Camping sites near Pound, Virginia range from small primitive areas to developed state parks throughout the Appalachian foothills. Most campgrounds sit at elevations between 1,400-3,000 feet, creating cooler summer temperatures than surrounding valleys. Winter camping opportunities are limited, with many facilities closing from November through March due to frequent below-freezing temperatures and occasional snow.
What to do
Hiking at Breaks Interstate Park: Trails accommodate various skill levels with maintained paths for day hikers. "Wonderful park for pretty much everything from zip line to water park, and to some of the most gorgeous trails in the region," notes Paul C. about the park's diverse recreation options.
Fishing opportunities: Several area lakes and rivers offer trout, bass, and other freshwater species. "We spent 6 nights here, hiked & biked a lot," writes Bob M. about his experience at Breaks Interstate Park, highlighting the multi-day recreation potential.
Water activities: Swimming and boating facilities operate seasonally at several locations. At Carr Creek State Park, "the beach is nice but a lot of steps to get down to it," according to Todd C., indicating accessibility considerations for water recreation.
Geocaching adventures: Some parks offer organized geocaching opportunities. As one visitor remarked, "If you don't Geocache, never heard of it, you're in for a treat. It's like treasure hunting and you get to see some sights/facts/history you may have missed otherwise."
What campers like
Quiet locations: Many campgrounds in the region report low visitor numbers, especially midweek. At Kingdom Come State Park, one camper mentioned, "I've camped there twice and only saw one other camper. It is very quiet and remote."
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance receives consistent positive feedback. "The campground was extremely clean including bathrooms and showers that are immaculate," reports a visitor to Breaks Interstate Park.
Riverside camping: Several sites offer water-adjacent options. At Jessie Lea RV Park, "Our campsite was on the bank of the river with a fire pit and very level soft ground," according to Lauren J., who appreciated the waterfront setting.
Wildlife viewing: Bear sightings remain common but typically at safe distances. A Kingdom Come State Park visitor shared, "We saw more bears while at this park than any other time. But it was never scary because they were always far away."
What you should know
Bear safety protocols: Food storage requirements vary by location. "The campground has 7 sites each with its own picnic table, fire ring, and pole for stashing your food away from bears," explains Brian B. about Kingdom Come State Park's setup.
Limited cell service: Coverage depends on carrier and specific location. A visitor to Breaks Interstate Park noted, "The things one must take into consideration is that you need to bring ANYTHING you might need for groceries and there is limited cell coverage for ATT."
Seasonal closures: Many facilities operate limited schedules. "Off season, so some of the amenities were closed (pool looks awesome)," observed one camper at Breaks Interstate Park.
Road conditions: Mountain driving requires preparation. "The roads to this amazing State Park are two lane and twisting," warns a Flag Rock Recreation Area visitor about access challenges.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Not all water features are easily accessible. At Carr Creek State Park, a reviewer noted, "Good size sites, especially the outer part of the loop. The beach is nice but a lot of steps to get down to it."
Playground facilities: Equipment availability varies significantly. One Natural Tunnel State Park visitor highlighted, "There are so many things to do and is fun for all ages. They have campgrounds, cabins and Yurts."
Educational activities: Several parks offer ranger programs seasonally. "There are many educational activities. The cabins are very clean and relatively new," reports a Natural Tunnel State Park camper.
Weather preparation: Temperature swings of 20+ degrees between day and night are common. A Breaks Interstate Park visitor recommends, "We had a small trail take us to see the northern lights one evening. I highly suggest stopping here for a few nights, an under rated area."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many sites require significant adjustment. "Prepare for some levelling. We lucked out in the B loop," advises a Breaks Interstate Park RVer.
Limited services: Supply access often requires driving. "Be sure to bring all necessary supplies BEFORE you get here, nearest stores are a 20 minute drive away on crooked mountain roads," warns a visitor to Breaks Interstate Park.
Hookup availability: Service types vary by campground. At Cliffhanger Ranch, facilities are more primitive, with a camper noting, "The cabin we stayed in is very cozy and good size for two people. We were able to have a few nice fires at the top of the hill with great views."
Size restrictions: Larger rigs face access limitations. "We have a 38' 5er and a CrewCab Dually tow vehicle. We didn't have a lot of issues getting here but it is quite mountainous with a lot of climbs," explains an RVer about their experience navigating to Breaks Interstate Park.
