Best Tent Camping near Duffield, VA

Tent campgrounds near Duffield, Virginia are dispersed across the region's forest lands and state parks, with primitive tent sites available at Kingdom Come State Park Campground in neighboring Kentucky and walk-in tent sites at Misfit Farmz Campground in Virginia. The Jefferson National Forest High Knob Campground offers tent-specific camping from May through September, while Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area provides free backcountry tent camping for those seeking a more remote experience.

Most tent-only sites in the area feature basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, though drinking water availability varies significantly between locations. Kingdom Come State Park provides fire rings, picnic tables, and food hanging poles to protect supplies from bears, while dispersed camping areas like Little Stony Creek typically lack facilities entirely. Sites are generally set on natural surfaces with minimal grading. Seasonal considerations affect accessibility, with many higher elevation tent campgrounds closing during winter months. One camper noted that Kingdom Come State Park offers "free firewood. Everyday a ranger will come by and keep you stocked with wood."

The natural setting creates distinctive experiences for tent campers. Areas surrounding Duffield provide access to multiple hiking trails, fishing spots, and mountain vistas. At Kingdom Come State Park, tent sites are positioned near a small lake stocked with trout, offering fishing opportunities within walking distance of camp. "There are plenty of hiking trails. Our favorite is the Raven Rock trail which leads to a 450 foot granite rock facing that you can climb to get an amazing view of the surrounding mountains," reported one visitor. Campers should be aware that wildlife, particularly bears, is active in the region, and proper food storage is essential at all tent campgrounds. Road noise can be an issue at some locations, particularly at Little Stony Creek, where highways border the camping area on three sides.

Best Tent Sites Near Duffield, Virginia (26)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Duffield, VA

429 Reviews of 26 Duffield Campgrounds


  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 30, 2020

    Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area

    Beautiful & Free but Lots of Road Noise

    Just on the edge of Watauga Lake sits this free dispersed camping area that is perfect for tent camping only. This is a park outside the gate and walk your gear in type of place, some bring your IKEA bags or a wagon. Opportunities for fishing and boating are abundant. Most of campsites are large, very shaded, and have at least one fire ring. A handful of sites have direct water access, and are more private. 

    There is no drinking water, picnic tables, or even pit toilet, so come prepared. The only major problem is that folks tend to leave a ton of trash around, so we spent about an hour cleaning the entire campground. Please Leave No Trace! Also, we would not recommend camping here on a busy weekend because the road is very close and the trucks are very loud! 

    The nearest town is Butler, which is small but offers the basics such as groceries and gas.

  • P
    Jul. 13, 2021

    Kingdom Come State Park Campground

    Quiet, beautiful views

    This campground in the Kingdom Come State Park has about 6 or 7 sites, and they are primitive with no running water, but good pads, picnic tables, food hangers, shade from trees, and fire rings. There are men's and women's bathrooms, with running water in the sinks, but no water faucets as in other camps, and no showers. I've camped there twice and only saw one other camper. It is very quiet and remote. 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.

  • S
    Oct. 12, 2020

    Kingdom Come State Park Campground

    Lovely quiet, small tent campground

    Kingdom Come State Park is a little jewel in southeastern Kentucky! There are 6 tent sites (7 if they allow you to reserve the one next to the duck pond), each with a gravel drive, mulch tent pad big enough for two smallish tents, fire ring, and picnic table. The nearby shelter house provides restrooms and trash cans. The local ranger was most helpful in providing firewood (free!) and offering to bring us water to wash up with or for drinking (there is a water fountain across from the CG, but it wasn't turned on and there is running water in the restrooms). The area is known for bear activity, but we saw none. The surrounding mountains provide many short hikes that can be easily strung together to make for a longer trek if desired. We look forward to camping there again!

  • G
    Aug. 7, 2018

    Carr Creek State Park Campground

    RV/Tent camp by mtn lake

    Overall; nice place, bathrooms get gross quickly when campground is at full capacity. Not handicap friendly. Good cell service, 4G. Small beach area, clear water for swimming, but have quite a few steps to walk down to the lake. Playground equipment was taken down, only had a couple of swings. All sites have electric and water, picnic table, two poles to hang garbage or lantern, also fire rings with grates for cooking on Pets allowed on leash. Firewood and ice available.

    Attendant on site, not a ranger, maybe a "workamper?" Bathrooms cleaned only once in the midmorning. The commodes have a button to flush which is difficult to push. I think young children couldn't push it, so the toilets got nasty and full. Toilet paper ran out by early evening. There was no commode in the handicap stall in the women's room. Hot showers with regular handle for continual flow (as opposed to some places that only run a couple of minutes before you have to push the button again.

    Most sites are shaded and grassy areas. Sites 7, 8, 26, 28, 31 are washed out, not good for putting up a tent. Lake surrounds campground but not visible through the trees. A few very steep trails from some sites down to the lake.

    Beach is about 100 yds long. Water was clean and clear. It might be a slight challenge walking back up the steps to the parking lot if you're not in good shape. If you plan on hanging out at the beach area for awhile, I suggest bringing a beach tent, it gets hot. There is a drive way down to the beach for handicap access, but the gate was locked. There is a marina on the other side of the road. I believe you can rent a pontoon there.

