Kawasaki Concours Forum

Riding => Rides and Stories => Topic started by: Pfloydgad on March 23, 2012, 09:42:14 PM

Title: Any Free campgrounds along Blue Ridge Pkwy ?
Post by: Pfloydgad on March 23, 2012, 09:42:14 PM
I am heading down to Hampton, VA to visit my son the 2nd. week of April and was wondering if any on here know of any Free campgrounds or sites along the way or on the BRP ?
In the true frugal/Connie spirit, I am trying to do this as cheap as possible, so free is the way to go. I will resort to Commando camping if necessary, but would like a more secure campsite.
Even though I go armed, I still want to just blend in, if you know what I mean.
So any suggestions I'm game for, thanks for your knowledge in advance.
Ride safe all,
Greg
Title: Re: Any Free campgrounds along Blue Ridge Pkwy ?
Post by: SteveJ. on March 24, 2012, 12:01:59 PM
Not free, but frugal, with showers.

http://www.willvillebikecamp.com/ (http://www.willvillebikecamp.com/)

Except for a coupla caveats, you are allowed to camp anywhere on US National Forest lands. Chase down on the USForest site for exceptions and rules.
Title: Re: Any Free campgrounds along Blue Ridge Pkwy ?
Post by: gpzrocker on March 25, 2012, 06:00:50 AM
Steve J is correct. 2 things: where is your son and when do you plan on camping, like do you have a general destination> I have two in the area of Little Switzerland, down some great roads. Problem is, both camping areas are on gravel, but I ride them with my Connie regular.
Title: Re: Any Free campgrounds along Blue Ridge Pkwy ?
Post by: Bosco on March 25, 2012, 06:26:53 AM
Try this site.

http://freecampsites.net/ (http://freecampsites.net/)
Title: Re: Any Free campgrounds along Blue Ridge Pkwy ?
Post by: Pfloydgad on March 25, 2012, 09:30:05 AM
Well....
I camp because I like it, and because I'm cheap. I just hate Hotels, unknown morbitities on beds, counter tops, etc.
But the real truth is, I just like the camping feeling. I know it is a true personal choice, so for me it is just my favorite way of riding and resting.
And once I developed a plan it became much more enjoyable.
Ride safe all,
Greg

PS:  Thanks for ther info on the sites also, already added to my favorites.
G
Title: Re: Any Free campgrounds along Blue Ridge Pkwy ?
Post by: Pokey on March 25, 2012, 01:04:14 PM
Sounds like fun Greg, be sure to report back with how it goes!
Title: Re: Any Free campgrounds along Blue Ridge Pkwy ?
Post by: ssmith on March 27, 2012, 11:03:39 AM
Look up COG members in the directory who offer bedroll/tent space?

Title: Re: Any Free campgrounds along Blue Ridge Pkwy ?
Post by: wipfel on March 27, 2012, 02:09:51 PM
Even though I go armed,

Around Hampton, VA?  Good idea. ;)
Title: Re: Any Free campgrounds along Blue Ridge Pkwy ?
Post by: Shadowofshoe on April 03, 2012, 02:51:02 PM
Not free, but frugal, with showers.

http://www.willvillebikecamp.com/ (http://www.willvillebikecamp.com/)

Except for a coupla caveats, you are allowed to camp anywhere on US National Forest lands. Chase down on the USForest site for exceptions and rules.

 Wow those pics at that campground make me feel...............well old frankly!

        Mike
Title: Re: Any Free campgrounds along Blue Ridge Pkwy ?
Post by: MAN OF BLUES on April 13, 2012, 10:43:19 AM
I am heading down to Hampton, VA to visit my son the 2nd. week of April and was wondering if any on here know of any Free campgrounds or sites along the way or on the BRP ?
In the true frugal/Connie spirit, I am trying to do this as cheap as possible, so free is the way to go. I will resort to Commando camping if necessary, but would like a more secure campsite.
Even though I go armed, I still want to just blend in, if you know what I mean.
So any suggestions I'm game for, thanks for your knowledge in advance.
Ride safe all,
Greg

Hey Greg, ride safe!!!
there aren't a lot of free ones, but check these
http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/gwj/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=73539&actid=34 (http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/gwj/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=73539&actid=34)

difficult part is, you are gonna be going to Hampton, and the BRP isn't conducive to you destination for anything other than a single overnighter...due to theBRP's location and direction of travel.
you're basically gonna cross the BRP.
There's camping at Natural Bridge Va., prolly the closest to where your route will take you, also at Sharando Lake on the end of the BRP near rt 64.
You cutting across W.Va., and heading in from there?
Camping near Canaan Valley at Seneca Rocks is nice.

north end places on your direct route would be:
Otter Creek (MP 61) is located at the Parkway's lowest elevation near Virginia's James River. Open in early April.

 Peaks of Otter (MP 86) near the Peaks of Otter Lodge, Abbott Lake, the restored 1930s Johnson Farm, and a magnificent trail system. Reservations can be made for portions of this campground on-line at RECREATION.gov or by calling 1-877-444 6777.

even with those, you have to "route carefully" to get over to Hampton, because there simply ain't no "direct route".....unless you are riding ADV style.....
Title: Re: Any Free campgrounds along Blue Ridge Pkwy ?
Post by: yoman on April 13, 2012, 04:42:15 PM
Don't know your exact route but this place is awesome. Not free but awesome.
http://www.ironhorsenc.com/ (http://www.ironhorsenc.com/)