Camping near Cumberland Gap National Historic Park

Cumberland Gap National Historic Park has good camping options throughout the area. The Farm RV Resort works well for RVs with its large sites and is particularly nice in winter when the area gets quiet. Love This Campground tends to attract families with its playgrounds and kid-friendly setup. Weather changes a lot by season here, so timing matters. Most campers prefer spring and fall when it's not too hot or cold. Summer gets pretty hot, so you'll need plenty of water and some shade. Winter camping works if you bring the right gear for cold nights. The park limits stays to 14 days and follows Leave No Trace rules. They sometimes ban fires when it's really dry, so check before you plan to have a campfire. The woods have lots of wildlife - keep your food locked up tight, preferably in bear containers. You'll likely see deer and raccoons around your campsite, plus many birds. Just watch animals from a distance without bothering them. Cumberland Gap makes for a good camping trip whether you're in an RV or tent.

Best Camping Sites Near Cumberland Gap National Historic Park (159)

    1. Wilderness Road Campground

    16 Reviews
    Shawanee, VA
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 248-2817

    $18 - $39 / night

    "Located in the Cumberland Gap where TN, VA and Ky touch borders. Very beautiful mountains with hiking trails ftom short distances to overnight primitive camping trials."

    "This is near the borders of KY, VA, and TN in Cumberland Gap park. Convenient to the park, the AT, and the nearby town for supplies, restaurants, and grocery."

    2. Mountain Pass Campground

    5 Reviews
    Shawanee, TN
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 992-5925

    3. Pine Mountain State Resort Park

    7 Reviews
    Pineville, KY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 337-3066

    "The trails are very challenging , but the view is totally worth it. Very primitive , rocky trail. Walking sticks would be a bonus and carry water a snacks with you to keep your energy up."

    "Pine Mountain State Resort Park offers some really cool trails and is Kentucky first state park. Pretty rustic and clean cabins."

    4. Indian Mountain State Park Campground — Indian Mountain State Park

    22 Reviews
    Jellico, TN
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 566-5870

    $33 - $37 / night

    "Large walking path and places for your dog to exercise. Loved watching the ducks swim near our campsite"

    "Full hookups and close to I-75. Well kept with clean bath house. Paddle boats and walking trails."

    5. Big Ridge State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Maynardville, TN
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 992-5523

    $8 - $100 / night

    "I’ve stayed at this site a couple times now and I love the location. The site is a short and easy hike (under 2 miles) from the parking lot via the Lake Trail to the Dark Hollow Trail."

    "Close to the bathhouse and a quick walk to the entrance to get to the store, swim area, etc."

    6. Panther Creek State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Talbott, TN
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 587-7046

    $26 - $42 / night

    "Panther Creek SP

    Panther Creek State Park was an unexpected find outside of Knoxville, TN , in Morristown. I’ve driven by the sign but no need to camp so close to home."

    "The hiking trails ranged from difficult to short and easy. The ’Trout’ hiking trail was very nice. One of the longer hikes was the Knob trail and it was very nice as well."

    7. Chuck Swan State Forest

    4 Reviews
    Maynardville, TN
    21 miles
    Website

    "The coordinates on here will lead you to the middle of the road, however, if you keep driving, right before you hit the state park, you will see a campground to your left that is free free free."

    "Lots to explore here, beaches, hi clearance roads(Jeep roads), caves, old cemeteries, rocks to jump off into the lake,and an old fire tower you can climb for what I would expect is a great view."

    8. Loyston Point Campground

    18 Reviews
    Andersonville, TN
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 494-9369

    "Stayed at a premium lakeshore site on Norris Lake. Advertised as a pull through, but that must be for travel trailers, as I have an RV."

    "Steps from biking. We stayed at a site right on the water. Not super private but the area and activities make up for the lack of privacy."

    9. Cedar Grove Marina & Campground

    1 Review
    Maynardville, TN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 278-3131

    10. Glamping on the Clinch River LLC

    1 Review
    Bean Station, TN
    19 miles
    +1 (228) 627-6103

    $30 - $150 / night

    "Glamping on the Clinch River offers a relaxing getaway surrounded by rivers and waterfalls in northern Tennessee.  Check them out and make sure to leave a review on the Dyrt!"

