New River State Park

Trails Status

Hiking Trails

Partially Open

Camping

Activities

Trails

Facilities

About the Park

Map of North Carolina with a star indicating the location of New River State Park

Located in Ashe and Alleghany counties 35 miles northeast of Boone, New River State Park covers seven accesses along this National Wild and Scenic River that flows north through three states. All accesses allow for launching kayaks and inner tubes to paddle or float along the shallow, gentle river. Paddle-in only campgrounds provide a remote experience. The hellbender — the largest salamander in the U.S. — and 14 species of rare and threatened plant species inhabit the New River valley.

Camping

  • Tent sites (including backpacking and paddle-in sites)
  • Trailer and RV sites (some with electric, water, and sewer hookups)
  • Group tent sites (including backpacking sites and paddle-in only sites)
  • Dump station
  • Showers
  • Firewood

Activities

  • Hiking (9 miles)
  • Paddling
  • Fishing
  • Picnicking

Amenities

  • Classrooms and conference room
  • Community building
  • Picnic shelters
  • Visitor center
  • Exhibits
  • Bathhouses

Plan Your Visit

Tab/Accordion Items

Walk-In Campground - CLOSED

River access - CLOSED

Address

358 New River State Park Road, Laurel Springs, NC 28644

GPS: 36.4676, -81.3403

Current Weather

28644 Laurel Springs, NC 

Wagoner Access is open for day use only (hiking, picnicking, and river access), no camping. 

The Peaks Backcountry and Riverbend campsites and Riverbend Trail remain closed.

Address

1477 Wagoner Access Road, Jefferson, NC 28640

GPS: 36.4158, -81.3871

Current Weather

28640 Jefferson, NC 

Address

2250 Kings Creek Road, Piney Creek, NC 28663

GPS: 36.5276, 81.3363

Current Weather

28663 Piney Creek, NC

Elk Shoal Access is open for day use only (hiking, picnicking, and river access). 

Address

349 Methodist Camp Road, West Jefferson, NC 28694

GPS: 36.3653, 81.4332

Current Weather

28694 West Jefferson, NC 

Maps

Fees

There are no fees required to access New River State Park for day use. Fees are charged for camping, certain event permits, and facility reservations.

Pets

Pets are allowed at the park and at campsites. They are not permitted inside buildings. Pets must be on an attended leash of no longer than 6 feet at all times.

Park Hours

Tab/Accordion Items

Month

Hours
January 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
February 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
March 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
April 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
May 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
June 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
July 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
August 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
September 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
October 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
November 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
December 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 

Month

Hours
January 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
February 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
March 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
April 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
May 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
June 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
July 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
August 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
September 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
October 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
November 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
December 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

Open Mondays to Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Month

Hours
January closed
February closed
March closed
April 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
May 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
June 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
July 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
August 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
September 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
October 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
November closed
December closed

 

Open from sunrise to sunset year-round.

Education

Ecology & History

Videos

Field Trips

Learning Materials

Additional Links

Scheduled Events at New River State Park

Park staff lead regularly scheduled interpretive programs that allow the public to gain perspective into what makes North Carolina state parks naturally wonderfully. Learning opportunities are available for all ages. Most events are free, though some may require pre-registration.

Host Your Event at the Park

Make your special occasion naturally wonderful. State parks are great places for birthday parties, reunions, weddings, and more. Learn more about event permits and fees on the Facilities page.

Park Rules

Jobs

News

Park Planning

Friends of High Country State Parks

Join, volunteer, or donate! The Friends of High Country State Parks promotes, supports, and advocates for New River, Elk Knob, and Grandfather Mountain state parks, and Mount Jefferson State Natural Area through organizing volunteer efforts, educating visitors, hosting events, and fundraising.

Friends of State Parks

Friends of State Parks is a nonprofit citizen organization supporting, promoting, and advocating for the North Carolina State Parks system as a whole. The group helps provide funding for Junior Ranger and Youth in Parks – Environmental Education programs, as well as grants for state parks projects.

Photo Gallery