Natural Tunnel State Park offers multiple camping options beyond its popular yurts, with sites set in the mountainous terrain of southwestern Virginia at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 1,700 feet. The park spans 850 acres and sits at the junction of three counties, providing access to both tent sites and RV hookups. Weather in this region varies significantly by season, with summer temperatures averaging 80-90°F while winter nights often drop below freezing.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The nearby Clinch River provides excellent fishing spots for anglers visiting the area. One camper at Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park shared their experience: "Spent the night in a tent at Lovers Leap campground... Canoed Clinch River, caved in the park, and took a short guided hike through Stock Creek to backside of tunnel. Highly recommend!"
Historical exploration: The region contains significant historical sites including replicas of pioneer settlements. A visitor at Davy Crockett noted, "There's a sweet man who gives tours of the replica farm of David Crocket.. in character and costume. Clean bathrooms. Overall a great place to camp, particularly with kids."
Guided caving experiences: Several parks in the area offer guided cave exploration suitable for beginners. At Kingdom Come State Park, "The views from the outlooks at the top of the road are amazing. There is a lake for swimming, and plenty of trails. Bugs are minimal."
Wildlife viewing: The region is home to diverse wildlife including black bears, which can sometimes be spotted from a safe distance. A Kingdom Come visitor reported, "I saw more bears while at this park then any other time. But it was never scary because they were always far away."
What campers like
Private camping areas: Some glamping near Duffield, Virginia offers more secluded options. A visitor to Cedar Ridge Hammock Campground described it as "super nice with its setup. However, the shrubbery/trees aren't trimmed well so you're going to fight through branches in some cases to hang your stuff."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds in the region maintain excellent bathhouse facilities. At Warriors' Path State Park, a camper noted: "Campground is very clean especially the bathrooms. The lake is near the sites and a boundless playground is also nearby."
Outdoor recreation options: Most parks offer multiple activity choices within walking distance of campsites. A visitor to Warriors' Path shared, "This amazing campground has spots for tent and rv camping, hiking trails, a beautiful lake for kayaking and fishing, and a Marina where rentals are available!"
Level campsites: Many RV sites in the region are designed for easy setup. One camper mentioned, "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."
What you should know
Seasonal operating limitations: Many park amenities operate on limited schedules, particularly during winter months. At Leeman Field Park, "Great little park located in the Appalachian mountains of Virginia beside of Leeman Field park in Pennington Gap. Easy sites to get into with full hookups."
Temperature management: Summer heat can make some accommodations uncomfortably warm without proper preparation. The temperature in yurts can rise significantly, so bringing cooling equipment is advised.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance reservations, especially during peak summer season from May through September.
Site selection considerations: Campsite layouts and sizes vary significantly even within the same park. One camper noted, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature modern playgrounds designed for various age groups. At Baileyton KOA Holiday, a visitor mentioned it's "very kid-friendly yet quiet! Pool is salt-water so no chlorine smell. Playground is away from most camp sites and has a tire swing and small set up."
Educational opportunities: Many parks offer ranger-led programs specifically designed for children. One camper shared, "In the warm seasons they have a ranger that comes around and even little events for kids. I remember picking apart an owl pellet with the ranger. Very outdoor educational."
Swimming options: Several parks feature swimming facilities, though availability varies by season. A visitor noted, "Great park! It's got all you need from camping to trails to swimming to even learning history about the area and the park itself! Great for the family!"
Safety considerations: While wildlife sightings are common, proper food storage prevents unwanted encounters. A camper advised, "We were really careful to keep our campsite very clean as to not attract the bears closer."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling preparation: Many RV sites in the region require leveling blocks due to uneven terrain. A visitor to Warriors' Path cautioned: "Really nice facility near town. There are a lot of uneven campsites, so bring your leveling blocks."
RV size restrictions: Some parks have limitations on RV length due to narrow roads or small sites. Always check maximum RV length before booking.
Full hookup availability: While several parks offer full hookups, some only provide water and electric. Check specific campground amenities before arrival.
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping requires additional preparation due to freezing temperatures. Many water hookups are winterized from November through March.
