Backpack Parking Campground

5564 Meat Camp Road, Todd, North Carolina, 28684, United States

Perched high in the North Carolina mountains at 4,000 feet, Elk Knob State Park's remote backcountry campsite offers adventurous souls a true wilderness experience. This primitive group camping area beckons those seeking solitude and simplicity, where modern conveniences give way to essential amenities—a centrally located pit privy and a sturdy bear box to protect your provisions from curious wildlife. Here, camping returns to its roots, offering an authentic connection with the natural world far from the crowds and comforts of traditional campgrounds.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Tucked away in the historic Basin Cove within Doughton Park, this primitive backcountry retreat offers eight secluded campsites accessible only by trails that wind 1,500 feet down from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Each site comes equipped with a fire ring, lantern post, and food storage box, inviting you to experience true wilderness camping year-round in a landscape steeped in Appalachian history.

1481 Mt. Jefferson State Park Rd, West Jefferson, North Carolina, 28694, United States

Perched high in the North Carolina mountains, Mount Jefferson State Natural Area beckons adventurers with its breathtaking vistas and pristine wilderness. This hidden gem welcomes visitors free of charge, offering a perfect blend of accessibility and untamed beauty. Well-appointed picnic shelters and grills dot the landscape, providing comfortable spots to savor a meal while soaking in the spectacular mountain views. Miles of winding trails lead through ancient forests, revealing scenic overlooks that will leave you breathless.

Milepost 239 Blue Ridge Parkway

Perched at milepost 239 along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, Doughton Park Campground offers a serene escape beneath a cathedral of towering trees. Each thoughtfully positioned campsite comes alive with the gentle flicker of lantern light and the warm glow of evening campfires, while modern amenities like flush toilets and fresh drinking water ensure comfort meets wilderness. For those seeking a more rustic experience, primitive camping beckons with the simple requirement of a free permit and the promise of unspoiled solitude.

358 New River State Park Road, Laurel Springs, NC 28644

Escape to New River State Park, where time seems to slow alongside one of North America's most ancient waterways. Whether you're seeking solitude at a primitive walk-in site tucked among wildflower meadows, settling into an RV spot with modern conveniences, or gathering with friends at spacious group camping areas, this park offers the perfect basecamp for your mountain river adventure. Here, rugged Appalachian hills cradle pastoral valleys in a landscape that has captivated visitors for generations.

Cherokee National Forest

9941 Hwy 133, Shady Valley, TN, 37688

Tucked away in the heart of the Southern Appalachians, Backbone Rock Campground offers an intimate escape with just 10 campsites, including two spacious double sites perfect for families camping together. At 2,100 feet elevation, this hidden gem sits alongside the babbling waters of Beaverdam Creek, where modern conveniences like flush toilets blend seamlessly with the raw beauty of the mountain wilderness. The legendary Backbone Rock Trail beckons adventurers just steps from your tent, promising unforgettable explorations through ancient forests.

Grayson Highlands State Park

Near Virginia's two highest mountains, the park offers scenic views of alpine-like peaks, waterfalls, camping, a visitor center and miles of hiking trails.

Grayson Highlands State Park

Near Virginia's two highest mountains, the park offers scenic views of alpine-like peaks, waterfalls, camping, a visitor center and miles of hiking trails.

Grayson Highlands State Park

Near Virginia's two highest mountains, the park offers scenic views of alpine-like peaks, waterfalls, camping, a visitor center and miles of hiking trails.

Grayson Highlands State Park

The park is home to plenty of wildlife and offers camping, picnic shelters, lodging, boat launches and numerous types of trails. Canoeing is popular here.

Grayson Highlands State Park

Near Virginia's two highest mountains, the park offers scenic views of alpine-like peaks, waterfalls, camping, a visitor center and miles of hiking trails.

Grayson Highlands State Park

Grayson Highlands Campground sits at over 4,500 feet elevation within Grayson Highlands State Park, offering a peaceful high-mountain camping experience in southwestern Virginia. The campground provides access to the park's famous wild ponies that roam freely near the Appalachian Trail, which passes through the park. With approximately 135 sites including pull-through spaces, campers enjoy well-spaced, quiet sites surrounded by stunning ridge scenery. The area is known for its cooler temperatures even in summer, making it an ideal escape from the heat. Popular activities include hiking the Twin Pinnacle and Wilburn Ridge trails, wildlife viewing, and stargazing in the clear mountain air.

20993 Beartree Gap Road, Damascus, VA

Tucked away in the heart of Jefferson National Forest, Beartree Recreation Area beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its enchanting blend of mountain serenity and natural splendor. Here, where Beartree Lake mirrors the surrounding peaks, you'll discover a campground that feels like a secret garden in the clouds. Choose your perfect basecamp in either Chipmunk Circle or Beaver Flat, where each thoughtfully designed site nestles beneath a canopy of ancient trees and flowering rhododendron tunnels. Whether you're pitching a tent on soft forest floor or parking your RV in a spacious pull-through, you'll find yourself immersed in a world where privacy meets paradise.

