Looking for tent camping near Cumberland? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find Cumberland campgrounds for you and your tent. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Cumberland, Kentucky's most popular destinations.
$14 / night
Primitive Camping
Natural Tunnel's primitive camping site is in a partially wooded area about half a mile from the main campgrounds and bathhouses. Parking is available at the site, but RV’s and camping units are not allowed. Reservations for Primitive Camping can be made by calling the park office at 276-940-2674.
Amenities:
Five 15 ft. x 15 ft. tent pads. Common area with fire ring. Covered eating area with four picnic tables. Utility building with electricity and lights suitable for storage or food prep (no cooking inside the shed).
Parking for up to five vehicles. (Limited overflow parking available at the campground entrance). No RV or camping trailer parking is available. Potable water spigot at the entrance to the primitive camping area. Two portable toilets. (No showers on site.)
$15 / night
The campground is located in Jonesville Virginia on a large creek in the woods. We have unlimited camping spots and can accommodate large groups. Picnic tables available. All fires must be inside the campground an inside a fire pit. Fresh spring water is provide but necessary to treat if used for drinking. Firewood can be provided for a small fee. No cutting of live trees are allowed but you can pick up dead limbs. We live on sight so should you need anything just ask. Enjoy your stay!!!
$15 - $50 / night
Strategic Location for peaceful camping with lots of nearby options. Camping is very primitive and rustic as new amenities come online in planned future. The best time of booking is the weekend at present.
We have:
Wooded/Grassy hills with plenty of tree cover and open space to spread out . A uniquely positioned community fire pit is available with an impressive view. It is very rustic and primitive, but well kept, quiet, secluded, with developing surroundings.
There is direct access to Jefferson National Forest and miles of hiking, biking and horseback trails. Equestrians encouraged, but is Bring your own horse and Tie Line.
Nearby sites include Bark Camp Lake, Guest River Gorge, Bear Rock, Little Stony Falls, Chief Benge Trail, Devils Bath Tub, and High Knob. We are also located along several driving and scenic routes to include: Backroads of the Cumberland's, Appalachian Backroads, Virginia Wildlife and Birding Trail, and Thomas Jefferson Scenic Byway (Rt. 72). In addition, within a short drive there is an ATV trailhead in the local town. The Clinch River is not far at all as well.
There is a small quaint downtown less than 5 miles with grocery, gas, supplies, and a few places to eat.
Mission:
The original idea for CR Adventure Outpost came many years ago. We grew up visiting "Grandma & Grandpa" in Wise County and developed a deep love for the area, the outdoors, and all it had to offer. There came a point, , when we realized that the amount of outdoor activities and authentic cultural experiences could indeed support visitors. It could also support many business opportunities once everyone became aware of what was all around them. At that point, a process began of research and planning on ideas some thought were pointless. People deeply want to get back to nature and withdrawal from a fast paced materialistic society, at least long enough to realize what is really important in life. There is a huge need and vast opportunity to take advantage of the many beautiful landscapes in Southwest Virginia.
$20 - $35 / night
Phillips's Creek Group Picnic area is a secluded site surrounded by forest. It is a great facility for family reunions, organization activities and other group events.
Open lawn areas are adjacent to the picnic area can be used for activities such as horseshoes, sports and games (bring your own game and sports equipment). Hiking trails are available within easy driving distance and include Pine Mountain and Red Fox Trails. The Phillip's Creek Trail is near the picnic area.
Parking is adjacent to the picnic shelters and restroom facilities. The restrooms are pit toilets. The toilets are adjacent to shelter #1 but are a short walk (850 feet) from shelter #2. A large charcoal grill is available at both shelters. Picnic tables are located inside the shelters. There is no electricity or drinking water available.
The picnic area is surrounded by forest. The North Fork of Pound Reservoir is nearby and is a popular boating and fishing destination.
The Pine Mountain and Red Fox Trails are within easy driving distance.
$25 / night
Carr Creek Lake Shelters are located on Carr Creek Lake on the same side of Kentucky Highway 160 as Littcarr Campground. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in cooperation with the Commonwealth of Kentucky, manages the land and water at Carr Creek Lake for wildlife, fisheries and recreation.
