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Best Campgrounds near Appalachia, VA

304 Reviews

The Appalachian region surrounding Appalachia, Virginia features several established campgrounds within driving distance of town. Natural Tunnel State Park Campground offers diverse accommodation options including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts, while Jessie Lea RV Park provides full hookup sites for both tent and RV camping. Flag Rock Recreation Area Campground, located on one of Virginia's highest mountains, offers more primitive camping with basic amenities. The George Washington & Jefferson National Forest also provides camping opportunities with Cave Springs campground offering a more rustic experience approximately 15 miles west of Appalachia.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with some campgrounds requiring travel on steep mountain roads. Flag Rock Recreation Area requires climbing one of Virginia's highest mountains, while Cave Springs in the national forest has dirt access roads that may become difficult after rain. Most established campgrounds in the area offer water and electric hookups, though primitive sites typically have only basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables. Summer temperatures can be hot, particularly in yurts and cabins without air conditioning. A visitor noted, "You'll be climbing one of the highest mountains in Virginia to get there, so be prepared for the drive."

Campers consistently praise the natural beauty and peaceful settings of the area's campgrounds. Natural Tunnel State Park receives high ratings for its unique geological features and well-maintained facilities, with one reviewer describing it as "absolutely breathtaking" with "many educational activities" and trails ranging from casual strolls to difficult hikes. Water features are prominent in many camping areas, with Leeman Field Park offering access to a swimming pool and a walking trail along the river. Several campgrounds provide access to fishing opportunities, including Kingdom Come State Park which features a small lake stocked with trout. Visitors to Cave Springs recommend weekday stays to avoid weekend crowds, as one camper noted the first two nights were "bliss - quiet and peaceful" while weekend nights brought "loud, disrespectful campers."

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Best Camping Sites Near Appalachia, Virginia (89)

    1. Jessie Lea RV Park and Campground

    8 Reviews
    Big Stone Gap, VA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 523-0055

    "Great surprise in the mountains of Virginia! beautiful creek nearby!"

    "We visited the local museums and walked the green belt. The green belt is next to the camp ground within walking distance. We will be back!"

    2. Natural Tunnel State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Duffield, VA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 940-2674

    "There's a trail to the tunnel or you can take a chairlift. There's a museum, several gift shops, camp store, visitor centers. The staff is helpful and friendly. Many educational activities."

    "However, the temperatures were in the lower 90s outside, and once we walked inside the yurt, it was like walking into an oven. The temperature had to be somewhere around 110 degrees inside."

    3. Flag Rock Recreation Area Campground

    4 Reviews
    Norton, VA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 679-0754

    $20 / night

    "Great campground with biking/hiking trails and mountain scenic overlook. Clean bathhouses, picnic tables, fire rings, charcoal grills, and electricity provided. Quiet with great views."

    "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."

    4. Kingdom Come State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Cumberland, KY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 589-4138

    $14 / night

    "If you like fishing there is a small lake which is regularly stocked with Trout. Bass, Blue Gill, Sunfish, and a few others. It's just a short walk from the campsites."

    "There are 6 tent sites (7 if they allow you to reserve the one next to the duck pond), each with a gravel drive, mulch tent pad big enough for two smallish tents, fire ring, and picnic table."

    5. Portal 31 RV Park

    1 Review
    Lynch, KY
    8 miles
    +1 (606) 848-1530

    "This small park is located across the street from an exhibition coal mine, portal 31. It is in the former train depots former switch yard. Small, with electric hookups and a communal water spout."

    6. Natural Tunnel State Park Primitive Camping — Natural Tunnel State Park

    3 Reviews
    Duffield, VA
    14 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "Water spigot at top, a little walk, uphill, for water."

    "Just happened to be the one day a year the tunnel is open to walk through (it’s an active railroad and closed otherwise)."

    7. Cove View Campground — Natural Tunnel State Park

    3 Reviews
    Duffield, VA
    14 miles
    Website

    $35 / night

    "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."

