Blue Ridge Parkway Glamping: 8 Virginia and North Carolina Stays, North to South
Note: Advertising is how we keep this site free for you to enjoy, and we earn a commission from affiliate links that may be included in this post. Thank you for supporting Back Road Ramblers!
Far-reaching mountain vistas, hidden waterfalls, and a perfect mix of outdoor activities and cultural attractions in the Appalachian Mountains.
The Blue Ridge Parkway winds 469 miles through the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina, and it’s still the best drive in the East. In 2025, it was the most-visited site in the National Park System, with more than 16.5 million visits.
It has also had a rough two years. Hurricane Helene tore through western North Carolina in September 2024, and right after the storm, the Park Service closed all 469 miles of the Parkway. As of early October 2026, 458 miles are open again, and the Park Service is currently working on the last 11.
A road trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway means waterfall hikes, roadside vistas, cool historic sites, sprawling vineyards, and adorable mountain towns. You’ll hear mountain music everywhere, and you can pitch your tent at one of eight campgrounds along the way.
Wait, what’s that you’re telling me?
You aren’t interested in roughing it while embarking on America’s favorite drive? No worries! We’ve got another solution.
A Blue Ridge Parkway glamping road trip!
North Carolina and Virginia offer incredible glamping, and we’ve found some of the most gorgeous places to spend the night while exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway.
I took a camping road trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway a few years ago and loved every minute. If sleeping on the ground isn’t your thing, these are the Blue Ridge Parkway glamping stays I’d book now.
I’ve listed these stays in the order you would drive them, from north to south. Start near the Parkway’s northern end in Virginia and head south toward Asheville. Each listing notes how far you’ll be from the Parkway.
Virginia Glamping near the Blue Ridge Parkway
The first 217 miles of the Parkway are in Virginia, which I’d consider the quieter half. You’ll find gentle ridges, lots of farmland, and wineries tucked into the valleys. These three Virginia glamping stays cover the northern end, Roanoke, and the stretch near the North Carolina line.
The Retreat at Crabtree Falls: Creekside Glamping in Tyro, Virginia
Sleeps: 2 per glamping tent; the cabins sleep more
Dogs: Not in the glamping tents; the historic cabins are dog-friendly
Cost: From $160/night for tents, from $170/night for cabins
Parkway access: About 7 miles via VA 56 to Tye River Gap (Milepost 27), 15 to 20 minutes
If you’re starting your Parkway trip from the north, this is a perfect first-night stay. The Retreat at Crabtree Falls is in Nelson County, half a mile from Crabtree Falls, Virginia’s tallest waterfall, and about 7 miles from the Parkway.
The four adults-only glamping tents cantilever over a mountain stream, so the creek is your soundtrack all night. Each tent has a king bed, a gas log heater, a kitchenette, and an outdoor dining area.
Each tent gets keyed access to its own private bath suite a few steps away, with heated floors. If a short walk to the bathroom at 2 am is a dealbreaker, book one of the property’s historic cabins instead. They’re dog-friendly and a great fit for families.
What we love about this Virginia glamping spot: A creek under your tent and a waterfall hike before breakfast.
Explore Nelson County, Virginia: The Crabtree Falls trail starts minutes from the Retreat. Afterward, follow Route 151, known locally as Nelson 151, for wineries, breweries, and orchards. Natural Bridge State Park and Lexington are both about 45 minutes away.
Pod Cabins and Yurts at Explore Park in Roanoke, Virginia
Sleeps: Up to 4 in pod cabins, up to 6 or 8 in yurts
Dogs: Some units are dog-friendly
Cost: Pod cabins $85/night in season ($65 off season); yurts $105/night in season ($85 off season), plus tax
Parkway access: Right on it, at Milepost 115
Explore Park was a highlight of my visit to Virginia’s Blue Ridge. The 1,100-acre park sits right off the Parkway at Milepost 115 and is run by Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism. If you’re looking for glamping near Roanoke, this is the closest you’ll get to sleeping on the Parkway.
