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I've driven the full length of both parkways many times. I live a little over an hour from the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are no issues with clearance height or width in any tunnel, with your truck trailer combo. Motor homes go through every day. Some motor homes might have height issues. There are no hookups inside any NPS campgrounds that are part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, only water and sewer at the entrances.
The Skyline can be driven end to end in one day, easy 110 miles. I've done it in a little over 4 hours, not towing. But, don't do it fast. Take at least 2 or 3 days. I have little experience camping in that area, though I have been into the campgrounds adjacent to the road. Make reservations if you plan to stay on the weekends, especially on the northern end, any time during summer/fall.
The BRP can be traveled end to end in 2-3 days, about 470 miles. But plan on a week or more if you want some of the local experience.
On the northern end of the BR the first campground I remember is Otter Creek. I've stayed in this one 5 or 6 times. It is a rather small and no hookups. Water and dump station at the entrance/exit. Usually there is a first come space during the week, but reservations needed on weekends or holidays (typical any campground). There is a small creek that runs right through the campground.
The next I have experience with is Peaks of Otter, campground and lodge, I've stayed at this campground and in the lodge because there is (or was, not sure) a pretty good restaurant. It's been a few years since I have been there.
The Virginia Highland Haven Airstream Park is near the VA/NC border. If you have not been, it would be a good place to spend a night or two. Reservations required.
The are a couple more campgrounds between Peaks of Otter and Price Lake, but I have not been in them in 5-6 years.
In VA, just before entering NC, stop in the Blue Ridge Music Center. There is an interesting display of musical instruments made by locals. On a Sunday afternoon there may be an impromptu jam session of the local musicians.
This is NC Yadkin Valley wine county. Check out wineries in the area if you have a day or two. Stone Mountain NC State park is nearby.
Price Lake campground is one of my favorites on the Blue Ridge. I live about 1.5 hours south, so we stay there at least a few times per year. Water and dump station at the entrance. Some sites have water nearby, but shared with others. There are canoe rental, fishing, and hiking trails in the campground. 10 minute drive to Blowing Rock and 20 minutes to Boone, for restaurants and shopping.
Linville Falls campground is next. Hike into the Linville River Gorge, trout fish in the river above the falls across the parkway in the picnic area. Nearby day trip to Linville Caverns. Short drive to Little Switzerland for lunch and visit the mineral museum.
Just past Little Switzerland is Crabtree Meadows Campground. There are hiking trails down to the falls. Down to the falls is easy, back up is strenuous.
Mount Mitchell NC State Park is the highest elevation east of the Mississippi River. The entrance road is directly off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. There is a good two lane road to the visitors near the top of the mountain, then a .25 mile hike to the observation platform at the peak. GO HERE if you have never been before. I suggest you stay in one of the prior mentioned campgrounds and day trip without the trailer (though I have seen trailers towed up to the top, I would not)
Asheville is next on the parkway. The Folk Art Center is right on the parkway. STOP HERE for a couple hours. There are several private campgrounds in the area, but I have never used them. (I have family nearby with hookups for my trailer). Lots to do here. Asheville is apple country. One of my favorite things to do is visit the cideries in the area (Google maps will list at least half dozen). There are breweries and wineries too. The downtown area has a funky sort of night life that many enjoy, but that's not my style.
20+ miles further south on the Blue Ridge is Pisgah Mountain Campground, across the street from the Pisgah Inn Lodge. (my favorite on the parkway) Water and dump station at the entrance. The restaurant there is good, the view from the dinning room is fabulous!! STOP HERE!. We make the 4 hour drive at least one time, but more than likely twice every year. During summer we escape the heat. In fall the foliage is beautiful. Nearby for dinning and shopping is Brevard, NC. Driving to Brevard there are waterfalls right along the road. And, check out the famous Sliding Rock for the adventurous. Davison River Campground nearby has full hookups. Mill River is nearby too.
The Blue Ridge Parkway ends not to far south of Pisgah. You will be at the entrance of the Great Smoky. Cherokee is there too if you are interested in the casino or the touristy stuff. The trout fishing inside the reservation can be great at times. A special permit required at all times!
Have fun! Drive slow! Take time to stop often!
Plan ahead for fuel stops, at US and State highways where exit is good.
If there is a sign at an exit road that says no RVs, believe it. DO NOT GO THERE!!!! Some of these turn immediately to gravel/dirt. There may not be a place to stop or turn around for many miles. Some of these roads are very steep with hairpin turns. The Parkway roads are good paved roads. There will be no issues as long as you maintain the speed limit. (Use lower gears going up & down. Brakes used only as needed, while in lower gear)
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Alan
2014 Silverado LTZ 1500 Crew Cab 5.3L maximum trailering package
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