Best Tent Camping near Fort Blackmore, VA

Washington and Jefferson National Forest provides numerous dispersed tent camping opportunities surrounding Fort Blackmore, Virginia. Primitive tent sites can be found along creeks and forested areas, with many accessible via short walks from forest roads. Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost offers five tent-specific campsites with walk-in access options just minutes from Fort Blackmore. For tent campers seeking more established facilities, Kingdom Come State Park Campground in nearby Kentucky features seven tent-centric sites with designated tent pads. Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area, approximately 30 miles southeast, provides free backcountry tent camping with water access.

Most tent-only sites in the region feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Washington and Jefferson National Forest dispersed sites typically include fire rings but lack potable water and toilet facilities. Campers should bring water filtration equipment for creek water and prepare for variable terrain with minimal site development. Walk-in tent sites at Cliffhanger Ranch offer more level ground for tent setup but still maintain a primitive camping experience. Kingdom Come's tent campgrounds provide mulch tent pads large enough for two small tents, along with fire rings and food hanging poles for bear safety. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most primitive tent camping locations near Fort Blackmore.

According to reviews, Washington and Jefferson National Forest dispersed sites offer creek-side camping with good water access. One camper noted, "The sound of the creek was lovely all night," though they mentioned headlights from passing cars could be disruptive at roadside sites. At Kingdom Come State Park, visitors report extremely quiet conditions with minimal crowds. A camper observed, "I've camped there twice and only saw one other camper. It is very quiet and remote." Bear activity is common in the region, particularly at Kingdom Come, where campers should follow proper food storage protocols. Little Stony Creek dispersed area provides tent-only camping with direct water access, though some sites experience significant road noise during busy periods.

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Best Tent Sites Near Fort Blackmore, Virginia (27)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Fort Blackmore, VA

384 Reviews of 27 Fort Blackmore 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.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 2, 2021

    Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions and Campground

    Easy Access, Close to Town

    Just across the Virginia state line, this national forest offers multiple dispersed camping areas along Beaver Dam Creek. Opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, and paddling are abundant. Most of campsites are large, very shaded, along a beautiful treelined road, and surrounded by mountains. 

    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 often spend about 20-30 minutes cleaning these sites upon arrival. Please Leave No Trace! Our site had a good fire ring, and was on the edge of a creek that we could filter water from with ease.  Would not recommend for any vehicle larger than 20 feet as the potholed road and the tight turns to get up to the camp from the road would be tough.  4WD highly recommended, especially in mud season or winter.

    We stayed at this camp for 10 days during the pandemic shutdown and it was a lovely place to ride out this crazy storm.  Some road noise from the motorcycles that cruise the road, but only occasionally. The closest town is Damascus, VA, about 5 miles away. The town is small, but draws thousands of tourists each year who are either hiking the Appalachian Trail or cycling the famous Virginia Creeper bike path. It is equipped with a decent sized grocery store, gas, and couple of restaurants, and a cute downtown area. There is absolutely no cell service at this camp, you have to go into town or hike a local mountain to get service up high.

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

    Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

    Creekside Camping

    At the intersection of the North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia state lines, sits this national forest which offers multiple dispersed camping areas along Bear Creek. Opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, and paddling are abundant.  The Appalachian Trail and Virginia Creeper Trail are just minutes away, as well as some easy whitewater paddling fun on the White Top Laurel Creek.

    Most of campsites are large, very shaded, along a beautiful treelined road, and surrounded by mountains. 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 often spend about 20-30 minutes cleaning these sites upon arrival. Please Leave No Trace! 

    Our site had a good fire ring, and was on the edge of a creek that we could filter water from with ease. We stayed at this camp for 3 weeks during the pandemic shutdown and it was a perfect place to ride out this crazy storm and decompress from some anxiety. 

    The closest town is Damascus, VA, about 12 miles away. The town is small, but draws thousands of tourists each year who are either hiking the Appalachian Trail or cycling the famous Virginia Creeper bike path. It is equipped with a decent sized grocery store, gas, and couple of restaurants, and a cute downtown area. There is absolutely no cell service at this camp, you have to go into town or hike a local mountain to get service up high.

  • 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.


Guide to Fort Blackmore

Tent camping near Fort Blackmore, Virginia, offers a variety of scenic locations and outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. From primitive sites to well-equipped campgrounds, there's something for everyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors.

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Some prices for tent camping range from $15 to $25

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Fort Blackmore, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Fort Blackmore, VA is Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 27 tent camping locations near Fort Blackmore, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.