Julian Price Memorial Park
Located along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway in the lush green expanses of North Carolina, the Julian Price Campground is a top destination for boating, hiking, fishing and more. Whether it’s for a family camping excursion or a peaceful getaway, this campground has something for everyone. Julian Price Memorial Park is at milepost 297 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and directly adjacent to the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park. Julian Price Memorial Park has 4,200 acres at the foot of Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina. The surrounding forest offers hemlock, white pine, oak, hickory and birch trees, along with a colorful assortment of wildflowers in the spring and an array of vivid orange and red foliage displays in autumn. Wildlife viewing is also popular as campers have a good chance of spotting bears, grouse, turkeys, owls, hawks and more. The park provides over 100 picnic sites, various campgrounds, rest rooms, nature walks, hiking trails, and a 300-seat amphitheater. The Blue Ridge Parkway goes over the top of the dam. The 47-acre lake is visible from the road and is stocked with various fish. Among wildlife around the man-made lake are beavers, ducks, and frogs. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at Price Lake, and other types of non-motorized boats are permitted. Fishing is also available at the lake, with a dock provided.
The Blue Ridge Parkway recreation area was named in honor of Julian Price. It is Together these parks Julian Price Park and Moses Cone Memorial Park comprise the largest developed area set aside for public recreation on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The park is managed by the National Park Service which received the lands from the Jefferson Pilot Standard Life Insurance Company shortly after Price’s death when they received it through his will.
Julian Price was an insurance executive who purchased the acreage in the late 1930s and 1940s to create a retreat for the employees of his insurance company. His premature death in 1946 postponed these plans and the lands were deeded over to his company. They in turn donated the lands to the National Park Service and Blue Ridge Parkway for public recreational use with the cooperation and approval of Price’s son and daughter. The donor of the lands requested that Boone Fork be dammed to create a lake in Julian Prices’ honor, which is now called Price Lake.
Julian Price Park Hiking Trails
Price Lake Trail offers a refreshing hike around the edge of the water, and the Boone Fork, Green Knob and Tanawha Trails are just a few of the trails that are conveniently accessed through the campground.
Price Lake Loop (2.5 miles)
Boone Fork Trail Loop (5.0 miles)
Green Knob Trail (2.3 miles)
Tanawha Trail Intersects with the Boone Fork Trail (13.5 miles)
Julian Price Park Campground
The Julian Price Park has the largest campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway, as well as a popular picnic facility. Julian Price Campground combines the traditional great outdoors experience with the modern conveniences of flush toilets and drinking water. Both RV and tent sites are available, and provided picnic areas are perfect for barbecues or late-night marshmallow roasting. This campground has 129 tent and 68 RV sites and those on Loop “A” are located near Price Lake. During the summer, rangers present programs on various topics at the amphitheater located in the campground.
JULIAN PRICE (BLUE RIDGE PKWY)
5580 Shulls Mill Road
Blowing Rock NC 28605
Phone Number: (828) 963-5911
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
36.13889, -81.73111
36°8’20″N, 81°43’52″W
- Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 296.9
- The park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- A nominal fee is charged for campsites.
- Hours of operation and fees are subject to change.
- Contact directly for most current information.
Activities and Amenities
- Accessible Sites
- Amphitheater
- Boat Ramp
- Campfire Programs
- Canoe Rentals
- Dock
- Drinking Water
- Dump Station
- Fire Rings
- Fishing
- Flush Toilets
- Hiking
- Historic Sites
- Host
- Interpretive Programs
- Lake Access
- Ranger Station
- Trash Collection
