Camping near Fort Blackmore, VA

151 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

Search destinations
    Add dates

    Campgrounds near Fort Blackmore, Virginia range from state park campgrounds with full electric hookups and water access to primitive camping areas set amid Appalachian landscapes. Natural Tunnel State Park serves as the region's camping centerpiece, featuring diverse accommodation types including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, yurts, and primitive camping areas. The park's campgrounds, such as Lover's Leap and Cove View, offer varying levels of amenities, with some sites providing electric hookups and water access while others maintain a more rustic experience.

    Access to campsites throughout the region varies by location, with some areas requiring navigation of steep, winding roads. Many campsites are best accessed before nightfall, especially when towing equipment. "Highly recommend getting in before last light. Especially if you're towing anything, roads are steep and winding getting to and from camp/cabins," noted one camper. Cell service can be spotty to non-existent, particularly on hiking trails. The primitive camping areas require proper precautions for wildlife, as bears and coyotes are present in the region. Most established campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, though some amenities like the chairlift at Natural Tunnel State Park operate only on weekends during certain seasons.

    Campers consistently praise the natural features and maintained trails throughout the Fort Blackmore area. Natural Tunnel itself represents a unique geological attraction within the state park, featuring a massive tunnel approximately 200 feet wide and 80 feet high, with an active railroad running through it. Hiking trails range from moderate paths to more challenging routes along ridges. A reviewer mentioned, "The Stockton Creek hike is through water and a bit challenging balance wise." Fort Blackmore campsites often provide tent pads, picnic tables, fire pits, and bear boxes, making them suitable for those seeking a more remote experience while maintaining basic amenities. Bathhouses at developed campgrounds receive positive reviews for cleanliness and hot water availability. The region's campgrounds generally maintain reasonable distance between sites, though this varies by location, with Lover's Leap campground frequently mentioned for its spacious sites.

    Best Campgrounds near Fort Blackmore (151)

      1. Natural Tunnel State Park Campground

      4.6(19)10mi from Fort BlackmoreRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "There's a trail to the tunnel or you can take a chairlift. There's a museum, several gift shops, camp store, visitor centers. The staff is helpful and friendly. Many educational activities."

      "However, the temperatures were in the lower 90s outside, and once we walked inside the yurt, it was like walking into an oven. The temperature had to be somewhere around 110 degrees inside."

      2. Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground — Warriors' Path State Park

      3.9(26)20mi from Fort BlackmoreRVs, Tents

      "We had a change of plans and made reservations at Warrior Path State Park on a whim - and are VERY glad we did."

      "This park is located about 15 minutes off I-81 just south of the VA/TN border, making it extremely convenient, and a great place to stop for anyone traveling that stretch of the country."

      3. Jessie Lea RV Park and Campground

      4.9(9)13mi from Fort BlackmoreRVs, Tents

      "Great surprise in the mountains of Virginia! beautiful creek nearby!"

      "We visited the local museums and walked the green belt. The green belt is next to the camp ground within walking distance. We will be back!"

      4. Flag Rock Recreation Area Campground

      4.5(4)10mi from Fort BlackmoreRVs, Tents

      "Great campground with biking/hiking trails and mountain scenic overlook. Clean bathhouses, picnic tables, fire rings, charcoal grills, and electricity provided. Quiet with great views."

      "Continuing on there is a short walk to a lovely overlook. There are very nice picnic shelters.  Our only complaint was the place had a number of lampoles with lights that were on all night."

      from $20 / night

      Check Availability

      5. Lover's Leap Campground — Natural Tunnel State Park

      5.0(3)10mi from Fort Blackmore18 sites

      "The cabins look fantastic from the outside. For more adventures you can also rent a yurt. There is also a little campstore that has firewood and some essentials. The area is very scenic."

      from $37 / night

      Check Availability

      6. Natural Tunnel State Park Primitive Camping — Natural Tunnel State Park

      5.0(3)10mi from Fort Blackmore5 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Water spigot at top, a little walk, uphill, for water."

