Come next summer, Roanoke Mountain Campground may not be campgrounds at all come next summer.
The National Park Service took a look at attendance at campgrounds along the Blue Ridge Parkway; Roanoke Mountain Campground ranked last.
Campground season's normally over around the end of October.
But by the low attendance numbers at Roanoke Mountain Campground, you would have thought the season ended a long time ago.
Roanoke Mountain Campground has no showers and no electrical hookups. Workers believe this could be one of the reasons the attendance is so low.
Out of the nine campgrounds on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Roanoke Mountain Campground is the least used facility.
Blue Ridge Parkway’s Superintendent Phil Francis says now the National Park Service is looking at making some adjustments. "Do we spend our money on campgrounds that have little use or should we spend our money on campgrounds that have more use? We think a better decision would be to invest that money where more people go," said Francis.
Some campers, like Peggy Martin, worry closing the campground will take away from tourism in the area. "I'm afraid it'll take from people coming to the star and to Mill Mountain. I'm hoping they'll keep the campground and put a little money into it," said Martin.
Restoring the current condition of the campground could be very expensive.
Parkway officials say they looked into an estimate, but it would cost millions.
Officials say closing the site is still undecided.
Alternatives such as making it a day recreation area are being discussed but officials say they’re leaning on the public for input.
An open house meeting will be held November 10th from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Brambleton Center, 3738 Brambleton Avenue in Roanoke.
