Camping in the rugged terrain around Haysi, Virginia sits within the Appalachian Mountains at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 feet above sea level. The area experiences four distinct seasons with warm summers averaging 80-85°F and winter lows often below freezing. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, with Natural Tunnel State Park offering year-round accommodations for campers seeking off-season experiences.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Natural Tunnel State Park features multiple hiking trails connecting to the campground. "We were able to hike a couple of trails and see the natural tunnel. There are also cabins in the campground and they have a variety of sleeping arrangements of up to sixteen people in one cabin," notes a camper who stayed at Natural Tunnel State Park Campground.
Virginia Creeper Trail access: Located within walking distance of Laurel Creek RV Park, the Virginia Creeper Trail offers excellent cycling opportunities. A visitor explains, "This campground is small and no bathrooms, but it is directly on the Creeper so that makes up for it! Great location also because it is close to restaurants and the center of the small town."
Coal mining history: For those interested in regional history, Portal 31 RV Park provides a unique opportunity to explore coal mining heritage. "This small park is located across the street from an exhibition coal mine, portal 31. It is in the former train depots former switch yard. If you want to see the history of coal production in southeast Kentucky, this is the place," reports a reviewer who visited Portal 31 RV Park.
What campers like
Riverside settings: Many campers appreciate sites along waterways. At Riverside Campground, a visitor notes, "My spot was literally on the Shanendoah River. Most of the spots have RVs that folks keep there as their weekend get-away. Tent sites offer electric, have picnic table, a fire ring, and even wood provided for you!"
Mountain lake access: South Holston Lake provides multiple water activities. "Little oak offered a great place to stay for a week. With south Holston lake at your finger tips it offers a great area to fish, boat, kayak, paddle board and swim," shares a camper from Little Oak Campground.
Chairlift views: Natural Tunnel State Park offers a unique chairlift experience on weekends. One visitor mentioned, "A hiking trail ran behind the cabins, past the campground (also new) to the tunnel. It is a great hike and even better when you use the ski lift going up. The tunnel is at the base of a massive rock and a train drives through it very slowly each day."
What you should know
Challenging mountain roads: Rocky Top Campground requires careful driving skills. "The camp on the west side is Dangerous to drive up in a motorhome. I personally drove my 36' up the most curvy incline I wouldn't recommend anyone to give this a second thought if your not a seasoned driver," warns a reviewer.
Primitive camping conditions: Some sites offer more basic accommodations. A camper at Natural Tunnel State Park Primitive Camping reports, "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."
Wildlife concerns: Some campgrounds have reported snake issues. A visitor to Riverside Campground cautions, "The place is crawling with Venemous Copperheads. Do not recommend tent camping here."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Little Oak Campground offers family-friendly water activities. "The campground is deep in the national forest, out on a series of peninsulas, making all the campsites quite close to the water. Not all have a water view though, since the greenery is so dense," mentions a reviewer.
Educational opportunities: Natural Tunnel State Park provides learning experiences. One visitor shares, "This place is absolutely breathtaking. A must go. Cabins, yurts, RV camping, primitive camping. There are so many activities for everyone of all ages. Pool, picnicking, canoeing, hiking, fishing. There's a museum, several gift shops, camp store, visitor centers."
Safety considerations: Maintain awareness of terrain challenges. A family at Jessie Lea RV Park noted, "Across the bridge is a paved walking trail that follows the creek. Also the town is the home of writer Adriana Trigiani, bestselling author of Big Stone Gap!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection flexibility: Some RV campgrounds Haysi, Virginia area allow campers to choose their spots. "The owner allowed us to choose our site, and after having driven through a full day of traffic, we chose the easiest to pull into (pull thru sites and back in sites available)," mentions a visitor to Jessie Lea RV Park.
Hookup variations: RV sites near Haysi offer different levels of services. A camper at Laurel Creek RV Park states, "This was a good spot right on the Laurel Creek and the Creeper Trail. Walk to town for restaurants and bike/outdoor shops and a convenience store. Grocery store is a little further away."
Seasonal availability: Many RV campgrounds around Haysi have limited operating seasons. "We stayed in Lovers Leap Loop, site specific reservable. 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 a camper at Natural Tunnel State Park.
