Camping spots near Norton, Virginia offer a unique mountain camping experience at elevations reaching 3,000-4,000 feet in the Appalachian highlands. Summer temperatures in the area regularly fluctuate between daytime highs in the 80s and overnight lows in the 50s, creating ideal conditions for both day activities and comfortable sleeping. Cell service can be spotty in the valleys but improves at higher elevations across most campgrounds.
What to do
Explore natural rock formations: At Natural Tunnel State Park Campground, visitors can view an 850-foot natural tunnel from multiple perspectives. "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.
Visit mining history sites: Within a 30-minute drive of Norton, several historic coal mining sites offer guided tours during summer months. At Kingdom Come State Park, trails lead to overlooks of former mining operations. "The views from the outlooks at the top of the road are amazing. There is a lake for swimming, and plenty of trails," notes Paul H.
Fish local waters: Flag Rock Recreation Area Campground provides access to fishing spots within walking distance. "Fishing and kayaking are 1/2 mile from the campground. You'll be climbing one of the highest mountains in Virginia to get there, so be prepared for the drive," advises Julie.
Hike interconnected trail systems: Multiple campgrounds connect to regional trail networks. "There's a trail to the tunnel or you can take a chairlift. There's a museum, several gift shops, camp store, visitor centers," mentions Teresa K., who stayed at Natural Tunnel State Park.
What campers like
Private camping spots: Lover's Leap Campground at Natural Tunnel State Park offers more secluded sites. "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," writes Katrin M.
Budget-friendly primitive options: Natural Tunnel State Park's primitive camping area costs just $15/night and provides basic amenities. "5 spots with tent pads, picnic tables, fire pit, hanging poles, and bear box. Then there is a very large, communal fire pit, and an open but covered shelter with picnic tables and an outlet to charge your tech things," notes Sarah C.
Access to town amenities: Jessie Lea RV Park and Campground provides a convenient base for exploring local communities. "The greenway runs just over the river and takes you into Big Stone Gap where you will find local restaurants and shops, as well as every city's fast food restaurants," explains Charlene.
Clean facilities: Flag Rock Recreation Area maintains well-kept bathrooms despite its remote location. "We were surprised to find clean flush toilets and hot showers," reports Christine M., while another camper notes the area is "Very peaceful, not at all crowded, small campground."
What you should know
Bear activity precautions: At Kingdom Come State Park Campground, campers need to take bear safety seriously. "We saw a bear across the valley, so take the warnings seriously and follow the instructions," advises Grant M. The park provides poles for securing food away from bears.
Water access varies: Not all campgrounds offer water hookups or easy access to water. At Natural Tunnel's primitive sites, "Water spigot at top, a little walk, uphill, for water... Glad we brought our large bladder so we weren't constantly going up and down the hill for water," reports one camper.
Weather fluctuations: Summer heat can be intense in certain areas. At Natural Tunnel State Park, one camper found their yurt "like walking into an oven. The temperature had to be somewhere around 110 degrees inside." Bringing fans and extension cords helped make their stay comfortable.
Road conditions: Access to several campsites requires navigating steep mountain roads. Flag Rock Recreation Area campers note the drive involves "climbing one of the highest mountains in Virginia" with "a twisty road with a few hairpin turns."
Tips for camping with families
Look for educational programs: Cove View Campground at Natural Tunnel State Park offers organized activities for kids. "The area is very scenic. There are not many trails but there is still a lot to see. The tunnel is spectacular," notes Katrin M., while another camper adds "The park has a lot of activities for all ages. Check out the calendar and see what you like."
Consider swimming options: Kingdom Come State Park offers a small lake suitable for swimming on hot summer days. One camper mentions "There is a lake for swimming, and plenty of trails. Bugs are minimal," making it comfortable for family outings.
Pack for temperature changes: Mountain elevations mean significant temperature drops at night, even in summer. Nights can dip into the 50s while daytime temperatures reach the 90s, requiring both warm sleeping clothes and summer attire.
Choose sites near bathhouses: For families with young children, sites closest to restroom facilities make nighttime trips easier. Natural Tunnel State Park's Lover's Leap campground features "very nice bathhouses" according to campers, with shower facilities separated from restrooms.
Tips from RVers
Check site length before booking: Some campgrounds advertise RV sites but have limited space for larger rigs. At Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost, sites accommodate smaller trailers but not big rigs.
Plan water fill-ups: Flag Rock Recreation Area has electric hookups but no water connections at sites. "There is electric hookups but not water. There is a dump station too," notes Jason W., requiring RVers to arrive with full water tanks.
Consider satellite options: Cell service varies throughout the area, with ridge-top locations like Flag Rock offering better reception than valley campgrounds. Satellite internet provides more reliable connectivity for remote work needs.
Arrive during daylight: Multiple RVers mention challenging roads leading to campgrounds. "HIGHLY recommend getting in before last light. Especially if you're towing anything, roads are steep and winding getting to and from camp/cabins," advises Amethyst B.
