Linville Falls Campground
4.25151 reviewsMilepost 316.3 Blue Ridge Parkway
Linville Falls Campground
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Exact fee details are limited but individual campsite-use fees are reported to be $30 per night, excluding reservation and service fees.
About this campground
Nestled along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, Linville Falls Campground offers families the perfect basecamp for mountain adventures. Whether you're setting up a tent under towering pines or parking your RV with panoramic views, you'll find yourself just a short hike away from the thundering Linville Falls and the dramatic depths of Linville Gorge. This beloved campground combines the comfort of modern amenities with immediate access to some of North Carolina's most breathtaking natural wonders.
Linville Falls Campground supports primitive, tent, RV, and group camping, with limited facilities and parking challenges.
Historical SignificanceThe Blue Ridge Parkway winds through lands steeped in centuries of human history. From ancient Cherokee hunting grounds to the hardscrabble homesteads of early European settlers, these mountains tell stories of resilience and adaptation. Historic sites dotted along the parkway reveal the rich tapestry of Appalachian mountain culture, where generations carved out lives among these ancient peaks, leaving behind stone walls, old chimneys, and tales that echo through the hollows.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings warm, pleasant days with temperatures climbing from the low 70s to the mid-90s, perfect for hiking and exploring. As evening falls, the mountain air cools to a refreshing 50 degrees, ideal for campfire gatherings and stargazing. July often delivers afternoon thunderstorms that roll through the mountains, bringing dramatic skies and the fresh scent of rain-washed pine. Pack layers and rain gear to fully enjoy the dynamic mountain weather that makes each day an adventure.
ElevationPerched high in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the campground offers the refreshing climate and stunning vistas that come with mountain elevation, where crisp air and cooler temperatures provide welcome relief from summer heat.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a world where ancient hemlocks and towering white pines create a natural cathedral overhead. The campground is embraced by a diverse forest where mighty oaks and hickories paint the landscape in brilliant colors each fall. Spring transforms the forest floor into a wildflower wonderland, with trilliums, bloodroot, and lady slippers emerging from the rich mountain soil. Every campsite offers its own window into this living ecosystem, where birdsong fills the morning air and fireflies dance through summer evenings.
Geological RegionLinville Falls Campground serves as your gateway to one of the East's most dramatic geological wonders. The surrounding Blue Ridge region showcases ancient mountains carved by millions of years of wind and water. Just minutes away, the Linville Gorge plunges nearly 2,000 feet through quartzite cliffs, earning its nickname as 'The Grand Canyon of North Carolina.' This rugged wilderness, wrapped in dense pine forests and punctuated by exposed rock faces, offers visitors a glimpse into the raw power of geological forces that shaped these timeless mountains.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible grills and campsites are provided, but general accessibility issues persist with limited parking and narrow spaces.
Sites SizeCampground sites range in size, with pull-through and back-in sites available. Some sites are reported as spacious, while others are deemed small or poorly maintained.
Sites PrivacySites lack substantial privacy, with some located in open fields or closely spaced. One user noted, "Zero privacy...actually makes you feel like you are stalking your neighbor!"
Total Campsites64 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRiver-adjacent sites preferred for scenic views; A25 described as open and sunny but requiring shade.
Best CampsitesMany reviewers praise sites near the river, such as B41 and A16.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
- 30 nights maximum per visit or per year
- reservations capped at four per transaction.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each site accommodates up to 6 guests unless specified for group camping.
Groups
Group sites support up to 20 people minimum of 12, with flexible tent placement. "Parking at the group sites can be tricky if you have several cars," noted one user.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground divided into loops with RV and tent sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in Availability25 first-come, first-served campsites available; status cannot be tracked online.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are subject to a $10 fee along with potential forfeiture of the first night's fees if canceled late.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
A hub for outdoor activities, Linville Falls Campground offers hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and access to nearby attractions like Linville Gorge and Linville Caverns. The river and waterfall views are key draws, but activities at the campground itself are limited.
Hiking
Hiking is highly praised, with trails ranging from easy loops to challenging descents into Linville Gorge. These include "the upper falls trail is great for everyone while the lower falls trail is more of an advanced hike," as noted by a user.Fishing
Fishing is permitted, particularly for trout in native brook trout waters. "Great trout fishing too," mentioned one reviewer about the Linville River.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight, particularly hawks and peregrine falcons at Lost Cove Cliff Overlook.Cultural and Educational Programs
The campground hosts ranger programs that are well-attended and receive positive feedback, such as "The ranger did a nice job and the program was well attended."Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specifically highlighted in reviews.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not specifically mentioned as available at this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed in designated rings.
- Quiet hours are From 9 PM to 8 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity reported, requiring strict food storage rules.
Active alertsRoad construction reported near Milepost 216, causing detours.
Weather forecast
54
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 79%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are present, but specific details like location and pickup schedules are not clearly stated in user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresLinville River runs alongside the campground; fishing opportunities available.
Common complaintsReviews frequently cite unclean restrooms, lack of showers, overgrown grass, and maintenance issues.
HostHosts described as helpful and accommodating in recent reviews.
Campground Map
Milepost 316.3 Blue Ridge Parkway
Driving directionsFrom I-40 East, take Highway 221 north to the Blue Ridge Parkway at Linville Falls. Go north for one mile to Linville Falls Spur Road, located at Milepost 317, and continue a half mile to the campground.
Visitors have described road access issues due to detours on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Milepost 216. Directions recommend ignoring detour signs and continuing to the campground.Nearby places
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Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.3
151 reviews
Linville Falls Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Linville Falls Campground are mixed, with strong praise for its scenic location and hiking access but consistent complaints about poorly maintained facilities, lack of showers, and limited parking.
Review Summaries
Based on 151 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include "beautiful campground," "proximity to Linville Gorge," and "friendly and helpful hosts." Many users appreciated the peace and quiet and scenic views.
Based on 151 reviewsCommon Concerns
Frequent complaints include "bathrooms filthy," "water brown," "grass overgrown," and "limited parking." Users also noted issues with noise from generators and inconsiderate neighbors.
Based on 151 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Recommendations include bringing bottled water due to poor water quality, arriving early to secure first-come-first-served sites, and being prepared for primitive camping without showers or hookups.
Based on 151 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Users report beautiful fall foliage and comfortable summer temperatures, while winter reviews are sparse. Fall is considered a peak season for its vibrant leaf colors.
Based on 151 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Flushable toilets were a gift." "Bathrooms were disgusting—never cleaned." "Great trout fishing." "Firefly show in the meadow was breathtaking." "Friendly campground hosts." "No privacy—felt like...
Based on 151 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site A16 is criticized for privacy issues and awkward fire ring placement. Site A25 is appreciated for its meadow location and firefly views. Group sites receive praise for flexibility but are noted...
Based on 151 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features like accessible grills and campsites are present, but parking and narrow spaces remain challenges for some users.
Based on 151 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and users enjoy bringing dogs to hike the trails and enjoy the area.
Based on 151 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025