North Carolina State Parks
Laurel Springs, NC
Reservations for this campground are handled through ReserveAmerica
Reservation SiteNew River State Park is located in Ashe and Alleghany counties. The Wagoner Road Access Area, at river mile 26, is located eight miles southeast of Jefferson. The U.S. 221 Access Area, at river mile 15, is located eight miles northeast of Jefferson and may be reached by US Hwy 221. The Kings Creek Access Area, at river mile 7, is located on Kings Creek Rd. The Alleghany County Access Area, at river mile 1, may be reached only by canoe.
Rugged hillsides, pastoral meadows and farmlands surround what is believed to be one of the oldest rivers in North America. Its waters are slow and placid. Its banks are fertile and covered with wildflowers. Dedicated as a National Scenic River in 1976, this gentle river is the centerpiece of New River State Park.
The New River area still maintains an old-fashioned charm. Mountain roads are narrow and winding, dotted with small farms, churches and country stores. The river itself is tranquil, offering good bass fishing, trout streams, excellent birding and inspiring mountain scenery. But perhaps the best way to absorb and appreciate the river's peacefulness is from the seat of a canoe as it glides across the slow-moving waters. Four areas with access to this waterway make up more than 2,200 acres of New River State Park and provide spots for camping, canoeing, picnicking and fishing.