Best Campgrounds near Appalachia, VA

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."

Best Camping Sites Near Appalachia, Virginia (90)

    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 Reviews near Appalachia, VA

309 Reviews of 90 Appalachia Campgrounds


  • Christine S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Rocky Top Campground & RV Park

    Loud construction, neverending leaf blowing, not restful

    The campground itself was good. Bathhouse was clean-ish. The one shower stall smelled quite moldy/mildewy. Not a lot of amenities. We stayed a week and all days during the week - Monday through Friday, there was construction literally right beside our RV. Constant leaf blowing. I understand that they are doing improvements, that is great. A head's up about it, possible option to stay at another site, a noise discount, or at least letting us know, so we could make a choice, would have been nice. Would never stay here again.

  • Todd C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Breaks Interstate Park Campground

    Fall trip

    Beautiful campground, site can be a little small. We stayed in the C loop so we never used the bath house or anything. The camp hosts and staff were amazing and lots of help.

  • cyndy B.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Lower Twin Campground (VA)

    Good

    Great host,, very clean.. Has showers ,, bost ramp, hiking,, etc... ONLY downfall about the place is SNAKES... Be on the lookout for copperheads and rattlesnakes !!!

  • S
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Observation Knob Park

    On the water

    Beautiful, popular park. Not all sites are level. Sites are fairly close together. Excellent scenery.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Around Pond RV Park

    Nice stop

    nice stop off interstate, about 1 mile easy pull thru, during week stop, was quiet, peaceful, little traffic noise through nite. pond area, chickens, ducks, swans.

  • Shane N.
    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.


Guide to Appalachia

Dispersed camping options near Appalachia, Virginia can be found throughout the Jefferson National Forest with Cave Springs located approximately 15 miles west of town. Most forest service roads in this area range from gravel to unmaintained dirt paths, requiring vehicles with decent ground clearance during wet conditions. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during the day while dropping to 55-65°F at night, creating comfortable camping conditions except during occasional heat waves.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Kingdom Come State Park offers a small lake that's regularly stocked with trout and other species. "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," reports Brian B. about Kingdom Come State Park Campground.

Walking trails: Accessible paths follow local waterways at several campsites. "Across the bridge is a paved walking trail that follows the creek. Also the town is the home of writer Adriana Trigiani, bestselling author of Big Stone Gap!" mentions Twila B. at Jessie Lea RV Park.

Tunnel exploration: The unique geological feature at Natural Tunnel State Park Campground offers impressive views. "In the summers they light the tunnel one Saturday night each month, so it's worth trying to plan for that," advises Carol J.

Rock climbing: Flag Rock Recreation Area provides access to challenging rock formations. "There are plenty of hiking trails. Our favorite is the Raven Rock trail which leads to a 450 foot 40 degree angle granite rock facing that you can climb to get an amazing view of the surrounding mountains," shares Brian B.

What campers like

Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain exceptional bathhouses. "The bathhouse is extremely clean. The showers are separate from the restrooms," notes Katrin M. about Lover's Leap Campground.

Free firewood: Some parks provide complimentary wood for campfires. "The local ranger was most helpful in providing firewood (free!) and offering to bring us water to wash up with or for drinking," Sarah explains about Kingdom Come State Park.

River access: Waterside campsites offer recreational opportunities. "Our campsite was on the bank of the river with a fire pit and very level soft ground," Lauren J. shares about Jessie Lea RV Park and Campground.

Pavilion amenities: Several campgrounds provide covered communal areas. "At the entrance, there is an amazing covered shelter with picnic tables, rocking chairs and grills," describes Charlene at Jessie Lea RV Park.

What you should know

Wildlife precautions: Bears are active throughout the region. "We saw a bear across the valley, so take the warnings seriously and follow the instructions," warns Grant M. about Kingdom Come State Park Campground.

Road challenges: Some campgrounds require navigating difficult mountain roads. "No dump station, and the road in from Cumberland is STEEP! We made it in a mini van pulling a scamp, so you'll probably be fine," adds Grant M.

Primitive facilities: Not all campgrounds offer full amenities. "Booked a 3 night stay over the weekend and had the primitive camping area to ourselves. 5 spots with tent pads, picnic tables, fire pit, hanging poles, and bear box," reports Sarah C. about Natural Tunnel State Park Primitive Camping.

Seasonal availability: Water access can be limited at certain times. "We have two Jeeps with roof top tents, and while this is an RV Park, he has a few seasonal sites near the creek open. If the water is high, the sites aren't available," explains Twila B.

Tips for camping with families

Swimming options: Public pools provide relief from summer heat. "Neighboring Leeman Field park has multiple playgrounds, picnic shelters, swimming pool (Admission to the pool is included in campground fees), tennis courts, and disc golf course," notes Julie about Leeman Field Park.

Educational activities: State parks offer family-friendly programming. "This park has so many things to do and is fun for all ages. They have concerts and lots of outdoor activities during different times of the year. Great place for family fun!" shares Kathy L.

Yurt accommodations: Alternative shelter options provide unique experiences. "This is the first time I have stayed in a yurt, and it was definitely a learning experience. First of all, it is a cross between a tent and a cabin, and it has no electricity, bathroom, or running water," explains Myron C.

Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "The park has a lot of activities for all ages. Check out the calendar and see what you like," recommends Katrin M.

Tips from RVers

Site spacing: RV sites vary significantly between campgrounds. "The sites are very spacious and private. It comes with the usual amenities like a fire ring, picnic table, and a lantern pole. There was even an extra little wooden table on every site," reports Katrin M.

Weekday advantages: Avoid weekend crowds for a better experience. "We stayed Thursday through Sunday and I will say the first two nights were bliss - quiet and peaceful. A wonderful experience! However, Saturday night brought loud, disrespectful campers," shares Amy G. about Cave Springs.

Full hookup options: Several parks offer comprehensive RV services. "Very nice owner, very friendly. The bath house was clean and decorated very nice. Looks like it has been freshly painted," notes Mike about Jessie Lea RV Park.

Scenic positioning: Many RV sites provide views of natural features. "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," describes Julie about Flag Rock Campground.

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.