Virginia

The Blue Ridge Parkway is an exploration of Appalachia. It traverses multiple mountain ranges and visits Great Smokies National Park and Shenandoah National Park. This may be the ultimate road trip in the U.S. We love the Blue Ridge Parkway for the relaxing drive, incredible views, and the deep history of the region.

X Entry Fee ✓  Pets allowed

Season: May- October (open year round weather permitting)

Precautions:

  • Mosquitoes & ticks
  • Bears & wildlife
  • Road hazards and dangerous driving conditions

WHERE TO CAMP

Otter Creek Campground

This low-elevation campground offers warmer temperatures and beautiful surroundings for RVers and tent-campers alike.

X Hookups

X Dumping

✓ Toilets

X Showers

✓ Reservations

✓  Fires

Linville Falls Campground

Camp in the quiet pines near the “Grand Canyon of North Carolina”. This campground is close to plenty of sightseeing and recreation.

X Hookups

✓ Dumping

✓ Toilets

X Showers

✓ Reservations

✓  Fires

ACTIVITIES

Pull over: 469 miles of scenery gets old eventually if you never stop to learn and take it in. The entire length of the parkway offers pull outs and scenic overlooks. Stop to learn something and experience the surroundings with all your senses!

Get to know the parks: The Parkway will take you near multiple National Parks, National Historic Monuments, and more Park managed areas. These spots are great places to explore the history of the area or see some amazing natural features.

Take an autumn tour: Just when you thought the travel season was over autumn foliage sweeps across the Appalachians. This is an amazing time of year to take a roadtrip on the Parkway from the comfort of your warm vehicle.

CONSIDERATIONS

  • Invest in bear spray and have it handy for hikes into the backcountry
  • Practice bear safety in campgrounds and picnic areas
  • Reserve sites in advance: the parkway is very popular and campgrounds fill up early
  • Weather and temperatures can change quickly: be prepared