Doughton Park Campground

4.6·78 reviews
·Blue Ridge Parkway

Overview

Nestled in a landscape of mountains, open meadows and pioneer cabins, Doughton Park Campground is surrounded by 30 miles (48 km) of hiking trails offering opportunities to view wildlife as well as get a feel for the lives of those who lived here long ago. Originally known as The Bluffs, the area came by its present name in honor of Congressman Robert L. Doughton, a long-time advocate and supporter of the Parkway.

Great Facilities and Amenities

  • Campfire Allowed

    (All campsites have Campfire Allowed)

  • Checkin Time

    (All campsites have Checkin Time)

  • Checkout Time

    (All campsites have Checkout Time)

  • Driveway Entry

    (Majority of the campsites have back in)

  • Firepit

    (2 of 108 campsites have Firepit)

  • Food Storage Locker

    (2 of 108 campsites have Food Storage Locker)

  • Max Num Of People

    (Up to 20)

  • Max Num Of Vehicles

    (Up to 8)

  • Pets Allowed

    (All campsites have Pets Allowed)

  • Picnic Table

    (All campsites have Picnic Table)

  • Shade

    (Majority of the campsites have full)

  • Site Access

    (All campsites have Site Acceses)

Natural Features

Pastoral grounds of Doughton Park. - Credits: Elizabeth Thompson
The Bluffs Restaurant. - Credits: Elizabeth Thompson
Historic cemetery at Mile Post 245.5. - Credits: Debbie Webber
A secluded site. - Credits: Elizabeth Thompson

Rolling ridgetop meadows and steep mountainsides characterize the 7,000-acre Doughton Park. It is one of the best places along the motor road to view white-tailed deer, raccoons, red and gray foxes, and bobcats. Visitors can enjoy spectacular shows of flame azalea and rhododendron in the late spring.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic byway that follows the high crests of the central and southern Appalachians for 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.

Recreation

Pastoral grounds of Doughton Park. - Credits: Elizabeth Thompson

Trails in the Doughton Park area include the Cedar Ridge Trail, a strenuous 4.2 mile hike, and the Bluff Mountain Trail, a moderate 7.5 mile hike; both accessible from the Brinegar Cabin parking overlook (milepost 238.5). The short Fodder Stack Loop Trail (milepost 240.6) showcases the varied plant life of the area, while the Bluff Ridge Trail, Grassy Gap Fire Road (horse trail), and Flat Rock Ridge Trail are all moderate to strenuous trails that provide the hiker with beautiful views and abundant wildlife.

The Brinegar Cabin dates from about 1885 and was the home of Martin Brinegar and his family. Brinegar was a cobbler as well as a farmer. His home is open on summer weekend days. Hand-loom weaving and other craft demonstrations are often given during the summer months. The one-room Caudill Cabin exhibit can be viewed from the scenic Wildcat Rocks (milepost 240.6).

Historic Cemetary: near milepost marker 245.5. The cemetary contains some three dozen graves dating from the 1880's to more recent times.

The Basin Cove Creek complex (mileposts 238 - 244) (located off the Parkway on Longbottom Road) has Rainbow and Brook Trout where the streams are stocked. Anyone with a valid Virginia or North Carolina fishing license is welcome, but please check with the visitor center for any special regulations.

Permitted Equipment

  • rv-Up to 90ft

  • trailer-Up to 50ft

  • vehicle-N/A

  • camper van-N/A

  • pickup camper-N/A

  • pop up camper-N/A

  • tent-Up to 50ft

  • 5th wheel-N/A

Nearby Attractions

Mount Airy, NC: Andy Griffith's hometown, the ideal American town that was the inspiration for Mayberry--Hwy 52 South; 12 miles south of Fancy Gap, VA. (www.visitmayberry.com)  

Churches of the Frescoes: MP 259 - The Last Supper, Mary Great with Child, Mystery of Faith, and 7 others. Episcopal Church is always open. (www.churchofthefrescoes.com)
Northwest Trading Post: Located south of Doughton Park at milepost 258 near Glendale Springs, this craft store sells handicrafts representative of the Appalachian Mountain culture. (www.CoolSparta.com)

Additional Information