The 710-acre lake and surrounding area offer a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. Boating and water skiing are popular activities on the lake. For the sportsman, fishing is an ever-present activity. Crappie, bass, bluegill and walleye are plentiful in the lake and provide hours of fishing enjoyment. Also, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife release trout in the tailwater throughout the summer months. Hikers can find a short nature trail, less than a mile long, in the Dam/Tailwater area. For a bit more adventure, the 6-mile Sugar Branch Trail begins at the dam and ends at Sugar Lake Road.
A total of eight picnic shelters are open for use from April through September. The shelters are known as Dogwood, Holly, Laurel, Pin Oak, Poplar, Sycamore, White Pine and Willow. Each is accessible and equipped with electricity, grills, picnic tables and lighting. Each shelter can accommodate up to 200 people; However we are asking that the number of people at each site will be limited to 10 persons due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Willow, Pin Oak, White Pine and Dogwood are located at the Littcarr Recreation Area, offering access to a boat ramp, playground, horseshoe pit and shoreline fishing. Sycamore and Poplar are in the Dam/Tailwater Area, with a horseshoe pit, large playground and volleyball courts nearby. Laurel and Holly are at the marina, where guests have access to a boat ramp, playground, horseshoe pits and accessible fishing pier. Restrooms are located near all shelters.
Carr Creek Lake is located in the mountainous region of southeastern Kentucky, about 16 miles from Hazard and 18 miles from Whitesburg. The dam is located 8.8 miles above the mouth of Carr Fork, a tributary of the North Fork of the Kentucky River.
$60 - $80 / night
Flatwoods Group Picnic area is a secluded site surrounded by forest. It is a great facility for family reunions, organization activities and other group events.
Open lawn areas are adjacent to the picnic area which can be used for activities such as horseshoes, sports and games (bring your own game and sports equipment). Hiking trails are available within easy driving distance (Guest River Gorge, Chief Benges Scout, and Little Stony Falls Trails).
A paved parking lot is close to the picnic shelter and restroom facilities. The picnic shelter has sinks with running water and a large built-in charcoal grill. The shelter also has electrical outlets where crockpots and other small appliances can be used. The picnic shelter is designed to be used for food preparation and as a serving area. Dining areas (picnic tables) are adjacent to the shelter but are outside and exposed to the weather. Men's and women's flush toilets are nearby.
The nearby Guest River Gorge is full of scenic beauty, native flora and fauna, as well as historic features. The Guest River Gorge can easily be explored by hiking or biking a 5.8-mile trail built upon an old railroad grade. The trail follows the Guest River as it meanders through 8 branches and creeks and terminates at the Guest River's confluence with the Clinch River. The first 0.3-miles is handicap accessible. This scenic trail passes through riparian forest, 300-million year old cliff lines and sandstone outcrops, and remnants of the railway that once ran through this region to haul locally-mined coal and saltpeter. An abundance of wildlife is easily viewable along this trail. Migratory birds such as flycatchers, several species of warblers and tanagers can be found during the summer. The Guest River Gorge is an easy way to explore the rugged beauty of this mountainous area. Little Stony Creek flows through a 400-ft deep and 1,700-ft wide gorge. Large rock outcrops, ledges, and boulders add to the scenery along the creek. Hardwood and hemlock forest cover much of this area. Mountain laurel and rhododendron thickets lace the edges of these trails in many areas, as well. A popular destination on the district is Little Stony Falls, a 24-foot waterfall, along with two smaller waterfalls. The falls can be seen from walking the Little Stony National Recreation Trail. The trail is a 2.8-mile trail which goes from an upper trailhead (near the falls) and a lower trailhead at Hanging Rock Picnic Area. In some areas of the trail, hikers will need to climb around/over boulders and large rocks to remain on the trail. Sightseers, hikers and birdwatchers will all equally enjoy a visit to this area. Be sure to check with the local Ranger Station for trail conditions. Storm events and hazards may result in trails being closed.
The Guest River Gorge and Little Stony Falls are within easy driving distance.
$65 - $80 / night
Discover the Unique Ranch Experience.
Thank you for considering your next adventure with us. While we're still a work in progress, we're excited to offer a place for you to pitch your tent and enjoy the great outdoors. With a minimum stay of 2 nights, you'll have the opportunity to experience the beginnings of what will soon be a primitive lifestyle experience.
Picture yourself horseback riding on our 11-acre property or taking a refreshing dip in one of our swimming holes. As night falls, enjoy the warmth of summer evenings while gazing at the stars above. Please note that at the moment, we're only offering dry camping, but rest assured, shower facilities and restrooms are in the works.
