Best Camping near Whitesburg, KY

Whitesburg is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Whitesburg is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Whitesburg, KY (61)

Showing results 1-10 of 61 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Whitesburg

Recent Reviews in Whitesburg

216 Reviews of 61 Whitesburg Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Valley WMA
    Oct. 23, 2024

    Hidden Valley WMA

    Peaceful and Pretty

    This spot is very nice, close to the water’s edge (although no camping allowed lakeside). There’s quite a few rings, bear bins, and a porta-loo. We had the place to ourselves which was really great. Camping is free, technically. (you need to purchase an Access pass from Virginia Wildlife for 4 dollars online, and add a camping authorisation to your account). The road was clear of Hurricane damage and very easy to get to. Would stay again!

  • Timothy  F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Bristol-Kingsport KOA
    Oct. 3, 2024

    Bristol-Kingsport KOA

    This is a very nice campground

    We arrive very late, after all day travels from Florida. My phone had three bars, Verizon 5G ultra wide signal.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Buckhorn Dam Campground
    Sep. 19, 2024

    Buckhorn Dam Campground

    Ghost Town

    The map for this campground isn’t quite accurate. Also, the price is $24 p/ night not $14. Not quite what we were looking for.

  • Betsy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Valley WMA
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Hidden Valley WMA

    Great peaceful place

    Dispersed camping free permit with Va wildlife, fishing, or use permit up to 14 days. Porta Jon available at campground and boat dock. Plenty of dead wood for fires. Trash cans available. Rocks for fire pits and no tables.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Natural Tunnel State Park Primitive Camping — Natural Tunnel State Park
    Aug. 4, 2024

    Natural Tunnel State Park Primitive Camping — Natural Tunnel State Park

    Primitive at its finest

    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!!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground — Warriors' Path State Park
    Jul. 27, 2024

    Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground — Warriors' Path State Park

    Nice state park with lots of activities and options

    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.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Jenny Wiley State Park Campground
    Jun. 14, 2024

    Jenny Wiley State Park Campground

    Needs to be updated and repaired

    Roads in campground are rough in places. Electrical boxes are in rough shape at some sites. 30 amp kept tripping the breaker. WiFi does not work. Several sites have full hookup but sewer hookups need to be repaired and water hookups are far away.

  • Andy J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Out on The Creek Campground
    Nov. 28, 2023

    Out on The Creek Campground

    Creekside camping mountain views

    Great place to camp along side the creek or rv lots with mountain views. Walking distance to Clinch River. Kayak, Hiking, Biking, spacious lots

  • Amethyst B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cove View Campground — Natural Tunnel State Park
    Nov. 3, 2023

    Cove View Campground — Natural Tunnel State Park

    Primitive Heaven.

    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.

  • N Monroe H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Breath of Dawn
    Oct. 19, 2023

    Breath of Dawn

    Great place to relax and enjoy mountain top views.

    Plenty of space with short grass. Small rock fire pit and log bench. Excellent views and lots of deer and birds about.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Flag Rock Recreation Area Campground
    Oct. 10, 2023

    Flag Rock Recreation Area Campground

    Quiet with nice views

    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.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Leeman Field Park
    Oct. 3, 2023

    Leeman Field Park

    Quiet little campground.

    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

  • Noah O.
    Camper-submitted photo from Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost
    Sep. 19, 2023

    Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost

    Very secluded and peaceful camping adventure

    Had a great camping weekend with a buddy at Cliffhanger Ranch. The cabin we stayed in is very cozy and good size for two people. We were able to have a few nice fires at the top of the hill with great views. What makes this place great is that the entrance is directly across from the Jefferson National Forrest. There we were able to kayak at Bark Camp Lake which was not busy at all and hike at Little Stoney Falls. Plenty to do and see in this area. Would highly recommend!

  • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost
    Jul. 20, 2023

    Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost

    Escape to the forests and a simpler life

    Jake from the Dyrt here!  Staying at The Cliffhanger Ranch places you in a quiet area surrounded by forests and a small downtown nearby, perfect for adventuring around a new area.  Check them out and share of your favorite parts of the trip on the Dyrt!

