Blue Ridge Parkway

Thanks to all for your suggestions. We will be leaving shortly and they were very helpful.
Dan 183

ddferreira wrote:
We are seeing the Skyline Parkway, Blue Ridge Parkway and the Outer Banks this summer. Any suggestions for routes there as well as campgrounds to use would be appreciated. Leaving Boston area going to Skyline first. Thanks for any suggestions.

Dan

What type of campgrounds are you wanting? NPS Parks without amenities? Or commercial ones with hook ups?

ROUTES - From the southern terminus of the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Outer Banks, you'll have a choice of three routes east. I-40 is four lane and the quickest; US64 is mostly two lane but much more scenic; I've only driven sections of US70 in that part of the state but it would be my third choice. All three intersect near Raleigh where you'll need to make another decision. Note: It can easily take well over an hour to get through the Raleigh/Durham area in weekday morning/afternoon rush hour traffic.

There are three access points to the Outer Banks. Since VA doesn't apply here, you'll have the options of through Manteo in the north or Ocracoke from the south.

US64 is four lane from Raleigh to Manteo except for the last forty miles. Usually the traffic isn't a problem on any of this and it will be the fastest.

US70 out of Raleigh will be the route of choice if you want to come in from the south by taking the Cedar Island to Ocracoke ferry.

US264 splits off from US64 twenty miles east of Raleigh and more or less runs parallel until rejoining it just outside Manteo. It passes through several small towns and has quite a bit of two lane but isn't a bad drive and it also provides the option of taking the Swan Quarter ferry to Ocracoke should you want to arrive from the south.

My recommendation would be to start at one end and leave from the other. Ferry reservations for either southern ferry are strongly suggested.

CG's - Have stayed at and enjoyed all Federal facilities on the Parkway and Skyline Drive. Lake Powhatan in Pisgah Nat Forest is a good one near Asheville if you plan to take in Biltmore. The NC Arboretum is also nearby and well worth a stop.

For us, there's nothing special for CG's between Asheville and the coast along any of the routes. We camp a fair amount in the mountains and along the ocean but live in the middle so don't overnight in between.

On the Outer Banks, Camp Hatteras, KOA and Ocean Waves are the big three commercial offerings. We prefer any of the four National Seashore cg's with Frisco being our favorite. Note: Oregon Inlet, Ocracoke and particularly Cape Point cg's will flood under heavy extended rain.

Hope you enjoy your visit with us.

there was a thread on this about a month ago. dont know if it is one of those links.
bumpy

Skyline Drive is part of Shenandoah Natl Park and there is an admission fee (good for 7 days). If you have a senior pass, admission is free. I think the speed limit on Skytline Drive is 35 mph nd on Blue Ridge Parkway is 45 mph. Most of the campgrounds on the parkway are not great for big rigs. Watch out for bicycles too since they are right in the middle of the road. We once clocked one at 45 mph. There are some tunnels that are problematic. Only been to the Outer Banks for day trips but it was lovely.

Not sure how far you are traveling on the parkway. But there are a few campgrounds off the parkway that we have enjoyed.In Virginia, Sherando Lake and Goose Point. Both have nice sites, electric hookups and swimming.In North Carolina, Davidson River.

ddferreira wrote:
We are seeing the Skyline Parkway, Blue Ridge Parkway and the Outer Banks this summer. Any suggestions for routes there as well as campgrounds to use would be appreciated. Leaving Boston area going to Skyline first. Thanks for any suggestions.

Dan

Allow PLENTY of time. IF you really want to see, and enjoy the Blue Ridge Parkway. Allow at least a week just for it.

Also As for CGs on the BRO. there are several NP CGs with out hookups, and they are very nice, There is also Raccoone Holler near Glendale Springs, Miller Camp closer North, and Bear Den Near Little Switzerland. Enjoy,
also. You will have to get off the BRP to fuel, and get food

What sorts of activities do you most enjoy? It's hard to make recommendations for you without more information.

However, when we have traveled on the Blue Ridge Parkway, we have really appreciated Rose Houk's book, Blue Ridge Parkway Road Guide

-Speak