It's important to mention that all proceeds from your stay will go towards our equine rescue efforts. Thank you for considering us for your outdoor getaway, and we look forward to welcoming you soon!
$25 - $45 / night
This recreation area is part of Buckhorn Lake
Booked a 3 night stay over the weekend and had the primitive camping area to ourselves. 5 spots with tent pads, picnic tables, fire pit, hanging poles, and bear box. Then there is a very large, communal fire pit, and an open but covered shelter with picnic tables and an outlet to charge your tech things. Water spigot at top, a little walk, uphill, for water. The camp store people said they are unable to use spigot nearby common shelter because it’s no good. 🤷🏻♀️ Glad we brought our large bladder so we weren’t constantly going up and down the hill for water. Camp store with some basics at entrance, and person on golf cart drives around checking on things. Trash dumpster, up the hill just past water spigot. Couldn’t have asked for a more peaceful place, especially for the price, $15/night. Took advantage of some of the hiking trails, which were well maintained and marked. Also, went and checked out the natural tunnel via chairlift. The other two campgrounds looked nice, with big, fancy bathhouses. And the cabins, wow, fancy! Hooray for Virginia State Parks!!
This is an enjoyable State Park with a lot to offer. The rangers and staff may be the nicest we’ve encountered. They have a full docket of activities, ranger-led hikes, games, crafts and wildlife lectures offered throughout the day. In addition to camping they have a full marina with canoe, kayak and paddle board rentals. It houses an acclaimed mountain bike trail area. Nearby you can golf and ride horses. Cell coverage varies from LTE to 5G all over the park.
The main camping section was laid out long ago, with older style short sites and water/electric only. Many of the sites are narrow and some have challenging access. Be sure to read site descriptions and check the suggested trailer size- they seriously mean the max size!! Each site has a fire ring, and small grate grill and a picnic table. The sites up on the ridge are probably sized only for tents and Class B units; many are sloped. The newly updated section, Moody Bluff, has FHU and a number of pull-through sites. It only has trees around the edge of one side giving it an open field feeling.
The main campground has its own boat ramp for access to the reservoir. The camp store has a small offering of RV accessories and ice for$2.00. The main campground shower units are individual and separate from the bathrooms. There are ADA shower stalls, bathrooms, and ramps. While the bath house is older and could use fresh paint it was meticulously clean all week.
We spent a long weekend with several other RV couples. Nearby Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium provides engaging planetarium shows, a herpetarium, wildlife sections with bobcats, foxes, gray wolves, and raptors, as well as hiking trails. Restaurants, grocery stores and big box retail stores are 10 minutes away in Kingsport.
Our site(62) was narrow and a little short for our 23’ trailer. We had to park the truck sideways at the entrance. Our stairs opened right on the concrete pad for the table and we had very little room for our chairs. Our group host had enough room on their site(58) that they could erect two shelters for our meals. The forest was right up to our sides and we had lovely birdsong to awaken us every morning. I would definitely return, especially if the larger sites were available.
Overall was impressed with the grounds! Well kept, and huge park. Only reason for 4 stars, is no sewer hookup on site. Several Dump stations on grounds, though they are free for guests. Very friendly Park Rangers at the check-in station. 30 amp hookups. Water hookup. Several Lake front spots. Shower and bathroom buildings on site. Several pavilions. Dumpsters, Lots of walking trails. As well as a boat ramp. For $25 a night, with my 28ft pull behind, I was very pleased with my stay! Will come back again!
Did a couple of days at Around the Pond Campground in Greenville Tennessee.( mtns.) It was a awesome trip with our friends Ronni Herold& Dean. And our new friends we met Nancy Riegelsperger& her husband Herb.Campground was clean and the staff was very friendly.
There are 2 main campgrounds here for rvs and tents. Is it a nice safe place for families. Pets welcome. 30 and up a night with a good security faculty.
Stayed 4 nights in section D. Our site was ok. There were a lot better sites to stay though. Staff was helpful and friendly. We had full hookups. Lots of shade.
This campground had some good features: hookups and bathhouse were good, location is very pretty, staff clearly take good care of things. Mostly older folks mid week so pretty quiet.
But for some reason there is a path that goes through several campsites. We booked one of these sites without knowing (B12), which meant we had strangers walking through our campsite all the time. Our dogs hated it and so did we! Also sites are close together, most aren’t level, and some are in clear disrepair. They also do a good job cleaning the bathhouses, but they do it from 8-9am which is also when many people are trying to use them.
