Wayne about a found wedding band. I described it to him and sent a a picture of it on my hand. He FED EXed it to me and now I have it again……Thank you Wayne for reaching oput to me and getting it returned. I also want to thank whoever found it and turned it in
Popularity
Very quiet · 10%
Busiest in July, when about 10% of sites are booked. Based on 11 years of reservations.
Location
Asheville, NC 28803
Phone: 540-745-9664 (MAY - OCTOBER)
