Haysi is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Haysi camping trip.
$20 - $30 / night
$25 - $45 / night
Thunder River Outdoor Recreation and Campground is located along the Russell Fork River in what is known locally as the “Splashdam” area in Haysi, VA. The property was once home to a thriving coal community until a flood in 1957. After that it served as the site for a Clinchfield Coal Company “tipple” for several years. More recently the property was abandoned and had become overgrown and pretty much uninhabitable. The site, now owned by the Hill family has undergone a transformation to become a destination for camping and outdoor recreation. The location beside the river offers access for fishing, kayaking/canoeing/tubing, swimming and picnicking in a private setting. During the month of October, with the release of water from the John Flannagan Dam, Dickenson County and the Russell Fork become a destination for white water rafters. The property is also on an ATV route with access to the Haysi Ridgeview Trailhead approximately one mile away. The Haysi Ridgeview Trail is part of the Spearhead Trail system which in connection with the Coal Canyon trail offers approximately 200 miles of trails (connects to the town of Grundy and the Breaks Park).
Due to flooding, the campground will be closed for the 2023 season
LITTLE OAK CAMPGROUND IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO IMPENDING WEATHER FROM HELENE. CLOSURE IS ANTICIPATED THRU MONDAY, SEPT 30, BUT COULD BE LATER DEPENDING ON DAMAGE ASSESSMENT. Little Oak Campground hugs the shores and inlets of beautiful South Holston Lake in Sullivan County, Tennessee. With a view of the Holston Mountain ridgeline and lake islands, Little Oak campsites are a relaxing setting for your vacation. There are 69 universally accessible campsites improved in 2012 including warm showers and a paved access road. Campground hosts are available on site to answer your questions.
Fishing is a popular activity for campers at Little Oak, with a concrete boat launch within the campground. Numerous campsites have easy access to the lake shore for tying off your boat. There are nearby trails for hiking and horseback riding. Children and adults enjoy riding their bikes on the roads between camping loops. There is also a lakeside grassy area popular for swimming and picnicking. There is an array of wildflowers to enjoy throughout the season, resident deer and turkey and other natural wonders for the naturalist in your group.
South Holston Lake is a 7,580-acre hydroelectric reservoir managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority and surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest. Holston Mountain and nearby Iron Mountain provide habitat for an array of wildlife including a healthy population of black bear.
Little Oak Campground is within 30 minutes of Bristol, Tennessee, and nearby Bristol Motor Speedway. Backbone Rock Recreation Area is approximately 30 minutes away up beautiful Shadey Valley, and just five minutes past Backbone Rock is Damascus, Virginia. Jacobs Creek Campground and Swim Area is 25 minutes away for another view of South Holston Lake.
$10 - $12 / night
$20 / night
$28 - $40 / night
Strategic Location for peaceful camping with lots of nearby options. Camping is very primitive and rustic as new amenities come online in planned future. The best time of booking is the weekend at present.
We have:
Wooded/Grassy hills with plenty of tree cover and open space to spread out . A uniquely positioned community fire pit is available with an impressive view. It is very rustic and primitive, but well kept, quiet, secluded, with developing surroundings.
There is direct access to Jefferson National Forest and miles of hiking, biking and horseback trails. Equestrians encouraged, but is Bring your own horse and Tie Line.
Nearby sites include Bark Camp Lake, Guest River Gorge, Bear Rock, Little Stony Falls, Chief Benge Trail, Devils Bath Tub, and High Knob. We are also located along several driving and scenic routes to include: Backroads of the Cumberland's, Appalachian Backroads, Virginia Wildlife and Birding Trail, and Thomas Jefferson Scenic Byway (Rt. 72). In addition, within a short drive there is an ATV trailhead in the local town. The Clinch River is not far at all as well.
There is a small quaint downtown less than 5 miles with grocery, gas, supplies, and a few places to eat.
