Best Campgrounds near Bristol, VA

Campers looking for a spot around Bristol, Virginia have several good options within a reasonable drive. Hungry Mother State Park includes both cabins and regular campsites for those who want different levels of comfort. At Grayson Highlands State Park, you'll find campsites with mountain views where wild ponies sometimes wander through the area. Though Eleanor the Airstream R has closed permanently, you can still find plenty of other places to camp nearby. The parks enforce fire rules and limit how long you can stay to keep the woods in good shape. During busy times like summer weekends, you should book ahead since the better sites fill up quickly. Some camping spots have trees for shade and feel more private than others. When making reservations, check the site size and what facilities are available so you know what to expect. Many local campers think spring and fall are the best seasons here - temperatures are comfortable and the trees look great, especially in October. Bristol camping works well for both quick weekend trips and longer vacations.

Best Camping Sites Near Bristol, Virginia (216)

    1. Little Oak Campground

    23 Reviews
    Shady Valley, TN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 735-1500

    $12 / night

    "Long way from Bristol, so don't forget anything."

    "**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."

    2. Sugar Hollow Campground

    9 Reviews
    Bristol, VA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 645-7275

    $20 / night

    "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."

    3. Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground — Warriors' Path State Park

    26 Reviews
    Kingsport, TN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 867-2757

    "We had a change of plans and made reservations at Warrior Path State Park on a whim - and are VERY glad we did."

    "This park is located about 15 minutes off I-81 just south of the VA/TN border, making it extremely convenient, and a great place to stop for anyone traveling that stretch of the country."

    4. Observation Knob Park

    4 Reviews
    Shady Valley, TN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 878-1881

    $25 - $35 / night

    "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."

    "Older but absolutely beautiful park located right on the lake. The park is very well maintained and the staff are super friendly. The views of the mountains meeting the lake are absolutely stunning."

    5. Cardens Bluff Campground

    17 Reviews
    Hampton, TN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 735-1500

    $12 / night

    "Situated on a peninsula, Cardens Bluff has great views and access to the lake for the outer campsites."

    "Booked site 13 online for the last weekend before the season ended in October 2021, but the hosts caught us at check-in and moved us to site 32, which was right next to the water."

    6. Shadrack Campground

    3 Reviews
    Bristol, TN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 217-1181

    $28 - $40 / night

    "Close to Bristol Speedway, immaculate bath house and laundry, office staff is very friendly and helpful,well kept sights and maintenance and camp host during race time are superb"

    7. Friendship Rd

    3 Reviews
    Shady Valley, TN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 735-1500

    $30 - $95 / night

    "I came here on a couple of break days while working at a nearby summer camp and it was such a fun experience. The lake surrounded by mountains was breathtakingly beautiful."

    "Nestled next to the.Holly River. Prices were good."

    8. Bellebrook Acres

    1 Review
    Bristol, TN
    3 miles
    +1 (423) 963-8060

    $50 - $70 / night

    9. Riverside Campground

    7 Reviews
    Abingdon, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 628-5333

    $28 - $40 / night

    "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."

    10. Cherokee Trails Campground and Stables

    2 Reviews
    Bristol, TN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 391-0118

    $15 - $45 / night

    "Campground consist of a fire ring in the middle with benches and tables surrounded by back-in camp sites. There was a nice clean bathhouse with showers. Free firewood."

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Showing results 1-10 of 216 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bristol, VA

978 Reviews of 216 Bristol Campgrounds



Guide to Bristol

Camping near Bristol, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking: There are amazing trails nearby. At Hickory Ridge Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park, one reviewer said, "Hiking is awesome. The kids LOVED the wild horses and the steer walking around."
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds have access to rivers and lakes. A visitor at Hot Springs Campground mentioned, "The campground sits right on the French Broad River which is beautiful and wide."
  • Exploring local towns: Check out nearby towns for food and shopping. One camper noted, "The little town of Hot Springs North Carolina is a charming little place with several good food choices and an excellent brewery."

What campers like

What you should know

  • Site spacing: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Hickory Ridge Campground noted, "Sites were a little close, but peaceful and the trails made up for the close sites."
  • Limited cell service: Many areas have poor cell reception. A visitor at Blue Bear Mountain Camp mentioned, "No cell service whatsoever even with a booster."
  • Weather considerations: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. One camper at Roan Mountain State Park Campground shared, "There was an unseasonable cold snap when we were there in October."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and nearby hiking trails. A parent at Bear Den Family Campground said, "Kids loved the playground and there were a lot of other kids to make friends with."
  • Safety around wildlife: Teach kids to respect animals. A reviewer at Hickory Ridge Campground warned, "Please respect the distance advice and don't feed them."
  • Plan for meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals and snacks. One camper at Hungry Mother State Park mentioned, "Lovely trails, clean facilities, the on-site host was awesome."

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground advised, "Pay attention to the site size as some RVs had issues getting their larger RVs in their sites."
  • Use the dump station: Know where the nearest dump station is located. A camper at Black Mountain Campground noted, "There is a dump station nearby."
  • Bring extra supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A visitor at Roan Mountain State Park Campground suggested, "Plan to stay and bring what you need."

Camping around Bristol, Virginia, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Bristol, VA?

Bristol visitors have several excellent camping options nearby. Shadrack Campground offers immaculate facilities and is conveniently located near Bristol Speedway with friendly staff and well-maintained sites. For those seeking a more natural setting, Hidden Valley WMA provides peaceful lakeside camping with fire rings, bear bins, and basic facilities. Other notable options include Backbone Rock Recreation Area with its shaded sites along Beaver Dam Creek, and Pole Position Campground which operates during race weeks with full hookups. For a family-friendly option with amenities, Bristol-Kingsport KOA offers cabins, a pool, and various recreational activities while remaining accessible for large RVs.

Is there RV camping available in Bristol, Virginia?

Bristol offers several excellent RV camping options. Pole Position Campground provides electric, water, and sewer hookups at every site, though it's only open during race weeks at Bristol Motor Speedway. Bristol-Kingsport KOA features easy access from Interstate 81 and is navigable with large fifth wheels, offering amenities like a pool and recreational activities. Other options include Shadrack Campground with gravel sites that can accommodate large rigs up to 39 feet, and Observation Knob Park which is big-rig friendly. Sugar Hollow Campground has some sites suitable for RVs up to 25 feet, though larger rigs might find limited options and may need leveling equipment.

What amenities are offered at Sugar Hollow Park camping in Bristol?

Sugar Hollow Campground offers an affordable nature-forward camping experience at $20 per night. The campground features well-spaced sites nestled among trees, providing a natural setting without sites being too close together. Amenities include phone service and Wi-Fi access in some spots. The campground can accommodate various RV sizes, with some sites able to fit 25-foot class C motorhomes and a few suitable for larger rigs. Some sites are naturally flat while others require leveling equipment. The campground emphasizes a natural experience with trees and outdoor views while still providing basic conveniences at a reasonable price point.