RV campgrounds near Bristol, Virginia offer rustic accommodations nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,200 feet. Situated along the Tennessee-Virginia border, these campgrounds experience mild summers with highs in the 80s and cold winters with occasional snowfall. The region features mature hardwood forests surrounding most camping areas, creating natural sound barriers between sites.
What to do
Virginia Creeper Trail access: Multiple campgrounds provide direct access to this 34-mile rail trail. At Laurel Creek RV Park, you're perfectly positioned for cycling. "This campground is small and no bathrooms, but it is directly on the Creeper so that makes up for it! Great location also because it is close to restaurants and the center of the small town," notes one camper.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer stocked ponds or creek access. "Lovely, creekside spaces & a few up the hill with views. I'm under a weeping willow. Birds chirping, blue jays, cardinals, tiny bright yellow birds & a squirrel," reports a visitor to Laurel Creek RV Park.
Local hiking trails: The region features numerous day hikes within 30 minutes of most campgrounds. At Linville Falls Campground, "Beautiful scenery, great hiking all around you!" according to one reviewer. Another mentions, "At the top of Linville Falls you can hammock camp on a Rock are within 50 feet of the Waterfall."
Small town exploration: Many campgrounds are within walking distance of historic mountain towns. As one camper at Jessie Lea RV Park notes, "They even have a draw bridge to walk across the powell river to access the Big Stone Gap town's walking trail. It is truly a hidden gem."
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Several rv campgrounds in Bristol, Virginia receive high marks for maintenance. "These are the cleanest bathrooms we've ever seen. The on-site store is a life saver and the hosts are very helpful," reports a camper at Linville Falls Campground.
Water features: Creeks, ponds, and rivers are popular amenities. At Jessie Lea RV Park, one visitor mentioned, "Our campsite was on the bank of the river with a fire pit and very level soft ground. About half a mile from a nice little gas station and a KFC as well, which is nice for ice trips or chicken runs."
Wildlife viewing: Many sites offer bird and small mammal watching opportunities. "When I drove up the Three Peaks driveway for the first time a couple weeks ago, I got a huge smile on my face. The big trees surrounding the campground, mountain views, and birdsong put me right at ease," shares a visitor to Three Peaks RV Resort.
Pavilion areas: Community gathering spaces are available at several parks. One camper at Jessie Lea RV Park praised, "A wonderful covered pavilion with lots of tables and gas grills. They even had season firewood available for a couple dollars."
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Many campgrounds close during winter months. Linville Falls Campground operates "Apr 01 to October 28" according to their listing information.
Limited cell service: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. "This campground is small and no bathrooms, but it is directly on the Creeper so that makes up for it! Great location also because it is close to restaurants and the center of the small town," notes a Laurel Creek RV Park visitor.
Mountain roads: Access to some campgrounds requires navigating steep grades and tight curves. One Rocky Top Campground visitor cautions, "The camp on the west side is Dangerous to drive up in a motorhome. I personally drove my 36' up the most curvy incline I wouldn't recommend anyone to give this a second thought if your not a seasoned driver."
Site leveling challenges: Several parks require careful setup due to uneven terrain. At Around Pond RV Park, a camper observed, "Lots of spots available but they're not particularly level and not private. Nice owner. Close to highway."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: Some facilities offer kid-friendly amenities. Three Peaks RV Resort receives praise for "the kids' playground, the fenced-in dog park, the game room and laundry, and the incredible number of things to do locally."
Mining adventures: Unique educational opportunities exist nearby. As one Three Peaks visitor explains, "On any given day, you could take a mountain hike, go mining for your own gems (real gems!), drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, go tubing in the nearby Toe River, and all manner of other adventures."
Local museums: Several historic attractions are within driving distance. A Jessie Lea RV Park camper reported, "We visited the local museums and walked the green belt. The green belt is next to the camp ground within walking distance."
Water activities: River tubing and fishing opportunities are available seasonally. "This is a nice little privately owned campground. There are cabins, RV spots and tent sites all with access to newly renovated restrooms and coin operated laundry," notes a Linville Falls Campground reviewer.
Tips from RVers
Tight turning radius: Several campgrounds require careful navigation. At Butler TN RV full hookup campsite, "Absolutely beautiful mountain retreat. This single RV campsite has full hookups, including 30&50 amp electric, sewer, water and wireless WiFi. Easy paved road access with gravel driveway."
Pull-through availability: Some parks offer easier access sites. Around Pond RV Park provides "Pull thrus 15-20-30-50 amp" according to visitors.
Hookup variations: Services differ between parks. "Every site is a pull through with ample space, full hookups, and good Wi-Fi," reports a Three Peaks RV Resort camper.
Site spacing considerations: Privacy varies widely between locations. At Around Pond RV Park, a visitor noted it's a "Very open area with a lot of RV's and a really nice fishing lake. Well maintained and manicured."
