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The small town of Abingdon in Virginia has good camping spots within driving distance for all kinds of setups. Campgrounds near Abingdon range from RV parks with hookups to tent sites and cabin rentals, giving campers plenty of options regardless of how they travel. Hungry Mother State Park stands out with its cabins and yurts that many campers book well ahead of time. Kids have plenty to do at Linville Falls Campground, where hiking trails lead to some nice views of the surrounding area. Most people camp here in spring when wildflowers bloom or fall when the trees turn color. Summers get hot and humid in this part of Virginia, so bring plenty of water if you visit then. Some campgrounds stay open during winter, but you'll need warm gear for the cold nights. Many campers come to this area specifically to bike or hike the Virginia Creeper Trail, which runs through the region. The town of Abingdon itself has restaurants and shops when you need supplies or want a break from camp cooking. Both tent campers and RV drivers can find spots that work for their needs in this area.
"**Holston Lake is absolutely beautiful. The campground is deep in the national forest, out on a series of peninsulas, making all the campsites quite close to the water."
"This campground is located about an hour or so from our home but it feels like a million miles away — in a good way!"
from $12 / night
Check Availability"Trails right off the campground to walk around the park, not huge but nice. Close off the highway but no road noise."
"From the road you wouldn’t guess there’s a giant park beyond the entrance. The rangers at the entrance were super friendly, but they patrol a lot, so often no one is actually at the gate house."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Close to charming Abingdon VA with great local restaurants, the Barter Theater and the Virginia Creeper Trail."
"There are about 8-10 sites that are right behind the pool and more sites down a short hill all along the river. This campground accommodates tents, pop ups and RV's comfortably."
from $28 - $40 / night
Check Availability"Great amenities for kids, clean restrooms and showers, several spots with easy access to lake"
"We do lots of walking, so this campground has many drives to walk. Takes no time at all to walk a mile plus without going the same drive. Many shaded sites, lots seem to be seasonal."
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability"With camping just a moderate day hike away from Mount Rogers, the highest point in Virginia, this campground is a hiker's paradise."
"Campground Review: There are two campgrounds in Grayson Highland SP which is located by The Mouth Of Wilson, VA, near the North Carolina border."
from $27 - $98 / night
Check Availability"Just across the Virginia state line, this national forest offers multiple dispersed camping areas along Beaver Dam Creek. Opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, and paddling are abundant."
"Stayed in Campsite #1 Even though it is within view of the road, the running water sound of the creek behind us lulled us to sleep."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
"I have camped at this location multiple times. There used to be portable potties and trash cans. No longer. Pack in pack out now. Regularly patrolled by officers who are fantastic."
"We were in Damascus for the Appalachian Trail Days Festival and needed an RV spot but didn’t think we could get one because we were so late in looking for one."
"Great location also because it is close to restaurants and the center of the small town. It does have water and power and a picnic table. Being right on a little river is great too."
from $55 / night
Check Availability"Located in the Mount Rogers Recreation Area, this campground is close to enough activities to fill a whole week of outdoor fun!"
"Large secluded campsites surrounded by rhododendron bushes with a mountain spring creek meandering through the campgrounds."
from $55 / night
Check Availability"We stayed here for an overnight stop on our road trip through Virginia, and it was lovely!"
"Hungry Mother State Park, just a short drive off I-81 in southwestern Virginia, is an easily accessible gem offering modern cabins, yurts, and campgrounds equipped for tents or RVs, with limitless activities"
from $27 / night
Check Availability
TravelerThe campground was full but very quiet. The campers are stacked into the hillside and are very close to each other, but it was still a peaceful overnight experience. The office staff were friendly and the restrooms and showers were clean and always stocked. It’s nice that it feels like it’s out in the mountain countryside, but is just right outside of downtown. A great place to stay if you’re coming in for an ASU home game.
ScoutThis is a nice wooded campground with nice shelters next to most campsites. Bathrooms were clean. Check in was easy. Owner did not require a deposit, made reservations by phone. I did have to change the check in time and communicated with owners easily. Gates close around dark so late check in is not possible. Only negative feedback I have is that owner requested not to use the campground bathrooms if fully hooked up and bathrooms are for tent camping purposes. This was not explained or advertised prior to reservations. Im paying for the convenience of not using my black tanks. Overall would stay here again.
