Natural Tunnel State Park has two separate campgrounds that serve different types of campers in southwestern Virginia. The Lover's Leap campground can accommodate larger RVs while the other campground offers more secluded spots. Both campgrounds provide access to the 900-foot natural tunnel that trains still pass through daily. Located at 1,700 feet elevation, the area experiences cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lowlands, with nighttime temperatures dropping into the 60s even during July and August.
What to do
Cave exploration: View Stock Creek and tunnel geology. At Natural Tunnel State Park Campground, visitors can take guided walks through unique terrain. "Canoed Clinch River, caved in the park, and took a short guided hike through Stock Creek to backside of tunnel. Highly recommend!" reports Rob J., who stayed at the park.
Canoeing and fishing: Access waterways directly from camp. Multiple waterways offer aquatic recreation options. "We drove 2 hours to canoe the Clinch River which was great fun and we got to see a lot of the area," notes Kim A. about her Natural Tunnel State Park experience.
Educational activities: Learn regional history with rangers. Parks in the region offer structured learning opportunities. "There are many educational activities. The ranger comes around and even little events for kids. I remember picking apart an owl pellet with the ranger. Very outdoor educational," writes Travis R. about his experience at Warriors' Path State Park.
Hiking trail networks: Explore interconnected paths. The mountains around Big Stone Gap feature multiple trail systems. "They have nice hiking trails, chairlift to view the tunnel, picnic areas, swimming pool and so much more," shares Kathy L. about Natural Tunnel State Park.
What campers like
Tent camping with river views: Sites on waterfront. Tent campers appreciate locations that combine comfort with natural settings. "Spent the night in a tent at Lovers Leap campground. Campground and park are clean, well maintained and up to date," shares Rob J. about his tent camping experience at Natural Tunnel.
Winter camping: Year-round accessibility. Some parks remain open during colder months. "We were there in December when the weather was chilly and practically had the place to ourselves. The bathhouse was exceptionally nice and there was also laundry and wifi available," reports Gregg G. about Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park.
Swimming options: Pool facilities at many parks. Water recreation options enhance summer stays. "Great park! It's got all you need from camping to trails to swimming to even learning history about the area and the park itself! Great for the family!" notes Jaren E. about Natural Tunnel.
Free firewood: Provided at select campgrounds. Some parks include firewood with your stay. "Take the time to check it out you won't regret it. Oh, I failed to mention free firewood. Everyday a ranger will come by and keep you stocked with wood. It's included with the price of camping," writes Brian B. about his stay at Kingdom Come State Park.
What you should know
Bear activity: Proper food storage required. Several parks in the region require precautions for wildlife. "We saw a bear across the valley, so take the warnings seriously and follow the instructions," advises Grant M. about Kingdom Come State Park, which provides food storage options at each site.
Limited cell service: Unplugged camping experience. Connectivity varies throughout the region. "Great area, no service or wifi," notes Wyman M. about Kingdom Come State Park, which sits in a remote mountain location.
Summer heat in yurts: Plan for temperature control. Canvas structures can become extremely hot. "First of all, it is a cross between a tent and a cabin, and it has no electricity, bathroom, or running water. The temperatures were in the lower 90s outside, and once we walked inside the yurt, it was like walking into an oven," warns Myron C. about Natural Tunnel State Park Yurts.
Steep access roads: Vehicle preparation needed. Mountain terrain creates challenging driving conditions. "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," shares Grant M. about accessing Kingdom Come State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground locations: Kid-friendly facilities. Most parks offer play areas for younger visitors. "Beautiful campground. So much fun stuff for the kids to do. Great trails for hiking or biking," shares Monica S. about her family's stay at Natural Tunnel State Park.
Chairlift access: Alternative to hiking. Some parks provide mechanical transportation options to major features. "A hiking trail ran behind the cabins, past the campground to the tunnel. It is a great hike and even better when you use the ski lift going up," notes Kim A. about Natural Tunnel.
Educational demonstrations: Ranger-led programs. History comes alive through interpretive activities. "There's also a sweet man who gives tours of the replica farm of David Crocket... in character and costume. Clean bathrooms. Overall a great place to camp, particularly with kids," explains Rebecca M. about her experience at Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park.
Swimming facilities: Pool options beyond natural water. Built swimming areas provide safer alternatives for families. "This has included some of my best Fishing Memories, catching a Monster of CatFish in the back honey Hole! Made my Father so proud. So of course as a Father of 3 sons, who now are having children of their own, I of course made sure they had there fill of this great place," shares Perry N. about the multi-generational appeal of Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Bring blocks for uneven terrain. Mountain campgrounds often have sloped sites. "Really nice facility near town. There are a lot of uneven campsites, so bring your leveling blocks. That said, great campground," advises Michelle I. about her stay at Warriors' Path State Park.
Site selection: Check length restrictions carefully. Some parks have size limitations that are strictly enforced. "Many of the sites are narrow and some have challenging access. Be sure to read site descriptions and check the suggested trailer size - they seriously mean the max size!!" warns Sara M. about Warriors' Path State Park.
Full hookup availability: Limited at some parks. Service levels vary between campgrounds and loops. "The newly updated section, Moody Bluff, has FHU and a number of pull-through sites. It only has trees around the edge of one side giving it an open field feeling," explains Sara M. about Warriors' Path State Park.
Bath facilities: Clean, well-maintained options. Shower and restroom quality concerns many RVers. "Sites were right on top of one another and extremely crowded—felt like a tailgating party in a parking lot," cautions Karin P. about the potential crowding at Warriors' Path during peak periods.