Nice clean campground with affordable pricing, I highly recommend this camp
Great staff. Isolated area. Quiet neighbors. All around wonderful place to camp
Great place to camp along side the creek or rv lots with mountain views. Walking distance to Clinch River. Kayak, Hiking, Biking, spacious lots
A “secret spot” that holds a special place in my heart.
I spend on average 10 days at a time camping in the primitive grounds (April/May, Aug/Sep & end of October 2023 ) all five spaces are nicely kept and a large communal fire pit is wonderful. Even when all sites are full. There’s plenty of space. Porter Johns on site as well (and nicely maintained for what that’s worth! )
By far - the best camp ground I’ve visited in terms of Hosts, rangers, amenities if needed, scenery and solitude.
Take bear and coyote warnings SERIOUSLY my friends. I’ve seen plenty out there but never had a problem taking proper precautions. Also the crows - smarter than normal haha they WILL wake you up earlier than the other birds demanding you make breakfast and leave so they can then hop around your camp.
Your cell service will be spotty / non existent on trails around the area… even when you see a road running parallel to your hike .. plan accordingly. (And bear spray people. Please. Just take it)
Plenty of wood split ($4 a bundle. Ice $2 a bag) and hosts will graciously bring wood to your camp site <3
The “trail” off the primitive site doesn’t seem to be on a map - and I heard many different variations of where it went. So I hiked the whole thing just for y’all! It’s an in and out(maybe a mile give or take total) that dead ends to PRIVATE property. (So obviously don’t proceed past gate) Lots of beautiful growth, cool in the summer with shade - nice quiet trail for dogs - half way is definitely less of a beaten path. Use caution.
HIGHLY recommend getting in before last light. Especially if you’re towing anything, roads are steep and winding getting to and from camp/cabins. And lotssss of deer / rabbits at dawn and dusk jumping around.
In a nutshell - this park gets a 10/10 from a solo female camper. Everyone is mindful of one another’s space and solitude - however in true Appalachian fashion everyone also looks out for you and always ready to lend a helping hand.
It was fine. Site 50 and 27 are great. Site 111 in overflow was not good. Had to move. Very tilted.
Very typical KOA. We’ll kept, sites are gravel, level and not too close. Bathhouses are new and clean. WiFi is so so. Convinient to I81.
We drove up a twisty road with a few hairpin turns, wondering if there is really a campground. We got to the top and there were two loops of campsites wuth electric, and we were the only ones there. We were surprised to find clean flush toilets and hot showers.
It's an old style campground where you put $20 in an envelope. Continuing on there is a short walk to a lovely overlook. There are very nice picnic shelters.
Our only complaint was the place had a number of lampoles with lights that were on all night. I realize people like to be able to see the roads and bathrooms, it was just a bit strange to be so remote and not have it darker.
Great experience, the lady who took my booking was super helpful and friendly. Campground is quiet and feels very safe. Nestled nicely in the hills in the Pennington gap . Lots to do within easy driving distance. Overall a great experience
Beautiful shaded lots, with great hiking trails, lake, and more. Only stayed one night, would like to come back and spend a few days. Very clean, great stop!
This is our 2nd time staying here for a quick overnight stay. I would definitely like to stay here longer! Even though it's very close to the interstate, it was very quiet. We had a full hook up site, relatively level. It had a picnic table and fire ring. Shower rooms, laundry room, and store, as well as snack shop! The camp hosts were very kind and friendly. Lots of walking around we area. We were in site B1 46 dollars a night.
This campground is a hidden gem. It's in the hills, far off the beaten path, and half of the campsites are right on the water. In addition to campsites, the park has picnic areas, bathrooms, showers, a playground, and a boat ramp.
Campsites have hookups for electric and water, with a dump site nearby. There are also picnic tables and fire rings, with firewood available to purchase.
Access to the camp may be tough for larger rigs as theres a few miles of windy, one-lane roads with switchbacks, drop-offs, and the occasional washout.
There is also no cell service here, so be prepared to unplug and unwind. =)
This area looks to be prone to flooding in the the spring months when the snows thaw so time your visit accordingly.
The men's bathrooms don't appear to have been cleaned in awhile and weren't cleaned during my week there. Only half of the toilets would flush.