Mission:
The original idea for CR Adventure Outpost came many years ago. We grew up visiting "Grandma & Grandpa" in Wise County and developed a deep love for the area, the outdoors, and all it had to offer. There came a point, , when we realized that the amount of outdoor activities and authentic cultural experiences could indeed support visitors. It could also support many business opportunities once everyone became aware of what was all around them. At that point, a process began of research and planning on ideas some thought were pointless. People deeply want to get back to nature and withdrawal from a fast paced materialistic society, at least long enough to realize what is really important in life. There is a huge need and vast opportunity to take advantage of the many beautiful landscapes in Southwest Virginia.
$20 - $35 / night
$20 - $30 / night
$25 - $45 / night
Thunder River Outdoor Recreation and Campground is located along the Russell Fork River in what is known locally as the “Splashdam” area in Haysi, VA. The property was once home to a thriving coal community until a flood in 1957. After that it served as the site for a Clinchfield Coal Company “tipple” for several years. More recently the property was abandoned and had become overgrown and pretty much uninhabitable. The site, now owned by the Hill family has undergone a transformation to become a destination for camping and outdoor recreation. The location beside the river offers access for fishing, kayaking/canoeing/tubing, swimming and picnicking in a private setting. During the month of October, with the release of water from the John Flannagan Dam, Dickenson County and the Russell Fork become a destination for white water rafters. The property is also on an ATV route with access to the Haysi Ridgeview Trailhead approximately one mile away. The Haysi Ridgeview Trail is part of the Spearhead Trail system which in connection with the Coal Canyon trail offers approximately 200 miles of trails (connects to the town of Grundy and the Breaks Park).
Due to flooding, the campground will be closed for the 2023 season
LITTLE OAK CAMPGROUND IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO IMPENDING WEATHER FROM HELENE. CLOSURE IS ANTICIPATED THRU MONDAY, SEPT 30, BUT COULD BE LATER DEPENDING ON DAMAGE ASSESSMENT. Little Oak Campground hugs the shores and inlets of beautiful South Holston Lake in Sullivan County, Tennessee. With a view of the Holston Mountain ridgeline and lake islands, Little Oak campsites are a relaxing setting for your vacation. There are 69 universally accessible campsites improved in 2012 including warm showers and a paved access road. Campground hosts are available on site to answer your questions.
Fishing is a popular activity for campers at Little Oak, with a concrete boat launch within the campground. Numerous campsites have easy access to the lake shore for tying off your boat. There are nearby trails for hiking and horseback riding. Children and adults enjoy riding their bikes on the roads between camping loops. There is also a lakeside grassy area popular for swimming and picnicking. There is an array of wildflowers to enjoy throughout the season, resident deer and turkey and other natural wonders for the naturalist in your group.
South Holston Lake is a 7,580-acre hydroelectric reservoir managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority and surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest. Holston Mountain and nearby Iron Mountain provide habitat for an array of wildlife including a healthy population of black bear.
Little Oak Campground is within 30 minutes of Bristol, Tennessee, and nearby Bristol Motor Speedway. Backbone Rock Recreation Area is approximately 30 minutes away up beautiful Shadey Valley, and just five minutes past Backbone Rock is Damascus, Virginia. Jacobs Creek Campground and Swim Area is 25 minutes away for another view of South Holston Lake.
$10 - $12 / night
Ranger
Very scenic place!! We spent 6 nights here, hiked & biked a lot. Off season, so some of the amenities were closed (pool looks awesome). The campground itself isn't really all that great, prepare for some levelling. We lucked out in the B loop, as a small trail (Grassy Overlook trail) took us to see the northern lights one evening. I highly suggest stopping here for a few nights, an under rated area.
Traveler
Older but absolutely beautiful park located right on the lake. The park is very well maintained and the staff are super friendly. The views of the mountains meeting the lake are absolutely stunning. Highly recommend!
Guide
This spot is very nice, close to the water’s edge (although no camping allowed lakeside). There’s quite a few rings, bear bins, and a porta-loo. We had the place to ourselves which was really great. Camping is free, technically. (you need to purchase an Access pass from Virginia Wildlife for 4 dollars online, and add a camping authorisation to your account). The road was clear of Hurricane damage and very easy to get to. Would stay again!
Guide
We arrive very late, after all day travels from Florida. My phone had three bars, Verizon 5G ultra wide signal.