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Recent Reviews near Cumberland Gap National Historic Park

707 Reviews of 159 Cumberland Gap National Historic Park Campgrounds


  • Kody Bear A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Redbird Boat Ramp

    It's nice and private

    Nothing special there is a boat ramp. Plenty of space for a couple RVs. No amenities. The sky was beautiful. Would go again. About ten miles off 75. We were there in Sept 2025

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    East Campground - Norris Dam State Park

    Nice park but road is not that friendly

    Google maps and the website will tell you to take the 441 to get here but I recommend going down to the 61 and coming up that way as the road is quite a bit wider and not so steep and windy. The last mile or so into the campground is a pretty narrow road that when we were here was in bad shape with potholes. Note that some of the campsites have only 30 amp and some of the campsites have only 50 amp so when making a reservation don’t assume that a 50 amp campsite will also have 30 amp. They all did appear to 20 amp. There is a dump station available and a fairly nice bathroom and showers. Most of the spaces are fairly level and fairly easy to get into. 1-3 were quite short. Recommend popping down to the Clinch River Brewery for a beverage and possibly dinner. Also the Appalachian museum in Norris was pretty fascinating.

  • e
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Wilderness Road Campground

    Nice National Park Campground

    Pretty park. Sites are wooded and not too close together. Most sites need leveling blocks. The bath house is small. 2 stalls and sinks in the bathroom . 2 individual shower rooms. There appeared to be only 2 bathrooms/bath houses for the entire campground. Water pump at bathroom area. No dish washing station. Some sites had electricity, but not all of them. There are lots of hiking trails and a great visitor center. I hope to go back when I can spend more time in the park. Three star rating mainly due to the inadequate number of showers/bathrooms.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Panther Creek State Park Campground

    Panther creek camping

    I had a very cute camp spot up in the woods away from the road it was number 50 it was so cute and quieter than the rest of the spots. It also had two fire pits one up by the tent area and one down by the picnic table

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Baileyton KOA Holiday

    Nice overnight stop

    We are headed from Atlanta to Fredericksburg VA for a wedding. This is a very nice place for an overnight stop, probably one of the nicest for a KOA. Very clean and tidy campground. Mostly level, gravel sites. But some grass between sites! Some shade. Full hookups. Clean bathroom & shower. Pool, playground, driving range, big water slide. The internet is VERY slow. Also lots of road noise from I-81. Gift shop & convenient store in office. We’ve taken our travel trailer to 48 states, and have found KOAs generally convenient, but not much more. This place is definitely above average

  • Kc K.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Big Ridge State Park Campground

    Big level site

    Site 43. Big site. fairly flat. Just have levelers on one side. Close to the bathhouse and a quick walk to the entrance to get to the store, swim area, etc. Roads are a little narrow in the campground, made it a little hard to back trailer in- the front of the truck was the issue hitting rocks on the side of the road.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Around Pond RV Park

    Very nice stop over campground

    Stayed for one night as a stop over on our trip home. Easiest check in we have ever had. Pulled up to the staging area near the office and didn’t even have to get out of the truck. Guy came up on a golf cart and confirmed my name. Took us right to our spot which was a full hook up pull through. Site was gravel and completely level. A lot of full time campers here but that doesn’t bother us at all. Nice little pond to walk the dogs around or just sit and relax. There is no store or pool but we never use those anyway. There is a laundry on site and a good size area with grills and picnic tables to use if you want. Sure it’s not a KOA with all the amenities but for a stop over or even a few day stay it’s fine. And ONLY $39 a night ! Btw KOA right down the road wouldn’t accept our reservation because they require a 2 night minimum.

  • Tom B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Blue Heron Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

    3 Stars, because no Camp Host, No staffing, Elec Had Reverse Polarity

    Want to give this 5 stars, because it was an awesome base for exploring Big South Fork. However, it is not staffed with a Camp Host, nor is there anyone at the entrance shack. My electrical post at Site 001 showed reverse polarity, so I had to move to site 004. 

    Don't let that discourage you. Great campground.

  • K
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Cumberland Falls RV Resort

    WOW!! A Hidden Gem for RV Enthusiasts!

    My son and I recently had the pleasure of staying at this brand new RV park, and I can’t say enough good things about it! Just opening in July 2025, Every site comes with full hookups, making it super convenient for all your RV needs. The entire park is laid out with beautiful asphalt, which not only looks great but also provides a smooth surface for parking.

    What truly sets this place apart are the owners. They were on-site and incredibly welcoming, helping us get settled into our site with ease. We even received a delightful goodie bag as a thank-you for choosing to stay there! 🥰 It was such a thoughtful touch that made our experience even more special.

    We were lucky enough to be the first guests in our site, and I can confidently say it won’t be our last visit. We’re already planning to return this fall! We’re so glad we missed the state park and stumbled upon this little gem 💎. If you’re looking for a fantastic RV park with amazing hospitality, look no further!


