There are quite a few campgrounds directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway and Julian Price Campground is one of the best. It is close to a ton of things to do, has sites right at the beautiful waterline, and the sites are private with just enough amenities. Here is everything you need to know before you book your trip.
Julian Price Campground is a very popular campground because the natural beauty around Price Lake and the surrounding mountains. Despite the popularity the campground if fairly quiet and the sites maintain more privacy than you might expect.
Camping at Price Lake

The Julian Price Campground is big. There are both tent sites and RV sites and all sites are non-electric.
The campground is open from late May through late October. Make sure you check recreation.gov for any updates on changes to open season.
Tent Sites: 129 RV Sites: 68 Fee: $20/night for Tent and RV sites
Flush Toilets
Showers Available
Non-Electric Sites Only
No Generators
Sites have stone picnic tables and metal fire rings.
You can book your visit at Recreation.gov reservation page. There are some sites that are only available to walk up visitors. If you want to make sure you get a particular site book it in advance.
You can begin booking sites six months before your planned visit. There are not very many lakeside spots so book as soon as you know you’re visiting so you can get a site. It is very unlikely you’ll be able to get a lakeside site unless you reserve it far in advance.
Picking the best camping spot

Not all the sites around Price Lake are equally beautiful. Here are the things you need to know:
- There are only 29 tent sites near Price Lake. You want to be in Loop A to have a site near the lake.
- RV sites near the lake are very limited. There are only six RV sites in loop A and none are directly beside the lake. Of the six sites A30 (69 ft RV), A32 (67 ft RV), and A34 (24 ft RV) have the best view.
- Here is a list of the tent sites with the best view of the lake. The tent sites are the best for a great view of the lake. A19, A22, A23, A25, A26, and A27 have the best view of the lake.
- The lakeside sites aren’t super close to the lake. People with kids, even young ones, can confidently book one of these sites. You’ll want to monitor children if they go to the edge of the lake but otherwise it is far enough away they can play without danger of falling in.
- You have to book early if you want a lakeside spot. Booking one of the most coveted sites on a weekend, especially around peak leaf change in October is tough. Consider booking your visit as soon as sites become available.
If you are able to get one of the lakeside spots the view is awesome.

Choosing which season to camp at Julian Price Campground
The Julian Price Campground is open for three seasons. Each is distinct and each has certain benefits.
May through early June the overnight temperatures will be chilly as well as in October. Tent campers may want to consider that before booking a visit. Here are some other things to consider broken down by season.

- Visiting during spring is great for flower lovers. The flower bloom in the surrounding area begins in June. The forests are still bright green with new leaves and while the overnight temperatures are low the day time temperatures are nice.
- Visiting during summer is best for getting out on the water. The overnight temperatures are pleasant and it will be a bit more crowded than a spring visit. Don’t be surprised if strong storms roll through in the afternoon, this is really common throughout the Blue Ridge Mountain.
- Visiting during fall is when the area is at its most beautiful. It is also when the area is busiest. You may want to try and visit midweek and do activities early in the day to avoid some of the crowding. Early to mid October is usually when the leaves peak.

Things to do in Julian Price Memorial Park
When you aren’t relaxing at your campsite there are quiet a few things to do within the park. Here is a list of what you may want to check out.
- Hike around Price Lake or Boone Fork Trail. The trail around Price Lake is a bit more than two and a half miles and the Boone Fork Trail is a little less than five. Price Lake is great for a stroll with kids and Boone Fork is a bit better if you want to escape into the woods and catch a small but pretty waterfall.

- Go Kayaking on Price Lake. You can bring your own kayak or canoe or rent one from Price Lake Boat Rentals. There hours vary throughout the year so check their site before your visit. It is important to know there is no swimming or motorized boats allowed on the lake.
- Try fishing for trout in Price Lake. You can access fishing spots from the trail around Price Lake. The lake is regularly stocked with trout. There is even a handicapped fishing pier available. You can purchase some fishing tackle at the boat rental. A valid fishing license from Virginia or North Carolina is required for anyone 16 or older.
These are just the things immediately within the park grounds. We have a separate post about all the awesome hikes, overlooks, and other activities near Price Lake you should check out while planning your visit.
Where to get firewood and last minute items
You can purchase firewood, ice, and snacks at the boat rental shop. Make sure you don’t bring untreated firewood into the park to help prevent the spread of pests. If you forgot any camping gear or groceries you’ll need to head toward Blowing Rock.
- Nearby grocery stores. Food Lion in Blowing Rock is your closest grocery store. Prices are high if you don’t have a loyalty card but you can usually get a clerk to scan theirs if you don’t have one, this can save quite a lot of money. There is also a Walmart in Boone that is about 10 minutes further away.
- Nearby outdoor shops. Footsloggers in Blowing Rock is the closest outdoor shop if you need to pick up hiking or camping gear. You’ll find high quality gear at Footsloggers. Walmart is another option if you just need some inexpensive gear to get you through.
- If you don’t want to buy firewood you can gather it from the area around your site. The NPS has a few rules about this. You can read over those to make sure you don’t gather wood you aren’t supposed to. In our experience gathered wood is better for supplementing purchased firewood instead of replacing it.
Cell phone coverage is bad to nonexistent around Price Lake. I would recommend downloading a map of the area on your phone before you begin your trip. You can follow these directions if you aren’t already familiar with how to do it.
Price Lake is an amazing place to camp. It is great for individuals, couples, or families. Being near the lake is incredible. Make sure you book far in advance if you want that experience.
The Price Lake area is one of the best on the Blue Ridge Parkway because it has some of the most beautiful overlooks and some of the best hikes on the parkway. You will love camping at Price Lake if you love the Blue Ridge Mountains.

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