RangerLarge County campground with electric and water with two pump out stations. spacious, hilly sites with some tree coverage along lake with boat ramp and capacity to tie your boat up at your site.
Recommend a surge protector on your camper as there are no breakers on the electric hook up at the site (clustered elsewhere).
Stayed here for a National water dog competition and the beach area was perfect for our group.
GuideDispersed camping free permit with Va wildlife, fishing, or use permit up to 14 days. Porta Jon available at campground and boat dock. Plenty of dead wood for fires. Trash cans available. Rocks for fire pits and no tables.
Guide
Laurel bed lake at top is beautiful. Waterfalls on way up and good fishing along the way in tumbling creek. Flat field area for camping on way. Several spots by creek for van or tent camping.
Guide
Hosts were nice and helpful. Thanks to Robbi and Darell. Everything was very clean and well kept. Cell service was 3 bars. Lake was beautiful!!
Scout
Paid in full in 2023 for 2024. Checked in May 2024, all good on reservations, stated looking forward to seeing me in September. August 31, 2024, received an email stating they could not accommodate me for the agreed upon reservation. Tried to call, went straight to voicemail, mailbox full.
Guide
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!!
Scout
The place is crawling with Venemous Copperheads. Do not recommend tent camping here.
Traveler
Most campground reviews are from the RV crowd. This is from the tent camper perspective, particularly motorcycle tent camping. The roads/lanes in the park are paved, but otherwise where you would ride are lousy for motorcycles. The "gravel" parking lot from the road to the office and in the RV/electric loop is more like rocks, and you stand a good chance of dropping your bike. Park your bike on the asphalt drive and walk up to the office. In addition, the tent parking spots are sloped upwards with some very slick crushed rock and are challenging for a motorcycle. The office closes at 5 (4 on Sunday and probably Saturday) and there is no campground map posted to see where the tent camping area is. They have copies of the campground map in the office and I suggested they put one on the outside of the office door so people arriving after they close have a map to view. The tent camping (primitive) is off a paved lane a lot further down the hill past the office. The sign for the lane says primitive. Straight up at the top of the hill for that lane is site 6 which is somewhat acceptable for motorcycle parking although you are not going to get good enough of a cell signal there to use any internet apps. You might get one bar to make calls or text. At the top of that hill, take a left and go up a steep hill to the shower house and where sites 1 &2 are at. At sites 1&2 and outside the shower house you can get a good enough signal (2 bars) to use internet apps. The campground does have an open wifi, but it doesn't reach to the tent camping sites. They should add some directional antennas to extend to that area. Sites 1&2 are best for motorcycles if you can reserve one of them. 2 has a wide enough turn around that you could easily park a group of motorcycles there. When you check in you are assigned a 4 digit code to unlock the shower house doors. If you arrive after hours you'll have to ask another camper if they'll share their code with you like we had to. Don't bother trying to call the campground number after hours to check in or ask for a code because you'll just their voicemail. Bring a hammer or find a rock to hammer your tent stakes in because the ground where you would want to pitch a tent is mostly rock. Being primitive there is no electric at the tent sites. There is an outlet by the sink in the shower house if you need to charge your phone. There aren't any external outlets at the shower house. There is a spigot outside the shower house, but I did not open it to make sure it worked. We got our water using the shower house sink. The rate as of July 2024 is $10.50 PER TENT per night. There is no discount for only using one site with several tents. We (four bikes with 4 tents) stayed there four nights. We would have left after the first night, but had paid for all four nights and also didn't want to have to pack everything up to look for a different campground.
Traveler
I’ve stayed here at least a dozen times. Nice loop with decks to put your tent on. Bathhouse is nice and has been renovated in the last few years.
Guide
Chief Logan has a lot of interesting things to see, including an outdoor animal exhibit, a lodge, a pool, a theatre, and a museum all close together.
Our site was full hook up and very level. There was creek nearby and walking paths all over. We went over to the lodge and was able to swim in the pool and hot tub as part of the price of our campsite. There was solar event with super rare aurora light show for this part of the world while we were there.
