Camping and Lodging along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Campgrounds are open from May to October and are maintained and supervised by National Park Rangers. They are primitive sites without hookups, but each is equipped with restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables and grills. Sanitary dump stations are available, too. Campsites cannot be reserved, but please make reservations if you're staying in a lodge. Lodges are open year 'round.

Milepost 161 - Rocky Knob Campground (elevation 3,100 feet)

The Virginia Parkway’s highest campground stands quiet and away from the bustle of civilization on a ridgetop. Rocky Knob Campground features 81 tent and 28 trailer sites, restrooms and a dump station for RV's with a campfire circle that accommodates up to 150 campers, but no water or electrical hookups to individual sites and no showers or sewer hookups. The picnic area consists of 72 tables, restrooms, and picnic shelters. Comfort station and dump stations are available.

Recreation Opportunities: Hiking, nature study, historical study, bicycling

Milepost 16.0 - Sherando Lake (elevation 1,800 feet)

Located about 4.5 miles off the Parkway on Highway 814 in George Washington National Forest, Sherando Lake is a large campground that exudes an old time atmosphere with modern conveniences such as hot showers and electric hookups at some sites. Good for an extended visit.

Recreation Opportunities: Hiking, swimming, fishing, paddling, nature study

Milepost 60.8 - Otter Creek Campground (elevation 650 feet)

Otter Creek Campground is stretched along Otter Creek near its confluence with the James River. Separate tent and trailer loops keep like-minded campers together. Watery opportunities abound with the proximity of Otter Creek, Otter Lake and the James River. The campground provides 45 tent and 24 trailer sites, restrooms, water, and a campfire circle. Many of the campsites are along the banks of Otter Creek. The James River Visitors Center is a 3.5-mile hike on the Otter Creek Trail.

Recreation Opportunities: Hiking, swimming, fishing, paddling, nature study

Milepost 85.9 - Peaks of Otter Campground (elevation 2,600 feet)

Situated in the heart of the Peaks of Otter activity cluster, Peaks of Otter Campground’s shady location is its best feature with campsites and non-electrical RV sites within walking distance of the Abbott Lake and Peaks of Otter.

Recreation Opportunities: Hiking, historical study, fishing, nature study

Milepost 85.9 - Peaks of Otter Lodge (elevation 2,600 feet)

The Peaks of Otter Lodge is open year 'round. Overlooking Abbott Lake, this highland hotel getaway opened in 1964, and boasts lakefront rooms overlooking Sharp Top Mountain. The lodge has 62 rooms and a 24-acre lake for fishing! Amenities include a gas station, restaurant, gift shop and picnic area. Bus rides to the Sharp Top Summit are available from the Visitors Center. Sharp Top Summit is the northernmost boundary of the Cherokee Nation. The area has a gas station, 62-table picnic area, campstore and 141 campsites with 53 RV/trailer sites.

Recreation Opportunities: Hiking, bicycling, historical study, fishing, nature study

Milepost 176 – Primland Resort