Camper submitted image from Wilderness Road Campground - 1
View All
Camper submitted image from Wilderness Road Campground - 2
Nature
Camper submitted image from Wilderness Road Campground - 3
Roads
Camper submitted image from Wilderness Road Campground - 4
Activities
Camper submitted image from Wilderness Road Campground - 5
People

Established Camping

Wilderness Road Campground

Wilderness Road State Park Campground, near Ewing, Virginia, is a charming spot that offers a blend of natural beauty and essential amenities for a comfortable camping experience. With electric hookups available and well-maintained bathhouses, it’s a solid choice for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing too much comfort.

The campground is surrounded by a stunning deciduous forest, providing plenty of shade and a peaceful atmosphere. Visitors have noted the cleanliness of the facilities, especially the showers, which are private and spacious—a real treat after a day of hiking. One camper mentioned, “The bathrooms are clean and well maintained,” highlighting the park staff's commitment to keeping things tidy.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there are numerous hiking trails nearby, including the scenic Pinnacle Overlook, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. While some sites are close together, the overall vibe is quiet and relaxing, making it a great escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re camping in a tent or an RV, Wilderness Road State Park Campground is a fantastic place to unwind and connect with nature.

Description

National Park Service

Overview

Wilderness Road Campground is nestled in the lush forests of the Appalachian Mountains in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park , where Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia meet. You can access miles of forest and mountain trails directly from the campground. While in the park, drive up to the Pinnacle for a breathtaking view of the mountains or check out Civil War earthworks. Hike to the pale cliffs of White Rocks, the gaping mouth of Sand Cave, or the historic Hensley Settlement to see how mountain folk once lived. Stand in 3 states at the same time or immerse yourself in thousands of acres of proposed wilderness. Walk a path once traveled by the bison, Native American, longhunter, and pioneer. Stand in the narrow mountain gap where Daniel Boone stood and where thousands of people risked everything to reach and settle what would become America. Wilderness Road Campground includes 154 wooded sites open to tents, trailers, and RV campers. Electrical hookups (20-, 30-, or 50-amp) are available at 41 sites. Group sites are also available. The campground is open year-round, with limited campsites open during the winter season (mid-November to mid-March).

Recreation

Over 85 miles of trails offer plenty of opportunities for Hiking and Backpacking adventures in the great outdoors. You can take an easy 1/4-mile stroll or go on a challenging 10-mile hike in the backcountry, the choice is yours. Several trails meander through over 14,000 acres of proposed wilderness. Backcountry Camping is allowed at 5 designated sites in the park with a permit. Experience the quiet beauty of the mountains and wilderness as you camp under the stars. Permits are free of charge and can be obtained at the park visitor center. Picnicking at one of several picnic areas in the park is a popular activity. Whether you are looking for a quiet lunch while enjoying nature or having a big family get-together in the great outdoors, we have limitless options. You can also reserve a picnic shelter for exclusive day use for a fee. Stop by the park visitor center to reserve a picnic shelter up to 3 months in advance. Horseback Riding is permitted on the 17-mile Ridge Trail, which extends from the Pinnacle to White Rocks. Guided Tours, Hikes, and Programs range from Pioneer and Civil War Living History demonstrations to guided tours of Gap Cave (formerly known as Cudjo's Cave), and from guided tours of the historic Hensley Settlement to Campfire Programs. Programs offered vary seasonally. Fees are charged for Gap Cave and Hensley Settlement tours. Stop by the park visitor center for program tickets and information.

Natural Features

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park protects 24,000 acres of Appalachian Mountain habitat stretching across Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. Walk the trails that Daniel Boone and thirty axemen blazed to open the first great gateway to the West. Plan your visit today and experience the natural, historical, and cultural beauty of the park. Cumberland Gap, carved out over aeons by wind and water, forms a V-shaped notch or gap in the formidable wall of the Appalachian Mountains. This natural low point made crossing over the mountains easier and less dangerous for bison and other animals, then later for Native Americans, and still later for European explorers and early pioneers. Stand right in the Gap where over 300,000 settlers crossed the mountains on their journey to the west. The cliffs of White Rocks rise 500 feet above the surrounding wooded slopes at the east end of the park. Anyone up for a challenging hike to the top of the mountain will be rewarded with a breath-taking, 360-degree view of the surrounding area. A natural scenic area in Kentucky, Sand Cave is a half-domed chamber that is 250 feet across in front (open). The floor slopes from back to front and is 1.25 acres of fine, colorful sand. Relax and enjoy nature in this magical, enormous natural feature. Skylight Cave lies at the end of a steep, 1.9-mile hike in Ewing, Virginia. Start out on Lewis Hollow Trail, from the picnic area near Wilderness Road Campground. Hike through lush rhododendrons and along a river until you reach the cave. Gap Cave was first found by European explorers in 1750, when Dr. Thomas Walker found and named it Gap Cave. Located in Lee County, Virginia, the cave is 18.5 miles long and accessible only by guided tour. East of the Gap, the Cumberland Mountain Range includes 15,470 acres of roadless habitat extending 15 miles along the Cumberland and Brush Mountains. The ridge of Cumberland Mountain forms the Kentucky-Virginia state line. Both Cumberland and Brush Mountains are exceedingly steep and rugged with high cliffs in many areas. Chimney Rock is a geological formation shaped like a pillar. Located at the Pinnacle Overlook, this unique rock formation could have taken 535 million years to form. Gap Creek is a small cascade of water flowing out of Gap Cave. This peaceful natural feature is a great spot for capturing pictures and videos. Yellow Creek runs along the park boundary behind New Bartlett Park and Old Barlett Park picnic shelters. Enjoy time playing in the creek, or simply listen to the flow of the water. More than 14,000 acres of the park are managed as Wilderness, where visitors can experience the backcountry and nature in the purest way.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (606) 248-2817.

