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Established Camping

Thunder River Campground

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Thunder River Campground is located near the Appalachian Mountains in Kentucky, offering a landscape of rolling hills and dense forests. The area experiences temperatures ranging from the low 30s in winter to the high 80s in summer. Nearby attractions include the Breaks Interstate Park, known for its hiking trails and scenic views, and the Russell Fork River, popular for kayaking and fishing.

Description

Thunder River Outdoor Recreation and Campground is located along the Russell Fork River in what is known locally as the “Splashdam” area in Haysi, VA. The property was once home to a thriving coal community until a flood in 1957. After that it served as the site for a Clinchfield Coal Company “tipple” for several years. More recently the property was abandoned and had become overgrown and pretty much uninhabitable. The site, now owned by the Hill family has undergone a transformation to become a destination for camping and outdoor recreation. The location beside the river offers access for fishing, kayaking/canoeing/tubing, swimming and picnicking in a private setting. During the month of October, with the release of water from the John Flannagan Dam, Dickenson County and the Russell Fork become a destination for white water rafters. The property is also on an ATV route with access to the Haysi Ridgeview Trailhead approximately one mile away. The Haysi Ridgeview Trail is part of the Spearhead Trail system which in connection with the Coal Canyon trail offers approximately 200 miles of trails (connects to the town of Grundy and the Breaks Park).

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Location

Thunder River Campground is located in Kentucky

Detail location of campground

Directions

1129 Lazarus Branch Haysi, VA US 24256

Coordinates

37.22174686 N
82.31033875 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • WiFi
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups

Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

1 Review

Reviewed Oct. 24, 2021

Great location, nice people

We spent the weekend with several families for the weekend if the Lord of the Fork race. Pros- beautiful setting along the river at the base of the mountains. The owners and host are very nice, they even brought a trailer of firewood for campers to use over the weekend. The campground has wifi. RV sites have electric, water and sewer. A charging station is provided for the tent sites. Cons- the campground is overlit at night. They need to lose some of the lights. There is no bath house, just a couple of porta potties surround by a structure with a handwashing station. The host informed us that a new bath house was in the works and coukd be open in November. The railroad tracks are very close, so there is occasional train noise.

Site2
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Thunder River Campground by Laura E., October 24, 2021
  • Review photo of Thunder River Campground by Laura E., October 24, 2021
  • Review photo of Thunder River Campground by Laura E., October 24, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Thunder River Campground have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Thunder River Campground has water hookups and sewer hookups.

  • What is the elevation of Thunder River Campground?

    Thunder River Campground is located at 1248 feet.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Thunder River Campground?

    Thunder River Campground allows vehicles up to 90 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Thunder River Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Thunder River Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Thunder River Campground have wifi?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Thunder River Campground does have wifi.