20993 Beartree Gap Road

Nestled within the enchanting Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, Beartree Campground offers an intimate escape where families can reconnect with nature and each other. Here, individual and group campsites are thoughtfully tucked among towering rhododendrons and a canopy of dense forest, creating private sanctuaries for every camping style. Each site comes equipped with picnic tables and grills, while fresh drinking water flows throughout the grounds. Adventure beckons just beyond your tent flap, with pristine hiking trails winding through ancient forests, crystal-clear streams perfect for fishing, and scenic biking routes that showcase the best of Virginia's high country.

1946 Laurel Valley Road, Troutdale, VA 24378, USA

Tucked away at 3,800 feet in Virginia's highlands, Grindstone Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its cathedral-like canopy of mixed hardwoods and native rhododendrons. This mountain sanctuary serves as your gateway to the legendary Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, where ancient trails wind through misty forests, crystalline streams teem with native trout, and mountain biking routes challenge riders with their rugged beauty. Here, mornings begin with birdsong echoing through the trees and evenings end with the gentle rustle of leaves in the mountain breeze.

3714 Highway 16, Marion, VA, 24354, USA

Nestled in the heart of the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, Old Virginia Group Horse Camp beckons equestrian adventurers to experience the magic of trail riding through Virginia's stunning high country. Here, your group can wake to misty mountain mornings, saddle up for days exploring endless trail networks, and gather around the campfire as horses graze peacefully nearby. The gentle murmur of a nearby stream provides nature's soundtrack to your basecamp, where picturesque mountain vistas frame every sunset and create memories that last long after the dust settles from your last ride.

3714 Hwy 16, Marion, VA, 24354, USA

Perched at nearly 4,000 feet in the heart of Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, Fox Creek Horse Camp beckons equestrian adventurers with its promise of boundless exploration. This high-altitude haven serves as your gateway to hundreds of miles of pristine trails, where you and your horse can embark on unforgettable journeys straight from your campsite. The expansive open fields along babbling Fox Creek create an idyllic basecamp for riders seeking both summer adventures and the camaraderie of fellow horse enthusiasts.

2021 Hurricane Camp Road, Sugar Grove, VA, 24375, USA

Tucked away in the rolling mountains of southwest Virginia, Hurricane Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its pristine creeks and towering forest canopy. Here, where Hurricane Branch meets Comers Creek, campsites nestle beneath a cathedral of mixed oak and hemlock trees, their branches creating natural shade pavilions over soft, grassy clearings. Adventure awaits just beyond your tent flap, with direct access to the legendary Appalachian Trail and the scenic Hurricane Knob Trail winding through the surrounding wilderness.

6416 Sugar Grove Highway, Sugar Grove, VA 24375, USA

Perched in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, Raccoon Branch Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its stunning mountain vistas and direct access to pristine hiking trails. Here, where Dickey Creek meets Raccoon Branch, campers discover a perfect blend of comfort and wilderness. Choose from primitive sites for a back-to-basics experience or electric hookups for modern convenience. Well-maintained flush toilets, fresh drinking water, and a convenient dump station ensure a comfortable stay, while the absence of showers keeps you connected to the authentic camping experience. Towering pines and hardwoods create a natural canopy overhead, while vibrant rhododendrons and rolling grassy meadows paint the landscape in seasonal colors.

3158 Blue Spring Road, Rural Retreat, VA, 24368, USA

Perched high atop a secluded mountain peak, Blue Springs Gap Cabin beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness retreat. This charming rustic cabin combines the solitude of mountaintop living with essential modern conveniences—electricity illuminates your evenings while flush toilets (available seasonally) provide comfort without compromising the wilderness experience. Though you'll need to bring your own water and handle your own housekeeping, the cabin's basic furnishings and spectacular isolation create the perfect basecamp for those ready to disconnect from the world below and reconnect with nature's grandeur.

3714 Highway 16, Marion, VA 24354, USA

Tucked away in the serene wilderness of Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, Comer's Rock Recreation Area offers a peaceful escape from the crowds. This hidden gem features primitive campsites where you can truly disconnect, a charming historic log picnic shelter crafted by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, and miles of hiking trails that wind through untouched forest. Whether you're casting a line in the nearby waters or seeking out panoramic vistas from scenic overlooks, Comer's Rock provides an authentic backcountry experience for those who prefer their adventures off the beaten path.