Nearby Attractions

Nearby National Park Service Areas: Big South Fork National River & Recreational Area 90mi Andrew Johnson National Historic Site 80mi Great Smoky Mountains National Park 120mi Mammoth Cave National Park 225mi Other Local Attractions: Kentucky Coal Mining Museum (606) 848-1530, 45mi Abraham Lincoln Museum (423) 869- 6235, 3mi Pine Mountain State Resort Park (276) 445-3065, 10mi Wilderness Road State Park (276) 445-3065, 10mi Regional Tourism Information: Southern & Eastern KY Tourism Development Association Kentucky Appalachians Visit Eastern Kentucky Bell County (KY) Historical Society Bell County (KY) Tourism Tennessee Regions: Middle East Claiborne County (TN) Tourism Virginia Regions: Heart of Appalachia Visit Southwest Virginia

Charges & Cancellations

Rules and Reservation Policies

Fee Info

For all campsites, reservations and payments must be made by visiting www.recreation.gov or calling the Rec.gov Reservation Line at (877) 444-6777. INDIVIDUAL/FAMILY CAMPING $18.00 per night per site without electricity. Maximum of eight people, four tents, and two cars per site. $24.00 per night per site with electricity. All sites are half price for Interagency Senior and Access Pass holders. ($9.00 for a non-electric campsite and $12.00 for an electric campsite) GROUP CAMPING $39.00 per night per Group Campsite. Minimum of 12 people, maximum of 25 people, and maximum of 4 vehicles per group site. No electricity is available at group sites. Group Camping is located in loops G and O.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Wilderness Road Campground is located in Virginia

Detail location of campground

Directions

Wilderness Road Campground is located at the end of National Park Road, off US Highway 58 in Virginia. From the Park Visitor Center in Middlesboro, Kentucky (approximately 5 miles): When leaving the visitor center parking lot, turn left onto Pinnacle View Road, then take the ramp down and merge into US-25E S toward Harrogate, Tennessee. Go through the tunnel into Tennessee. Turn right onto US-58 E toward Jonesville, Virginia and Cumberland Gap, Tennessee. Cross into Virginia. Continue on US-58 approximately 2.4 miles, then turn left onto National Park Road. Continue on National Park Road to the campground entrance. From Knoxville, Tennessee (approximately 56 miles): Take TN-331 (Tazewell Pike) toward Tazewell, approximately 39 miles. Turn left onto US-25E N toward Harrogate. Go through Harrogate, then turn right onto US-58 E toward Jonesville, Virginia and Cumberland Gap, Tennessee. If you enter the tunnel then you missed the turn. On US-58 you will cross into VIrginia. Continue on US-58 approximately 2.4 miles, then turn left onto National Park Road. Continue on National Park Road to the campground entrance. From Abingdon, Virginia (approximately 115 miles): Take I-81 S toward Bristol, Tennessee. After approximately 18 miles, take US-11W S toward Kingsport. After approximately 20 miles, turn right onto US-23 N. Cross into Virginia. After approximately 22 miles, turn left onto US-58 W. Continue on US-58 W for approximately 52 miles, then turn right onto National Park Road. Continue on National Park Road to the campground entrance. From Lexington, Kentucky (approximately 130 miles): Take I-75 S toward Knoxville, Tennessee. After approximately 75 miles, take exit 29 onto US-25E S (Cumberland Gap Parkway). Continue on US-25E S approximately 48 miles, going through the Cumberland Gap Tunnel and into Tennessee. Turn right onto US-58 E toward Jonesville, Virginia and Cumberland Gap, Tennessee. Cross into Virginia. Continue on US-58 approximately 2.4 miles, then turn left onto National Park Road. Continue on National Park Road to the campground entrance.

