How much does camping cost at Johns River Road Backcountry Camping?

Camping fees at Johns River Road Backcountry Camping range from $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Johns River Road Backcountry Camping first-come first-served or reservation?

Johns River Road Backcountry Camping operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Johns River Road Backcountry Camping before I book?

Yes! Johns River Road Backcountry Camping has 8 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. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Johns River Road Backcountry Camping?

Johns River Road Backcountry Camping is open January 01 to December 31. 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 Johns River Road Backcountry Camping?

Johns River Road Backcountry Camping does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Johns River Road Backcountry Camping have?

Johns River Road Backcountry Camping has 2 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Johns River Road Backcountry Camping?

Pets are not allowed at Johns River Road Backcountry Camping. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

Johns River Road Backcountry Camping

Q: Can I have a campfire at Johns River Road Backcountry Camping?

Fire policies at Johns River Road Backcountry Camping: 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. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

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Quick Facts

3,379 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,379 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Johns River Road Backcountry Camping

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Primitive campsite: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(828) 276-2300blri_campgrounds@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Johns River Road Backcountry Camping

36.1503, -81.7332

Weather at Johns River Road Backcountry Camping

Current alerts(5)

Cell phones most likely do not work in this area.
Check InTime is 3PM and Check Out Time is 12 Noon.
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.

Best Time to Camp at Johns River Road Backcountry Camping

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of cooler daytime hiking temperatures (generally 50-65°F at this 3,379 ft elevation) and peak foliage on the Blue Ridge Parkway — mid- to late October is typically the color high point near Blowing Rock. Trails are dry and clear for multi-mile outings on the Mountains to Sea Trail and Boone Fork Trail, fishing is productive as trout move into cooler pools, and crowds are moderate compared with summer Parkway traffic. Expect chilly nights (30s–40s°F), crisp air, a Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 20% in US

Mid–late October brings peak foliage on the Parkway; described as the best window to visit.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Johns River Road Backcountry Camping

Johns River Road Backcountry Camping offers two primitive sites along the Mountains to Sea Trail near Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Perched at 3,379 feet elevation, each site holds up to 6 people for a maximum 3-night stay. Access is via Boone Fork Trail or Old John's River Road between mileposts 296-297 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Don't expect cell service.

Primitive backcountry camping along the Mountains to Sea Trail with two backcountry sites. Sites are accessible by hiking the Boone Fork Trail or via Old John’s River Road (Blue Ridge Parkway between mile 296 and 297). Maximum 6 people per site and max stay of 3 nights.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of cooler daytime hiking temperatures (generally 50-65°F at this 3,379 ft elevation) and peak foliage on the Blue Ridge Parkway — mid- to late October is typically the color high point near Blowing Rock. Trails are dry and clear for multi-mile outings on the Mountains to Sea Trail and Boone Fork Trail, fishing is productive as trout move into cooler pools, and crowds are moderate compared with summer Parkway traffic. Expect chilly nights (30s–40s°F), crisp air, a Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation3379 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe sites sit within Julian Price Memorial Park, surrounded by mixed hardwoods and evergreens. Boone Fork Creek runs nearby. Rhododendron thickets line the trails, and riparian zones border the mountain streams. Price Lake and Hebron Colony Falls. Where Boone Fork tumbles over rock ledges. Are both within hiking distance. The elevation and creek access support fishing and wildlife viewing, though the primitive setting means you're truly in backcountry territory.

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay length is 3 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum capacity is 6 people per site.

Groups

Two individual backcountry sites
maximum capacity 6 people per site (no information indicating dedicated group sites).

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site Size2 sites total; maximum capacity 6 people per site; maximum stay length 3 nights.

Total Campsites2 campsites

Recommended SitesBring an approved bear canister or be prepared to hang food properly. Purify all water before drinking. For hiking the Boone Fork Trail allow 3–4 hours, bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes due to stream crossings and uneven footing.

Amenities available

No toilets are available. All human waste must be buried a minimum of 6 inches deep and a minimum of 100 feet from any stream. All trash must be packed out. Water should be purified before consumption.

Fire rings

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Backcountry access with nearby Julian Price Memorial Park recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, and non-motorized boating. Natural areas feature hardwood and coniferous forests, creekside zones, and a lake.

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsNo toilets are available at the site.

Fire PolicyBackcountry 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

Trash & RecyclingAll trash must be packed out.

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Johns River Road Backcountry Camping has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

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Go if

Backpackers who want a legal, permitted base camp on the Blue Ridge Parkway for peak October color. The Boone Fork Trail (4.9 miles, strenuous) and Price Lake paddling are both within reach, and nights in the 30s–40s thin the crowds fast.

Skip if

No toilets, no water, no cell signal, and active bear activity mean this isn't a casual first-time backcountry spot. Also worth knowing: a handful of past visitors who weren't part of the local cultural mainstream reported experiences that made them feel unwelcome, something to w

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Julian Price Campground

Milepost 297 Blue Ridge Parkway

Julian Price Campground sits along the Blue Ridge Parkway at 3,425 feet in North Carolina's foothills, operated by the National Park Service. The campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with access to Price Lake for paddling and fishing, plus trailheads connecting to the parkway's extensive hiking network. Seasonal operation centers on peak months when the surrounding hardwood forest delivers dramatic fall color.