The Parkway’s Otter Creek area provides a campground with 45 tent and 24 trailer sites, restrooms, water, and a campfire circle. Many of the campsites are along the banks of Otter Creek.
The 3.5-mile Otter Creek Trail follows the creek down to the James River Visitor Center. The trail can also be accessed from the next three overlooks to the south at MP 61.4, 62.5 and 63.1. At the visitor center the James River Canal Trail will take you to the restored James River and Kanawha Canal Lock that was built between 1845-51. When completed the canal had 90 locks and went from Richmond to Buchanan, Virginia.
Area hikes include: Trail of Trees, Otter Creek, Otter Lake Loop and James River Canal Trails.
Blue Ridge Parkway Campground Information
Camping is one way visitors traveling through the Blue Ridge Parkway can spend the night under the stars in one of America’s most beautiful natural settings. The Parkway’s nine campgrounds were built years ago and do not offer hookups, but most have at least some sites that will accommodate sizeable recreational vehicles, and all offer restrooms (showers are available at Mt. Pisgah campground only), drinking water, picnic tables and grills.
These campgrounds are open from May – October with fees charged on a per night basis, which includes two adults over age 18. Children accompanied by an adult camp free. Reservations may be made for some sites in advance. To make a reservation, visit www.recreation.gov or call toll-free 877.444.6777. As a general rule, demand is higher on weekends and holidays.
Group camping is available only at Linville Falls Campground. Call 828.765.6082 for more information. In addition, limited backcountry camping is available via permit at Basin Cove in Doughton Park 336.372.8568 and Rock Castle Gorge 540.745.9661. Camping outside of designated campgrounds (or without a permit at backcountry sites) is prohibited.