      "Just happened to be the one day a year the tunnel is open to walk through (it’s an active railroad and closed otherwise)."

      from $16 / night

      Check Availability

      7. Cove View Campground — Natural Tunnel State Park

      4.7(3)10mi from Fort Blackmore20 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Also the crows - smarter than normal haha they WILL wake you up earlier than the other birds demanding you make breakfast and leave so they can then hop around your camp."

      "Amazing trails, well maintained with breathtaking views. Camp site was clean. Accessible. Camp store had all the needed supplies and then some. Friendly staff. Well monitored for safety."

      from $37 - $80 / night

      Check Availability

      8. Devils Fork Campground

      5.0(1)4mi from Fort BlackmoreRVs, Tents

      9. Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost

      5.0(2)10mi from Fort Blackmore3 sitesTents

      "Staying at The Cliffhanger Ranch places you in a quiet area surrounded by forests and a small downtown nearby, perfect for adventuring around a new area. "

      "What makes this place great is that the entrance is directly across from the Jefferson National Forrest."

      from $20 - $35 / night

      Check Availability

      10. Natural Tunnel State Park Yurts — Natural Tunnel State Park

      5.0(1)10mi from Fort Blackmore

      "Bear box available outside. Bathhouse is very clean and an easy walk to. People can be a little loud. Easy to walk to trails and a nice little gift shop available + helpful rangers!"

      from $35 / night

      Check Availability

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time



    Recent Reviews near Fort Blackmore, VA

    471 Reviews of 151 Fort Blackmore Campgrounds

    • Windy W.
      Oct. 23, 2026

      Doe River Landing

      Beautiful Place, Ugly host, Oct 2026

      Let me first start by saying that this campground is absolutely beautiful. I have lived in this area my entire life and the Doe is one of my favorites. I am a avid camper and have camped all over this area. I decided to give this place a try, I own a small pop-up camper and knew it was going to get cold 10/20/2026-10/22/2026, so me and my sister rented the RV at Doe River. #1 check in is not until 3pm, I always order a load of wood from a local guy who delivers to camp sites, I do all my cooking in a Dutch oven over the fire or burgers and dogs in the fire, what is a camping trip without a nice warm fire. The owner came over to my campsite and asked if I had ordered this wood and I replied yes, she then asked what I was going to do with it all, I replied I am going to burn it. So, I told Carl (the wood guy) where to stack it, the owner then said that I need to leave it in my truck bc if I didn't use it all I would have to put it back on my truck and take it home with me, I said really? It's just a unspoken rule that if you don't use all your wood that you pay it forward and leave it for the next camper?? She said absolutely not, So we moved the wood from his truck and into mine. She then asked again why I needed so much wood and that most ppl just buy small bundles from her. And just like that I understood! Carl the wood man and his wife also made a comment about how rude she was about the wood. It does not end there, Not only does she have camaras on some of the out blds which I get, but I don't get why they are pointing directly at camp sites, We felt like we were in a fish bowl the entire time. Every single time we went to the bathroom she showed up abt 5 mins later, There is a camara right above the bathroom door, One on the pavilion, and one on each side of the bathhouse, at the entrances and who know where else. So much for privacy in the great outdoors. I didn't even feel comfortable hiking, we felt like we were being watched constantly. She was constantly there, walking her dog which was not friendly and so big she could hardly control him on the leash which was really scary, she also was driving through several times throughout the day. Then came the kicker, about 1 o'clock in the morning we were freezing, I had turned the heat on in the camper before going to bed and heard it come on, Well the propane ran out between 11pm and 1am, I called her at least 10 times we had every blanket and was still freezing, We decided we would go to the bath house bc it had a mini split hanging on the wall, Out of luck there, it was set on air conditioning with no way to change it, so we found a blow dryer trying to get warm, still the entire time trying to call the owners, We finally ended up in our car until the husband arrived. He acted so annoyed at us and said all u have to do is fip the switch on the propane tanks outside! We had never stayed in a travel trailer before and according to them all we had to do was show up and start glamping!! So, I was supposed to know to go outside at 1 am and switch over propane tanks?? No, It should have been FULL when I got there!!! With attitude he said,"Its Basic Camping" No sir it's not, what I do is basic camping, I was told on the phone that I was glamping, She, the owner also said we should have called 911 when we could not get hold of them so that Carter County police officers could come and wake them up!!! Not sure if that is putting our tax dollars to good use?? Like I said it is truly a beautiful place and has great potential, we left that second night at 11pm because again the heat was not working, we have not asked for any refund we just took the loss. it would be to much of a hassle. We just know better next time.   With owners like that they can keep it. Windy Wells/Debra Price

    • RThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 23, 2026

      Sugar Hollow Campground

      3 stars only because it says water hookups but they are far and few between communal. No spigot at individual sites. Need long hose(s)to reach the connection. Good T-Mobile 5G but too wooded for StarLink. Quiet, shady, somewhat level sites were available. $20/night.

    • Bonnie H.
      Oct. 21, 2026

      Doe River Landing

      Kylie T & Andrew W. Review not accurate

      My husband and I arrived at Doe River Landing for 3 nights and enjoyed everything the resort offered. While there we read the 2 reviews posted by Kylie T, and by Andrew W, who gave the resort a 1 star rating. Not knowing the facts that caused the rating by them, and occurred prior to us, we approach the owner and asked.

      The owner showed us videos from their security cameras. These adults has stated in Kylie T review and confirm by Andrew W review that they were a group of 20 adults and "every single one of us is over 21 and family". So why are these adults playing "hide and seek" under the pavilion as they stated? Andrew W stated, "It was not blocked off", yet they had to crawl on the ground and around bushes to get under the pavilion. When the owner yelled at them approximately 10 adults that were under the pavilion crawled out which was captured on the security cameras. Andrew W stated in his review the owner called them hooligans, which is rowdy, destructive persons and from the security cameras, that description is correct. There was no mention of damages in their reviews such as the Adirondack chair they broke or possible damage to the water pipes and electric wires under the pavilion, which the owner was currently checking.

      Once we read these two reviews by Kylie T and Andrew W and saw the owners security videos, we felt future customers deserved to know another opinion based on our findings.

      These entitled adults justified their review of a 1 star by stating they paid money to use the campground.

      I would ask these adults "why do you think it is OK to treat someone else's property in this destructive way?"

    • Kyle T.
      Oct. 20, 2026

      Doe River Landing

      Unprofessional hosts that ruins a place with good potential

      We brought our whole family out and rented almost every cabin on the property, plus the event center, for the weekend— we gave this place a lot of business. And honestly, the stay itself was great— nice place, no complaints about the cabins. The owner is the problem. He came flying in in his blue F-150 doing 20–30 mph where the posted speed limit is 5, and started screaming at us over something that could've been handled with a simple conversation. His exact words:"Where are your parents? This is a family establishment. I will not have hooligans running around here." Every single one of us is over 21 and family. All we were doing was playing hide and seek— which isn't against any of the property's rules— and there were no other guests to disturb, since we had the entire area rented. He still threatened to call the police, even though it wasn't even quiet hours. Before anyone could get a word in, he peeled out so fast the gravel sprayed up at us and our cars. Then on his way out he drove the wrong way down the property's one-way road, so apparently the rules only apply to guests. It's sad, because the property itself is great, and we were never anything but nice to the owners the whole weekend. To be treated in such an unprofessional manner— screamed at, threatened, and never given so much as an apology afterward— put a real dent in the weekend. We won't be back

