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New River State Park RV & Campground Guide

North Carolina

The New River State Park near Laurel Springs, North Carolina, is divided into four areas designed to give kayakers and canoers easy access to the river. This river was declared a National Wild and Scenic River in 1976. However, the New River watershed has been offering great shore fishing for centuries. In addition to nonmotorized boating, these access points offer outstanding places to have a picnic, and large picnic shelters are available. You may want to start your visit at the 221 Access Point by visiting the visitors center, where you will find interpretative displays, and the park's rangers often host informative programs. Different parts of this park are located at Jefferson, Piney Creek, and West Jefferson. 

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Weather
Spring 37-62 F
Summer 55-78 F
Fall 46-68 F
Winter 22-44 F
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RV Resorts & Campsites in New River State Park

Get your RV packed and ready to head to this state park. Since there are so many great spots, having a recreational vehicle will be convenient. Get a rental on RVshare.com if you do not already own one. 

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

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. 

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How to Get to
New River State Park

Getting to New River State Park depends on which part of the park you want to visit first. If you want to go to the main park entrance where the visitors center is located, head west from Laurel Springs, North Carolina, on State Highway 18. Turn right on NC 18 North. Turn left on NC113 North. Turn left on US 221 South. Finally, turn left on New River State Park Road. You will arrive at the park in about one-half mile. 

If you want to arrive at the Wagoner Access, then start in Jefferson, North Carolina. Head out on US 221 North. Keep going straight, even when this road becomes North Carolina 16 South/North Carolina 88 East. Turn left on Wagoner Access Road. You will have traveled about 7.6 miles when you reach the park. 

Kings Creek Access is located about 3.8 miles from Piney Creek, North Carolina. Start by getting on North Carolina 113 South. Turn right on South Fork Church Road and another right on Kings Creek Road to arrive at this part. 

Finally, if you want to go to the Elk Shoals Access area, from the intersection of U.S. 221 and North Carolina 163, turn left on Boggs Road. When you arrive at the low-water bridge, turn right into this park's entrance. 

Entering New River State Park

The park's visitor center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the weekends. Each area has its hours, which vary seasonally. 

New River State Park Per passenger vehicle : $0.0

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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. The water can be too cold for swimming and boating in fall and spring, but summer is the perfect time to enjoy various outdoor activities.

What is the climate of New River State Park?

New River State Park is a temperate rainforest, so the climate is typically warm and wet. However, the park is also in the Blue Ridge Mountains, so the winter can be very cold with frequent snow storms.

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

The park is home to a wide range of unique animals. In the water, there are many varieties of trout and bass, as well as the hellbender, an endangered salamander. Bears, white-tailed deer, foxes, and bobcats roam the forests.

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

There are twenty designated RV camping spots in New River State Park. These sites offer water and electric hookups and vary in size. The longest spots are 62 feet long, while the shortest spots are 25 feet.

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

You don’t have to reserve a spot in the park, but the park tends to fill up during the summer, so reservations are recommended. The cost varies per season but is in the $30 per night range.