Johns River Road Backcountry Camping

About

Old Johns River Road Backcountry Camping is a primitive camping area on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Located along the Mountains to Sea Trail within Julian Price Memorial Park, this backcountry destination offers two designated campsites, each equipped with a fire ring. The maximum capacity is 6 people per site with a 3-night stay limit. Access requires hiking in via the strenuous 4.9-mile Boone Fork Trail from the Julian Price Park Picnic Area, which features stream crossings, trail ladders, and the scenic Hebron Colony Falls. Alternatively, campers can walk in via Old Johns River Road between mileposts 296 and 297. The terrain is rugged with mixed hardwood forest and rhododendron thickets. This is true backcountry camping with no facilities. There are no toilets, potable water, or trash service. Human waste must be buried at least 6 inches deep and 100 feet from any stream. All trash must be packed out. Stream water is available but requires purification. Black bears frequent the area, so approved bear canisters or proper food hanging (10 feet high, 4 feet from trunk) is mandatory. Cell phone service is unlikely.

Directions

Trailhead parking is at the Julian Price Memorial Park Picnic Area between mileposts 296 and 297 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. From there, hike the Boone Fork Trail or walk Old Johns River Road to reach the backcountry sites.