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Camping Information : Camping is allowed only on designated campsites. Camping in other than designated areas may result in a fine. No drive up campsites are available on the park. There are no water or electricity provided at the campsites.
Camping Reservations : To make a backcountry trailside camping reservation, call toll-free 1-866-345-PARK (7275) or make it online by clicking Park Reservations. Reservations requested less than one (1) day in advance of check-in must be made directly through the park. For example: If today is Friday and you are making a reservation checking in on today, Friday, you must make the reservation by contacting the park directly.
Trailside Camping : The Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area offers trailside backcountry camping at 18 primitive sites. Fourteen sites provide fire pits, while four allow no fires. Permits are required, and camping is allowed in designated areas only.
Campers are asked to follow internationally recognized "leave no trace" camping practices. For more information on leave no trace practices, visit the official leave no trace ethics website.
Campers are asked to check-in at least two hours before dark in order to safely reach their campsites. Costs are $8-20/site/night.
Backcountry Group Camping: The Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area offers one backcountry group campsite. The group site can be reserved for 10-20 people. Reservations for the group campsite must be made by calling the park directly. Costs are $4.40 - 5.50/person/night. Registration is required.
PETS
Pets : Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife.
Take Hwy 276 through Travelers Rest, Marietta and Cleveland. Approximately two miles N. of Cleveland turn right at park sign onto River Falls Road. Stay on River Falls Rd. until the name changes to Jones Gap Road. The park is six miles off Hwy. 276.
We had a lovely time at Jones Gap State Park hiking to Rainbow Falls. Make sure to make a parking reservation in advance.
There is public Wi-Fi at the Ranger station.
Beautiful park! Worth lots of visits. Trails are well marked and easy to follow. Clean restrooms, lots of seating spots/picnic area, top notch dog-friendliness.
- 5/5 🐾, Maple & Sage
Neat park to camp! The hike to each site is longer than the say! Amazing views, and we'll spaced apart ( hence the hike ). Trail hikes are everywhere, and photo ops are as well!
35,000 or so acres and only 39 parking spots - made in heaven! Reserve if going in the AM. Caution when wet, as all trails have challenging spots over gullies, ravines, etc. As well, Rainbow Falls trail passes close to occupied bear dens, you may not want to be on the trail near sunset in October/November. Rainbow Falls trail 1100 ft rise in 2 miles - great challenge but roots, slip spots, etc. when dry... NOT a casual hike. Poles recommended.
This place is gorgeous. The hiking trails run through deep woods so you hike in shade. It's really nice.
The trail that leads to Jone's Gap will also connect to Silver Falls at Ceasars Head State Park. That's an 8 mile round-trip.
Back and forth to Jone's Gap is a little over 3 miles.
The only downside is very limited parking. 37 parking spots. Monday through Thursday is not an issue but weekends need a reservation.
