Boone, North Carolina, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering a range of scenic campgrounds nestled amidst the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains. These campgrounds provide an ideal base for exploring the region's natural wonders, from hiking trails to breathtaking waterfalls. Whether you're seeking a rustic tent-camping experience or a more comfortable RV site, Boone and its surroundings have much to offer. In this guide, we'll explore some of the best campgrounds near Boone, each with its unique features and attractions.
The Blue Ridge Parkway Campgrounds
The Blue Ridge Parkway, a stunning 469-mile scenic drive, offers several campgrounds within a short drive from Boone. These campgrounds provide easy access to the parkway’s many attractions, including scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and historic sites.
Doughton Park Campground
Doughton Park, located about 30 minutes from Boone, boasts a campground with 70 sites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs. The park offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and access to numerous hiking trails, including the famous Daniel Boone Scout Trail. The campground provides basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms and showers. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a peaceful mountain camping experience.
Julian Price Memorial Park Campground
Just over an hour’s drive from Boone, Julian Price Memorial Park offers a picturesque campground surrounded by dense forests and mountains. The campground features 90 sites, including both tent and RV areas, and provides access to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Blue Ridge Parkway National Parkway. Visitors can enjoy fishing in the park’s lake, hiking on the Tanawha Trail, and exploring the many scenic spots along the parkway.
Campground Amenities and Activities
Both Doughton Park and Julian Price Memorial Park campgrounds offer a range of amenities to enhance your camping experience. These include:
- Modern restrooms and shower facilities
- Picnic tables and fire rings
- Drinking water sources
- RV dump stations
- Proximity to hiking trails and scenic overlooks
Private Campgrounds in Boone
In addition to the Blue Ridge Parkway campgrounds, Boone has several privately owned campgrounds that cater to various camping preferences and styles.
River’s Edge Campground
River’s Edge, located on the banks of the South Fork of the New River, offers a tranquil camping experience. This campground features 50 sites, including tent and RV areas, and provides easy access to the river for fishing and swimming. The campground also offers a range of amenities, such as a general store, laundry facilities, and a swimming pool. River’s Edge is an excellent choice for those seeking a more private and relaxed camping experience.
Yates Creek Campground
Yates Creek Campground, situated on the outskirts of Boone, provides a family-friendly camping environment. With 50 sites, including tent and RV areas, the campground offers a range of amenities like a playground, a recreation hall, and a swimming pool. Yates Creek is an ideal choice for those seeking a mix of outdoor adventure and family-oriented activities.
Campground Activities and Attractions
Private campgrounds in Boone often provide additional activities and attractions to enhance your camping experience. These may include:
- Guided nature walks and bird-watching tours
- Horseback riding and trail rides
- Canoeing and kayaking on nearby rivers
- Organized games and events for families
- Access to local attractions like gem mining and hiking trails
RV Parks and Resorts
For those traveling with RVs, Boone offers several RV-friendly parks and resorts with full-service amenities.
Riverwood Campground and RV Resort
Riverwood Campground, located along the South Fork of the New River, provides a luxurious camping experience. This resort-style campground features 100 sites, including full-hookup RV sites and cabin rentals. The resort offers a range of amenities, such as a swimming pool, a recreation hall, and a fishing pond. Riverwood is an excellent choice for those seeking a comfortable and well-appointed camping experience.
Hickory Grove Campground and RV Park
Hickory Grove, situated just outside Boone, offers a peaceful camping environment with 50 sites, including full-hookup RV sites and tent areas. The campground provides access to hiking trails and is known for its friendly atmosphere. Hickory Grove is an ideal choice for those seeking a balance between nature and comfort.
RV Park Amenities
RV parks and resorts near Boone typically offer a range of amenities to cater to the needs of RV travelers. These may include:
- Full-hookup sites with electricity, water, and sewer connections
- Laundry facilities and dump stations
- Wi-Fi and cable TV access
- Recreation halls and game rooms
- Swimming pools and hot tubs
Camping Season and Reservations
The camping season in Boone typically runs from late spring to early fall, with the peak season falling between June and August. During this time, campgrounds can fill up quickly, so it’s advisable to make reservations in advance, especially for weekends and holidays.
Many campgrounds offer online reservation systems, allowing you to secure your spot ahead of time. It's important to note that some campgrounds, particularly those along the Blue Ridge Parkway, have a limited number of sites and may have specific booking windows and restrictions.
Conclusion
Boone, North Carolina, offers a diverse range of camping options, from scenic parkway campgrounds to private campgrounds and RV resorts. Whether you prefer the rustic charm of tent camping or the convenience of full-service RV sites, Boone’s campgrounds provide an ideal gateway to exploring the region’s natural beauty and outdoor adventures. Plan your trip, make your reservations, and get ready to create unforgettable memories in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
What are the best campgrounds near Boone for families with young children?
+For families with young children, Yates Creek Campground is an excellent choice. It offers a range of family-friendly amenities and activities, including a playground, a recreation hall, and organized games. The campground’s peaceful atmosphere and proximity to local attractions make it a great option for families seeking a balance of outdoor adventure and comfort.
Are there any campgrounds near Boone that allow pets?
+Yes, many campgrounds near Boone are pet-friendly. It’s important to check the specific policies and rules of each campground, as there may be restrictions on the number and size of pets allowed, as well as designated pet-friendly sites. Some campgrounds may also require pets to be leashed at all times.
What are the typical amenities found in campgrounds near Boone?
+Campgrounds near Boone typically offer a range of amenities, including modern restrooms and shower facilities, picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water sources, and RV dump stations. Some campgrounds may also provide additional amenities like general stores, laundry facilities, swimming pools, and recreation halls.
