Rocky Knob Campground

4.55

284 reviews

Milepost 167.1 Blue Ridge Parkway

Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Featured in:Camping Near Blue Ridge Parkway#1 Fall Camping Forest Camping

Quick Facts

3,094 ft

Price

$30 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

106 campsites

Season

Open from June 13 to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

3,094 ft

Price

$30 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

106 campsites

Season

Open from June 13 to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Rocky Knob Campground

$30.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $30.00 for standard nonelectric sites to $45.00 for group tent-only area nonelectric during peak season.

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$45.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

540-745-9664

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What Campers Say

4.55

Top-Rated

Based on 284 reviews

52 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhikingstafffriendly

Some mention

unlevelreservation

"Rocky Knob Campground is praised for its scenic beauty, cleanliness, and friendly staff. However, common criticisms include lack of showers, unlevel sites, and outdated bathrooms. The campground offers a tranquil experience, with live music and ample hiking opportunities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Milepost 167.1 Blue Ridge Parkway

Rocky Knob Campground

Milepost 167.1 Blue Ridge Parkway

Driving directionsRocky Knob Campground is located at Milepost 167.1 on Blue Ridge Parkway, 1.8 miles south of the intersection of the Parkway and State Route 8, about 8 miles (13 km) from the town of Floyd, or about 90 minutes south of Roanoke by car. Visitors are advised that directions from resources like Google Maps and GPS devices are not always correct and should be double-checked.

Located directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the campground is easily accessible by paved roads. Seasonal closures and navigation errors from GPS systems may occur, so double-check your directions.

Nearby places

Floyd: 8 miles (13 km), Mount Airy, North Carolina: 30 miles.

Nearby supplies

The town of Floyd is 8 miles away and provides food, gas, entertainment, and lodging. Additional supplies may be available in Mount Airy.

Best Time to Camp at Rocky Knob Campground

At Rocky Knob, mountain breezes carry the crisp, clean air that defines high-elevation camping, where temperatures remain refreshingly cool even during summer months. The campground transforms with each season, but autumn steals the show when the surrounding forests explode into a breathtaking tapestry of gold, crimson, and amber—a photographer's dream and nature lover's paradise that draws visitors from across the country.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 14% in US

Open in summer with live music, interpretive programs and cool mountain breezes; popular season.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 6% in US

Autumn praised for beautiful foliage and cool weather; top season for scenic views.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Seasonal opening begins mid-June; spring availability is not applicable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground is closed outside June 13–Oct 26; winter camping not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 13 - October 26.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from June 13 to October 26 during peak season.
Current Alerts: No active alerts were listed.

About Rocky Knob Campground

Perched along the legendary Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia, Rocky Knob Campground invites adventurers to immerse themselves in a mountain paradise where RV sites nestle alongside tent-friendly spots, and backcountry escapes await the intrepid. Here, winding trails beckon you through ancient forests and across sun-dappled meadows, offering endless opportunities to explore one of the most scenic corridors in the eastern United States.

Rocky Knob Campground accommodates various camping styles, including RV, tent, group sites, and primitive backcountry camping.

Historical SignificanceAs one of the pioneering campgrounds along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Rocky Knob holds stories within its boundaries that stretch back generations. Wandering the grounds, you'll discover whispers of the past in weathered stone chimneys standing sentinel in the forest and remnants of old apple orchards where mountain families once harvested fruit beneath these same peaks—tangible connections to the hardy souls who called these mountains home.

Weather and SeasonsAt Rocky Knob, mountain breezes carry the crisp, clean air that defines high-elevation camping, where temperatures remain refreshingly cool even during summer months. The campground transforms with each season, but autumn steals the show when the surrounding forests explode into a breathtaking tapestry of gold, crimson, and amber—a photographer's dream and nature lover's paradise that draws visitors from across the country.

ElevationRising from 1,700 feet to a breathtaking 3,500 feet above sea level, Rocky Knob offers a vertical journey through diverse mountain ecosystems. This dramatic elevation change, sculpted by the nearby Rock Castle Gorge, creates a natural playground where hikers can experience multiple climate zones in a single day's adventure.

Natural Features and SceneryEmbraced by more than 4,000 acres of pristine forest, Rocky Knob showcases nature's artistry at every turn. The dramatic Rock Castle Gorge carves through the landscape below, its ancient walls glittering with crystalline quartz formations that catch the light like natural jewels. Wildflower meadows paint the hillsides with seasonal color, while panoramic vistas reveal layer upon layer of blue-hazed ridges stretching to the horizon.

