Natural Tunnel State Park Campground offers both RV camping and tent sites across well-spaced areas near Duffield, Virginia. Sites in the RV loops have mature trees providing natural separation with electricity access, picnic tables and fire rings at each location. The campground connects directly to hiking trails for all skill levels. The area around Cumberland Gap provides visitors with access to several state parks and private campgrounds, all within reasonable driving distance of historical sites and natural attractions. Waterfront camping options can be found at several locations around Cherokee Lake and surrounding water bodies.
What to do
Hiking trails with historic context: Blue Heron Campground at Big South Fork National River offers trails through picturesque countryside where visitors can explore significant historic sites. "There are miles of hiking and horse trails through the picturesque countryside. Take a steam train ride around the ridge tops, or wet your line in the streams. There is plenty to do here," explains Bryan R. from Blue Heron Campground.
Water activities on nearby lakes: Lakefront Glamping Resort provides stand-up paddleboard and kayak rentals as part of package stays. "Included in our reservation was the rental of either a SUP or kayak. The Stay package includes accommodations plus a floating lake mat. The Stay n Play reservation includes the SUP or kayak rental plus a two-hour lake excursion," notes Lee D. at Lakefront Glamping Resort.
Local attractions beyond camping: Powell Valley Resort & Marina underwent significant renovations to improve visitor experiences. "New bathhouse, docks, new marina store/gas pumps/restaurant with an extensive list of craft beers on tap and hand-dipped ice cream. Great food as well. Cornhole boards on the dock outside of the restaurant area, trivia nights on Thursdays," says Stacy W. from Powell Valley Resort & Marina.
What campers like
Secluded backcountry sites: Big Ridge State Park offers backcountry camping options with streamside access. "The site is a short and easy hike (under 2 miles) from the parking lot via the Lake Trail to the Dark Hollow Trail. The site is tucked off the trail and has access to a stream that is directly across from the site entrance," shares Chelsea from Big Ridge State Park.
Year-round availability: Anderson County Park remains open when other facilities close seasonally. "I spent the long Thanksgiving weekend here. Other campgrounds in the area were closed, but this one is open year round. Bathrooms and showers remain open as well. Sites were very clean and spacious and all have spectacular views of the lake," notes Jason W. at Anderson County Park.
Family-friendly amenities: Levi Jackson Wilderness State Park features recreation options beyond standard camping. "You can play mini golf, go swimming in a lifeguard-watched pool, play sports. They even have a new high ropes course (ziplines) my cousins speak highly of. The hiking trails are quite historic with Daniel Boone and other settlers' stories, including a historic mill, stone church, and cemeteries," describes Lynn G. from Levi Jackson Wilderness State Park Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal closures and limitations: Some facilities at Natural Tunnel State Park operate on limited schedules. "The one thing I was really looking forward to (the chairlift) is only open on weekends," reports Myron C. from Natural Tunnel State Park Campground.
Site positioning and privacy concerns: Big Ridge State Park has varying site privacy levels. "This seems to be a popular area to visit. The sites are small and close together. Not all of them have a suitable tent spot, and there were a lot of RVs. I wish there was a separate area for tents," mentions Christy E. from Big Ridge State Park.
Backcountry access challenges: Some backcountry sites require significant effort to reach. "First of all, this was a beast of a hike, both in and out. It is extremely strenuous, with some serious elevation changes, very steep terrain, and overgrown brushy trails that will leave your arms and legs scratched up," warns Lori H. regarding Big Ridge State Park's Sharps Station Site.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Corbin-Laurel Lake KOA offers multiple recreation options. "Nice pool, very clean park, lots of things for the kids. They have activities on the weekends. We stayed in a pull through site and it was not very level (we had planned to not even unhook from the truck but had too bc of this)," shares Beth H. from Corbin-Laurel Lake KOA.
Swimming options: Big Ridge State Park has lake swimming areas that vary seasonally. "There is a nearby swimming area, but it was occupied by geese families and there was quite a lot of goose poop. The bathrooms were not well-kept, although there were showers available," notes Christy E. about conditions at certain times.
Historical education opportunities: Levi Jackson Wilderness State Park offers educational content for children. "The hiking trails are quite historic with Daniel Boone and other settlers' stories, including a historic mill, stone church, and cemeteries," explains Lynn G., making it suitable for families interested in combining recreation with history lessons.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Baileyton KOA Holiday requires leveling equipment for many sites. "We stayed in a pull through site and it was not very level (we had planned to not even unhook from the truck but had too bc of this)," warns Beth H. from Baileyton KOA Holiday.
Facility maintenance variations: Dump station conditions vary significantly between properties. "Dump station is on the wrong side of the road and not well maintained. No hose to flush your tanks," cautions Travis W. about Powell Valley Resort & Marina.
Electrical considerations: Some sites have electrical issues that require attention. "My electrical post at Site 001 showed reverse polarity, so I had to move to site 004," reports Tom B. at Blue Heron Campground, highlighting the importance of checking electrical connections when glamping close to Cumberland Gap National Historic Park.
