How much does camping cost at Doughton Park Campground?

Camping fees at Doughton Park Campground are $30 - $45/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Doughton Park Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Doughton Park Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Doughton Park Campground before I book?

Yes! Doughton Park Campground has 15 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve.

What is the best time to visit Doughton Park Campground?

Doughton Park Campground is open May 22 to October 25. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Doughton Park Campground?

Doughton Park Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Doughton Park Campground have?

Doughton Park Campground has 121 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Doughton Park Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Doughton Park Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Doughton Park Campground?

Doughton Park Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Doughton Park Campground?

Popular activities at Doughton Park Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Doughton Park Campground

4.45

266 reviews

Milepost 239 Blue Ridge Parkway

C+Report Card

Quick Facts

3,688 ft

Price

$30 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

121 campsites

Season

Open June 13, 2025, ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

3,688 ft

Price

$30 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

121 campsites

Season

Open June 13, 2025, ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Doughton Park Campground

$30.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $45.00; RV NONELECTRIC: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov...

Group Site Fee$45.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

336-372-8877Dave_Bauer@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Milepost 239 Blue Ridge Parkway

Doughton Park Campground

Milepost 239 Blue Ridge Parkway

Nearby places

Sparta, NC (approx. distance not explicitly stated)

Mount Airy, NC (exact distance not provided but cited as Andy Griffith’s hometown at milepost 239 of Blue Ridge Parkway).

Driving directionsFrom Charlotte: Take I-77 North. Merge onto US-21-BYP N via EXIT 83 on the left toward Roaring Gap/Sparta. Go 2.9 miles. Merge onto US-21. Go 18.1 miles. Turn left to take the Parkway South ramp. Turn south onto Blue Ridge Parkway. Go 10 miles to Doughton Park Campground. From Raleigh: Take I-40 West. Merge onto US-421 North via EXIT 188 toward Yadkinville/Wilkesboro. Go 28.3 miles. Merge onto I-77 N via EXIT 265A toward Elkin. Go 10.1 miles. Merge onto US-21-BYP N via EXIT 83 on the left toward Roaring Gap/Sparta. Go 2.9 miles. Merge onto US-21. Go 18.1 miles. Turn left to take the Parkway South ramp. Turn south onto Blue Ridge Parkway. Go 10 miles to Doughton Park Campground. GPS devices and mapping programs may lead campers onto steep grades and gravel/dirt country roads unsuitable for RV or trailer travel.

Weather at Doughton Park Campground

Best Time to Camp at Doughton Park Campground

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the park’s standout benefit: peak mountain foliage and crisp, comfortable weather for hiking and photography. Daytime highs are commonly in the 50s–60s°F with chilly nights dropping into the 30s–40s°F, producing brilliant color from late September through mid–October. Trails, ridgeline meadows and wildlife-viewing opportunities are at their best, though mid-October weekends can be noticeably busier. Peak months: October, September, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Standout season: 'a must for fall camping' with peak foliage and crisp weather.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to October 25. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open June 13, 2025, to October 26, 2025, for reservations. Closed outside this period.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Doughton Park Campground

Doughton Park Campground sits in the Blue Ridge foothills along the Blue Ridge Parkway, operated by the National Park Service. The large campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group sites with flush toilets, a dump station, and potable water. Visitors hike the surrounding trails, fish nearby streams, and watch wildlife in ridgeline meadows, with fall foliage drawing the heaviest crowds from late September through mid-October.

The campground accommodates tent camping, RVs, group camping, and primitive camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the park’s standout benefit: peak mountain foliage and crisp, comfortable weather for hiking and photography. Daytime highs are commonly in the 50s–60s°F with chilly nights dropping into the 30s–40s°F, producing brilliant color from late September through mid–October. Trails, ridgeline meadows and wildlife-viewing opportunities are at their best, though mid-October weekends can be noticeably busier. Peak months: October, September, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation3688 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a slice of Doughton Park's 7,000 acres, where ridgetop meadows drop sharply into forested slopes. White-tailed deer appear regularly at dawn. Red foxes, raccoons, and occasional bobcats leave tracks on trails. Spring brings flame azalea and rhododendron blooms. July's Dense Blazing Stars add purple color to the meadows. The Bluffs picnic area offers clear night skies for stargazing when light pollution cooperates.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges are available at the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesHistoric sites like Brinegar Cabin offer weaving demos and craft shows during summer, along with ranger talks at evening programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum of 30 nights per visit, total of 30 nights per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Single site use limited to six people unless designated for group camping.

Groups

Maximum of 20 people and 2 vehicles per group site. Minimum of 12 people required.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, app, or contact center; group reservations available.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites with accessible walkways and restroom access are available. "We used an accessible site with hard walkways to our pit and the restrooms.

Site SizeSites are described as small by many user reviews, with some unable to fit campers or large tents. "Tent pads are small and overgrown.

PrivacyReviews are mixed: some praise privacy ('Site 9 is awesome and very private') while others criticize the close proximity of sites ('Camp sites are too close together').

Total Campsites121 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid site A9’s wood stairs due to slipperiness; use stone stairs instead. Choose A01 or A02 for solar access and proximity to road for midweek stays.

Best CampsitesSite A09 gets praise for privacy and solar access. C86 draws compliments for views and a quiet setting. Multiple reviews warn that tent pads are small and overgrown, with some unable to fit large tents or campers.

Need help booking Doughton Park Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

There are no showers. No electric, water or sewer hook-ups are available.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Doughton Park Campground

Doughton Park offers 30 miles of trails ranging from easy to strenuous, historic sites like Brinegar Cabin and Caudill Cabin, trout fishing at Basin Cove Creek, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. "Over 30 miles of trails are available varying from strenuous to easy."

Hiking4.0/5

Over 30 miles of trails (Bluff Mountain 7.5 mi, Cedar Ridge 4.4 mi) with varied difficulty.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Regular white-tailed deer, foxes, raccoons and occasional bobcats; good meadow viewing.

Fishing3.5/5

Rainbow and Brook Trout are stocked in Basin Cove Creek; fishing is available but stream-sized.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Fall foliage, ridgelines, wildflowers and vistas are repeatedly highlighted for photos.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredProvided at campgrounds for bear safety; required for food and scented items.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

266 reviews

Recommended

Doughton Park Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews vary widely: positive mentions include cleanliness, quiet surroundings, and proximity to hiking trails. Complaints cover outdated facilities, small sites, and lawn maintenance.

Review Summaries

Based on 266 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 266 reviews.

Site A09Loved
Site A09 praised for privacy but warns of slippery wooden steps.
Site B41Loved
Site B41 lauded as quiet and spacious.

What Campers Love

Common praise includes beautiful scenery, friendly staff, and clean bathrooms. "This is the most beautiful and peaceful campground."

Based on 266 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints focus on small campsites, outdated bathrooms, and lack of maintenance. "Tent pads are small and overgrown."

Based on 266 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing food due to limited nearby options, using site-specific trails, and preparing for cooler temperatures. "Be sure to visit The Bluffs restaurant."

Based on 266 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is popular for cooler temperatures and hiking. Fall brings scenic foliage. Winter reviews are minimal due to seasonal closures.

Based on 266 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campground is neat, clean and well-kept." "Camp sites are shaded under thick trees and provide lantern posts and grills." "No showers are available."

Based on 266 reviews