Want to camp? Here are six spots off the Blue Ridge Parkway to hit up

WAYNESBORO — Waynesboro is the beginning — or end — of the Blue Ridge Parkway, giving way to miles and miles of winding roads and camping options. 

The parkway extends to 469 miles from Virginia to North Carolina. The Blue Ridge Parkway was the first national rural parkway to be conceived, designed and constructed for a leisure-type driving, according to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation.

The topography and vista points along the parkway offer easy public access to spectacular views of central and southern Appalachian rural landscapes and forested mountains, the foundation said. The parkway connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.

Recreation.gov has six top-rated campgrounds along the Blue Ridge Parkway for visitors to stay. 

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Here's a rundown of campground locations:

Peaks of Otter 

• Near Bedford, Virginia
• According to Recreation.gov: "The Peaks of Otter Campground is nestled between the bases of two dominating mountains in the rolling hills of Virginia."

Otter Creak

• Near Monroe, Virginia
• According to Recreation.gov: "As Otter Creek descends to the James River, the Blue Ridge Parkway dips to its lowest elevation, only 649 feet above sea level. This area's abundant water and warmer temperatures support plant and animal communities that are unlike those found at other areas on the Parkway. A short walk along the Trail of Trees or a hike along the clear, cool waters of Otter Creek will give ample proof that there is more to the Blue Ridge Parkway than mountain-top vistas."

Rocky Knob

• Near Floyd, Virginia
• According to Recreation.gov: "Located on the famous Blue Ridge Parkway in the hills of rural Virginia, Rocky Knob Campground is nestled amid rolling meadowlands with impressive displays of seasonal flowers, endless night skies and green pastures. Numerous nearby overlooks and the winding parkway provide an ideal backdrop for a traditional camping experience."

Doughton Park

• Near Sparta, North Carolina
• According to Recreation.gov: "Nestled in a landscape of mountains, open meadows and pioneer cabins, Doughton Park Campground is surrounded by 30 miles (48 km) of hiking trails offering opportunities to view wildlife as well as get a feel for the lives of those who lived here long ago. Originally known as The Bluffs, the area came by its present name in honor of Congressman Robert L. Doughton, a long-time advocate and supporter of the Parkway."

Linville Falls

• Near Newland, North Carolina
• According to Recreation.gov: "Located in a dense pine canopy, within hiking distance of Linville Gorge, and along the famous Blue Ridge Parkway, Linville Falls Campground is an ideal location for your next family camping excursion."

Crabtree Falls

• Near Michaville, North Carolina
• According to Recreation.gov: "What many consider to be the hidden gem of Blue Ridge Parkway campgrounds, Crabtree Falls Campground offers a quiet serenity that appeals to campers as well as wildlife. It is a magical place when mist hangs in the air, as coyote and deer tiptoe through and barred owls call out. Crabtree Falls, a spectacular 70-foot waterfall which is one of the most photographed in the area, is accessible from the campground."

Laura Peters is the trending topics reporter at The News Leader. Have a news tip on local trends or businesses? Or a good feature? You can reach reporter Laura Peters (she/her) at lpeters@newsleader.com. Follow her @peterslaura. Subscribe to The News Leader at newsleader.com.