Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping
Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Campground is a primitive camp located along the Rock Castle Gorge Trail in the Rocky Knob Recreational Area which is part of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Campsites can be reached from various points ranging in distance from 1/2 mile to 8 miles.
The complete Rock Castle Gorge Trail is a 10.8 mile loop, there are several other loop trails that connect to it. Rock Castle Creek, Little Rock Castle Creek and many other streams and creeks meander along the trail and run right by the campground. Fishing requires a Virginia Fishing License, and the State of Virginia laws and regulations apply.
The year-round campground has eight campsites. Each has a fire ring/pad and food storage lockers. A Portable Toilet is available.
Plan to pack in your water for safety.
Summers are hot (70 to 88 Degrees) and humid as Rock Castle Creek is adjacent to the campground. Winter temperatures (Daytime 30 to 50 Degrees) can easily drop below freezing at night.
Campfire rings and food storage lockers are at each campsite. A portable toilet is available for campers. There is plenty of shade, Rock Castle Creek runs adjacent to the campground.
Need to Know
Backcountry Use Regulations
1. A backcountry camping permit is required for all overnight use and must be in your possession at all times.
2. Camping outside of the designated sites is prohibited.
3. Campfires are allowed only inside the government provided fire grill. Only wood that is dead and down on the ground may be collected for use as firewood. The cutting of standing trees, whether live or dead is prohibited. The use of camp stoves is encouraged. All fires may be banned during periods of high fire danger.
4. All trash must be carried out upon vacating the site. Do not leave litter or cans in the fire rings. DO NOT burn or bury any trash.
5. Historic and archeological resources are protected by federal law. The damaging, defacing or removal of these resources is prohibited.
6. Natural resources are protected by federal law. Do not disturb or remove any animal or plant life.
7. Hunting and trapping are prohibited. Fishing is subject to state and federal laws and limits.
8. Persons who can legally possess firearms under federal, state, and local laws are able to possess firearms on the Blue Ridge Parkway, subject to the laws of the state they are in at the time. It is the visitor's responsibility to understand and comply with all applicable state (North Carolina and/or Virginia) and federal firearms laws. Firearms should not be considered a wildlife protection strategy. The discharge and/or use of firearms remains prohibited at all times.
9. Pets must be leashed at all times while in the park. Horseback camping is not permitted. Horses are allowed on the Grassy Gap Fire Road during the day.
10. All human waste must be buried at least 6 inches deep and at least 100 feet from any stream. Pack out all diapers, tampons, and sanitary napkins in a sealed plastic bag.
11. Campsite improvements such as bough beds and trenching around tents is prohibited, as is the use of nails or spikes in trees for clotheslines, shelter construction or hanging lanterns.
12. Bathing or washing dishes or utensils in streams is prohibited. All unprotected water should be treated before consuming.
13. Food and other scented items must be in bear-proof containers or hung in a tree at least 10 feet above the ground and 4 feet from the trunk of the tree.
Do not print your permit until you have confirmed you will be completing your backcountry trip. Once the permit has been printed you can not cancel or modify the reservation.
Permits must be printed and carried on your person. You must write the permit number on a sheet of paper and place it on the dash of all vehicles covered by the permit.
This is Black Bear Country, practice Bear Safety and store all food, toiletry items and anything a scent properly. Bear Safety on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Cell phones most likely do not work in this area.
Check InTime is 3PM and Check Out Time is 12 Noon.
Natural Features
Venture into one of the Parkway’s more rugged areas at Rocky Knob. Hike through forests, explore mountain ridges, or enjoy spring wildflowers and rhododendrons. Rock Castle Creek, Little Rock Castle Creek and many other streams and creeks abound. Bare Rocks and other geological outcrops and long distance views from the upper elevations of the Rock Castle Gorge Trail are sure to please. Plenty of wildlife including black bears.
Nearby Attractions
Floyd, VA is less than 8 miles away, known for eclectic shops, mountain music venues and great places to eat along with grocery stores, variety stores and pharmacies.Visit Floyd Virginia
Recreation
Hiking, sightseeing, majestic Blue Ridge Parkway views and simple relaxation are all in store in the Rocky Knob Recreational Area.
Contact Information
Mailing
C/O REVENUE AND FEE BUSINESS SPECIALIST BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY 199 HEMPHILL KNOB RAOD ASHEVILLE NC 28803
Physical
Rocky Knob Recreational Area Milepost 167.1 Blue Ridge Parkway Floyd VA 24091
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 828-348-3490
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
It really depends on where you decide to park.
The closest place to park is at the end of Virginia State Road 605, also known as CC Camp Lane. State Road 605 is gravel and turns into mostly dirt near the campground parking area which is not too far past where state road maintenance ends. State Road 605 is directly off Virginia State Highway 8 which runs from Stuart, Virginia from the South to Floyd, VA on the North.
Other locations to park are along the Blue Ridge Parkway as follows:
Rocky Knob Campground - Milepost 167
The Saddle Overlook - Milepost 168
The Rock Castle Gorge Overlook - Milepost 168.7
The Rocky Knob Visitor Center - Milepost 169
The Twelve O'clock Overlook - Milepost 169
The Blue Ridge Parkway runs from close to Waynesboro, VA (Milepost 1) on the North to close to Cherokee, NC (Milepost 469) on the South, Virginia Highway 8 provides the closest access to this area of the Parkway at Milepost 165.
Available Campsites
- Site 6, Loop Rock Castle Gorge, Type Hike To
- Site 8, Loop Rock Castle Gorge, Type Hike To
- Site 4, Loop Rock Castle Gorge, Type Hike To
- Site 5, Loop Rock Castle Gorge, Type Hike To
- Site 3, Loop Rock Castle Gorge, Type Hike To
- Site 1, Loop Rock Castle Gorge, Type Hike To
- Site 2, Loop Rock Castle Gorge, Type Hike To
- Site 7, Loop Rock Castle Gorge, Type Hike To
