Hidden Valley Wildlife Management Area, managed by Virginia's Department of Wildlife Resources, sits outside camping near Willis and centers its dispersed sites around a clear, accessible lake. The campground has four or so pull-up areas for vehicles plus a handful of tent sites, with fire rings and bear bins distributed across the grounds. Camping requires a Virginia Wildlife Access pass, available online for around four dollars, or an annual permit for roughly twenty-three dollars, making it effectively low-cost rather than free.
The access road is the main logistical consideration here. Reviewers consistently flag a steep four-mile grade on the approach, which has challenged larger rigs like converted buses, so drivers of heavy or underpowered vehicles should plan accordingly. The lake is the draw. It sits close to the camping areas but lakeside camping is not permitted, and campers report the water is clean and well-suited to kayaking and fishing. Zoey T. describes "a cool fern filled forest and lake," which captures the wooded, green character of the site. Wildlife sightings are regularly mentioned in reviews.
Amenities have shifted over time. Porta-toilets and trash cans were available in earlier visits, but more recent reviewers note a pack-in, pack-out policy is now in effect, so come prepared. Officers patrol regularly. For anglers and paddlers looking at campgrounds around Hidden Valley Wildlife Management Area, Hidden Valley Lake is another nearby option worth comparing. This site works best for self-sufficient campers comfortable with rough road grades and limited on-site services.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsHidden Valley WMA is located in Virginia near Willis
Dispersed CampingCoordinates
36.849043088466495 N
82.07796159800496 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 9/7/26- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 9/7/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
Drive Time
- 1 hr from Kingsport, TN
- 1 hr 4 min from Johnson City, TN
- 1 hr 39 min from Morristown, TN
- 2 hrs 5 min from Beckley, WV
