Canoeing and Camping on One of the Oldest Rivers in North America — National Wild and Scenic River Designation, Multiple Access Points Along the New River, Camping With Tent and RV Sites Including Paddle-In Sites, Canoeing Kayaking and Tubing on Gentle Shallow Water, Fishing for Smallmouth Bass Musky and Rock Bass, Scenic Mountain Valley Setting in the Blue Ridge, Near Jefferson and West Jefferson Ashe and Alleghany Counties Northwestern North Carolina
New River State Park is a linear state park along the New River — a National Wild and Scenic River and one of the oldest rivers in North America — in Ashe and Alleghany Counties, northwestern North Carolina, managed by North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation. The park features multiple access points along the river (US 221, Wagoner, Kings Creek, and others), tent and RV campsites including some with electric, water, and sewer hookups, unique paddle-in campsites accessible only by canoe or kayak, canoeing, kayaking, and tubing on gentle, shallow water ideal for beginners and families, fishing for smallmouth bass, muskellunge, and rock bass in the clear mountain river, a scenic mountain valley setting in the Blue Ridge with views of surrounding peaks, a visitor center at the US 221 Access with interpretive exhibits, and multiple group camping areas for larger parties.
The New River is famously misnamed — despite its name, it’s one of the oldest rivers in the world, predating the formation of the Appalachian Mountains. The gentle, shallow waters make it perfect for family paddling — there are no dangerous rapids in this section, just lazy Class I riffles and long, calm pools.
The paddle-in campsites are the real highlight — pack your gear into a canoe and paddle to your campsite for a true river wilderness experience without a challenging whitewater trip.
Things to Do
- Canoeing/kayaking — gentle Wild & Scenic River
- Paddle-in camping — canoe-access sites
- Camping — tent, RV, group sites
- Tubing — lazy Class I water
- Fishing — smallmouth bass, musky
- Scenic — Blue Ridge mountain valley
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Ashe & Alleghany Counties, NW NC |
| River | New River — Wild & Scenic, oldest in NA |
| Camping | Tent, RV (hookups), paddle-in, group |
| Water | Gentle Class I — family-friendly |
| Fishing | Smallmouth bass, musky, rock bass |
| Managed By | NC Parks and Recreation |
| Coordinates | 36.4167° N, 81.3500° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
New River SP — along the New River — one of the oldest rivers in the world (estimated 360 million years old) and one of the few major rivers in North America that flows north. The river’s gentle current, bluffs, and forest support smallmouth bass, bald eagles, and river otters. The river is a National Wild and Scenic River and an American Heritage River.
Nearby Attractions
Laurel Springs — adjacent. Blue Ridge Parkway — nearby. West Jefferson — 15 miles south.
Is the New River good for beginners?
Yes — the New River in this section of northwestern North Carolina is gentle Class I water with lazy riffles and calm pools, making it ideal for beginner and family paddling. New River State Park offers multiple access points along the National Wild and Scenic River, canoe/kayak/tube trips, unique paddle-in campsites, tent and RV camping with hookups, and fishing for smallmouth bass and muskellunge. One of the oldest rivers in North America despite its name. Near Jefferson in the Blue Ridge mountains.
Last updated: May 2026
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Mount Jefferson State Natural Area is a short drive away, and Bear Paw State Natural Area is a short drive away.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for North Carolina state parks online at northcarolinastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
Park Location
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