Within North Carolina's state park system, Grandfather Mountain State Park Campsites provides both established drive-in sites and backcountry camping options across diverse terrain. Located about 20 minutes from Boone, the park operates under state management with sites ranging from $17-$37 per night. The established campground accommodates RVs up to 50 feet with full hookups including electric, water, and sewer connections.
The park's trail system draws hikers to multiple peaks including MacRae, Attic Window, and Calloway, which require cables and ladders for the challenging ascent. Kirsten J. notes the Profile campsite has "several great trees for hanging hammocks and two good tent pads sites" along with bear cables for food storage. The Profile Trail extends 3.6 miles mostly uphill through rhododendron tunnels, requiring permits available at the trailhead. Some campsites have been temporarily closed due to black bear activity.
Facilities include clean bathhouses and a new visitor center at the Profile Trailhead featuring granite counters and high-pressure water pumps. The park fills quickly during peak seasons from summer through fall, making reservations essential. Campers exploring the broader region can find camping near Seven Devils for additional options. Several sites restrict campfires, so alternative cooking systems prove necessary for many locations.
Description
Camping at Grandfather Mountain Campground is allowed with a permit at 13 backpack camping sites along the trail system, including the Hi-Balsam Shelter. Reservations are required at Grandfather Mountain camping for all 13 campsites. All campsites must be reserved in advance, which can be made as late as the same day. We recommend making your reservation prior to your park visit, as cellular service is not reliable at the park. A fee is charged for all campsites, and campers must have a reservation code to be able to camp. Camping fees are listed at the bottom of this page. Upon your arrival, please fill out a camping registration permit at the Profile trailhead or at the kiosk near the Boone Fork parking lot. You must register for a permit on-site, in addition to making your reservation online. Camping is permitted in the designated areas only, which are identified by signs at the campsites and with a camping icon on the trail map. There is no dispersed camping (camping off a designated site) on the mountain. All camping regulations apply to hammock campers. All 13 campsites are hike-in backcountry, primitive sites. There is no car camping. There are no facilities. The terrain is rugged and can be challenging. Trailheads are near 3,800 feet in elevation and Calloway Peak reaches 5,946 feet. Please do not disturb nearby campers. Take care to protect the terrain and plant and animal life.
Fee Info
Reservations are required for all 13 campsites. All campsites must be reserved in advance, which can be made as late as the same day. We recommend making your reservation prior to your park visit, as cellular service is not reliable at the park. A fee is charged for all campsites, and campers must have a reservation code to be able to camp. Camping fees are listed at the bottom of this page.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Beginning on March 23, 2026, the National Park Service is closing Boone Fork Parking Access on the Blue Ridge Parkway for repairs. We anticipate the closure to last a few weeks. Profile Parking Access remains closed. Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation (private attraction with the mile-high swinging bridge) does not allow overnight parking. If you are booking a campsite at Grandfather Mountain State Park, you will need to park at the Asutsi Trail Parking Area (also managed by the National Park Service) located on Blowing Rock Highway / U.S. 221 – GPS: 36.1163, -81.7773. You will then need to hike-in all equipment to your campsite. Please plan accordingly.
Campers must complete a camping permit before setting up camp, even with a reservation. Permits can be filled out in person at the self-registration kiosks near the Boone Fork Parking Area on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and at the Profile Parking Area on Highway 105. If the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed, hikers can access the trails via the Asutsi Trail, adding 0.4 mile to their hike. Asutsi Trailhead is located on Highway 221; GPS coordinates 36.11639, -81.777320.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundGrandfather Mountain State Park Campsites is located in North Carolina
Address
PO Box 9
Linville, NC 28646
Coordinates
36.14397461 N
81.79767636 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 4/3/26- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Electric Hookups
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 16 min from Johnson City, TN
- 1 hr 32 min from Kingsport, TN
- 1 hr 50 min from Asheville, NC
