Julian Price Campground

4.42

503 reviews

Milepost 297 Blue Ridge Parkway

Summer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Blue Ridge Parkway#2

Quick Facts

3,425 ft

Price

$3 - $9/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

190 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

3,425 ft

Price

$3 - $9/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

190 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Julian Price Campground

$3.00 - $9.00 / night

Campsite Fees

A variable reservation fee applies: $9 if booked via contact center, $8 via app or online system, and $3 in person.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

828-963-5911

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What Campers Say

4.42

Recommended

Based on 503 reviews

239 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsshowershikinglake

Some mention

crowded

"User reviews highlight the stunning natural beauty, convenient hiking trails, and peaceful lake views as positive features of Julian Price Campground. However, many reviews also point to issues such as restroom cleanliness, crowded campsites, and lack of enforcement of quiet hours."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Milepost 297 Blue Ridge Parkway

Julian Price Campground

Milepost 297 Blue Ridge Parkway

Driving directionsFrom Asheville, North Carolina, head east on I-40 E for approximately 20 miles to exit 72 for US-70E. At the top of the exit ramp, continue straight onto US-70 E and drive for 11 miles to the intersection with US-221 N. Turn left (north) onto US-221 N and continue for 21.6 miles. At the sign for the Blue Ridge Parkway, turn right onto the connector road. At the stop sign marking the intersection with the Parkway, turn left (north) and drive for approximately 22 miles until you see the Campground Registration Kiosk on the left side of the road. From Boone, North Carolina, head south onto US-321 S and drive for 6.3 miles. At the sign for the Blue Ridge Parkway, turn right onto the connector road. At the stop sign marking the intersection with the Parkway, turn left (south) and drive for 4.4 miles until you see the campground on the right. From Blowing Rock, North Carolina, take Main Street until you reach the intersection with US-221 S. Turn south onto US-221 S and drive for 1.6 miles. At the sign for the Blue Ridge Parkway, turn right onto the connector road. At the stop sign marking the intersection with the Parkway, turn left (south) and drive approximately 2 miles until you see the campground on the right.

Accessible via paved roads from Asheville, Boone, and Blowing Rock. Roads are well-maintained but may have seasonal closures. Campers should monitor detour updates.

Nearby places

Asheville: 74 miles, approximately 1.5 hours. Boone: 11 miles, approximately 20 minutes. Blowing Rock: 7 miles, approximately 15 minutes.

Nearby supplies

Blowing Rock, NC (7 miles away) offers dining, shopping, and resupply options. Boone, NC (11 miles away) features larger grocery stores and general camping supplies. Price Lake Boat Rentals sells firewood and limited snacks.

Best Time to Camp at Julian Price Campground

Experience the full drama of Appalachian weather at Julian Price, where each season paints the landscape with its own distinct palette. Summer brings warm days perfect for lake activities, while spring and autumn offer crisp, refreshing temperatures ideal for hiking. Mountain rains sweep through regularly, adding a mystical quality to the forest and filling the air with the scent of pine and earth. Winter occasionally blankets the campground in snow, transforming it into a quiet wonderland where temperatures can swing dramatically from mild afternoons to frosty nights.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Warm days and lake activities make summer attractive; noted as a cool escape from lowlands.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 25% in US

Fall foliage and crisp weather are frequently highlighted in reviews as a major draw.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring wildflowers (trilliums, bloodroot) and positive spring review signal; trails are active.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Open year-round but winter reviews sparse and limited activities noted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season details unavailable.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round. Primitive camping at Johns River Road available May-October.
Current Alerts: Temporary road closures may affect access from Boone. The lake may be drained periodically due to dam repairs.

About Julian Price Campground

Nestled along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, Julian Price Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of accessibility and wilderness charm. This sprawling mountain retreat offers 190 campsites split between 75 reservable spots and 115 first-come-first-served sites, accommodating both tent campers and RV travelers. The jewel of the campground is its proximity to the serene Price Lake, where morning mist dances across the water and countless trails wind through the surrounding forest, creating endless opportunities for wildlife encounters and mountain adventures.

Julian Price Campground accommodates tents, RVs, and primitive campers, with designated areas for group camping. "Loop A is mostly tent sites," while RVs are concentrated in loops like F and E.

Historical SignificanceJulian Price Campground sits as a gateway to Appalachian heritage along the legendary Blue Ridge Parkway, America's favorite scenic drive. Just minutes away, the historic Moses Cone Flat Top Manor stands as a testament to the Gilded Age, offering glimpses into the region's past. The Parkway itself serves as a 469-mile ribbon connecting two crown jewels of the National Park system - Shenandoah to the north and the Great Smoky Mountains to the south - making the campground a perfect base for exploring this culturally rich corridor.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full drama of Appalachian weather at Julian Price, where each season paints the landscape with its own distinct palette. Summer brings warm days perfect for lake activities, while spring and autumn offer crisp, refreshing temperatures ideal for hiking. Mountain rains sweep through regularly, adding a mystical quality to the forest and filling the air with the scent of pine and earth. Winter occasionally blankets the campground in snow, transforming it into a quiet wonderland where temperatures can swing dramatically from mild afternoons to frosty nights.

ElevationPerched high in the cool embrace of the Appalachian highlands, the campground offers that quintessential mountain camping experience where the air feels lighter and the stars shine brighter. Though specific elevation markers await discovery, visitors immediately sense they've climbed into a different world where mountain breezes carry the whispers of ancient peaks.