Coordinates

37.68382084 N
78.61816417 W

Open in Google Maps

Is Wilderness Road Campground sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

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

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Water Hookups

Contact

General Info


Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

42%
42%
17%
0%
0%

4.5

out of 5

12 Reviews

Reviewed May. 1, 2024

Very mixed bag

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.

SiteB12
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Wilderness Road Campground by Lucy P., May 1, 2024
  • Review photo of Wilderness Road Campground by Lucy P., May 1, 2024
  • Review photo of Wilderness Road Campground by Lucy P., May 1, 2024
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Apr. 11, 2023

Quiet Site in Deciduous Canopy

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.

SiteD35
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Wilderness Road Campground by Roger W., April 11, 2023
  • Review photo of Wilderness Road Campground by Roger W., April 11, 2023
  • Review photo of Wilderness Road Campground by Roger W., April 11, 2023
  • (11) View All
Reviewed May. 27, 2022

Great campground

It was a great campground electric only nice showers and restroom nice private lots tons of shade

Sitec9
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Wilderness Road Campground by chris S., May 27, 2022
Reviewed Jul. 21, 2021

Our favorite!

Loooooooooooove this campground!!! Number one in my book!

SiteE5
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Sep. 17, 2020

Fabulous bathrooms and showers

But a lot of noise from the highway. There’s only water at the bathroom, not at the sites. Most of the sites in loops B and C (where there’s electricity) are large RV rigs. The bathrooms are clean and well maintained and the showers are big, clean, and private, a real treat. There’s an ice vending machine behind the BP nearby and lots of hiking and sightseeing. The trees and shade are great!

  • Review photo of Wilderness Road Campground by Stephani , September 17, 2020
  • Review photo of Wilderness Road Campground by Stephani , September 17, 2020
  • Review photo of Wilderness Road Campground by Stephani , September 17, 2020
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Aug. 30, 2020

Simple and Sweet

Located just east of the Cumberland Gap in the Tri-State area. Campground is a self check-in to first come/ first serve. 6 loops circle labeled A thru F with B&C having electric and F for group camping! Bathhouses were super clean and maintained. Lots of hiking in the area and Cumberland Gap only 3.5 miles trek from camp.

  • Review photo of Wilderness Road Campground by Kenny P., August 30, 2020
  • Review photo of Wilderness Road Campground by Kenny P., August 30, 2020
  • Review photo of Wilderness Road Campground by Kenny P., August 30, 2020
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Sep. 4, 2019

Beautiful, but busy with traffic noise

Extremely large campground, primitive and electric sites available. $14 for primitive and $20 for electric. Group sites also available for $35, require a reservation. Sites are fairly close together, so there isn't much privacy if you're looking for that. Full shower houses in B and C loop, water pressure leaves those with long and/or thick hair wanting more. Hosts on site, sometimes two sets of hosts. Rangers also patrol frequently throughout the day. Traffic noise can be heard from the nearby hughway. Lots of trails, Pinnacle Overlook is gorgeous. There's also cave tours for an extra fee, flip flop type shoes are not allowed, no children under five, and I believe no dogs either.

  • Review photo of Wilderness Road Campground by Clementine K., September 4, 2019
Reviewed Jul. 10, 2018

Wilderness Road Group Camp

Great helpful staff. Very clean and quiet. Group site is beautiful but does need a closer bathroom facility and shower.

Reviewed Jun. 10, 2018

Secluded, great sites, clean facilities, with hiking trsils

Located in the Cumberland Gap where TN, VA and Ky touch borders. Very beautiful mountains with hiking trails ftom short distances to overnight primitive camping trials. Campsites are spacious with electric hookups only. Shower facilities are very clean and well kept.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Oct. 7, 2017

Great place!!

We enjoyed the vast amount of trails and hiking all over the tori-state area!

SiteC7
Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2016

Cumberland Gap

This is near the borders of KY, VA, and TN in Cumberland Gap park. Convenient to the park, the AT, and the nearby town for supplies, restaurants, and grocery. Its name is misleading: the campground is quite large and not far from civilization or the highway, but it’s still a great place to enjoy nature. The campground is among the trees so is very shady and semi-privacy. This is the only campground in this part of the park. Nothing to do on site besides picnic and relax, there’s endless hiking and backpacking nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Wilderness Road Campground?

    Camping at Wilderness Road Campground can cost between $14.00 and $20.00 depending on the site.

  • Does Wilderness Road Campground have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Wilderness Road Campground has water hookups.

  • Are fires allowed at Wilderness Road Campground?

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

  • Is there cell phone reception at Wilderness Road Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is good.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Wilderness Road Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Wilderness Road Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Wilderness Road Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Wilderness Road Campground?

    There are 154 campsites at Wilderness Road Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts