OutReserve

Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping

Primitive sites at Rock Castle Gorge include fire grate and food storage locker.
Trail runs by primitive campsites.
Uphill wooded trail
Creek shallows near primitive campsites
Mountain stream flows near backcountry campground.

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly
Fire Pit

About Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping

Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Campground is a primitive camp located along the Rock Castle Gorge Trail in the Rocky Knob Recreational Area which is part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Campsites can be reached from various points ranging in distance from 1/2 mile to 8 miles.   The complete Rock Castle Gorge Trail is a 10.8 mile loop, there are several other loop trails that connect to it. Rock Castle Creek, Little Rock Castle Creek and many other streams and creeks meander along the trail and run right by the campground. Fishing requires a Virginia Fishing License, and the State of Virginia laws and regulations apply.  The year-round campground has eight campsites. Each has a fire ring/pad and food storage lockers. A Portable Toilet is available.  Plan to pack in your water for safety.  Summers are hot (70 to 88 Degrees) and humid as Rock Castle Creek is adjacent to the campground. Winter temperatures (Daytime 30 to 50 Degrees) can easily drop below freezing at night.  

Number of accommodations: 8

Seasonal information

2026 Season availability

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

Open year round

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

365 Days

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Pet friendly
Fire Pit
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Fire Pit
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

8 Sites Available

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

Reviews (11)

What Guests Are Saying

Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping offers a scenic and enjoyable backpacking experience with beautiful views and a convenient campsite by a creek, featuring amenities like port-a-potties and bear boxes. The trail can be technical in parts, but many appreciate its natural beauty and spacious, pristine campsites. Some visitors noted the proximity of campsites and parking limitations, but overall, the site is well-liked for its outdoor offerings.

Review Summary

4.4
11 reviews
5
36.4%
4
4
63.6%
7
3
0.0%
0
2
0.0%
0
1
0.0%
0

Brandon I

Verified

June 2, 2025 Stayed at: 6, Loop: Rock Castle Gorge

4

Nice camp grounds next to some water and on a good hiking trail, only downside is the camp sites are all pretty close together

Location Rock Castle Gorge Backcountry Camping

Address:
Rocky Knob Recreational Area Milepost 167.1
Floyd, VA, 24091
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 36.8064 / -80.3364

Elevation: 563 feet

Policies & Rules

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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 4, 2026

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