    "Amazing trails, well maintained with breathtaking views. Camp site was clean. Accessible. Camp store had all the needed supplies and then some. Friendly staff. Well monitored for safety."

    8. Lover's Leap Campground — Natural Tunnel State Park

    3 Reviews
    Duffield, VA
    15 miles
    Website

    $35 / night

    "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."

    9. Cave Springs (VA) — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

    1 Review
    Dryden, VA
    11 miles
    Website

    "There are trails nearby, however several trails had bridges that were rotted away and not passable."

    10. Leeman Field Park

    2 Reviews
    Pennington Gap, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 298-5177

    "Great little park located in the Appalachian mountains of Virginia beside of Leeman Field park in Pennington Gap. Easy sites to get into with full hookups."

    "Lots to do within easy driving distance. Overall a great experience"

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Recent Camping Photos near Appalachia, VA

93 Photos of 89 Appalachia Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Appalachia, VA

304 Reviews of 89 Appalachia Campgrounds

  • Shane N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Camp Stonefly

    Great small peacefully time

    Me and wife passing through. Stayed over weekend loved it

  • Carol J.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Breaks Interstate Park Campground

    Great spot for nature lovers

    This is a very well maintained park, with many hiking and overlook opportunities.  White tail deer are frequent, and very tame.  Bathrooms are clean and well maintained.  Lots of hot water and water pressure in the showers.  There is a pool and waterpark on site, and a gift shop and camp store.  Was disappointed that the Visitor Center was only open on the weekend (and it was still prior to Labor Day).  Staff was helpful and friendly, although there was no camp host on site on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday nights.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Baileyton KOA Holiday

    Nice overnight stop

    We are headed from Atlanta to Fredericksburg VA for a wedding. This is a very nice place for an overnight stop, probably one of the nicest for a KOA. Very clean and tidy campground. Mostly level, gravel sites. But some grass between sites! Some shade. Full hookups. Clean bathroom & shower. Pool, playground, driving range, big water slide. The internet is VERY slow. Also lots of road noise from I-81. Gift shop & convenient store in office. We’ve taken our travel trailer to 48 states, and have found KOAs generally convenient, but not much more. This place is definitely above average

  • Lisa Horton
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Breaks Interstate Park Campground

    We took off for 4 days and decided to go to the Breaks and fish, camp out, and just enjoy our time with one another.

    It was a very nice camping spot and it also had a grill that we used to cook out. They also have a restaurant in the park that has some of the best food I have ever ate.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Around Pond RV Park

    Very nice stop over campground

    Stayed for one night as a stop over on our trip home. Easiest check in we have ever had. Pulled up to the staging area near the office and didn’t even have to get out of the truck. Guy came up on a golf cart and confirmed my name. Took us right to our spot which was a full hook up pull through. Site was gravel and completely level. A lot of full time campers here but that doesn’t bother us at all. Nice little pond to walk the dogs around or just sit and relax. There is no store or pool but we never use those anyway. There is a laundry on site and a good size area with grills and picnic tables to use if you want. Sure it’s not a KOA with all the amenities but for a stop over or even a few day stay it’s fine. And ONLY $39 a night ! Btw KOA right down the road wouldn’t accept our reservation because they require a 2 night minimum.

  • Kurt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Camp Stonefly

    Great location right beside roaring river

    Good location. Good size lots. All gravel with picknic size pads with table. Bathroom very clean very small campground 8 to 13 lots.

  • Beth B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Clinch River Family Campground

    Be prepared for 7 mile drive from main road

    We chose this campground because it was close to Natural Tunnel and Devils Fork trail (30-45 min). Both of these are worth doing if you are in the area. We chose to only hike to Devils bathtub (about 2 miles one way). It was exceptional but difficult.

    Most of the final road to campground is paved with exception of last mile, its wide enough but slow going. You will lose cellular pretty quickly when you turn on that road.

    Campground is well maintained, lots of playground equipment for kids and a launch for tubes/kayaks. At main road there is a public launch if you want to put in there and then float to campground.

    No laundry. Bathhouse is just ok, dated but functional.

