Featured amenities
About Basin Cove Backcountry Camping
Number of accommodations: 8
Campground Amenities
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Pet Friendly
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Fire Pit
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
Sites & Availability
8 Sites Available
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Site Details
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8 Sites Available
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
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.
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
George Amato
March 8, 2026
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).
Tony H
VerifiedNovember 15, 2025 • Stayed at: 6, Loop: Basin Cove
Nice large campsites with some good trails to hike.
Steve V
VerifiedOctober 26, 2025 • Stayed at: 5, Loop: Basin Cove
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
VerifiedOctober 19, 2025 • Stayed at: 2, Loop: Basin Cove
Beautiful mountain stream.
Thomas P
VerifiedDecember 1, 2024 • Stayed at: 1, Loop: Basin Cove
Chanchal
July 15, 2023
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.
Charles
November 18, 2021
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.
Wayne (Southernbacon)
July 11, 2020
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.
Debra Sands
May 28, 2019
Loved the overlook.. loved the trails.. going back soon to walk more of the fern lined trails.. Took our little dog Oliver with us🙂
Anonymous
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Location Basin Cove Backcountry Camping
Address:
Doughton Park Recreation Area Milepost 238
Laurel Springs , NC, 28644
United States
Grassy Gap Fire Road on Long Bottom Road is the shortest and easiest route into the backcountry.
Long Bottom Road from Blue Ridge parkway
· From the Blue Ridge Parkway, Head South on NC 18 for 6.2 miles.
· Turn Left on Longbottom Road and go 6.4 miles to a small Bridge with Black & Yellow Marker signs.
· Parking Area (36.3752 -81.1447) is beside the Bridge. Elevation 1440.
· Trail to Basin Cove Primitive Camping Area is across the Road from the Parking Area. Look for gated road.
Note:
Long bottom road can be accessed from other routes.
1/ Basin Cove from Wilkesboro, NC
From US Hwy 421 in Wilkesboro, take Hwy 18 North towards Sparta. Travel approximately 17.6 miles to Longbottom Road in the community named McGrady.
Turn right on Longbottom Road and go 6.4 miles to a small Bridge with Black & Yellow Marker signs.
2/ Alternative routes from the east include US hwy 21 and from Stone Moutain State Park.
Other locations to park are along the Blue Ridge Parkway as follows:
Bluff Mountain Overlook - Milepost 243.4 (36.408341666666 -81.195863888888)
Basin Cove Overlook - Milepost 244 (36.391030555555 -81.20025833333)
Grassy Gap Fire Road - Milepost 243.9 (36.404694444444 -81.19649722222)
Bluff's Restaurant - Milepost 24 (36.433525000000 -81.17739166666)
Doughton Park Picnic Area - Milepost 241 (36.433525000000 -81.17739166666)
Brinegar Cabin - Milepost 238.5 (36.419452777777 -81.14617222222)
Latitude & Longitude: 36.3898 / -81.1621
Elevation: 474 feet
Policies & Rules
| Category | About |
|---|---|
| General |
Backcountry Use Regulations
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| 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. |