Don’s Cab-Inns operates the lodging, including these adorably arched pod cabins. Each pod has heat and air, a fridge, a microwave, and a coffee maker, plus a picnic table, grill, and fire ring outside. Cabin guests share a clean, spacious bathhouse. The yurts are a bit of an upgrade, with more room and a private bathroom.
Note: Linens aren’t included in the pod cabins. You can rent them, or bring your own sheets.
Roanoke is the biggest city along the Parkway, and its gritty charm has never been much of a secret. In recent years, it has become a magnet for young professionals, outdoor-loving families, and retirees. I recommend giving yourself a few days here.
What we love about this Virginia glamping spot: Hiking, mountain biking, tubing, and an aerial adventure course, all without leaving the park.
Explore Roanoke, Virginia: You’ll find 14 miles of hiking and biking trails at Explore Park, along with the Treetop Quest aerial course, seasonal river tubing, and Twin Creeks Brewpub (open on weekends). We’ve rounded up our favorite parks in Roanoke and the best things to do in Roanoke, indoors and out.
Treetop Yurt with a Hot Tub near Fancy Gap, Virginia
Sleeps: 3
Dogs: Yes
Cost: $130+
Parkway access: About 3 miles, via US 52 at Fancy Gap (Milepost 199)
This beautiful yurt is just 3 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway in Piper Gap, Virginia. The biggest draw is the quirky indoor-and-outdoor space, plus the outdoor hot tub!
Hammocks, a propane fire pit, and furniture sit on the lower deck, while the hot tub sits on the upper deck. A huge soaking tub and tiled walk-in shower indoors mean you can pick the relaxation method that suits you best.
The yurt has heat and AC, plus a cozy propane fireplace to warm things up. It has a full kitchen and room for three, though I think it’s best suited for couples.
What we love about this Virginia glamping retreat: The outdoor space, including the fire pit and hot tub.
Explore Fancy Gap, Virginia: There is a lot to do in this area, so give yourself a couple of days if you can. Devil’s Den Nature Preserve surrounds a 600-million-year-old cave and a beautiful trail system. The famous Blue Ridge Music Center is nine miles away, and Chateau Morrisette Winery is a pet-friendly winery in nearby Floyd.
North Carolina Glamping Along the Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway crosses into North Carolina at Milepost 217, and the mountains get taller and steeper from there. This is also the half of the Parkway Helene hit hardest, and the impact will be noticeable on trails and along the route.
These five North Carolina glamping stays run from the High Country around Boone and Blowing Rock south to Asheville.
Unique Treehouse on 84 Acres in Jefferson, North Carolina
Sleeps: 4
Dogs: Yes
Cost: $235+
Parkway access: About 30 minutes, via NC 16 at Glendale Springs
Have you always wanted to live in a treehouse?
This one-of-a-kind North Carolina glamping experience is perfect for reliving those childhood dreams! This treehouse is a sensory adventure, full of unique nooks and creative artistry.
Luxurious amenities include a clawfoot bathtub, a cozy woodstove, a kitchenette, and a beautiful balcony.
The treehouse is on a mountain farm with friendly animals that will appeal to kids and animal lovers of all ages.
Hiking is available on the property, and New River State Park is within walking distance.
This is truly one of the most unique glamping destinations you’ll ever experience! The treehouse is dog-friendly.
What we love about this North Carolina glamping spot: It’s a treehouse – what’s not to love?
Explore Ashe County, North Carolina: The New River was named a National Wild and Scenic River in 1976, and it winds through some of North Carolina’s best mountain scenery. Be sure to check out New River State Park. You can also rent canoes, kayaks, or tubes at Zaloo’s Canoes for a full-day river adventure.
The Nook and Nest GeoDomes in Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Sleeps: 2 per dome (book both domes for four)
Dogs: No
Cost: $550+
Parkway access: About 5 miles; downtown Blowing Rock is 2.5 miles
Welcome to the Nook and Nest, where two beautiful geodesic domes sit at different elevations on 20 acres of mountainside outside Blowing Rock. The GeoDome is the upper dome, with wider views. The TreePod sits a bit lower, tucked into the trees.
