![[CAMPING IN VA AND NC]](images/camping.gif)
National Parks and Forests
Blue Ridge Parkway
Description -- The Blue Ridge Parkway runs from Afton, Virginia, to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Otter Creek Campgrounds is 60 miles south of Afton and is near the James River. This camp features trails, fishing and a restored canal lock along the James. The Peaks of Otter Campground, 85 miles south of Afton, offers trails, a visitors center and a picnic area. Camping is also available along the Appalachian Trail, which continues from the Shenandoah National Park through the first 100 miles of the Parkway. Trails abound along the parkway, and detailed information about other facilities can be obtained by writing the administration office.
Address -- Blue Ridge Parkway, P.O. Box 7606, Asheville, N.C. 28807
Jefferson National Forest
Description -- Jefferson National Forest is 690,000 acres of forest in west central Virginia. It has many activities to offer, such as camping, horseback riding trails, fishing, hiking and swimming. Camping is permitted everywhere in the forest except in day use areas, areas of concentrated use, and where posted otherwise. There are six campgrounds which offer facilities such as hiking trails, horseback trails and sanitary facilities. Nearly 950 miles of hiking and riding trails exist in the Jefferson National Forest. The Appalachian Trail also passes through a large part of the forest.
Address -- Forest Supervisor, Jefferson National Forest, 210 Federal Building, Roanoke, Va. 24001
George Washington National Forest
Description -- George Washington National Forest, comprising more than a million acres, offers many activities such as camping, hiking, hunting and swimming. One of the most popular campgrounds in the George Washington National Forest is Sherando Lake, camping and many hiking trails. Some other campgrounds include Todd Lake Campground and New River Campground near Staunton and Harrisonburg. Also Hone Quarry and Brandywine Lake Campgrounds, which are west of Harrisonburg.
Address -- Forest Supervisor, George Washington National Forest, 210 Federal Building, Harrisonburg, Va. 22801
Monongahela National Forest
Description -- Monogahela National Forest is located in West Virginia, on the western border of Virginia. Among the park's many attractions are the Seneca Rocks, Canaan Valley and the Cass Scenic Railroad. The park is open to the public all year, but is maintained only from June 1 through September 30. The National Forest campgrounds will accommodate small travel trailers, but no connections are provided for electricity, water or sewage at national campsites. A great number of West Virginia'a camping and recreation areas are located within the forest.
Address -- Department of Commerce, Monogahela National Forest, State Capitol Coples, Bldg. 6, Charleston, W.Va. 25305
Shenandoah National Park
Description -- Shenandoah National Park stretches from Front Royal to Afton along the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Camping is available at five campgrounds along the Skyline Drive, the roadway that winds its way through the middle of the park. They are open from May to October, with the exception of Big Meadows Campgrounds, which is open from March to December. Reservations are recommended and may be made by contacting the park office. Backcountry camping is also available in the midst of the park. Permits are required, and may also be obtained at the park office. There are many other activities available, such as horseback riding and guided nature walks. The park office should be contacted for schedules and prices. It is important to note that campfires are prohibited in the park, except in fireplaces provided at campgrounds, picnic areas and trailside shelters. The shelters along the Appalachian Trail are to be used only in unseasonable weather, or when safety requires their use.
Address -- Shenandoah National Park, Luray, Va. 22835.
Pisgah, Nantahala, Uwharrie and Croatan National Forests
Description -- Pisgah, Nantahala, Uwharrie and Croatan National Forests, covering 1.2 million acres in North Carolina, include mountains, rolling piedmont hills and the sandy pine forests of the coastal plains. The national forests of North Carolina include more than 1,300 miles of hiking trails, more than 800 campsites, 490 picnic sites, seven swimming beaches and 11 wilderness areas.
Address -- National Forests of North Carolina, 100 Otis Street, Asheville, N.C. 28801
