Featured amenities
Pet Friendly
Fire Pit
About Basin Cove Backcountry Camping
Number of accommodations: 8
Nearby Activities & Attractions
Fishing
Hiking
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Pet friendly
Fire Pit
Cooking and Fire
- Fire Pit
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
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Rates, Sites & Availability
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Site Details
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8 Sites Available
No available sites
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Reviews (23)
What Guests Are Saying
Basin Cove Backcountry Camping offers a serene experience with beautiful creeks providing a soothing backdrop, and the opportunity to see blue fireflies at night. Campsite 1, closest to the stream, features peaceful sleeping conditions and reliable water sources. While there are no restroom facilities currently, the area boasts well-maintained trails and ample space for camping, making it ideal for easy backpacking trips.
What Guests Are Saying
Basin Cove Backcountry Camping offers a serene experience with beautiful creeks providing a soothing backdrop, and the opportunity to see blue fireflies at night. Campsite 1, closest to the stream, features peaceful sleeping conditions and reliable water sources. While there are no restroom facilities currently, the area boasts well-maintained trails and ample space for camping, making it ideal for easy backpacking trips.
Review Summary
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.
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.
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.
Zach W
VerifiedOctober 19, 2025 • Stayed at: 2, Loop: Basin Cove
Beautiful mountain stream.
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
Thomas P
VerifiedDecember 1, 2024 • Stayed at: 1, Loop: Basin Cove
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.
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)
Basin Cove Backcountry Camping is accessible via US Highway 421, which is approximately 17.6 miles away in Wilkesboro, NC. NC Highway 18 also provides access from the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Latitude & Longitude: 36.3898 / -81.1621
Elevation: 474 feet
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
- Cell phone service may be unreliable in this area.
- Check-in is at 3PM and check-out is at 12 Noon.
Cancellation policy
- Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
- Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
- Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
- Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
- Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
- Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
- Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
Wildlife & food storage
- Store food and scented items in bear-proof containers or high in trees.
- Practice bear safety by storing food and scented items properly.
Cancellation policy
- Only print your permit after confirming your trip; it cannot be canceled or changed once printed.
- Carry your printed permit and display the permit number in your vehicle.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: June 3, 2026