    • A
      Oct. 20, 2026

      Doe River Landing

      Beautiful place ruined by unprofessional ownership

      Our group of about 20 rented nearly every cabin at Doe River Landing for my friend's wedding weekend, with the reception held on site. The cabins were nice and well-equipped, and the only other guests were in a cabin half a mile away through the woods. Unfortunately, the hosts ruined the stay. One night, some of us were playing hide and seek in an area that wasn't blocked off or against any rule. The host's husband came speeding in at roughly 30 mph(the posted limit is 5), jumped out of his truck screaming that he"will not have child hooligans running around the campground," told us to"go back to the motel we crawled out of," and demanded to see our parents— despite all of us being adults in our twenties. He then peeled out so aggressively he sprayed gravel at us and our cars. It wasn't even quiet hours, and we weren't disturbing anyone. Afterward, the host called us again, passive-aggressive, and questioned our ages— even though you have to be 21 just to rent a cabin there. The property is lovely, but the hosts' behavior put a real damper on what should have been a joyful wedding celebration. It's a shame they treat people paying good money this way. We won't be back.

    • Juliana J.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 14, 2026

      Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

      Epic Spot Near Iron Mountain and Rush Trails

      I wandered a bit and took a left up a gravel road near where the sites indicated were located and just drove for a few miles. Found an awesome spot with a fire pit and lush surroundings. The road was unpaved (but as are all to the best spots) and there were definitely some large rocks and potholes to navigate. Would suggest higher raised vehicle. Saw nobody else and felt like I had my own slice of paradise.

    • April V.
      Oct. 11, 2026

      Lakeview RV Resort

      Nice little campground

      Clean nice little campground for the weekend.

    • Kim H.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 29, 2026

      Breaks Interstate Park Campground

      Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful!

      We camped in pull-thru A43. The site is decently level and spacious. The other campers were very friendly. The bath house was modern and clean.

      There was so much to do here! We ventured out to most of the overlooks; the views were breathtaking! There were plenty of hiking opportunities on trails from easy to difficult. Kayaks also were available for rent.

      There is a hotel in the park, but it's far enough from the campgrounds (A, B, C, and D) that the guests don't bother the campers.

      I can't imagine how glorious this place must be in the fall!

    • David P.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 19, 2026

      Woodsmoke Campground

      Wooded Getaway

      This is a nice wooded campground with nice shelters next to most campsites. Bathrooms were clean. Check in was easy. Owner did not require a deposit, made reservations by phone. I did have to change the check in time and communicated with owners easily. Gates close around dark so late check in is not possible. Only negative feedback I have is that owner requested not to use the campground bathrooms if fully hooked up and bathrooms are for tent camping purposes. This was not explained or advertised prior to reservations. Im paying for the convenience of not using my black tanks. Overall would stay here again.

    Guide to Fort Blackmore

    Camping spots near Fort Blackmore, Virginia sit amid the Appalachian Mountains at elevations ranging from 1,300 to 3,500 feet. The region experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds remain accessible year-round, though primitive camping areas require additional preparation during colder months.

    What to do

    Chairlift rides at Natural Tunnel: Take the chairlift down to view the massive natural tunnel formation at Natural Tunnel State Park. "We canoed Clinch River, caved in the park, and took a short guided hike through Stock Creek to backside of tunnel. Highly recommend!" shares Rob J.

    Hiking the Stockton Creek trail: Explore this moderate trail that passes through shallow water sections. "This is an old style campground where you put $20 in an envelope. Continuing on there is a short walk to a lovely overlook," notes Christine M. about trails at Flag Rock Recreation Area.

    Visit local museums: Communities near camping areas offer cultural experiences. "We visited the local museums and walked the green belt. The green belt is next to the camp ground within walking distance," explains Travis R. The Powell River walking trail provides easy access to Big Stone Gap from several campgrounds.

    What campers like

    Well-maintained bathhouse facilities: Campers consistently mention clean facilities across the region. "The bath house is extremely clean. The showers are separate from the restrooms," notes Katrin M. about Lover's Leap Campground.

    Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds offer good site separation. "All these sites are roomy, but often back or butt to the next site. New super clean showerhouse with plenty of pressure and hot water," reports Gary P. about camping at Natural Tunnel State Park.

    Unique accommodation options: Beyond traditional tent and RV camping, several parks offer alternative lodging. "This was the first time I have stayed in a yurt, and it was definitely a learning experience. First of all, it is a cross between a tent and a cabin, and it has no electricity, bathroom, or running water," explains Myron C. at Natural Tunnel State Park Yurts.