ScoutGreat campground. Very clean. Campsites are well placed.
GuideI'm kinda biased about national park campgrounds because I'm an NPS employee. The Parkway is Awesome and the campgrounds are great. They don't have hookups or showers in the bath houses but the peace and quiet is incredible. We spent 5 nights on the blue ridge parkway and Shenandoah skyline drive. Great trip. Love the National Parks!!!
ScoutCampsites are great and the host will go out of his way to ensure you're having a great stay. Highly recommend
ScoutSpent 3 days and 3 nights, and we were very pleased. Curtis is the man. Very attentive and has some great stories to share. The property is well kept and the provided toilet & shower were a very welcome after a couple days in the tent. We plan on making our way back soon!
ScoutWe loved our stay at the Starlite! My husband and I are exploring NC and stumbled upon the this campground. It’s nestled right next to a beautiful stream and is surrounded by beautiful landscapes. The campground is so nicely kept up! But what we loved the most was the community of the campground. We were welcomed right away and had the best time getting to know folks. If you’re in the area (or even if you’re not!) make sure to stay at the Starlite!
ScoutI stayed long term while working in the area, including through the winter months, and loved the propane delivery. Coming home to a full tank already dropped at my site was such a nice perk.
It’s a beautiful, peaceful little campground tucked into the mountains and you can tell a lot of care goes into it. It’s not a parking lot like other places I’ve stayed the sites are tiered on the mountainside but level and large. Staff is friendly, they have a game room and laundry room and the store sells cold beer! It was a nice home away from home while working in town
TravelerI was the only one at the campsite other than two semipermanent RV trailers. It was quiet, clean, and remote. Tent sites cool under nice tree cover. Elevation was great and views were as at our home in north Georgia.
I was camping in a rooftop tent and the ground was adequately level, not muddy, and marked OK, with minimal detraction from the beauty of nature. Had picnic table.
Might have been nice to have an electric outlet close enough to run my extension cord, but I was minimalist camping with a Bluetti power storage unit, DC refrigerator, and my own water supply.
The bathroom facilities were minimal, but adequate. The showering area could have been a little more inviting, perhaps, but again, I didn't use them anyway.
I would stay again, especially if they were situated between me and my ultimate destination as they met my short-stay needs.
Ron
Abingdon camping sites range from lakeside to mountainous, with elevations from 1,800 to 3,600 feet across the region. Most campsites near Abingdon, Virginia are situated within the Jefferson National Forest or along the South Holston Lake, creating distinct microclimates depending on your chosen location. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing at higher elevation campgrounds from December through February.
Paddle the lake: South Holston Lake offers excellent kayaking and paddleboarding at Little Oak Campground, located 20 minutes from Abingdon. "Holston Lake is absolutely beautiful. The campground is deep in the national forest, out on a series of peninsulas, making all the campsites quite close to the water," notes Lynn G.
Hike to waterfalls: A short but steep trail near Backbone Rock Recreation Area leads to a waterfall formation where kids can wade. "There is a short waterfall hike right out of the campground!" explains Sabrina M., who found it perfect for families with small children.
Mountain biking: The Jefferson National Forest trails connect directly to many campgrounds. "There are some short hiking trails, but plan to spend most of your time on the water," advises Lynn G. who visited Little Oak Campground. Experienced cyclists often use campsites as base camps for exploring the technical forest trails.
Privacy between sites: Beartree Campground offers unusual site separation. "The sites were built in a forest of rhododendron and there is so much privacy compared to most other campgrounds. As a result, it seems quieter," shares Deb R., who has been camping there for 25 years.
Swimming options: Many campers appreciate the creek access at campgrounds. "Backbone rock sits on a small creek that runs behind most of the sites. It's perfect for small children to swim and play in!" reports Sabrina M. The water access provides natural cooling during hot summer days.
Affordability: Budget-conscious campers highlight Sugar Hollow Campground for its value. "You can't beat the price and you're secluded but yet close to Sam's and Walmart and even a Chick-fil-A," explains Mike, who paid just $20 per night for wooded, shaded sites with electric hookups.