    While we were there, somebody with a super loud speed boat was racing around, so be aware that if you're wanting peace and quiet, there is boating noise. There was also a group of campers that had speakers set up and played their music Sat night that was annoying. Not super loud, but we just didn't care for their style of music. We tolerated it, but don't know why they weren't asked to turn it down. To me, music shouldn't be heard much past your own site.

    It's about 5+/- miles in either direction for a store. There is an ice cream place about 2 miles away that also sells basic prep fried food and breakfast.

    Our electric didn't work (site 33) but we were with another couple and plugged into theirs next to us. We usually primitive camp, but because of the Aug heat, it's nice to have a fan at night.

    We might camp there again. The main thing is that the bath house needs to be updated and attended to more than once a day. It's better than nothing, but I'd rather go in an outhouse than see an overflowing toilet.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2024

    Natural Tunnel State Park Primitive Camping — Natural Tunnel State Park

    Primitive at its finest

    Booked a 3 night stay over the weekend and had the primitive camping area to ourselves. 5 spots with tent pads, picnic tables, fire pit, hanging poles, and bear box. Then there is a very large, communal fire pit, and an open but covered shelter with picnic tables and an outlet to charge your tech things. Water spigot at top, a little walk, uphill, for water. The camp store people said they are unable to use spigot nearby common shelter because it’s no good. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Glad we brought our large bladder so we weren’t constantly going up and down the hill for water. Camp store with some basics at entrance, and person on golf cart drives around checking on things. Trash dumpster, up the hill just past water spigot. Couldn’t have asked for a more peaceful place, especially for the price, $15/night. Took advantage of some of the hiking trails, which were well maintained and marked. Also, went and checked out the natural tunnel via chairlift. The other two campgrounds looked nice, with big, fancy bathhouses. And the cabins, wow, fancy! Hooray for Virginia State Parks!!

  • Susan E.
    Jul. 16, 2020

    Bristol-Kingsport KOA

    What luck!

    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. Just outside the cabin was a bonfire of old wood from construction debris. I was super stoked to get this deal. I spent lots of time stoking that fire and sitting outdoors watching the evening arrive. If you’re anywhere near the area do stop in and enjoy a quiet and lovely night. You can even pet the horses nearby.

  • Kelsey G.
    Jun. 7, 2019

    French Broad River Campground - Permanently Closed

    Riverside Urban Camping

    This campground is minutes from Asheville, offering all urban amenities like nearby grocery, Starbucks, etc for last minute errands.

    You share the campground with permanent residents, RV's, and primitive campers. Campsites are relatively flat but a little gravely. Sites are pretty close together but each one has a fire ring and picnic table.

    You can't get any close to the water, being right on the French Broad River. Sling up a hammock for serious relaxation. 

    We enjoyed this campground as a large group and rented out 4 adjacent sites. Dogs are welcome. Firewood can be purchased, but we never saw anyone in the office so I would suggest bringing your own.

    Bathrooms are at the front of the park, a 10-minute walk from the primitive sites. Bathrooms are not spotless, but they do the trick.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 31, 2021

    Baileyton KOA Holiday

    Country Time

    Sites: 60 Pull thrus 

    RV-Tent-Cabins 15-30-50 amp service 

    Hot showers, pool, pets allowed, toilets, laundry, small grocery store This is only of couple of miles off I40 in the rolling hills of Tennessee, very quiet and well maintained. Sites ae a bit close together but not on top of each other. Gravel pads, fire rings, picnic table, trash. Beautiful green space and dog walk area. Enjoy the hiking. 

    LNT 

    Travel safe

  • Robert C.
    May. 28, 2022

    Wilderness Road - Cumberland Gap National Historic Park

    Nice Sites, Modern Bathhouse

    We camped in site B-11.

    Sites, even in the RV loops, are well spread out with mature trees separating them. Sites can be hilly, even the RV paved pads, so be cautious on site selection. That said, the roads and pads were recently re-paved and have nice curb stops at the ends to assist in backing in.

    The bath houses are generally clean and updated, with separate shower facilities that are independent from the bathrooms. It’s not especially cold right now but it did seem that they’re at least heated.

    We tent camp in an RV site since we have an EV, allowing us to charge. The power post on our site was typical with 120V 20A (5-20) and 30A (TT-30) connections as well as a 240V 50A (14-50). Power supplied was at 248V while pulling 32A.

    Our site accommodated our larger 9-person tent (16’x9’) well, with only a slight slope on the back end of the site. This left plenty of space for the supplied table, fire ring, and parking in the paved pad. We are across the street from the bath house.

    Note: Site B-10 across the street has a significant slope for the RV pad and the grassy area that could accommodate a tent is also significantly sloped.

    None of the sites I’ve seen have water at the site- there is a spigot at the bath house.

    The dumpster area is at the end of the B-loop road, and also has bottle and can recycling available.

