Johns River Road Backcountry Camping
Campground · North Carolina · 2 bookable sites ·
Managed by the National Park Service
Blue Ridge Parkway (Parkway) · Restricted Access
- 2
- Bookable sites
- up to 6
- People per site
- 3,409 ft
- Elevation
Overview
Old John’s River Road Backcountry Camping is a primitive camping location along the Mountains to Sea Trail near Blowing Rock, North Carolina. There are 2 sites available, each with a fire ring. Maximum capacity is 6 people per site and the maximum stay length is 3 nights. Access this location either by hiking the Boone Fork Trail from the Julian Price Park Picnic Area, or Old John’s River Road between mile 296 and 297 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Black bears and other wildlife frequent this area, so bring an approved bear cannister or hang food or any scented items from a tree at least 10 feet high and 4 feet from the trunk. No toilets are available. All human waste must be buried a minimum of 6 inches deep and a minimum of 100 feet from any stream. All trash must be packed out. Water should be purified before consumption. Bathing and washing dishes with soap in the nearby stream is prohibited. There is likely no cellphone service at this site.
Recreation
Julian Price Memorial Park has 3 main loop trails. Price Lake Loop Trail is an easy to moderate 2.3-mile trail around the Price Lake through mixed hardwood forest and rhododendron thickets. The Green Knob Trail is a moderate 2-mile loop that runs along Sim’s Creek through a mixed hardwood forest, with a small section through an open cow pasture. The Boone Fork Trail is a strenuous 4.9-mile loop that traverses a variety of landscapes along Boone Fork Creek. It features stream crossings and trail ladders and lots of uneven footing. The most popular feature of this trail is the Hebron Colony Falls, which is a section of the Boone Fork Creek that cascades through a boulder field. Hikers are advised to allow for 3-4 hours for this trail, bring plenty of water and snacks, and wear sturdy shoes.
Price Lake offers fishing and paddling opportunities. A North Carolina or Virginia fishing license is required. Price Lake Boat Rentals offers canoes, kayaks, and standup paddleboards. There is also a public boat ramp. No motors or sails are allowed.
Natural Features
Julian Price Memorial Park offers hiking through hardwood and coniferous forests as well as open pasture and Creekside riparian zones. The Boone Fork Creek and Price Lake provide fishing opportunities and boat rentals are available at Price Lake near the Julian Price Campground.
Nearby Attractions
Things to Do in Boone, NC Things to do in Boone, NC
Grandfather Mountain State Park Grandfather Mountain State Park
Julian Price Park Julian Price Park - Milepost 297
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park Moses H. Cone Memorial Park - Milepost 294
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (828) 276-2300.The facts
- 2 bookable sites
- Up to 6 people per site
- Loops: Johns River Road
Site types
- 2 Hike To
Amenities
- Campfires allowed
- Fire pits
- Shade
- Pets allowed
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, picnic tables, grills.
2 campsites at Johns River Road Backcountry Camping
Check-in 3:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Access | Water | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Site 1 | Johns River Road | Hike To | — | — | Hike In | Springs | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| Site 2 | Johns River Road | Hike To | — | — | Hike In | Springs | — | 6 | 🐾 |
Getting there
Trailhead Parking is at the Julian Price Memorial Park Picnic Area between mile 296 and 297 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
36.15027, -81.73318 · 36°9'1.0"N 81°43'59.4"W
Typical weather
Typically 77°F in Jul, down to 39°F in Jan.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 39 | 42 | 50 | 60 | 67 | 73 | 77 | 75 | 70 | 60 | 51 | 42 |
| Low °F | 21 | 24 | 30 | 40 | 48 | 55 | 60 | 58 | 53 | 43 | 32 | 26 |
| Precip in | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 1.7 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
Fees and stay limits
Johns River Road Backcountry Camping 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. Once the permit has been printed you can not cancel or modify the reservation. Changes/Modifications Changes may be made prior to the day the reservation begins. If a customer wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee. There is no change fee if a customer extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes dates from the original reservation. If a reservation is made that includes dates beyond the maximum booking window, that reservation cannot be changed until 18 days have passed from the original booking date. Cancellations Customers may cancel their reservation prior to day of arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 cancellation fee will be withheld from any refund due back the customer. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation (see below). Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will have a $10.00 cancellation fee withheld from their refund AND will forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.
From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Johns River Road Backcountry Camping
- Can you reserve a site at Johns River Road Backcountry Camping?
- Yes, Johns River Road Backcountry Camping is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Johns River Road Backcountry Camping have?
- 2 sites.
- Are pets allowed at Johns River Road Backcountry Camping?
- Yes, pets are allowed at Johns River Road Backcountry Camping.
- Are campfires allowed at Johns River Road Backcountry Camping?
- Campfires are allowed at Johns River Road Backcountry Camping. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.
Camping near Johns River Road Backcountry Camping
- Julian Price Campground 0.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Mortimer Campground 11.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Linville Falls Campground 16.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Dennis Cove Campground 22.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Moses Cone Manor House and Visitor Center (Milepost 294) 2.2 mi · Facility
- Green Park Inn 4.4 mi · Facility
- Linn Cove Viaduct Visitor Center (Milepost 304) 6.2 mi · Facility
- Linville Falls Visitor Center (Milepost 316) 17.3 mi · Facility
- Watauga Lake Area 18.1 mi · Facility
- Carver's Gap 21.3 mi · Facility
- Watauga Lake 22 mi · Facility
- Roan Highlands 22.1 mi · Facility
Contact
- Phone 828-276-2300
- Email blri_campgrounds@nps.gov
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-07-06.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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