Elk Shoals
West Jefferson, North Carolina · on South Fork New River · New River State Park
Verified · 4 independent sources
- WATER
- river
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- Free
- SEASON
- Best in summer
About Elk Shoals
Elk Shoals is a day-use access area of New River State Park on the South Fork New River near West Jefferson, North Carolina. It offers a broad sand-and-gravel riverbank that functions as an informal beach for wading, swimming, and river snorkeling, and is one of the few New River access points monitored for recreational water quality by the local riverkeeper program.
The site sits along the South Fork New River within New River State Park in Ashe County, a broad, shallow mountain river valley. The access point centers on a sand-and-gravel bar beach with a riverside walking trail and adjoining picnic areas near a former Methodist camp property.
Swimming at Elk Shoals
Swimming here is casual, beach-style wading and shallow-water play rather than a deep swimming hole: an easy sandy/gravel entry into a shallow, gentle stretch of the South Fork New River, suited to families, waders, and snorkelers rather than divers or strong swimmers seeking depth.
How to get to this swimming hole
From downtown West Jefferson, take NC 163 east and turn onto Methodist Camp Road, continuing to the signed park access and riverside parking area at 349 Methodist Camp Road.
Parking: Small onsite parking area at the Elk Shoals Access lot; fills quickly on busy summer weekends, so early arrival is recommended.
The hike in
No hike is needed to reach the water: parking is directly riverside and the sand/gravel beach adjoins the lot. A separate riverside walking trail exists at the site for those who want to stroll along the river, but it is not required to access swimming.
Drive-up access; swimming area is steps from the parking area.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
Good for kids
Broad sand-and-gravel bar with a gentle, shallow entry rather than a deep hole or cliffs; Swim Guide and tourism sources describe it as family-friendly for wading, sunbathing, and river snorkeling. Current and depth can rise quickly after storms, so caution is warranted following heavy rain.
Parking
Free
Small onsite riverside parking lot with a dumpster; no day-use fee, but the lot is reported to fill quickly on busy summer weekends, so early arrival is advised.
Restrooms
Yes
Seasonal restrooms near the parking/picnic area; sources note they 'may not be open or accessible year-round.'
Hours
Sunrise to sunset, year-round (day-use only, no overnight camping at this access).
On the water
State park and tourism sources describe the South Fork New River here as shallow and gentle, explicitly supporting tubing, kayaking, and canoeing; no restrictions (e.g., no-wake, electric-only) were found in available sources. Levels/current can rise quickly after storms, so water shoes and life jackets are recommended for tubing/paddling.
Rentals nearby
Tube, kayak (single sit-on-top or tandem), and canoe rentals on the New River, plus shuttle passes for people with their own boats/tubes
Prices: Tubing from $20 for a ~2.5-hour trip; kayaks from $35 for 2-5 hour rentals; canoes from $55 for trips of 5 miles up to multi-day; shuttle passes $20+
3874 NC Hwy 16 S, Jefferson, NC 28640 (on the New River near Jefferson/West Jefferson) · Seasonal operation with expanded summer hours and limited spring/fall weekends; last tubing bookings around 1 PM in slower-water periods (check site for current-year dates)
Kayak, canoe, and tube rentals (walk-ins welcome) plus guided fishing trips and bike rentals
Todd, NC, on the South Fork New River, downstream of Elk Shoals · Daily, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Backstory
The access sits on land near a former Methodist church camp, and a chapel on the property is available for rental through ncparks.gov.
Elk Shoals: FAQ
Does Elk Shoals charge a fee?
No fee for day-use access to New River State Park (camping and facility rentals elsewhere in the park do have fees).
Is Elk Shoals kid friendly?
Broad sand-and-gravel bar with a gentle, shallow entry rather than a deep hole or cliffs; Swim Guide and tourism sources describe it as family-friendly for wading, sunbathing, and river snorkeling. Current and depth can rise quickly after storms, so caution is warranted following heavy rain.
Do I need to hike to reach Elk Shoals?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Elk Shoals?
Small onsite riverside parking lot with a dumpster; no day-use fee, but the lot is reported to fill quickly on busy summer weekends, so early arrival is advised.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Elk Shoals?
State park and tourism sources describe the South Fork New River here as shallow and gentle, explicitly supporting tubing, kayaking, and canoeing; no restrictions (e.g., no-wake, electric-only) were found in available sources. Levels/current can rise quickly after storms, so water shoes and life jackets are recommended for tubing/paddling.
When is the best time to visit Elk Shoals?
Summer, when the riverkeeper program's weekly water-quality monitoring runs (late July through August per Swim Guide data) and water levels are typically low and gentle.
What are the rules at Elk Shoals?
Elk Shoals Access is day-use only (sunrise to sunset year-round) with no overnight camping; pets must be on an attended leash no longer than 6 feet.
What water body is Elk Shoals on?
Elk Shoals is on South Fork New River, a natural river verified in USGS hydrography data.
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