  • Damon O.
    Camper-submitted photo from Trace Branch - Buckhorn Lake
    Jul. 15, 2023

    Trace Branch - Buckhorn Lake

    Quiet, remote, water access, playground

    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.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Windy Rivers Campground
    Jul. 12, 2023

    Windy Rivers Campground

    Awesome experience

    Perfectly level spot with water and electric. The river was 60 feet from our site. Host was awesome, all the regulars were super nice. It’s a great view at a great price.

  • Katrin M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lover's Leap Campground — Natural Tunnel State Park
    Jun. 4, 2023

    Lover's Leap Campground — Natural Tunnel State Park

    Excellent all around

    We camped here for 2 nights. We reserved a spot at the Lovers Leap Campground. The sites are very spacious and private. It comes with the usual amenities like a fire ring, picnic table, and a lantern pole. There was even an extra little wooden table on every site. The campground is very well maintained. Everybody from rangers to volunteers was super nice and helpful. The bathhouse is extremely clean. The showers are separate from the restrooms. The other campground, Cove View, is not as private and spacious. We also drove by the cabins and the primitive campsites. The cabins look fantastic from the outside. For more adventures you can also rent a yurt. There is also a little campstore that has firewood and some essentials. The area is very scenic. There are not many trails but there is still a lot to see. The tunnel is spectacular. Make sure you ride the chairlift (dogs allowed to ride with you) down to see the tunnel and creek. Also plan a quick trip to see the blockhouse and learn about the history. The park has a lot of activities for all ages. Check out the calender and see what you like. We would definitely visit again.



Guide to Whitesburg

Camping near Whitesburg, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Natural Tunnel State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The trails out of and around the campground are worth the hikes," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Paintsville Lake State Park Campground. A camper shared, "We love fishing on Paintsville Lake! The boat dock is just above the playground," highlighting the lake's accessibility.
  • Wildlife Watching: Visit Breaks Interstate Park Campground for a chance to see local wildlife. One visitor noted, "Wildlife is not fearful of us, or the dogs," which makes for a unique experience.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Jessie Lea RV Park and Campground. A reviewer said, "The bathrooms are the cleanest I've ever seen," which is a big plus for many.
  • Friendly Staff: The welcoming atmosphere at Baileyton KOA Holiday is a highlight. One camper mentioned, "The camp hosts were very kind and friendly," making it feel like home.
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Carr Creek State Park Campground. A visitor remarked, "Good size sites, especially the outer part of the loop," which is great for families or groups.

What you should know

  • Site Conditions: Some sites may not be level. A camper at Wilderness Road State Park Campground noted, "Most aren’t level, and some are in clear disrepair," so check site details before booking.
  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service at Paintsville Lake State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Only Verizon signal was touchy," which might be a downside for those needing connectivity.
  • Seasonal Amenities: Some campgrounds have seasonal hours for amenities. A visitor at Breaks Interstate Park Campground mentioned, "The chairlift is only open on weekends," so plan accordingly.

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. Carr Creek State Park Campground has a beach that families enjoy, as one reviewer said, "Love that the beach wasn’t far from our site."
  • Group Sites: Choose campgrounds that offer spacious sites for family gatherings. A camper at Baileyton KOA Holiday noted, "The park has been expanded or reworked recently," which could mean more options for larger groups.
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Some campgrounds can get noisy on weekends. A visitor at Jenny Wiley State Park Campground mentioned, "Unfortunately our neighbors were very noisy!!!" so consider visiting during the week for a quieter experience.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Hookups: Make sure to verify the availability of electric and water hookups. A camper at Natural Tunnel State Park Campground mentioned, "The water pressure was 60+," which is good to know for RVers.
  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites to avoid hassle. A reviewer at Wilderness Road State Park Campground noted, "Ours was tough to level," which can be a challenge for RV setups.
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Ensure the campground has a dump station available. A camper at Jessie Lea RV Park and Campground appreciated the "nice dump station," making it easier for RV travelers.

Camping near Whitesburg, Kentucky, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a little planning and the right campground, you're sure to have a great time!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Whitesburg, KY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Whitesburg, KY offers a wide range of camping options, with 61 campgrounds and RV parks near Whitesburg, KY and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Whitesburg, KY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Whitesburg, KY is Carr Creek State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 9 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Whitesburg, KY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Whitesburg, KY.

  • What parks are near Whitesburg, KY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 30 parks near Whitesburg, KY that allow camping, notably Carr Creek Lake and John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir.