Johns River Road Backcountry Camping
Open — Open year-round. Reservations available via Recreation.gov. Free permit required. Maximum stay is 3 nights with 6 people per site.
Cold Weather Advisory issued January 19 at 2:27AM EST until January 20 at 12:00PM EST by NWS Blacksburg VA
* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 10 below expected. * WHERE...Portions of northwest North Carolina, southwest and west central Virginia, and southeast West Virginia. * WHEN...From 9 PM this evening to noon EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...The cold wind chills as low as 10 below zero could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken.
About
Johns River Road Backcountry Camping offers primitive backcountry camping along the Mountains to Sea Trail in Julian Price Memorial Park near Blowing Rock, North Carolina. The location features 2 hike-in sites, each equipped with a fire ring. Maximum capacity is 6 people per site with a 3-night maximum stay. Access is via the Boone Fork Trail from the Julian Price Memorial Park Picnic Area or Old John's River Road between mile 296 and 297 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is a true backcountry experience with no facilities. No toilets are available; all human waste must be buried at least 6 inches deep and a minimum of 100 feet from any stream. All trash must be packed out. Water sources require purification before consumption, and bathing or washing dishes with soap in nearby streams is prohibited. Black bears and other wildlife frequent this area, so campers must bring an approved bear canister or hang food and scented items at least 10 feet high and 4 feet from the trunk. Cellphone service is likely unavailable. Julian Price Memorial Park offers excellent hiking opportunities through hardwood and coniferous forests, open pasture, and riparian zones. The Boone Fork Trail is a strenuous 4.9-mile loop featuring stream crossings, trail ladders, and the popular Hebron Colony Falls. Price Lake provides fishing and paddling opportunities with boat rentals available.
Directions
Trailhead parking is at the Julian Price Memorial Park Picnic Area between mile 296 and 297 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| blri_campgrounds@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (828) 276-2300 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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