Elk Knob State Park

Closed — The campground is open year-round with reservations available through the North Carolina State Parks system. Backcountry sites are accessed via a 1-2 mile hike from the trailhead.

About

Elk Knob State Park provides a true backcountry camping experience in the mountains of Watauga County. The campground consists of three primitive family campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis for $15 per night, plus two group sites that can accommodate up to 26 people each and require reservations. All sites are located 1-2 miles along the Backcountry Trail in a cove forest environment with beautiful streams. Campers must be prepared for primitive conditions with no amenities. Camp fires are not allowed, so bring a camp stove for cooking. The sites are designed for tents and hammocks only. Payment for first-come, first-served sites is made via self-registration at the trailhead. The park's location protects the headwaters of the North Fork of the New River and offers hikers spectacular summit views of North Carolina's high country peaks. Elevated at one of the highest peaks in the region, the park offers opportunities for year-round recreation including hiking, and in winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on ungroomed trails. The park's 5.5 miles of trails include the Summit Trail to Elk Knob's peak with panoramic views spanning multiple mountain ranges.

Directions

From Boone, NC, take NC-194 N for approximately 9.5 miles. Turn right onto Meat Camp Road and continue for about 5.5 miles to reach the park entrance.

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