2 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Tent camping near Fort Blackmore, Virginia ranges from free dispersed tent campsites in the national forest to primitive walk-in sites just minutes from town. 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.
"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
"Quiet neighbors. All around wonderful place to camp"
"updated bathhouses lots of shady sites sits on Patrick Henry Lake - no boat that’s ok rent paddle boats and kayaks at the Marina or just have lunch and watch the ducks on the water!"
"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 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."
from $14 / night
from $15 - $50 / night
"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."
"Only downside was the spot I set up camp was very close to the road and headlights from passing cars would light up the spot. However the road was quiet most of the night."
"There’s a covered outdoor space for small events, too. For me however, the huge draw is the natural beauty of the place."
"to get away to some quiet (NO traffic noises!) and decompress. Janice and Ed are the kindest, most considerate hosts you could imagine. "
from $24 - $55 / night
from $50 - $70 / night
"Stayed a night out here while traveling, scary narrow rocky trails, but beautiful streams and mountains"
from $30 / night
GuideThis is an amazing campsite in Norton, VA. It’s really well maintained and the views are beautiful. It was empty on the late fall weekend that we were there. There are electrical hookups and bathhouses
Take a quick drive up and check out Flag Rock, the Woodbooger statue and High Knob while you’re there!
FYI - The campground is closed from 10/31/26 until 5/15/2027.
GuideWell it was my first time and I went with this guy Brandon and his family. We had the lake in front of us, cooked out, had our music, restrooms, and showers. I loved the experience we should have brought us an air conditioning battery operated air conditioning unit or a fan. So I loved the beauty and the ones I was surrounded by. We even went out on the lake in a boat. We had a lot to keep us occupied, and happy for our 4 day stay! Wonderful sunrises and sunsets to make your days and nights perfect!
GuideMother nature is amazing and helps relieve stress from the ones who never deserved to be around you to take and cover it up. So I'll run to God's beauty, and enjoy my fire at the same time. Come on baby light my fire! ;)
TravelerEasy to get to, cheap, good bathrooms.
ScoutLet 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
ScoutMy 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?"
ScoutWe 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
ScoutOur 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.
RangerI 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.
Tent camping options near Fort Blackmore, Virginia extend beyond the immediate area, with hidden spots available across a 40-mile radius in the surrounding mountains. The region sits at elevations ranging from 1,300 to 4,000 feet, creating varied microclimates that impact camping conditions throughout the year. Spring camping brings abundant wildflowers while fall offers spectacular foliage displays across the Cumberland Mountains.
Kayaking at nearby lakes: Watauga Lake provides excellent water access for campers staying at Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area. One visitor noted, "Stayed a night out here while traveling, scary narrow rocky trails, but beautiful streams and mountains." The area offers opportunities for both fishing and boating.
Hiking on the Appalachian Trail: The AT runs accessible to several camping areas in the region. At USA Raft Adventure Resort, a camper mentioned, "The AT meanders along the River and is easily accessible from the campground." This provides tent campers with day-hiking options without relocating their base camp.
Farm activities: Some unique camping experiences include agricultural settings. Blackberry Blossom Farm & Campground offers a different type of tent camping experience. According to one visitor, "From the fields there is a framed view of the gorgeous local mountain range, perfect for photo opportunities." The campground also features a general store with locally made goods.
Creek-side camping options: Many tent campers appreciate water proximity at primitive sites. A reviewer at Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites shared, "We got lucky and parked right next to a swimming hole, had a gorgeous swim and enjoyed our time. No service, off-grid, really lovely." These dispersed sites often provide natural swimming spots during warmer months.
Spotless facilities at established campgrounds: While primitive camping dominates the region, some tent-friendly established sites offer impressive amenities. A camper at Blackberry Blossom Farm described it as "Gorgeous, clean, and family friendly" noting, "I have never been to a cleaner, more beautiful campground in my life. The facilities are up to date, the bathhouse is spotless, and the campsites themselves are clear and well-maintained."
Quiet, uncrowded camping: The best tent camping near Fort Blackmore, Virginia often means finding secluded spots away from crowds. At Kingdom Come State Park Campground, a visitor experienced tremendous solitude: "I've camped there twice and only saw one other camper. It is very quiet and remote." This provides a true wilderness experience despite being at an established campground.
Bear safety protocols: Bears are active throughout the region. A Kingdom Come visitor advised, "We saw a bear across the valley, so take the warnings seriously and follow the instructions." Sites at this park include poles for hanging food away from bears.
Limited or no cell service: Digital disconnection is common at most tent sites near Fort Blackmore. A Blackberry Blossom Farm camper noted the area provides "a wonderful place (100+ acres!) to get away to some quiet (NO traffic noises!) and decompress." Plan accordingly with offline maps and emergency communication alternatives.
Road noise can impact some sites: Despite wilderness settings, some camping areas experience traffic disturbance. At Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area, a camper warned, "Lots of road noise—you're sitting in a valley bordered by highway on 3 sides, and the echo is serious." Consider site location carefully when selecting primitive camping spots.
Look for established campgrounds with clean facilities: Families often appreciate basic amenities. At Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost, a visitor reported, "Had a great camping weekend with a buddy at Cliffhanger Ranch. The cabin we stayed in is very cozy and good size for two people." The ranch also offers tent camping with similar amenities.
Consider fishing opportunities: Many area campgrounds offer fishing access that children enjoy. At Kingdom Come State Park, "If you like fishing there is a 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."
Research campsite privacy levels: Family camping often benefits from space between sites. A Blackberry Blossom camper appreciated that "The campsites are far enough apart that I don't feel like I'm on top of other campers. There are less concerns about privacy than other places I've been."
Small trailers only at tent-focused campgrounds: Most primitive and tent-focused sites in the Fort Blackmore region have significant access limitations. At Kingdom Come State Park, a visitor clarified the campground has "6 sites that are tent-centric but doable with a small trailer." Large RVs should seek alternative locations with appropriate facilities.
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 5.0-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Fort Blackmore, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 29 tent camping locations near Fort Blackmore, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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