Limited cell coverage: Many campgrounds around Abingdon have spotty service. "There is absolutely no cell service at this camp, you have to go into town or hike a local mountain to get service up high," explains Shari G. about Backbone Rock. At Riverside Campground, cell service improves but remains inconsistent in certain sections.
Booking windows: Royal Oak Campground at Hungry Mother State Park often books 6-9 months in advance for summer weekends. Joe S. notes Riverside Campground provides "the perfect spot for a family trip" but recommends reservations well ahead of time.
Weather variability: The mountain setting creates unpredictable conditions. "Weather is unpredictable, so pack a raincoat and warm clothes just in case," advises Danielle H. Summer thunderstorms build quickly in the afternoons, particularly at higher elevation sites.
Platform camping for comfort: Hungry Mother State Park offers unique wooden platforms for tents. "All campsites are on platforms, which makes it very nice to set up your stuff," explains Katrin M. The raised platforms keep tents drier during rain and provide level sleeping surfaces.
Creek-side camping: Families particularly enjoy sites where children can play safely in shallow water. "The river is perfect! It's not too deep so the kids can play in it. Fairly easily accessed from many areas at the campground," shares Heather K. about Riverside Campground.
Child-friendly activities: Schedule time for organized events at state parks. "During the peak of the summer season, it appears that it would be very popular with a nice swimming beach, paddlecraft rentals, cabin rentals," notes Dave V. about Hungry Mother State Park. Many campgrounds offer junior ranger programs on summer weekends.
Leveling requirements: Many RV sites in the mountains require significant leveling. "Not all sites are level. Sites are fairly close together," reports Shawn about Observation Knob Park. Bring extra leveling blocks, especially for the hillside campgrounds.
Water hookup locations: At Sugar Hollow Campground, water sources aren't always conveniently placed. "Water available but not at your site (mostly, if you have an extension you can make some work)," explains Kelly, who recommends bringing extra hose length to reach shared spigots.
Dump station availability: Many campgrounds only offer dump stations rather than full sewer hookups. "Only 2 dump stations, but there is a honey wagon service that's quite close and very reasonably priced," notes Michael N. about Observation Knob Park, where many visitors stay for extended periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds near Abingdon, VA?
Abingdon offers excellent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Riverside Campground stands out for its proximity to downtown Abingdon's restaurants and the Virginia Creeper Trail, plus its peaceful setting on the North Fork of the Holston River. For those seeking more natural settings, Sugar Hollow Campground offers affordable sites ($20/night) with good separation between campsites, phone service, and Wi-Fi in some areas. Other notable options include Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground near Mount Rogers Recreation Area and Hidden Valley WMA with lakeside camping. Most campgrounds in the area provide convenient access to hiking, fishing, and cultural attractions that make Abingdon a perfect basecamp for exploring Southwest Virginia.
Is tent camping available at campgrounds in Abingdon, VA?
Yes, tent camping is widely available at campgrounds around Abingdon. Mount Rogers National Recreation Area offers free, primitive tent camping along creeks with first-come, first-served sites. These spots are perfect for tent campers looking for a more natural experience, though they lack amenities like picnic tables or toilets. Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground provides more developed tent camping with access to a small lake with a sandy beach. For those wanting free dispersed camping options, Washington & Jefferson National Forest offers multiple tent-friendly sites along Bear Creek. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with varying levels of amenities and privacy.
What amenities does Riverside Campground in Abingdon, VA offer?
Riverside Campground in Abingdon offers a range of amenities in its quiet setting along the North Fork of the Holston River. The campground is family-friendly and provides convenient access to Abingdon's attractions, including local restaurants, the Barter Theater, and the Virginia Creeper Trail. Its riverside location makes it ideal for fishing and water activities. While specific facility details aren't extensively documented in reviews, the campground appears to provide the essential amenities needed for a comfortable stay. The peaceful riverside environment creates an appealing atmosphere for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. For more detailed information about hookups, bathhouses, and other specific amenities, it's recommended to contact the campground directly before your visit.
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