Camping

Make a Camping Reservation

Find and book a campsite online at ncparks.gov/reservations or call: 1-877-722-6762

Available Camping Facilities

Backcountry Backpack Camping and Group Camping

Camping is allowed with a permit at 13 backpack camping sites along the trail system, including the Hi-Balsam Shelter.

All 13 campsites are hike-in backcountry, primitive sites. There is no car camping. There are no facilities. The terrain is rugged and can be challenging. Trailheads are near 3,800 feet in elevation and Calloway Peak reaches 5,946 feet.

Please do not disturb nearby campers. Take care to protect the terrain and plant and animal life.

Reservations Required for All 13 Campsites

All campsites must be reserved in advance, which can be made as late as the same day. We recommend making your reservation prior to your park visit, as cellular service is not reliable at the park. A fee is charged for all campsites, and campers must have a reservation code to be able to camp. Camping fees are listed near the bottom of this page.

Register On-Site for a Camping Permit

Upon your arrival, please fill out a camping registration permit at the Profile trailhead or at the kiosk near the Boone For parking lot. You must register for a permit on-site, in addition to making your reservation online.

Camp in Designated Areas Only

Camping is permitted in the designated areas only, which are identified by signs at the campsites and with a camping icon on the trail map. There is no dispersed camping (camping outside a designated site) on the mountain. All camping regulations apply to hammock campers.

Parking and Trailheads

Profile Trailhead
4198 N.C. 105, Banner Elk, NC 28604
GPS: 36.119756, -81.835001

Boone Fork Parking Area (managed by the National Park Service)
north of mile marker 300 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
GPS: 36.120076, -81.781358

Campsite Details

Tab/Accordion Items

From Boone Fork Parking Area:

1.2-mile hike, elevation gain of 368 feet, average hiking time of 45 minutes

From Profile Trailhead:

6.5-mile hike, elevation gain of 2,146 feet, average hiking time of 6 hours

About the Campsite:

The site is 15 feet off of the trail. There are no tent platforms. A stream is located at the campsite.

Cables to hang food are provided — follow the red triangles

Campfire Permitted?

Yes, campfired is permitted in the provided stone fire ring.

Rules and Regulations:

A maximum of six campers is permitted on the site. Campers must complete on-site registration form, located at the Profile trailhead or at the kiosk near the Boone Fork parking area.