The Tri-Cities region surrounding Bristol, Virginia sits at elevations between 1,500 and 2,000 feet, creating moderate temperatures that average 70°F in summer with nighttime lows around 55°F. This mountain-valley terrain features several lakes and rivers that provide water recreation options alongside forest camping. Many campgrounds in this area remain open year-round due to the relatively mild climate.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground has acclaimed mountain bike trails that attract riders of all skill levels. "The park has a full docket of activities, ranger-led hikes, games, crafts and wildlife lectures offered throughout the day," notes a visitor who appreciated the educational opportunities beyond biking.
Fishing opportunities: Popular Point Campground on Jordan Lake offers multiple lakeside sites where anglers can access the water directly. "Great campground. Clean restrooms and showers. Wonderful views," reports one camper who enjoyed the lakefront setting.
Historical exploration: Hickory Ridge Campground in Grayson Highlands State Park provides access to historic cabins and homesteads. "The Creekside Cabin hike is very technical as in tree roots and rocks, but so worth the exertion! Very cool waterfall and aside from some modern day trash there is still the old wood stove and pantry in the cabin," notes a reviewer who explored the historical structures.
Wildlife viewing: The Grayson Highlands area is known for its population of wild ponies that often approach hikers. "Great campsite with an amazing added bonus- WILD HORSES AND PONIES. (Short hike from the campsite)," states one visitor who captured photos of these unique residents.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Campers at Watauga Lake Area appreciate the direct lake access from many sites. "I have camped at the state park and would love to go back anyday. If you get the right spot you will be on the water and can tie up your canoe or kayak. Deep and clean lake," reports one visitor.
Clean facilities: Many reviewers note the well-maintained bathrooms at Warriors' Path State Park. "While the bath house is older and could use fresh paint it was meticulously clean all week," writes one camper who stayed for an extended period.
Variety of site types: Campgrounds in the Bristol area offer diverse accommodation options. "The main camping section was laid out long ago, with older style short sites and water/electric only. Many of the sites are narrow and some have challenging access," explains a camper at Warriors' Path who appreciated the information about site limitations.
Budget-friendly luxury options: Bristol-Kingsport KOA provides affordable elevated camping experiences. "I'd never used a KOA before but was tremendously impressed with the serene beauty of this place situated well away from traffic in a bucolic setting. Mindful of my budget I learned to ask for a tent site with no electricity, no water, just toilets and showers. The young man who helped me observed I was alone and put me in a small cabin for no additional charge," shares one visitor who found unexpected value.
What you should know
Site selection importance: At Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground, site dimensions can be challenging. "The campground is very clean especially the bathrooms. The lake is near the sites and a boundless playground is also nearby. The only issues we had were several of the sites were too small for even our pop up camper, no way an RV can fit. You really need to scout the sites beforehand," advises one camper.
Seasonal crowds: Several campgrounds in the area experience significant visitor numbers during peak seasons. "Sites were right on top of one another and extremely crowded—felt like a tailgating party in a parking lot," notes one visitor who found Warriors' Path overcrowded during a summer weekend.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds have unexpected noise sources. "The only negative about our site would be traffic noise from the nearby bridge," mentions one visitor to Warriors' Path, while others note train sounds at Cedar Ridge Hammock Campground: "There's also a freight train that goes by every couple hours."
Limited connectivity: While some parks offer good cell coverage, others have spotty service. "My phone had three bars, Verizon 5G ultra wide signal," reports a Bristol-Kingsport KOA camper, while Grayson Highlands visitors note: "For cell phone coverage (Verizon), I had success at the viewpoint on the way up from the entrance."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Cedar Ridge Hammock Campground at Warriors' Path offers family-friendly facilities. "There are 2 main campgrounds here for rvs and tents. Is it a nice safe place for families. Pets welcome," notes a visitor who appreciated the secure environment.
Educational programs: Rangers at Warriors' Path provide regular activities for children. "The rangers and staff may be the nicest we've encountered. They have a full docket of activities, ranger-led hikes, games, crafts and wildlife lectures offered throughout the day," shares a visitor who participated in the programs.
Field sites for play: Some campgrounds offer open areas for children. "Sites 31 and 32 are on a meadow the campsite loops around; they have no privacy and little shade, but ample room for kids to run around, and there is a set of swings near these sites," explains a Grayson Highlands visitor familiar with the layout.
Accessible facilities: Many campgrounds offer ADA-compliant amenities. "The main campground shower units are individual and separate from the bathrooms. There are ADA shower stalls, bathrooms, and ramps," notes a Warriors' Path camper, providing useful information for families with accessibility needs.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Many sites in the region require equipment for leveling. "Really nice facility near town. There are a lot of uneven campsites, so bring your leveling blocks," advises a visitor to Warriors' Path State Park.
Access challenges: Rocky Top Campground has specific navigation concerns. "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 you're not a seasoned driver," warns one RV owner.
Size restrictions: RVers should carefully verify site dimensions when booking. "We stayed at #86 which was off the main campground overlooking the lake. The site was perfect for our 23 ft RV but pay attention to the site size as some RVs had issues getting their larger RVs in their sites with the road/site layout," suggests a camper who successfully navigated the site limitations at Warriors' Path.
Hookup variations: Different glamping near Bristol, Virginia offers various levels of hookups. "Note that some of the reservations are nonspecific, i.e. when you arrive, you'll be assigned," explains a Grayson Highlands visitor, highlighting the importance of understanding reservation systems when glamping in the Bristol area.