Each dome has a king bed under a transparent panel for stargazing. Each also has its own deck with a private hot tub, fire table, grill, and hammock. A heated bathhouse with a real shower, a flush toilet, and a kitchenette sits next to each dome. The property has private trails, a stocked pond, and long views across the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Good to know: The domes are close to US 321, so you may hear traffic. The driveway is steep. The TreePod needs AWD or 4×4, or you can park at the top and walk 350-450 feet down; everyone parks at the top during winter weather.
What we love about this North Carolina glamping spot: A private hot tub under the stars, and just five minutes from Main Street.
Explore Blowing Rock, North Carolina: Blowing Rock is a small mountain town with unique shops and restaurants. It’s also close to historic Parkway sites like Moses H. Cone Memorial Park and The Blowing Rock, North Carolina’s oldest travel attraction.
Wildhaven: Nordic-Style Glamping near Linville Falls, North Carolina
Sleeps: 2
Dogs: In the Dogwood cottage
Cost: $230+, depending on which place you book
Parkway access: Across the road, where NC 181 crosses the Parkway at Milepost 312.2
Wildhaven Farm & Forest started as a 30-acre personal retreat that owner Cass and her family bought as their own mountain escape. The land was once a commercial rhododendron and azalea nursery, and when they found it, greenhouses were collapsing, old nursery equipment was scattered around, and they pulled hundreds of glass bottles from the creeks.
We are so fortunate that this beautiful retreat now welcomes guests at three rentals on the property.
Hemlock and Dogwood are two Icelandic-inspired, off-grid sleeping cottages with luxurious bedding, warm reading lights, and a fire outside each door. The Little Lily Airstream Cottage sits near the greenhouse and has a kitchenette, full bathroom, and outdoor seating area.
Visitors can enjoy the Spa House, with showers and a space to get ready. There’s also a wellness courtyard with a sauna, a hot tub, and a spring-fed cold plunge.
What sets Wildhaven apart is that it’s as much a land restoration project as it is a place to stay. The owners are rebuilding soil, restoring habitat, and planting for pollinators. As Cass puts it, “Proceeds from guest stays go right back into that work, so the people who stay here are quite literally helping us care for the place they came to enjoy.”
The Parkway section just south of Wildhaven stayed closed after Helene until October 2026, and businesses in this corner of the High Country have struggled to rebuild and reconnect with visitors.
Know before you go: The sleeping cottages are off-grid, so your shower and bathroom are a short walk away in the Spa House. Wildhaven is also a working micro-farm, so you might see the owners feeding chickens or running the tractor. Bring a headlamp for night walks on the grounds.
What we love about this North Carolina glamping spot: A sauna, hot tub, and cold plunge, plus a stay that helps pay for the land’s recovery.
Explore Linville Falls and the High Country: Upper Creek Falls is about five minutes away. Linville Gorge, with hikes up Table Rock and Hawksbill Mountain, is about ten. Linville Falls is close, too. Grandfather Mountain and the Linn Cove Viaduct are each about 13 minutes from Wildhaven, and Banner Elk is 15.
1800s Log Cabin at Lake Eden in Black Mountain, North Carolina
Sleeps: 4
Dogs: Up to two, with prior approval and an extra fee
Cost: From about $182/night, including taxes and fees
Parkway access: About 20 minutes, via US 70 in east Asheville (Milepost 382)
This rebuilt 1800s log cabin sits in a grove on the grounds where the legendary Black Mountain College once operated, near Lake Eden. It has a queen bed in the loft, a futon downstairs, a woodstove, and the perfect rocking chair porch. Black Mountain is about five minutes away, and Asheville is about 20.
Know before you go: The kitchenette is basic, with a mini fridge, two burners, and a microwave, and the bathroom is shower-only. The cabin is part of a larger retreat property, so you may share the grounds with a camp group or event weekend.
What we love about this North Carolina glamping spot: Staying in the cabin is like stepping back in time.
