Grayson Highlands State Park Backpack Parking Campground
Open year-round with reservations required. Check-in is 1 p.m. and check-out is noon. Sleeping in vehicles is prohibited. When the lot is full, alternate parking is available at the VA-600 Elk Garden or VA-603 Fox Creek parking areas in Mount Rogers NRA.
Flood Watch issued October 11 at 12:40AM EDT until October 11 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of North Carolina, including the following areas, Alleghany NC, Ashe, Surry, Watauga and Wilkes and southwest Virginia, including the following areas, Carroll, Floyd, Grayson and Patrick. * WHEN...Through this evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - As the remnants of Isaias move northward into the lower Ohio Valley, periods of rain will continue. Heavier rainfall will continue in short bursts through the day. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches, along with what has already fallen will keep the threat of flooding around. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
About
Grayson Highlands State Park's Backpack Parking Campground is a designated overnight parking facility for backpackers accessing the adjacent Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and Appalachian Trail. Located at Virginia's highest state park with elevations ranging from 3,698 to 5,089 feet, this lot separates overnight hikers from day-use visitors and eliminates dangerous roadside parking. The reservation includes parking only. Camping is not permitted within the park or in your vehicle. Hikers must travel approximately 1.5 miles south or 2.5+ miles north on the Appalachian Trail to reach legal camping areas on federal land. Bear boxes are available near Thomas Knob Shelter, Rhododendron Gap, Wise Shelter, and Scales. Campfires are prohibited; bring a camp stove. Weather at this elevation can change rapidly with snow possible May through September and winds regularly exceeding 50 mph. Cell service is unreliable, so download offline maps via the Avenza app or bring National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map #318. The park's famous wild ponies roam the area but should not be approached, fed, or petted.
Directions
From I-81, take exit 45 (Marion/Chilhowie). Follow US-16 South for approximately 25 miles to Volney. Turn right onto US-58 West and continue about 8 miles to the park entrance at 829 Grayson Highland Lane, Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $16 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| GraysonHighlands@dcr.virginia.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (276) 579-7092 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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