The National Park Service declared a rise in fees for camping and additional services along the Blue Ridge Parkway, a change that represents the first major rate adjustment since 2016. The update spans charges for both frontcountry and backcountry campsites and includes new fees for non-camping related services such as showers and dump stations.
According to park service officials, the fee for a standard site at a frontcountry campground is now $30. These sites are accessible at eight locations throughout the park. The service also offers frontcountry group camping sites, suitable for up to 20 people, at designated campgrounds including Rocky Knob, Linville Falls, and Doughton Park, which will now cost $45.
Backcountry camping, restricted to a three-night limit and a six-person occupancy, is available at three parkwide locations. The cost for utilizing these sites is set at $15. This fee adjustment is part of a broader revision intended to help manage park resources more effectively.
For visitors not staying overnight but requiring certain amenities, the park has outlined additional fees. Use of dump stations at the park’s eight campground locations is now priced at $6. Similarly, access to showers, available at Julian Price Park and Mount Pisgah campgrounds, also carries a fee of $6.
Park officials note that the frontcountry campgrounds are generally open from May through late October, aligning with the peak visitor season. They emphasized that while reservations for all campgrounds are currently open for the 2024 visitor season, the new fees for frontcountry sites will be implemented for bookings made from May 24, 2024, onward.
The introduction of the new backcountry camping fees is scheduled to occur later in the summer, with all backcountry campers required to secure a permit. This measure is aimed at ensuring the sustainability of camping operations and the safety of the park environment.
The rationale for the increased fees, as explained by park authorities, is to support ongoing facility maintenance and to fund future improvements to the campgrounds. The adjustments also reflect a response to the rising costs associated with managing the park’s campgrounds.
The Blue Ridge Parkway, renowned for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities, attracts visitors who seek both adventure and tranquility in its expansive outdoor settings. The park service encourages visitors to plan their trips and make reservations through the official Blue Ridge Parkway website.
Featured image by Blue Ridge Parkway via nps.gov/blri/index.htm
