Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping
Open year-round. Backcountry permit required via Recreation.gov, must be printed and carried. Maximum 3 consecutive nights per permit. Check-in 3 PM, check-out 12 noon.
Flood Watch issued October 11 at 6:44AM 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
Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Campground is a primitive camping area located along the Rock Castle Gorge Trail in the Rocky Knob Recreation Area of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Floyd, Virginia. The 8 backcountry sites can be reached from various access points, with hiking distances ranging from half a mile (via CC Camp Lane/State Road 605) to 8 miles from Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks. The complete Rock Castle Gorge Trail forms a 10.8-mile loop with several connecting trails. Each campsite features a fire ring and bear-proof food storage locker. A portable toilet serves all sites. No potable water is available; campers must pack in their own water supply. All trash must be packed out. Rock Castle Creek and Little Rock Castle Creek flow near the campground, offering scenic beauty and fishing opportunities (Virginia license required). This is black bear country, requiring proper food storage in the provided lockers. Summers are hot and humid (70-88°F) while winter temperatures range from 30-50°F during the day and can drop below freezing at night. Cell phone service is unreliable. A backcountry permit obtained through Recreation.gov is required and must be printed and carried at all times.
Directions
The closest access is at the end of Virginia State Road 605 (CC Camp Lane), a gravel/dirt road off VA Highway 8 between Stuart and Floyd. Alternative trailheads along the Blue Ridge Parkway include Rocky Knob Campground (Milepost 167), The Saddle Overlook (Milepost 168), Rock Castle Gorge Overlook (Milepost 168.7), Rocky Knob Visitor Center (Milepost 169), and Twelve O'clock Overlook (Milepost 169).
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
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 | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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