Explore Black Mountain, North Carolina: Check out the Black Mountain Center for the Arts for exhibits and events, and walk the loop around Lake Tomahawk. If you get the chance, grab takeout from Cousins Cuban Cafe.
Romantic Yurt with a Hot Tub in Asheville, North Carolina
Sleeps: 2 Dogs: No Cost: From about $113/night Parkway access: 5 to 10 minutes
We love yurt glamping, and this little yurt is perfect for a romantic getaway. It’s tucked into the woods and secluded, but only minutes from groceries, restaurants, and the Parkway. The Folk Art Center is about four minutes away, and the Mountains-to-Sea Trail is a five-minute walk from your door.
The yurt has Wi-Fi, satellite TV, a hot tub, a full bathroom, and a small kitchen. The deck is the place for morning coffee.
Know before you go: The last stretch is a one-lane gravel road, so AWD is nice in bad weather. Guests must be 21 to book, and only kids 13 and older are allowed. Helene left its mark here too: the host says a tree fell across a neighboring yurt’s deck during the storm. Fortunately, the yurts were empty at the time.
What we love about this North Carolina glamping spot: The location is very convenient to Asheville.
Explore Asheville, North Carolina: Asheville is one of those cities you’ll want to take some time to explore. It’s a foodie paradise, with some of the state’s best breweries, cultural attractions, waterfalls, and hiking. Explore downtown and visit the North Carolina Arboretum, and hike the Craggy Gardens Trail off the Parkway.
Camping or Glamping on the Blue Ridge Parkway?
The biggest difference here is cost. A site at Otter Creek runs about $30 a night. A glamping tent at the Retreat at Crabtree Falls starts at $160. That extra $130 buys you a king bed, a heater, and a hot shower.
When is that worth it? Here’s when I’d pay it:
When you’re traveling after October 25, once the campgrounds close
When the forecast says rain for three days straight
When you’re traveling with someone (including yourself) who will be miserable on the ground
When the stay itself is the experience, like a treehouse or a sauna and cold plunge
Yes, you can also book hotel rooms. I won’t judge.
Camping on the Blue Ridge Parkway: Pros
- It’s the cheapest option by far
- Campgrounds are right on the Parkway
- You spend more time outdoors
- It’s fun to meet camping neighbors from all over the world
Camping on the Blue Ridge Parkway: Cons
- You need camping gear
- You’re at the mercy of Mother Nature
- You have to build setup and breakdown time into your schedule
- Public bathrooms and showers aren’t always clean
- The NPS camping season ends October 25, and two campgrounds are closed for all of 2026
Glamping on the Blue Ridge Parkway: Pros
- You sleep in a real bed (most of the time)
- Most of the gear is provided
- Glamping structures handle bad weather far better than a tent
- The season is longer: spring, late fall, and sometimes winter
- It’s still an immersive outdoor experience without all the extra work
Glamping on the Blue Ridge Parkway: Cons
- It costs a lot more than camping
- Most stays are off the Parkway. Explore Park and Wildhaven are the closest; for the rest, you’ll have to drive off the Parkway
- Amenities vary widely. You may get a full kitchen, Wi-Fi, and a private bathroom, or you may not, so read the listing carefully before booking
The Best Time for Glamping in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Summer is awesome on the Parkway, with festivals, swimming holes, hiking, and patio dining.
Fall is my favorite. Color starts at the higher elevations and works its way down the Blue Ridge Mountains, so a long trip can follow the foliage for weeks. For the lower slopes at their best, aim for late October and reserve everything early. The fall colors here aren’t exactly a secret.
Insider tip: Our favorite resource for planning stops along the Blue Ridge Parkway is the Blue Ridge Parkway Association, and we’ve also gathered up our favorite stops here: 7 Fabulous Things to do Along the Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is free to drive on, and the entire thing is managed by the National Park Service. Check the NPS road closure page before you plan your trip so you don’t run into any unpleasant surprises.
Ready to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway with a glamping road trip through Virginia and North Carolina? These glamping retreats will make for a vacation you’ll never forget!
Follow us on social media for more glamping ideas!