    We could occasionally hear traffic (mostly engine brakes when it happened), but I think that is more an issue in the further back loops. A-loop is furthest from the highway. As a tent camper, the HVAC units of neighboring RV’s were louder than the traffic (not an issue - we know what we’re signing up for in these sites. Just giving a comparison.)


Guide to Duffield

Tent campsites near Duffield, Virginia offer varied backcountry experiences with elevations ranging from 1,400 to 3,500 feet across the Cumberland Mountains and nearby Jefferson National Forest. Many primitive sites rest on uneven terrain requiring campers to seek level ground for comfortable tent setups. Winter camping remains possible at lower elevations while higher sites close from October through April.

What to do

Waterfront fishing access: At Blackberry Blossom Farm & Campground, campers can enjoy fishing in the on-site pond and nearby creeks. "From the fields there is a framed view of the gorgeous local mountain range, perfect for photo opportunities," notes one visitor who appreciated the combination of water features and mountain scenery.

Appalachian Trail sections: The trail system passes near USA Raft Adventure Resort, providing easy day hiking opportunities. "The AT meanders along the River and is easily accessible from the campground," reports a camper who appreciated the convenient trail access while still having amenities nearby.

Kayaking opportunities: Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area offers direct water access for paddlers. One camper notes, "many sites with water access for kayaking/fishing," making this free site popular despite some drawbacks. Pack your gear in IKEA bags or a wagon since you'll need to park and walk in.

Cave exploration: Multiple undeveloped cave systems exist within 30 minutes of tent sites. A visitor to Cliffhanger Ranch mentioned, "There we were able to kayak at Bark Camp Lake which was not busy at all and hike at Little Stoney Falls. Plenty to do and see in this area."

What campers like

Free firewood service: Kingdom Come State Park Campground provides complimentary firewood for campers. As one visitor noted, "The local ranger was most helpful in providing firewood (free!) and offering to bring us water to wash up with or for drinking."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Bear sightings occur regularly but safely in the region. A Kingdom Come visitor shared, "We saw a bear across the valley, so take the warnings seriously and follow the instructions," emphasizing the importance of proper food storage.

Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the maintenance at established campgrounds. A Blackberry Blossom Farm guest remarked, "I found the dishwashing station (with hot water!) to be especially convenient," and called it "cleaner, more beautiful" than any other campground they'd visited.

Water features: Creeks provide natural white noise at many campsites. "We stayed at one of the drive up spots that are near the bathhouse and a small babbling creek. Woke up to the awesome sounds of nature!" reports a visitor to Blackberry Blossom Farm.

What you should know

Bear safety requirements: Food storage poles are provided at some established sites. "Each with it's own picnic table, fire ring, and pole for stashing your food away from bears," explains a Kingdom Come visitor regarding the essential safety features.

Seasonal road closures: Higher elevation access roads often close unexpectedly. One Jefferson National Forest High Knob visitor warned, "Road closed unfortunately. Not information posted," after traveling to a closed campground.

Limited facilities at dispersed sites: Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost offers a more rustic experience. A visitor noted they "were able to have a few nice fires at the top of the hill with great views" but mentioned limited amenities.

Road noise concerns: Highway sounds affect some camping areas. Little Stony Creek campers warn you're "sitting in a valley bordered by highway on 3 sides, and the echo is serious," making it less ideal for those seeking quiet.

Tips for camping with families

Look for creek-side sites: Children enjoy water play opportunities at campgrounds with stream access. "The sites have nice flat spaces for tents, and many are near little creeks which provide a nice background ambiance," noted a Blackberry Blossom visitor.

Choose campgrounds with fishing options: Kid-friendly fishing spots keep younger campers engaged. One Kingdom Come visitor mentioned the "small lake which is regularly stocked with Trout. Bass, Blue Gill, Sunfish, and a few others. It's just a short walk from the campsites."

Consider campground layout: Site proximity affects privacy and noise levels. At USA Raft Adventure Resort, a camper cautioned, "the campsites are on top of each other. If your looking for privacy, this isn't the place," which might be important for families with small children.

Pack for mountain weather changes: Temperature variations of 15-20°F can occur between day and night in this region, requiring layered clothing for children.

Tips from RVers

Steep access roads: Large vehicles face challenges on mountain roads. A Kingdom Come visitor warned, "the road in from Cumberland is STEEP! We made it in a mini van pulling a scamp, so you'll probably be fine," but this indicates caution for larger rigs.

Limited hookup options: Most tent-focused campgrounds near Duffield have minimal RV amenities. USA Raft offers some electric hookups but as one visitor noted, "There were a few electrical issues due to the crowd that arrived for a music event over the weekend."

Small trailers only: Length restrictions limit RV options at most campgrounds. A Kingdom Come camper mentioned "6 sites that are tent-centric but doable with a small trailer," indicating size limitations.

Campground reservation challenges: Booking systems vary in reliability. At USA Raft, one camper advised visitors to "Be flexible if you stay here, their reservation system leaves a lot to be desired, but it is a very layed back and enjoyable stay."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Duffield, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Duffield, VA is Kingdom Come State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Duffield, VA?

TheDyrt.com has all 26 tent camping locations near Duffield, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.