Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping

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).