Best Tent Camping near Clintwood, VA
The forested mountains surrounding Clintwood, Virginia offer several tent camping options within driving distance. Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost provides five tent-only sites with walk-in access and drive-in options. Kingdom Come State Park Campground, located across the Kentucky border, features seven primitive tent campsites with mulch tent pads. Jefferson National Forest High Knob Campground near Norton, Virginia is another tent camping destination, though seasonal closures may affect availability from September through mid-May.
Most tent campgrounds in the region provide basic amenities with varying levels of development. Kingdom Come's tent sites include gravel drives, mulch tent pads sized for two small tents, fire rings, and picnic tables. Food hanging poles are provided at each site for bear safety. Restroom facilities with running water in sinks are available, though drinking water access may be limited. Campers should verify seasonal availability before traveling, as Jefferson National Forest High Knob Campground operates only from May 15 to September 15. Road conditions can be challenging, with one visitor noting the "road in from Cumberland is STEEP" when accessing Kingdom Come State Park.
Tent campers frequently report solitude as a primary benefit of these areas. According to reviews, Kingdom Come State Park Campground rarely fills to capacity, with one camper stating they "only saw one other camper" during their stay. The campground layout places six sites relatively close together, with a seventh more secluded site approximately 100 feet from the lake. Visitors mention minimal bug activity and excellent access to hiking trails, including the Raven Rock trail which leads to panoramic mountain views. Bear activity is common in the region, requiring proper food storage. Campers at Cliffhanger Ranch appreciate the proximity to Jefferson National Forest, where activities like kayaking at Bark Camp Lake and hiking at Little Stoney Falls are accessible. Cell service is generally unavailable throughout these backcountry tent camping areas.