Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping
Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Campground is a primitive camp located along the Rock Castle Gorge Trail in the Rocky Knob Recreational Area which is part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Campsites can be reached from various points ranging in distance from 1/2 mile to 8 miles. The complete Rock Castle Gorge Trail is a 10.8 mile loop, there are several other loop trails that connect to it. Rock Castle Creek, Little Rock Castle Creek and many other streams and creeks meander along the trail and run right by the campground. Fishing requires a Virginia Fishing License, and the State of Virginia laws and regulations apply. The year-round campground has eight campsites.
More like this: reservable in Virginia · tent only in Virginia · pets allowed in Virginia
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Hike-in | 8 |
Site guide
8 sites. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Shade | Waterfront | People / vehicles | Fires |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Partial | Springs | 6 / 1 | Yes |
| 2 | Partial | Springs | 6 / 1 | Yes |
| 3 | Partial | Springs | 6 / 1 | Yes |
| 4 | Partial | Springs | 6 / 1 | No |
| 5 | Partial | Springs | 6 / 1 | Yes |
| 6 | Partial | Springs | 6 / 1 | Yes |
| 7 | Partial | Springs | 6 / 1 | Yes |
| 8 | Partial | Springs | 6 / 1 | Yes |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 3:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Equipment | Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
| Fees | Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Campground reservations are available on a 6-month rolling basis prior to planned start dates. The backcountry camping permit fee is $15 per night per site. Do not print your permit until you have confirmed you will be completing your backcountry trip. |
Campfire rings and food storage lockers are at each campsite. A portable toilet is available for campers. There is plenty of shade, Rock Castle Creek runs adjacent to the campground.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
It really depends on where you decide to park. The closest place to park is at the end of Virginia State Road 605, also known as CC Camp Lane. State Road 605 is gravel and turns into mostly dirt near the campground parking area which is not too far past where state road maintenance ends.
| Nearest town | Floyd, Virginia |
| Coordinates | 36.8064° N, 80.3364° W · Directions ↗ |
Supplies & services
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 1.8 mi |
| Outdoor gear | Fire Rescue and Tactical ↗ | 24.2 mi |
| RV sales & service | Camping World ↗ | 43.4 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Other campgrounds nearby
On the National Register nearby
- West Fork FurnaceHistoric district · Floyd · 2.9 mi
- Roberson MillBuilding · Floyd · 3.9 mi
- Jack's Creek Covered BridgeStructure · Woolwine · 4.5 mi
Natural features
Venture into one of the Parkway’s more rugged areas at Rocky Knob. Hike through forests, explore mountain ridges, or enjoy spring wildflowers and rhododendrons. Rock Castle Creek, Little Rock Castle Creek and many other streams and creeks abound. Bare Rocks and other geological outcrops and long distance views from the upper elevations of the Rock Castle Gorge Trail are sure to please. Plenty of wildlife including black bears.
Recreation
Hiking, sightseeing, majestic Blue Ridge Parkway views and simple relaxation are all in store in the Rocky Knob Recreational Area.
Nearby
Floyd, VA is less than 8 miles away, known for eclectic shops, mountain music venues and great places to eat along with grocery stores, variety stores and pharmacies. Visit Floyd Virginia
Guidebooks for Blue Ridge Parkway
We earn a small commission if you buy through these links. It does not change what we list.
Lonely Planet Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trips 2Amy C. Balfour and Virginia Maxwell, 2022Find at Bookshop.org- Hiking and Traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway, Revised and Expanded EditionLeonard M. Adkins and J. Richard Wells, 2018Find at Bookshop.org
Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping?
Sites at Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping?
Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Campground reservations are available on a 6-month rolling basis prior to planned start dates. The backcountry camping permit fee is $15 per night per site. Do not print your permit until you have confirmed you will be completing your backcountry trip.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping?
Check-in 3:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping have?
8 sites, including 8 hike-in sites.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I bring an RV to Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping?
Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping is listed for tents only.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are pets allowed at Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping?
Yes, pets are allowed at Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions.
Source: Recreation.gov
What is the nearest town to Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping?
Floyd, Virginia. Floyd, VA is less than 8 miles away, known for eclectic shops, mountain music venues and great places to eat along with grocery stores, variety stores and pharmacies.
Source: Getting there
What if Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Rocky Knob Campground (1.8 mi, partly first-come), Horseshoe Point (15.2 mi), and Goose Point (15.4 mi).
Source: Campgrounds nearby
Which national park is Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping in?
Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping is a Blue Ridge Parkway campground. Entrance fees, alerts, and hours are on Park Atlas.
Source: Blue Ridge Parkway