New River State Park

About

New River State Park encompasses over 2,200 acres along 26 miles of the New River, believed to be one of the oldest rivers in North America and designated a National Scenic River in 1976. The park features four river access areas with camping opportunities ranging from developed sites with electric hookups to primitive paddle-in sites accessible only by water. The main campground at US 221 Access offers 18 electric sites with back-in driveways up to 67 feet, plus walk-in tent sites. Wagoner Access provides additional camping options. The slow, placid waters are ideal for canoeing and fishing, particularly for bass, while trout streams feed into the river. Rugged hillsides covered with wildflowers, pastoral meadows, and winding mountain roads dotted with small farms create an old-fashioned charm. The park offers excellent birding, hiking trails, and interpretive programs, with visitor center hours varying by season.

Directions

US 221 Access: From Jefferson take US 221/Hwy 16 N for 4.7 miles to Tom Fowler Road, turn right and go 1.3 miles to Old US 221, turn left for 2.6 miles to park entrance on right. Wagoner Access: From Jefferson take NC-16S/US 88 E for 4.6 miles, turn right onto Wagoner Access Road and go 1.2 miles to park entrance. GPS units may not provide accurate directions; use coordinates 36.467680, -81.340350 for US 221 Access or 36.414044, -81.389622 for Wagoner Access.