It's a popular place for the locals with kids on the weekends so if you're looking for peace and quiet it's best to visit during the week. Great place to let the kids run wild and make friends though.
Overnight stay. One of the nicest state parks we’ve been to. Heavily wooded lots of shade. Not all sites have sewer hookups. Very friendly and helpful staff.
Definitely back off the main road nice people that run it. Quite, and people were friendly. We visited Natural tunnel and Wilderness Road. They did have internet.
Great area, no service or wifi
Not what I figured it would be but considering it was alright
Wilderness Road Cumberland Gap :
(Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
70 yr olds in 17’ trailer:
Overall Rating: 4
Price: $24 w electricity $18 w/o. 1/2 for seniors
Usage during visit: low
Site Privacy: 2 to 4 depending on location. In some areas, sites are close in 3 directions. Looks to be better privacy in non electric sites. Study campground map for outside sites.
Site Spacing: Some are pretty close. Just look at the campground map and choose one accordingly. Our site was very nice.
Site surface: Gravel for non-electric sites. Ours was tough to level and as per rec.gov website for our site. . Electric sites have black top.
Reservations: Yes
Campground Noise 5. Quiet
Road Noise: 4, depending on location. Highway noise
Electricity. 2 loops have electricity.
Water: at dump station and restrooms
Sewer: No
Dump: Yes
Bathroom: 5 Clean
Showers: 5. Private rooms
Pull Throughs most are backing
Cell Service (Verizon): 5. Great
Setting: Deciduous forest
Weather: 60s to upper 30s
Bugs: None
Solar: Great. May change as the trees leaf out more.
Host: They are active.
Location: Near Town of Gap - quaint, make sure to visit. 1919 is the place for lunch or dinner we hear from locals. 10 minutes to good grocery stores in Middlesboro.
Loops: Portions of some sites sort of back up to each other. The sites I took pictures of are some of the better sites for privacy
Wilderness Road Cumberland Gap : (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good 70 yr olds in 17’ trailer: Overall Rating: 4 Price: $24 w electricity $18 w/o Usage during visit: low Site Privacy: 2 to 4 depending on location. Some areas, sites close in 3 directions. Looks to be better privacy in non electric sites. Site Spacing: 3 to 4 Site surface: Gravel, ours, tough to level Reservations: Yes Campground Noise 5. Quiet Road Noise: 4, depending on location. Highway noise Electricity. 2 loops have electricity. Water: at dump station and restrooms Sewer: No Dump: Yes Bathroom: 5 Clean Showers: 5. Private rooms Pull Throughs most are backing Cell Service (Verizon): 5. Great Setting: Deciduous forest Weather: 60s to upper 30s Bugs: None Solar: Great. May change as the trees leaf out more. Host: They are active. Location: Near Town of Gap - quaint, make sure to visit. 1919 is the place for lunch or dinner we hear from locals. 10 minutes to good grocery stores in Middlesboro.
We stayed at #86 which was off the main campground overlooking the lake. The site was perfect for our 23 ft RV but pay attention to the site size as some RVs had issues getting their larger RVs in their sites with the road/site layout. Overall we loved the campground and view of the water. The only negative about our site would be traffic noise from the nearby bridge.
We got a great spot where we could see the lake & no one next to us. It’s a great campground.
KOA I-40/Crossville, TN - We stayed one night in October, full hook ups, 50 amp, good wifi until the evening but our cell service was good. $59.87 per night, $53.88 with KOA discount. Nicely maintained park with level concrete sites in the front with grass, fire rings and picnic tables that were in excellent condition. Friendly, welcoming staff with a nice gift shop/store. Hand dipped ice cream is available along with freshly made pizza and wings if you don’t want to cook. It does sit right next to Highway 70 into Crossville and can be noisy but it didn’t bother us. Each bathroom is a private toilet and shower, very clean, nicely tiled and plenty of hot water. Small laundry, two washers and two dryers but there may have been additional laundry towards the back of the park. The park seems to be broken down into three sections, concrete pad pull throughs in the front, then the office area, then a second section of sites with gravel pads and these are closest to the bathrooms, then further out is another area with a pond or small lake for catch and release fishing. Well manicured property. Would definitely stay again and the ice cream was really good.
Camping near Cumberland, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
Camping around Cumberland, KY, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cumberland, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cumberland, KY is Kingdom Come State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Cumberland, KY?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Cumberland, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
