Backpack Parking Campground

Star5.00
9 reviews
Backpack Parking Campground
Scenic Views

Quick Facts

4,341 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens Fairfax County Park Authority site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Backpack Parking Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
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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What Campers Say

5.00

Top-Rated

Based on 9 reviews

96 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsscenery

Some mention

reservation
Read all reviews

Campground Map

Backpack Parking Campground

Backpack Parking Campground

36.6398, -81.4863


Best Time to Camp at Backpack Parking Campground

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summertime access to balds and AT trails is likely excellent; limited review data.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

High-elevation meadows and hardwoods likely provide strong fall color viewing.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring offers trails and alpine blooms but can be variable/muddy; specifics not given.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Elevation implies snow potential, but winter access, services, and trail conditions are unspecified.

Planning Tips

    About Backpack Parking Campground

    The park is home to plenty of wildlife and offers camping, picnic shelters, lodging, boat launches and numerous types of trails. Canoeing is popular here.
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    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.

    Weather at Backpack Parking Campground

    Reviews

    5.0
    9 reviews
    Top-Rated
    Top-Rated
    Backpack Parking Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Review Summaries
    Based on 9 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Campers and backpackers appreciate having a **designated, reservable overnight parking area** close to Massie Gap, which guarantees a spot and reduces long walks along busy roads to reach the...
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    Based on 9 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Backpackers emphasize that **backcountry tent camping is not allowed inside Grayson Highlands State Park**, except that you may sleep in Wise Shelter itself; tent camping must occur over the boundary...
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    Based on 9 reviews

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    Last updated January 5, 2026
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