Julian Price Campground

For North Carolina locals craving a quintessential mountain camping experience amidst breathtaking scenery, Julian Price Campground, nestled at Milepost 297 on the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway in Blowing Rock, NC, offers a popular and often sought-after destination. This campground is part of the expansive Julian Price Memorial Park, a 4,200-acre haven for outdoor enthusiasts, centered around the picturesque Price Lake. It represents a fantastic opportunity for residents of the Old North State to immerse themselves in the cool mountain air and stunning vistas of the Appalachian Highlands.

Julian Price Campground is well-known for its large number of sites, accommodating both tent and RV campers, and its direct access to a variety of recreational activities. While it provides essential amenities, it's important for prospective campers to understand its more rustic charm; this is not a luxury resort but a true campground designed for those who appreciate the natural environment. Reviews suggest a mixed experience regarding noise and facility upkeep, highlighting the importance of managing expectations and potentially selecting specific loops for a quieter stay. Despite some noted drawbacks, its prime location on the Blue Ridge Parkway, with access to hiking, boating, and the charming town of Blowing Rock, continues to make Julian Price Campground a beloved spot for North Carolinians looking for an authentic mountain escape.

Julian Price Campground is ideally situated at Blue Ridge Pkwy, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, USA, specifically at Milepost 297 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This location places it in the scenic High Country of North Carolina, a region renowned for its majestic mountain ranges, vibrant fall foliage, and charming towns. Blowing Rock, a popular mountain destination, is just a short 20-minute drive away, offering access to dining, shopping, and local attractions.

Accessibility to Julian Price Campground is primarily via the Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic byway that connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. For North Carolina locals, particularly those from the Piedmont and western regions, the drive involves navigating the picturesque, winding roads of the Parkway. While the Parkway itself is a major draw, it's important to note that sections can close during winter months due to snow and ice, typically from November through April, so checking road conditions before traveling is essential.

Once on the Parkway, the campground is clearly marked, and its internal roads are generally well-maintained, allowing for easy access for both RVs and passenger vehicles. The strategic location provides direct access to Price Lake for boating and fishing, and multiple popular hiking trails, including the Price Lake Trail, Boone Fork Trail, Green Knob Trail, and Tanawha Trail, which are often directly accessible from the campground loops. This seamless integration with the Parkway's recreational offerings makes Julian Price Campground a highly convenient and attractive base for exploring the best of North Carolina's Appalachian mountains.

• Campsites (Tent & RV): Julian Price Campground offers a large number of sites suitable for both tent camping and RVs. Many sites include a tent pad, picnic table, and fire ring with a grill grate for cooking.
• Flush Toilets and Drinking Water: The campground provides access to comfort stations with flush toilets and potable drinking water throughout its various loops. However, it's noted that these facilities can be dated and may lack amenities like hand soap.
• No Showers: A significant point to note is that Julian Price Campground does NOT have showers within the campground itself. While some online sources may ambiguously list "showers," actual camper reviews explicitly state the absence of showers, or that any available are "barely lukewarm" and not consistently clean or operational. Campers should plan accordingly for personal hygiene.
• Dump Station: An RV dump station is available within the campground for convenient wastewater disposal, catering to RV and camper van users.
• Generators Permitted (with restrictions): Generators are allowed in certain loops (e.g., Loop F), but with strict quiet hours from 9 PM to 8 AM. Campers sensitive to noise should inquire about generator-free loops (e.g., Loop C) if available for their site type.
• Firewood for Sale: Firewood is typically available for purchase from the camp host, ensuring campers have access to fuel for their campfires.
• Reservations and First-Come, First-Serve: While some sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, many popular sites, especially those with water views (like A25), now require advance reservations through Recreation.gov. It is highly recommended to make reservations, especially during peak season, as first-come, first-serve options have become more limited.
• Campground Hosts: Campground hosts are generally present on-site to assist campers and ensure adherence to rules, though their effectiveness in managing noise issues can vary according to reviews.
• Picnic Areas: Dedicated picnic areas are available within Julian Price Memorial Park, offering additional space for day-use visitors.

• Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway Location: The primary highlight is its stunning location directly on the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 297, offering easy access to scenic overlooks, driving tours, and the unique beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.
• Proximity to Price Lake: Campers have direct access to Price Lake, a beautiful 47-acre lake perfect for non-motorized boating (canoeing, kayaking), fishing (known for trout), and enjoying serene water views. Some campsites, like A25, offer coveted lakeside views.
• Extensive Hiking Trails: Julian Price Campground serves as a trailhead for several popular and well-maintained hiking trails, including the easy Price Lake Trail, and sections of the longer Boone Fork, Green Knob, and Mountains-to-Sea Trails. This is a major draw for hikers of all skill levels.
• Vibrant Fall Foliage: During the autumn months, the campground and surrounding park burst with incredible fall colors, making it a highly sought-after destination for leaf-peepers across North Carolina and beyond.
• Proximity to Blowing Rock: The charming mountain town of Blowing Rock is a short drive away, providing access to local shops, restaurants, art galleries, and other attractions for a well-rounded trip.
• Spacious Campsites: Many campsites are noted for being a good size and relatively private, often separated by natural wooded areas, allowing for a more secluded camping experience.
• Wildlife Viewing: The park's natural setting provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, with deer, various bird species, and other forest animals frequently spotted by campers.

For Julian Price Campground, located on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Blowing Rock, NC, here is the official contact information for inquiries and reservations:

Address: Blue Rdg Pkwy, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, USA (Specific Milepost: 297)

Physical Address for mail (often used for official correspondence):

5580 Shulls Mill Road, Blowing Rock, NC 28605

Phone: (828) 963-5911

Mobile Phone: +1 828-963-5911 (This is the same as the main phone number, likely for the campground office during its operational season.)

For Reservations:

As many sites now require reservations, especially during peak season, it is highly recommended to book through the official National Park Service reservation system:

Website:

www.recreation.gov

Reservation Phone: (877) 444-6777

Given past feedback regarding noise and facility conditions, it is advisable to check recent reviews on platforms like Recreation.gov when selecting a specific site or loop, and to confirm the most current information directly with the campground office if you have specific concerns.

For North Carolina locals, Julian Price Campground offers a truly unique and highly suitable mountain camping experience, making it a cherished destination within their home state. Its appeal for residents stems from a combination of its iconic location, diverse recreational opportunities, and the specific type of outdoor immersion it provides.

Firstly, its placement directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 297 means incredible accessibility to one of North Carolina’s most celebrated scenic routes. For locals, this is a relatively easy drive into the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, offering a swift transition from city life to serene natural beauty. The ability to quickly access such a renowned location for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation is a significant advantage.

Secondly, the wealth of activities available directly from the campground is a major draw. Price Lake provides opportunities for peaceful canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, appealing to water enthusiasts. The extensive network of hiking trails, ranging from easy lakeside strolls to more challenging mountain treks, caters to all levels of outdoor adventurers. For North Carolinians who enjoy an active lifestyle amidst stunning scenery, Julian Price Campground serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring the natural wonders of the High Country.

While some reviews highlight challenges with noise in certain loops or the lack of showers, these aspects can be managed by informed locals. By researching specific loops (e.g., C Loop for quieter tent camping, if available) and understanding the need to bring personal hygiene items, North Carolina residents can tailor their experience. The shift towards reservations for many sites also benefits locals who plan ahead, ensuring they can secure desirable spots, especially those with coveted lake views like A25.

In essence, Julian Price Campground remains a quintessential North Carolina mountain destination. It offers an accessible, amenity-rich (for basic camping), and activity-packed outdoor sanctuary that allows residents to deeply connect with the majestic beauty and adventurous spirit of their state's western highlands.

Julian Price Campground

Blue Rdg Pkwy, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, USA