Next time you head for the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina, consider packing your camping gear as there are eight developed campgrounds where you can spend the night.

According to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, you can find 86 tent sites and 58 RV sites at the Peaks of Otter Campground at Milepost 85.9 

Peaks of Otter is made up of Flat Top, Sharp Top, and Harkening Hill and provides stunning views of the mountains and Jefferson National Forest. The Peaks of Otter Campground is located at the foot of Sharp Top Mountain, and offers campsites shaded by a thick canopy of leaves along with tables, campfire rings, and grills. There are numerous hiking opportunities ranging from demanding uphill treks to an easy stroll around Abbott Lake. In the springtime, hikers are likely to stumble upon one of the mountain meadows filled with wildflowers and migrating butterflies, while a fantastic assortment of foliage can be seen in the fall. You can often see animals such as deer and turkeys in the campground. Summer interpretive programs are provided for visitors to learn about the wildlife as well as the history of the area.

Another nice campground can be found at Milepost 297: Julian Price Memorial Park, which offers 119 tent sites and 78 RV sites.

Julian Price Campground is the largest of the developed campgrounds on the Parkway and is adjacent to Price Lake, a 47-acre body of water that sparkles against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are numerous activities to enjoy in the area. Canoe rentals are available at Price Lake and other nonmotorized boats are permitted. Fishing fans can cast their lines from a designated dock. Price Lake Trail is a relaxing and easy 2.7-mile trek around the shore, and the more challenging Boone Fork, Green Knob, and Tanawha trails can be accessed through the campground.

For those who have donated to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, your support has been used to pave the one-mile loop trail at Abbott Lake, making it the first complete ADA trail in the Parkway. Additionally, your funds have gone to restore Polly Woods Ordinary, a historic lodge and tavern on the shores of the lake that dates to the early 1800s. 

At Julian Price Memorial Park, the Foundation has been able to replace picnic tables, fire grills, and repave walkways through the campground thanks to your donations. The nonprofit organization currently is working to raise funds to build a new comfort station that will include ADA accessible restroom facilities and showers. 

Other campgrounds along the Blue Ridge Parkway can be found at:

* Milepost 60.8: Otter Creek CG; 45 tent sites, 24 RV sites

* Milepost 167.1: Rocky Knob CG, 81 tent sites, 28 RV sites

* Milepost 239.2: Doughton Park CG, 110 tent sites, 25 RV sites

* Milepost 316.4: Linville Falls CG, 50 tent sites, 20 RV sites

* Milepost 339.5: Crabtree Falls CG, 70 tent sites, 22 RV sites

* Milepost 408.8: Mount Pisgah CG, 64 tent sites, 62 RV sites