Scout
Roads in campground are rough in places. Electrical boxes are in rough shape at some sites. 30 amp kept tripping the breaker. WiFi does not work. Several sites have full hookup but sewer hookups need to be repaired and water hookups are far away.
GuideStayed 4 nights in section D. Our site was ok. There were a lot better sites to stay though. Staff was helpful and friendly. We had full hookups. Lots of shade.
Scout
Their website is from 2018. They have new owners and have let transit stay there campers look terrible. The place is really went downhill. It used to be really nice. Beware if you have a new camper. Looks like that newest campers like a 2010.
Guide
We absolutely loved Camp Burson at Hungry Mother. The camp was clean and friendly. The spaces were somewhat close together, but they were large, so it didn’t bother us. There was a hiking spot just across the road, a camp store with ice and firewood, and a nice bath house with flush toilets and showers. The beach was a short drive away. The staff there was very nice and the beach was well maintained. The real stars were the camp hosts, The Viles. The sweetest couple. So friendly and helpful. They made our stay so much better. Highly recommend this campground. If there was a playground here, it would be 5 stars. There was one by the beach, but not within walking distance.
ScoutCamp next to a quiet bumbling creek with beautiful scenery.
Scout
Beautiful campsite. Well maintained. Bring ur own Wi-Fi as there is No cell coverage and the Wi-Fi does not work.
Scout
Nice clean campground with affordable pricing, I highly recommend this camp
Legend
Jake from the Dyrt here! We're excited to have this campground on the Dyrt and ready for you to book, check them out and make sure to leave a review!
Ranger
Very nice and comfy! Don’t make the same mistake I did and tent camp outside in a huge storm - just stay inside!
ScoutWe stayed for the Bristol Rhythm & Roots festival in the glampers and loved the romantic atmosphere at night. The trees are lit up with a warm glowing light. The pond fountain whispers you to sleep. The manager and staff were awesome and accommodating. They truly want you to make a lifetime of memories on your visit.
ScoutI wonderful place for fishing and hiking. The lake is beautiful and the Camp is clean and quiet. We love it.
Guide
Great camping and cabins perched on top of them out. Near the town of Gilbert. Great access to avt trails
Guide
A “secret spot” that holds a special place in my heart.
I spend on average 10 days at a time camping in the primitive grounds (April/May, Aug/Sep & end of October 2023 ) all five spaces are nicely kept and a large communal fire pit is wonderful. Even when all sites are full. There’s plenty of space. Porter Johns on site as well (and nicely maintained for what that’s worth! )
By far - the best camp ground I’ve visited in terms of Hosts, rangers, amenities if needed, scenery and solitude.
Take bear and coyote warnings SERIOUSLY my friends. I’ve seen plenty out there but never had a problem taking proper precautions. 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.
Your cell service will be spotty / non existent on trails around the area… even when you see a road running parallel to your hike .. plan accordingly. (And bear spray people. Please. Just take it)
Plenty of wood split ($4 a bundle. Ice $2 a bag) and hosts will graciously bring wood to your camp site <3
The “trail” off the primitive site doesn’t seem to be on a map - and I heard many different variations of where it went. So I hiked the whole thing just for y’all! It’s an in and out(maybe a mile give or take total) that dead ends to PRIVATE property. (So obviously don’t proceed past gate) Lots of beautiful growth, cool in the summer with shade - nice quiet trail for dogs - half way is definitely less of a beaten path. Use caution.
HIGHLY recommend getting in before last light. Especially if you’re towing anything, roads are steep and winding getting to and from camp/cabins. And lotssss of deer / rabbits at dawn and dusk jumping around.
In a nutshell - this park gets a 10/10 from a solo female camper. Everyone is mindful of one another’s space and solitude - however in true Appalachian fashion everyone also looks out for you and always ready to lend a helping hand.
Camping near Haysi, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Haysi, Virginia, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Haysi, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Haysi, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 74 campgrounds and RV parks near Haysi, VA and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Haysi, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Haysi, VA is Breaks Interstate Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 20 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Haysi, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Haysi, VA.
What parks are near Haysi, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 31 parks near Haysi, VA that allow camping, notably John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir and Fishtrap Lake.
