Queen Street Parking
Parking lot
3.4 (12)
247 Queen St, Boone, NC 28607
RiverNC
Elk Shoals
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan Elk Shoals at New River State Park with official access directions, day-use hours, fees and current river guidance.
Water type
River
Access
Informal
Fee
No fee for ordinary day use. Event permits and facility reservations are separate.
Best season
Check park alerts, weather, river conditions and the date of the latest water-quality sample before visiting
Nearby towns
West Jefferson
Water body
South Fork New River
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
West Jefferson
Access location not verified
WEST JEFFERSON, NC
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
A closer look
Photos of Elk Shoals
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Elk Shoals access
Elk Shoals is a day-use access of New River State Park near West Jefferson, North Carolina, on the South Fork New River. Use the official access at 349 Methodist Camp Road rather than the former camp directions.
Hours and admission
The park publishes sunrise-to-sunset hours year-round, with Christmas Day closed. Ordinary day use is free; camping, event permits and facility reservations are separate. The old advance swimming-permit requirement has not been substantiated by the current park information.
Plan river access
New River Conservancy documents a swim beach here, and the local riverkeeper publishes water-quality samples through Swim Guide. Check the sampling date; older results do not establish today's conditions. Check current swimming guidance, water conditions and posted restrictions before entering. Contact the visitor center at 336-982-2587. Do not park on roadsides when designated spaces are full.
Before traveling
Elk Shoals is not the U.S. 221 visitor center or another park campground. Do not assume their bathhouses, camping facilities or opening hours apply here.
Getting There
Navigate to New River State Park, Elk Shoals access, 349 Methodist Camp Road, West Jefferson, NC 28694. Use designated parking and follow posted access restrictions.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Day-use access, sunrise to sunset; closed Christmas Day. Use designated parking. Current park information does not substantiate the former advance swimming-permit claim.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check official rules, fees, hours, and closures before visiting. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Paid Public Parking Lot
Parking lot
5 (1)
129 N Depot St, Boone, NC 28607
Stadium Parking Deck
Parking garage
4.3 (7)
185 Stadium Heights Dr, Boone, NC 28608
Trailhead Mountains to Sea Goshen River Trail
Hiking area
4.9 (22)
2060 Bamboo Rd, Boone, NC 28607
Elk Shoals New River State Park
State park
4.7 (28)
349 Methodist Camp Rd, West Jefferson, NC 28694
Picnic tables
Boone United Trail
Hiking area
4.6 (94)
471 New Market Blvd, Boone, NC 28607
Boone KOA Holiday
Campground
4.4 (482)
123 Harmony Mountain Ln, Boone, NC 28607
Free Wi-Fi
Flintlock Campground
Campground
4.5 (429)
171 Flintlock Campground Dr, Boone, NC 28607
Frequently Asked Questions About Elk Shoals
Can you swim at Elk Shoals?
The conservation partner documents a swim beach here. Check park restrictions and recent riverkeeper results before entering; water conditions can change.
Is there a day-use fee?
NC State Parks says ordinary day use is free. Event permits and facility reservations are separate; the old advance swimming-permit claim is not supported by current park information.
Can you camp at Elk Shoals?
No. The park identifies Elk Shoals as day-use only. Arrange camping separately at an appropriate park access.
Where can I check water quality?
The MountainTrue Watauga Riverkeeper publishes Elk Shoals results through Swim Guide. Read the sampling date: historical results are not a guarantee of present conditions.
Highlights
South Fork New River beach
Day-use access near West Jefferson
Riverkeeper water-quality reporting
Riverside walking and picnicking
Unique Features
Former Methodist camp conserved as a state park access
Swim beach and riverside trails
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Check current park restrictions and riverkeeper results, including the sampling date
- Older results do not establish today's water quality
- Supervise children closely and avoid hazardous currents; confirm lifeguard provision rather than assuming supervision
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
New River Conservancy acquired the former Methodist camp in 2018 and donated the property to New River State Park.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
River and wooded-bank views from permitted public areas; do not enter sensitive restored banks for photographs.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Respect restored riverbanks and marked routes, pack out litter and avoid disturbing aquatic habitat.
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Check water quality before swimming
Use this safety guide before entering any natural water.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check park alerts, weather, river conditions and the date of the latest water-quality sample before visiting.
Difficulty Level
Use the signed park access. Riverbed conditions and accessibility to the water vary; confirm specific mobility needs with the park.
Fee
No fee for ordinary day use. Event permits and facility reservations are separate.
Facilities
The riverkeeper describes picnic tables and bathrooms with potentially seasonal access. Elk Shoals is day-use only; do not assume facilities at other New River accesses are available here.
Activities
Swimming, tubing
Phone
336-982-2587
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Elk Shoals is day-use only; camping at other park accesses requires separate planning.
Loading weather data…
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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