Guide to Cumberland Gap National Historic Park

Camping near Cumberland Gap National Historic Park offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the park. Many campers enjoy the scenic views and wildlife. One visitor at Panther Creek State Park Campground said, "There are beautiful trails, frisbee golf, a big park, and pretty streams."
  • Fishing and Boating: Norris Lake is a popular spot for fishing and boating. A camper at Loyston Point Campground mentioned, "You can camp on the water and watch amazing sunsets."
  • Wildlife Watching: Many campgrounds are home to diverse wildlife. A review from Indian Mountain State Park Campground noted, "We loved the views, and are looking forward to trying out the 5 trails this weekend!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities. One visitor at Big Ridge State Park Campground said, "The shower house could and should be larger, but it was very clean."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A reviewer at Corbin - Laurel Lake KOA mentioned, "The staff were so friendly and helpful."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful landscapes. A guest at Wilderness Road State Park Campground shared, "Gorgeous forested campground with smooth paved roads."

What you should know:

  • Site Size and Spacing: Some campgrounds have tight sites. A camper at Panther Creek State Park Campground noted, "The campground is small, a little tight in the sides and limited on full service sites."
  • Weather Considerations: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. A visitor at Clayton Geneva Memorial Campground warned, "Only 2 of the 6 sites are usable if it has rained within a week of your stay."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A reviewer at TVA Public Land- Fork Bend mentioned, "There is quite a bit of trash but nothing to make our stay any less enjoyable."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. A camper at Indian Mountain State Park Campground highlighted, "There are 2 playgrounds, a beautiful lake, and we bought firewood and disc golf sets at the campground store."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor equipment. A visitor at Loyston Point Campground suggested, "There are some fun mountain biking and hiking trails."
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on kids near water. A reviewer at Panther Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The park is quiet and well patrolled by rangers and sheriff, so very safe."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Lengths: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Big Ridge State Park Campground advised, "Check your lengths and bring your leveling boards."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Some campgrounds offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. A visitor at Corbin - Laurel Lake KOA noted, "It is clean and well run."
  • Be Prepared for Tight Turns: Some campgrounds have narrow roads. A reviewer at Wilderness Road State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are close together, most aren’t level, and some are in clear disrepair."

Camping near Cumberland Gap National Historic Park, Virginia, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just enjoying the scenery, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there campgrounds near Cumberland Gap outside the national park?

Several excellent campgrounds surround Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Leeman Field Park in Pennington Gap, Virginia offers full hookups, clean restrooms, and easy access sites alongside community amenities including a picnic area and outdoor fireplace. For those seeking a quieter mountain setting, Jessie Lea RV Park and Campground provides a family-run environment with a beautiful creek nearby. Other options include Pine Mountain State Resort Park near Pineville, Kingdom Come State Park with seven sites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, and various private RV parks throughout the region. Most surrounding campgrounds are open year-round, though amenities may be limited during winter months.

Is there a map available of Cumberland Gap campgrounds?

Yes, maps of Cumberland Gap campgrounds are readily available through multiple sources. The National Park Service provides detailed campground maps at the visitor center located near the park entrance, which show all campsite locations, amenities, and nearby trails. Online maps can be downloaded from the official NPS website for Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Additionally, when you make reservations through recreation.gov, you'll receive access to campground maps that allow you to select specific sites. For those visiting nearby options, Panther Creek State Park Campground and Kingdom Come State Park Campground also offer downloadable maps on their respective websites.

Where can I find campgrounds in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park?

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park's primary camping option is Wilderness Road Campground, located at the tristate border of Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky. This campground offers spacious sites with electric hookups and clean shower facilities. For those interested in backcountry camping, the park provides numerous hiking trails ranging from short day hikes to overnight primitive camping opportunities. Wilderness Road - Cumberland Gap National Historic Park is known for its beautiful views, abundant wildlife, fishing opportunities, and well-maintained trails. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons from spring through fall, as sites can fill quickly due to the park's popularity.

What is the Wilderness Road Campground at Cumberland Gap National Park like?

Wilderness Road Campground offers a serene camping experience at the junction of Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky. The campground features spacious sites equipped with electric hookups only (no water or sewer at individual sites). Facilities include exceptionally clean and well-maintained shower houses with modern restrooms. The campground sits amid beautiful mountain scenery with abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Campers particularly appreciate the quiet setting and access to multiple hiking trails directly from the campground, ranging from short walks to challenging backcountry routes. Holly Bay serves as another good comparison point for facilities in the region, though it's located at a different park. Wilderness Road is typically open from spring through fall, with limited winter accessibility depending on weather conditions.