    What you should know

    Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely throughout the region. "We had great cell and hot spot service (ATT & Verizon)," reports Gary P. about Natural Tunnel State Park, but this isn't consistent across all camping areas.

    Wildlife precautions required: The region has active wildlife. "Take bear and coyote warnings SERIOUSLY my friends. I've seen plenty out there but never had a problem taking proper precautions," advises Amethyst B. at Cove View Campground.

    Weather considerations: Summer can bring high temperatures to certain accommodations. "The temperatures were in the lower 90s outside, and once we walked inside the yurt, it was like walking into an oven. The temperature had to be somewhere around 110 degrees inside," warns Myron C.

    Limited water access: Some campgrounds have restricted water availability. "There is electric hookups but not water. There is a dump station too," notes Jason W. about Flag Rock Recreation Area.

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground access: Several parks feature specialized play areas. "Great campground. So much fun stuff for the kids to do. Great trails for hiking or biking," shares Monica S. about Natural Tunnel State Park.

    Educational opportunities: Rangers often provide learning activities. "They have a full docket of activities, ranger-led hikes, games, crafts and wildlife lectures offered throughout the day," mentions Sara M. at Warriors' Path State Park.

    Primitive camping preparation: For families considering more remote sites, plan accordingly. "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," explains Sarah C. about the primitive camping area at Natural Tunnel.

    Water activities: Lakes and rivers provide recreation options. "We drove 2 hours to canoe the Clinch River which was great fun and we got to see a lot of the area," shares Kim A.

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection considerations: RV campers should research specific site dimensions. "Pay attention to the site size as some RVs had issues getting their larger RVs in their sites with the road/site layout," advises Jennifer H. about Warriors' Path State Park.

    Arrival timing: Navigating to some campgrounds can be challenging with large rigs. "HIGHLY recommend getting in before last light. Especially if you're towing anything, roads are steep and winding getting to and from camp/cabins," notes Amethyst B.

    Leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. "Really nice facility near town. There are a lot of uneven campsites, so bring your leveling blocks," suggests Michelle I. about Warriors' Path State Park.

    Hookup variations: Available utilities differ between campgrounds and camping loops. "The newly updated section, Moody Bluff, has FHU and a number of pull-through sites. It only has trees around the edge of one side giving it an open field feeling," explains Sara M.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the driving distance from Fort Blackmore, VA to Big Stone Gap, VA?

    The driving distance from Fort Blackmore to Big Stone Gap, VA is approximately 40 miles, typically taking about 50-55 minutes by car. The route travels through the Appalachian mountain region of southwest Virginia. Along the way, you'll pass near Leeman Field Park in Pennington Gap, which offers full hookup sites in a convenient location with clean facilities. The campground is adjacent to a public park with recreational amenities and is situated in the beautiful mountain setting that characterizes this region.

    How far is Fort Blackmore, VA from Norton, VA?

    Fort Blackmore is approximately 30-35 miles from Norton, VA, with a driving time of about 45 minutes via US-23 N. This route takes you through the scenic Jefferson National Forest region. If you're looking to break up the journey, consider stopping at Natural Tunnel State Park Primitive Camping, which offers excellent tent sites with amenities like fire pits, picnic tables, and bear boxes. The park's unique geological features make it worth exploring even if you're just passing through.

    What camping is available near Fort Blackmore, VA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Fort Blackmore, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 151 campgrounds and RV parks near Fort Blackmore, VA and 7 free dispersed camping spots.

    Which is the most popular campground near Fort Blackmore, VA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Fort Blackmore, VA is Natural Tunnel State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 19 reviews.

    Where can I find free dispersed camping near Fort Blackmore, VA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Fort Blackmore, VA.

    What parks are near Fort Blackmore, VA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 29 parks near Fort Blackmore, VA that allow camping, notably John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir and Carr Creek Lake.