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New River State Park RV & Campground Guide

North Carolina

New River State Park is situated within Alleghany and Ashe counties in North Carolina and is separated into four sections. New River, designated a National Wild and Scenic River, flows through the recreation area, and the park has developed several access points for boating enthusiasts. Visitors can also camp, hike, swim, fish, picnic, and birdwatch at the state park. The region is a temperate rainforest with warm and wet summers and frigid winters with heavy snowfall. New River State Park hosts an annual blues festival every fall. It features live music and food vendors and takes place in a meadow beside the river.

Nearby Cities

  • Boone, NC

  • Lenoir, NC

  • Hickory, NC

  • Statesville, NC

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Weather
Spring 34-52 F
Summer 62-80 F
Fall 45-63 F
Winter 30-45 F
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RV Resorts & Campsites in New River State Park

Campground Accommodations

Raccoon Holler Campground

  • Water hookup: Yes

  • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • Sewer hookup: Yes

  • Wi-Fi: No

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Max RV length: 50 feet

  • Other amenities: Full hookups, picnic tables, recreation trail, fire ring, picnic area, dump station, restrooms, and showers

Greenfield Campground

  • Water hookup: Yes

  • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • Sewer hookup: Yes

  • Wi-Fi: Yes

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Max RV length: 50 feet (Class A)

  • Other amenities: Full hookups, picnic areas, a recreation trail, fire ring, picnic tables, dump station, restrooms, and showers

Greenfield Campground

Listen to the live music at Greenfield Campground every Friday night or find a quiet spot for solitude around the two fishing ponds. Overnight, weekly and seasonal rates are all available. However, they change seasonally, so be sure to call ahead of time before stopping at this campground in West Jefferson.

  • Water hookup: Yes

  • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • Sewer hookup: Yes

  • Wi-Fi: Yes

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Other amenities: Fishing ponds, live music, playground

Raccoon Holler Campground

The game room at Raccoon Holler Campground makes a great place to hang out if it rains, but if the weather is nice, stroll along the hiking trails or play volleyball, basketball, tetherball and disc golf. Rates start at about $32 per night at this Jefferson, North Carolina, campground and include many special seasonal activities like cookouts, Bingo or golf cart parades.

  • Water hookup: Yes

  • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • Sewer hookup: Yes

  • Wi-Fi: No

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Other amenities: Walking trails, shuffleboard, planned activities

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What to Do at
New River State Park

New River State Park offers camping, hiking, paddling, swimming, fishing, picnicking, and birdwatching. The park has many vantage points to see wildlife and hundreds of bird species, including red-tailed hawks and bald eagles. The state park offers shuttle services to tube and kayak rental providers. The state park also has exhibits and ranger-led programs to learn about local wildlife, history, and culture.

Inside New River State Park

Many people come to this 2,000-acre state park to launch their canoes or kayaks into the New River, which is actually believed to be one of the world's oldest rivers. The river offers a terrific place to fish for trout and bass. Spring is a delightful time to stroll around this park's four areas to see the wildflowers blooming, and once the weather warms up, you can go swimming at Elk Shoals. Learn more about this area by visiting the displays at the visitor's center. Many enjoy a scenic drive past small farms and country stores as they drive from one area of this park to another. 

Fishing Fishing

At New River State Park, you can fly or spin fish in the South and North Forks to catch catfish, perch, bass, sunfish, black crappie, red-eye bass, muskellunge, and rainbow trout. An NC fishing license is required for all parties 16 and older, and you can get a license from general stores near the park and at the Wildlife Commission. Alternatively, there are local fishing guides available near the park. Rick's Smallmouth Adventures offers an 8 to 12-hour guided fishing tour that includes equipment, bait, and a meal.

Geocaching Geocaching

New River State Park has a geocache that is near a hiking trail that follows the river. You can use your smartphone or a GPS device to find it. Once you do, you can take a memento and sign the logbook. However, don't forget to leave a family-friendly item in the container for the next adventurer.

Nature Watching Nature Watching

At New River State Park, there are many vantage points in the park to see wildlife, including the river's shoreline, picnic areas, and walking trails.

Stargazing Stargazing

You can see the stars, planets, and constellations on clear nights at the park. Take a blanket to the beach or grab a snack and set up a telescope at a picnic table to enjoy an evening of gazing at the heavens.

Flora and Fauna

New River State Park has many protected flowers and plants, including rattlesnake root, purple sedge, Carolina and Cary's saxifrage. Picking these flowers or plants is illegal in NC. You'll also see oak and hickory trees, dogwood, sassafras, huckleberry, alders, and hemlock. The animals you'll see include white-tailed deer, bears, mink, muskrats, raccoons, beavers, and wild turkeys. Birders can spot red-tailed hawks, ruffed grouse, osprey, wood ducks, belted kingfishers, and spotted sandpipers.

Hiking Hiking

The Fern Nature Trail, Running Cedar Trail, Bluebird Spur Trail, Crabapple Spur Trail, and Riverbend Backcountry Trail are accessible from Wagoner. The River Run Trail, Dogwood Trail, and Campground Spur Trail are accessible from US 221. The Farm House Loop, Riverview Trail, and Road to Nowhere Trail are accessible from Alleghany via boat only. The hiking trails range from 0.2 to 3.5 miles.

Boating

You can canoe and kayak at New River State Park, and along its 50-mile path, you will be fascinated by picturesque views. It is also a popular waterway for tubbing.

Swimming Swimming

You can swim at New River State Park in Elk Shoals at the beach, but there isn't a lifeguard on duty. The beach area has plenty of room to lounge in the sun, and there are restrooms nearby.

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How to Get to
New River State Park

From Laurel Springs, head west toward NC-18. Turn right onto NC-18 North. Next, turn left onto NC-113 North. Turn left onto US-221 South. Turn left onto New River State Park Road and watch for the park entrance.

Entering New River State Park

There is parking available in the Visitor Center lot. Entrance to the park is free. The Visitor Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and weekends from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

New River State Park offers fantastic adventures for visitors whether you love the water or want to explore North Carolina's great outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions About New River State Park

What is the best time of year to visit New River State Park?

Summer is the best time to visit New River State Park as temperatures are mild yet warm enough for all outdoor activities, including swimming, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Hikers may consider a spring visit when the park explodes with life or a fall arrival to experience the spectacular autumn colors.

What kind of wildlife can be found in New River State Park?

At New River State Park, you may spot mammals like white-tailed deer, bears, mink, muskrats, and river otters. Birders can look forward to adding several species of raptors, waterfowl, and songbirds to their journals.

Are there designated RV camping spots in New River State Park?

The state park has 20 designated RV camping spots ranging from 25 feet to 62 feet, but the state park limits RVs to 50 feet. Each site has a fire ring, a picnic table, and nearby restrooms.

Do you have to reserve a camping spot at New River State Park and what is the cost?

You aren't required to make a reservation, but the state park can reach maximum capacity quickly in the summer. The camping fee ranges between $27 and $32, depending on the season.

What is the climate of New River State Park?

Yes, pets are permitted within campsites and at the park, but you must keep them on a leash. Pets are not allowed inside any buildings. In addition, you are expected to clean up after your furry family members.