OutReserve

Basin Cove Backcountry Camping

Basin Cove Backcountry Camping
Basin Cove Backcountry Camping
Basin Cove Backcountry Camping
Basin Cove Backcountry Camping
Basin Cove Backcountry Camping

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly
Pet Friendly
Fire Pit
Fire Pit

About Basin Cove Backcountry Camping

Basin Cove backcountry is a primitive camp located in historic Basin Cove at Doughton Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.. Multiple trails allow access to the primitive campground. Click to see a map Doughton Park Hiking Trails  Overnight parking for backcountry is permitted at designated areas. From the parkway, the trails descend over 1500 feet into the Basin Cove Area. Easiest trail is the Grassy Gap Fire Road entrance from Longbottom Road. This year-round campground has eight campsites each with individual fire rings, lantern post, and food storage boxes. No pit toilet or privy exists. Note particularly that surface water is unsafe. Water from natural sources must be purified by boiling or filtering and disinfecting. Thunderstorms are common along the escarpment. Cell phones most likely do not work in the area. Multiple creeks provide fishing opportunities.

Number of accommodations: 8

Campground Amenities

  • Pet Friendly
    Pet Friendly
  • Fire Pit
    Fire Pit

Seasonal information

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Open year round

This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.

365 Days

Sites & Availability

8 Sites Available

Site
Price
1, Loop: Basin Cove
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
2, Loop: Basin Cove
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
3, Loop: Basin Cove
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
4, Loop: Basin Cove
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
5, Loop: Basin Cove
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
6, Loop: Basin Cove
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
7, Loop: Basin Cove
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
8, Loop: Basin Cove
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available

Reviews (10)

What Guests Are Saying

Basin Cove Backcountry Camping offers scenic views of a wooded mountainside and convenient trail access, including routes along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Campsites are spacious, making it an excellent base camp for hiking, with options for 13-mile and 20-mile loops. Additionally, the presence of a beautiful mountain stream enhances the natural experience.

Review Summary

4.1
10 reviews
5
30.0%
3
4
50.0%
5
3
20.0%
2
2
0.0%
0
1
0.0%
0
George Amato

George Amato

March 8, 2026

4

Nice view of a wooded mountain side. Trail access here. One trail alongside the blue ridge parkway and another to flat ridge knob (little views).

Google Maps

Tony H

Verified

November 15, 2025 Stayed at: 6, Loop: Basin Cove

5

Nice large campsites with some good trails to hike.

Steve V

Verified

October 26, 2025 Stayed at: 5, Loop: Basin Cove

4

Great location for base camp. Easy 1.7 mile hike in from the parking lot then choose from two 13 mile loops or a 20 mile loop around the entire area. Bluff Ridge Primitive trail is… primitive.

Zach W

Verified

October 19, 2025 Stayed at: 2, Loop: Basin Cove

4

Beautiful mountain stream.

Thomas P

Verified

December 1, 2024 Stayed at: 1, Loop: Basin Cove

4
Chanchal

Chanchal

July 15, 2023

4

Beautiful overlook on Blue Ridge Parkway to take a stop and click mountain pics. We took a walk and sat for a while, it was relaxing.

Google Maps
Charles

Charles

November 18, 2021

5

Great spot for taking in spectacular mountain views. Even missing the peak of leaf season, there is something to be said for the beautiful rust colors that remain.

Google Maps
Wayne (Southernbacon)

Wayne (Southernbacon)

July 11, 2020

3

At one time you had much better views. The pine trees have gotten tall enough to block but its still a nice little spot to stop and taken view. There is a great little spot to picnic with your special someone.

Google Maps
Debra Sands

Debra Sands

May 28, 2019

5

Loved the overlook.. loved the trails.. going back soon to walk more of the fern lined trails.. Took our little dog Oliver with us🙂

Google Maps

Anonymous

3

{"text"=>"At one time you had much better views. The pine trees have gotten tall enough to block but its still a nice little spot to stop and taken view. There is a great little spot to picnic with your special someone.", "languageCode"=>"en"}

Google Maps

Location Basin Cove Backcountry Camping

Address:
Doughton Park Recreation Area Milepost 238
Laurel Springs , NC, 28644
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 36.3898 / -81.1621

Elevation: 474 feet

Policies & Rules

Category About
General

Backcountry Use Regulations
1. A backcountry camping permit is required for all overnight use and must be in your possession at all times.
2. Camping outside of the designated sites is prohibited.
3. Campfires are allowed only inside the government provided fire grill. Only wood that is dead and down on the ground may be collected for use as firewood. The cutting of standing trees, whether live or dead is prohibited. The use of camp stoves is encouraged. All fires may be banned during periods of high fire danger.
4. All trash must be carried out upon vacating the site. Do not leave litter or cans in the fire rings. DO NOT burn or bury any trash.
5. Historic and archeological resources are protected by federal law. The damaging, defacing or removal of these resources is prohibited.
6. Natural resources are protected by federal law. Do not disturb or remove any animal or plant life.
7. Hunting and trapping are prohibited. Fishing is subject to state and federal laws and limits.
8. Persons who can legally possess firearms under federal, state, and local laws are able to possess firearms on the Blue Ridge Parkway, subject to the laws of the state they are in at the time. It is the visitor's responsibility to understand and comply with all applicable state (North Carolina and/or Virginia) and federal firearms laws. Firearms should not be considered a wildlife protection strategy. The discharge and/or use of firearms remains prohibited at all times.
9. Pets must be on a 6 foot maximum leash at all times while in the park. Horseback camping is not permitted. Horses are allowed on the Grassy Gap Fire Road during the day.
10. All human waste must be buried at least 6 inches deep and at least 100 feet from any stream. Pack out all diapers, tampons, and sanitary napkins in a sealed plastic bag.
11. Campsite improvements such as bough beds and trenching around tents is prohibited, as is the use of nails or spikes in trees for clotheslines, shelter construction or hanging lanterns.
12. Bathing or washing dishes or utensils in streams is prohibited. All unprotected water should be treated before consuming.
13. Food and other scented items must be in bear-proof containers, stored in park provided bear boxes (if available) or hung in a tree at least 10 feet above the ground and 4 feet from the trunk of the tree.

General

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.

General

Permits must be printed and carried on your person. You must write the permit number on a sheet of paper and place it on the dash of all vehicles covered by the permit.

General

This is Black Bear Country, practice Bear Safety and store all food, toiletry items and anything with a scent properly. Bear Safety on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

General

Cell phones most likely do not work in the area.

General

Check InTime is 3PM and Check Out Time is 12 Noon.

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