1195 CC Camp Road, Speedwell, VA

Nestled in the heart of equestrian country, Hussy Mountain Horse Camp beckons riders and their four-legged companions to experience the freedom of primitive camping at its finest. Three thoughtfully designed group camping loops await, each equipped with sturdy hitching rails where horses can rest after a day on the trails. Around weathered wooden picnic tables, riders gather to share stories while flames dance in stone fire rings under starlit skies. The gentle murmur of East Fork Dry Run Creek provides a natural soundtrack and fresh water source for thirsty horses. Modern conveniences blend seamlessly with the rustic setting, including potable water stations and well-maintained vault toilets. Before saddling up for adventure, riders simply need to present their negative Coggins certificate—then the vast network of horse trails becomes their playground.

330 Collins Cove Rd, Ivanhoe, VA 24354

Escape to Collins Cove, where ten secluded primitive campsites await beneath a canopy of ancient hardwoods. This hidden gem operates on a first-come, first-served basis, offering equestrian enthusiasts and nature lovers an authentic backcountry experience. Each site comes equipped with sturdy wooden picnic tables, traditional fire rings, and convenient hitching rails for your horses. While you'll find the essentials—including centrally located garbage facilities and a vault toilet—the true luxury here is simplicity. A babbling creek meanders alongside the campground, providing fresh water for horses and a soothing soundtrack for your stay. Pack your water bottles though, as this rustic retreat keeps things wonderfully primitive with no potable water on site.

544 Raven Cliff Lane, Ivanhoe, VA 24350

Escape to Raven Cliff Recreation Area, where 20 primitive campsites await adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. Tucked away on a first-come, first-served basis, each site features a gravel parking spur, sturdy picnic table, and fire grill perfect for evening cookouts under the stars. While you'll need to bring your own water and rely on portable facilities, the trade-off is pure, unspoiled nature. The melodic sounds of Cripple Creek wind through the campground, offering excellent fishing spots and refreshing wading pools that beckon on warm summer days.

Hungry Mother State Park

Hungry Mother offers folklore and history, lake swimming, camping, cabin rentals, boat rentals, hiking, a large conference center and verdant woodlands.

Hungry Mother State Park

Hungry Mother offers folklore and history, lake swimming, camping, cabin rentals, boat rentals, hiking, a large conference center and verdant woodlands.

Hungry Mother State Park

Hungry Mother offers folklore and history, lake swimming, camping, cabin rentals, boat rentals, hiking, a large conference center and verdant woodlands.

Hungry Mother State Park

Hungry Mother offers folklore and history, lake swimming, camping, cabin rentals, boat rentals, hiking, a large conference center and verdant woodlands.

Hungry Mother State Park

Hungry Mother offers folklore and history, lake swimming, camping, cabin rentals, boat rentals, hiking, a large conference center and verdant woodlands.

Grayson Highlands State Park

Near Virginia's two highest mountains, the park offers scenic views of alpine-like peaks, waterfalls, camping, a visitor center and miles of hiking trails.

Grayson Highlands State Park

Grayson Highlands Campground sits at over 4,500 feet elevation within Grayson Highlands State Park, offering a peaceful high-mountain camping experience in southwestern Virginia. The campground provides access to the park's famous wild ponies that roam freely near the Appalachian Trail, which passes through the park. With approximately 135 sites including pull-through spaces, campers enjoy well-spaced, quiet sites surrounded by stunning ridge scenery. The area is known for its cooler temperatures even in summer, making it an ideal escape from the heat. Popular activities include hiking the Twin Pinnacle and Wilburn Ridge trails, wildlife viewing, and stargazing in the clear mountain air.

Grayson Highlands State Park

Near Virginia's two highest mountains, the park offers scenic views of alpine-like peaks, waterfalls, camping, a visitor center and miles of hiking trails.

Grayson Highlands State Park

Near Virginia's two highest mountains, the park offers scenic views of alpine-like peaks, waterfalls, camping, a visitor center and miles of hiking trails.

1946 Laurel Valley Road, Troutdale, VA 24378, USA

Tucked away at 3,800 feet in Virginia's highlands, Grindstone Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its cathedral-like canopy of mixed hardwoods and native rhododendrons. This mountain sanctuary serves as your gateway to the legendary Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, where ancient trails wind through misty forests, crystalline streams teem with native trout, and mountain biking routes challenge riders with their rugged beauty. Here, mornings begin with birdsong echoing through the trees and evenings end with the gentle rustle of leaves in the mountain breeze.

Grayson Highlands State Park

Near Virginia's two highest mountains, the park offers scenic views of alpine-like peaks, waterfalls, camping, a visitor center and miles of hiking trails.

Milepost 239 Blue Ridge Parkway

Perched at milepost 239 along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, Doughton Park Campground offers a serene escape beneath a cathedral of towering trees. Each thoughtfully positioned campsite comes alive with the gentle flicker of lantern light and the warm glow of evening campfires, while modern amenities like flush toilets and fresh drinking water ensure comfort meets wilderness. For those seeking a more rustic experience, primitive camping beckons with the simple requirement of a free permit and the promise of unspoiled solitude.