Natural Features and SceneryA cathedral of towering hemlocks and white pines creates a natural sanctuary around Julian Price Campground, while hickories, oaks, and birches add layers to this diverse forest tapestry. Spring arrives in bursts of wildflower color - trilliums, bloodroot, and mountain laurel painting the understory. Come autumn, the campground transforms into a photographer's paradise as the deciduous canopy explodes in fiery reds and burnished oranges. At the heart of it all, Price Lake mirrors the sky and surrounding peaks, offering peaceful paddling waters and scenic shoreline walks.

Geological RegionJulian Price Campground rests within North Carolina's ancient Appalachian Mountains, where billions of years of geological history have sculpted the distinctive Blue Ridge landscape. The campground embraces the gentle curves of Carolina's rolling hills, surrounded by a rich deciduous forest ecosystem. Here, massive hemlocks and white pines tower above a diverse understory of oak, hickory, and birch, while seasonal wildflowers carpet the forest floor. Each autumn, this geological wonderland becomes nature's grandest theater as the mountains dress in spectacular shades of red, orange, and gold.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Official check-in starts at 12:00 PM.

Check-out

Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay: 30 nights. Maximum yearly stay: 30 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Sites are limited to six people unless designated as group camping.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutOrganized into multiple loops (A, B, C, D, E, F). Loop A is near the lake and tent-only; Loop F offers privacy.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov website, app, or contact center.

Walk-in Availability115 sites are first-come, first-served. Availability must be checked in person at the kiosk.

Cancellation Policy$10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations for individual campsites incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's fees. Modifications to reservation dates may cost an additional $10.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites are available, including paved parking and paved roads in some loops. Loop D offers accessible shower facilities.

Site SizeMixed sizes ranging from small tent pads to larger RV sites. "The RV sites are generally level and easy to access," reported several reviews.

PrivacyPrivacy varies across loops. Many campers noted that sites are closely packed together, reducing privacy. However, some loops (e.g., F loop) are secluded with rhododendron providing natural barriers.

Total Campsites190 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy, choose sites in Loop F. Lakefront sites in Loop A are ideal for scenic views. Avoid sites near bathrooms if noise is a concern.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Activities you can enjoy

Julian Price Campground is a hub for outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and more. From serene lake activities to challenging trails, this campground offers diverse options suitable for all experience levels.

HikingThe campground offers direct access to trails such as Price Lake Trail, Boone Fork, Green Knob, and Tanawha Trails. "Boone Fork Trail might be one of my favorite all-time hikes," remarked a camper. Trails vary in difficulty, ranging from flat loops around the lake to strenuous paths with creek crossings.

FishingFishing opportunities are available at Price Lake, with a dock provided. "The fishing was great," noted one camper. However, reports indicate fish populations may have been impacted by dam-related draining.

BoatingCanoe and kayak rentals are available at Price Lake. Non-motorized boats are permitted. "The canoeing and kayaking rentals are very convenient and enjoyable," highlighted one user.

Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings include deer, bears, turkeys, and various birds. "We had deer come through camp several times," recounted a camper. Viewing opportunities are abundant along trails and near the lake.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity in the area. Campers are advised to keep a clean site and store food items securely. Slippery trails during rainfall.

Active AlertsTemporary road closures may affect access from Boone. The lake may be drained periodically due to dam repairs.

Food Storage RequiredFood lockers provided at sites to deter bear activity. Specific dimensions or fee details unavailable.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed in designated fire rings. Firewood must comply with USDA regulations.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 9 PM to 8 AM.

Emergency ServicesHospital: Watauga Medical Center in Boone, NC (11 miles away). Police: Boone Police Department (11 miles away). Ranger Station: Sandy Flats Ranger Station (contact number: 828-348-3490).

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are centralized near the campground entrance, requiring a drive from most loops. "It would be nice to have trash facilities closer to the loops," stated one camper. Recycling bins are available.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Price Lake, ideal for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. No swimming allowed.

Camp HostHosts available on-site during operating season. Reports indicate mixed experiences with staff behavior.

Weather at Julian Price Campground

Reviews

4.4

503 reviews

Recommended

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

User reviews highlight the stunning natural beauty, convenient hiking trails, and peaceful lake views as positive features of Julian Price Campground. However, many reviews also point to issues such as restroom cleanliness, crowded campsites, and lack of enforcement of quiet hours.

Review Summaries

Based on 503 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers frequently praised the campground for its beautiful setting, proximity to hiking trails, and lake views. "Absolutely stunning views of the lake," remarked one camper. The hot showers in Loop...

Based on 503 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints included poorly maintained restroom facilities, crowded sites with little privacy, and noisy neighbors during peak times. "Restroom cleanliness fluctuates depending on season and...

Based on 503 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend choosing sites carefully based on needs for privacy or proximity to amenities. "Bring your own soap," advised one user due to inconsistencies in restroom supplies. Mid-week visits...

Based on 503 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall reviews often highlight the vibrant foliage and crisp weather, while summer reviews favor the cool escape from lower elevations. Winter reviews are sparse, suggesting that the campground may see...

Based on 503 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Boone Fork Trail might be one of my favorite all-time hikes," "We had deer come through camp several times." "Absolutely stunning views of the lake." "Restroom cleanliness fluctuates depending on...

Based on 503 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific sites such as A9 and A22 are recommended for lakeside views, while reviews of Loop F highlight privacy. "Lakefront spots like A9 are unbeatable," noted one camper.

Based on 503 reviews

Accessibility Features

Loop D offers accessible shower rooms, and paved paths are available in some areas. Reviews highlight the convenience of accessible facilities but express concerns about restroom maintenance.

Based on 503 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and the campground is noted as being dog-friendly. "The place has a great view of the mountains and is dog-friendly," shared one camper.

Based on 503 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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