Geological RegionRocky Knob sits proudly within the ancient Blue Ridge Mountains, a landscape where time moves differently among the rolling meadowlands and emerald pastures of the greater Appalachian region. The spectacular Rock Castle Gorge serves as the area's geological centerpiece, its walls embedded with sparkling crystalline quartz that tells the story of millions of years of mountain-building forces, creating a natural wonderland that captivates geologists and casual observers alike.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in begins at 12:00 PM.

Check-out

Check-out ends at 11:00 AM.

Stay Limit

Maximum of 30 nights per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 6 people per standard site.

Groups

Group sites can accommodate 12 to 20 people. If reserved with fewer than 12 people, staff may move campers to regular sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground includes reserved and non-reserved sites organized into loops, with RV pull-through sites and tent-specific pads.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov.

Walk-in Availability62 sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but their availability cannot be tracked online and must be booked in person at the campground kiosk.

Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies, with forfeiture of the first night's fee for cancellations made after midnight the day before arrival.

AccessibilityMinimal. Some reviews mention steep stairs and narrow roads, which may challenge accessibility.

Site SizeVaries. Some sites are noted as spacious, while others are described as tight or unlevel.

PrivacyMixed. Reviewers appreciated the spacing of some sites, while others noted close proximity to neighbors.

Total Campsites106 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites with level ground for tents and avoid those near the loop roads to minimize disturbances.

Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Rocky Knob Campground offers activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, interpretive talks, live music events, and nearby attractions like Mabry Mill and Floyd town.

HikingHiking trails include the challenging 10.8-mile Rock Castle Gorge Trail with elevations ranging from 1,700 to 3,572 feet and the moderate 3-mile Black Ridge Trail accessible from the visitor center.

BikingNearby Tuggle Gap Road is highlighted by user reviews for its smooth surface and challenging hills with minimal traffic.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with sightings of deer and bears noted in reviews. Users recommend caution and proper food storage.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsInterpretive talks around the Gorge and trails are conducted, focusing on historical and ecological significance.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears frequent the area, requiring strict food storage rules. Seasonal wind and cold can also pose challenges.

Active AlertsNo active alerts were listed.

Food Storage RequiredLockers are provided to protect food from wildlife, including bears, and must be used for all scented items.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed in designated rings with restrictions on firewood types.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 9:00 PM to 8:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesMount Airy, North Carolina, approximately 30 miles away, offers medical facilities.

Trash & RecyclingTrash bins are available but noted to have heavy lids, which may be difficult for children or some adults to use.

Water FeaturesClose to Rock Castle Gorge and Rock Castle Creek.

Camp HostFred and Linda, regular campground hosts, receive high praise from campers for their friendly demeanor and helpfulness.

Weather at Rocky Knob Campground

Reviews

4.6

284 reviews

Top-Rated

Rocky Knob Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Rocky Knob Campground is praised for its scenic beauty, cleanliness, and friendly staff. However, common criticisms include lack of showers, unlevel sites, and outdated bathrooms. The campground offers a tranquil experience, with live music and ample hiking opportunities.

Review Summaries

Based on 284 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic beauty, clean facilities, friendly staff, live music events, and excellent hiking trails.

Based on 284 reviews

Common Concerns

No showers, unlevel or small sites, lack of lighting in bathrooms, and heavy trash bin lids.

Based on 284 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring flashlights for night bathroom use, soap for the restrooms, and leveling blocks for RVs. Choose sites near restrooms for convenience.

Based on 284 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer offers live music and interpretive programs, while autumn is praised for its beautiful foliage and cool weather. Winter camping reviews are limited but note wind challenges.

Based on 284 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Campground hosts were extremely friendly and helpful. Restrooms were kept spotless." - Gregg D. 2. "The campground is gorgeous, nearby beautiful hikes along the Blue Ridge Parkway." - Maria M. 3....

Based on 284 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site T28: Close to restrooms but has slopes, noted for its large yard. Site T25: Spacious with a great view but requires leveling for RVs.

Based on 284 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews highlight narrow roads and steep stairs as potential challenges. Bathrooms lack lighting, which may impact accessibility.

Based on 284 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-friendly. Users enjoyed camping with pets but noted bears frequent the area, requiring caution.

Based on 284 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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