    Owners are nice, and communicate quickly by email or phone. We had issue with the site we reserved and just moved over one site when setting up late and in the rain…told owner next day and it was no problem.

  • Zoey T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Hidden Valley WMA

    Private location - challanging hills

    The camp area is alright - 4 ish areas to pull up to and a few tent sites… pretty and quiet. Only downside is that the road up is a pretty harsh grade for 4 miles. Our short bus Skoolie had some troubles with it. There also are a few peculiar (methy) characters that come in and out of the parking lot at night. Outside of that pretty quiet cool fern filled Forrest and lake.

  • Ryan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Sugar Hollow Campground

    Gorgeous Secluded park

    Love this place. Very secluded feeling, we had no one around us. Very clean and close to town conveniences.

Guide to Appalachia

Camping near Appalachia, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. Campers have enjoyed the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer mentioning, "The trails out of and around the campground are worth the hikes" at Natural Tunnel State Park Campground.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds are near lakes and rivers, perfect for fishing. One visitor at Little Oak Campground noted, "Most sites have a view of South Holston Lake and trail access to the water."
  • Wildlife Watching: The area is rich in wildlife. A reviewer at Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground shared, "The rangers and staff may be the nicest we’ve encountered," highlighting the park's commitment to nature.

What campers like

What you should know

  • Site Sizes Vary: Some sites can be narrow or short, so check the dimensions before booking. A camper at Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground warned, "Be sure to read site descriptions and check the suggested trailer size."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups or stores nearby. A visitor at Little Oak Campground noted, "No market, but the campground was nice and clean."
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially on weekends. A reviewer at Jenny Wiley State Park Campground mentioned, "Unfortunately our neighbors were very noisy!!!"

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. One parent at Baileyton KOA Holiday said, "A great place to stay with kids! We stayed in C5, basically level gravel site."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of things to do. A camper at Natural Tunnel State Park Campground recommended, "The ranger programs are fantastic."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can save trips to the store. A visitor at Panther Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The camp store has a small offering of RV accessories and ice."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Lengths: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park Campground noted, "Tent pads appeared to be 8x8’ max, so if you have a family size tent you’ll need to find flat grass."
  • Bring Leveling Gear: Some sites may not be perfectly level. A camper at Cardens Bluff Campground advised, "Check your lengths and bring your leveling boards."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Take advantage of local attractions. A visitor at Breaks Interstate Park Campground shared, "The landscape in the park was just beautiful."

Camping near Appalachia, Virginia, has something for everyone. With a little planning and the right campground, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to go camping in Appalachia?

Late spring through early fall (May to October) offers the most pleasant camping weather in Appalachia. Summer provides warm days and cool nights, especially at Sugar Hollow Campground, where affordable sites aren't too close together and provide a nature-forward experience with tree coverage. Fall is spectacular for witnessing vibrant foliage at places like Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground, where ridge-top sites offer stunning views of Fort Patrick Henry Lake. Spring brings wildflowers but can be rainy, while winter camping is possible but requires proper cold-weather gear.

Where are the best camping spots in the Appalachian Mountains?

Breaks Interstate Park Campground stands out as a premier destination with diverse hiking trails ranging from casual strolls to challenging routes, plus amenities like full hookups, primitive tent sites, horseback riding, and zip lines. For those seeking a more secluded experience, Natural Tunnel State Park Primitive Camping offers well-maintained primitive sites with tent pads, picnic tables, fire pits, and bear boxes. The park's namesake natural tunnel provides a unique geological feature to explore during your stay.

What wildlife should I be aware of when camping in the Appalachian region?

The Appalachian region is home to black bears, which is why campgrounds like Hidden Valley WMA provide bear bins for food storage. Always store food securely, cook away from your tent, and keep a clean campsite. Other wildlife includes white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and various small mammals. At Flag Rock Recreation Area Campground, you might spot the rare woodland salamanders native to the area. Venomous snakes like copperheads and timber rattlesnakes exist but typically avoid humans. Watch for ticks during warm months and check yourself daily.

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