4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Jessie Lea RV Park and Campground in Big Stone Gap offers full hookup sites with 30/50 amp service, situated along the South Fork Powell River. The park features pull-through and back-in sites with fire rings and picnic tables at each location. Nearby, Leeman Field Park in Pennington Gap provides big-rig friendly sites with full hookups including water, electric, and sewer connections. Natural Tunnel State Park Campground in Duffield maintains year-round RV sites with 50 amp service and spacious layouts for larger motorhomes. "Sites are spaced out with some full-timers, part-timers and vacationers. 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," noted one RV camper about Jessie Lea.
Navigation to several mountain RV parks requires careful planning due to twisting two-lane roads and elevation changes. One traveler mentioned, "The roads to this amazing State Park are two lane and twisting. We have a 38' 5er and a CrewCab Dually tow vehicle." Cell service varies throughout the region, with most parks reporting 2-4 bars of coverage for major carriers. Dump stations are available at most locations, though Natural Tunnel and Jessie Lea offer full sewer hookups at individual sites. RV campers should bring leveling blocks, as many sites in the mountainous terrain have slight slopes. Most parks accommodate pets on leash, and several offer on-site firewood purchase. Grocery stores and supplies are typically 10-20 minutes from campgrounds, so stocking up before arrival is recommended.
"Many pull through sites. Grass between each site. Fire pits and picnic tables at each site. Very nice owner, very friendly. The bath house was clean and decorated very nice."
"Quaint park tucked away in the hills of VA in Big Stone Gap next to South Fork Powell River. Although our site is right on top of our neighbor, that is NOT the norm."
"Great little park located in the Appalachian mountains of Virginia beside of Leeman Field park in Pennington Gap. Easy sites to get into with full hookups."
"Campground is quiet and feels very safe. Nestled nicely in the hills in the Pennington gap . Lots to do within easy driving distance. Overall a great experience"
"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. Small, with electric hookups and a communal water spout."
"This is a decent campground that definitely caters to the SxS and off road crowd. Sites are relatively level and there is a decent amount of space between them."
"Pulled up to the staging area near the office and didn’t even have to get out of the truck. Guy came up on a golf cart and confirmed my name."
"Lots of spots available but they’re not particularly level and not private. Nice owner. Close to highway."
"Campground sites are a bit close together but it is well maintained and has friendly staff. Wifi works well. Nice dog park."
"It is one of the best campgrounds around. Priced right, clean, fantastic scenery, ideally located. Make a reservation you won't regret it"
"No shade but, had a full hook up pull thru. Dog friendly. And very nice people, And there's a pizza place that Delivers 😀"
"This is the best place to park your travel trailer for a few days! Tons of space it’s not to crowded and everyone is so nice"
from $40 - $60 / night
"What a great place, friendly, staff is great, especially the manager Rachel."
"Thank you so much Rachael for all that you have done at this amazing facility. You are your team define customer service. I cannot wait to return."
from $35 / night
"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."
"Just happened to be the one day a year the tunnel is open to walk through (it’s an active railroad and closed otherwise)."
from $16 / 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!
TravelerEasy to get to, cheap, good bathrooms.
Traveler3 stars only because it says water hookups but they are far and few between communal. No spigot at individual sites. Need long hose(s)to reach the connection. Good T-Mobile 5G but too wooded for StarLink. Quiet, shady, somewhat level sites were available. $20/night.
GuideClean nice little campground for the weekend.
GuideWe camped in pull-thru A43. The site is decently level and spacious. The other campers were very friendly. The bath house was modern and clean.
There was so much to do here! We ventured out to most of the overlooks; the views were breathtaking! There were plenty of hiking opportunities on trails from easy to difficult. Kayaks also were available for rent.
There is a hotel in the park, but it's far enough from the campgrounds (A, B, C, and D) that the guests don't bother the campers.
I can't imagine how glorious this place must be in the fall!
GuideGreat stop for the night. No shade but, had a full hook up pull thru. Dog friendly. And very nice people, And there's a pizza place that Delivers 😀
ScoutCampground is not big which is a plus. Couple miles off the highway so not a lot of traffic noise. Camp store is fully stocked. However the food at the snack shack not so good. Playground and pool are very small compared to other KOA properties. A lot of full time campers which is not a bad thing but leaves very little room for folks just passing through.
ScoutI stayed long term while working in the area, including through the winter months, and loved the propane delivery. Coming home to a full tank already dropped at my site was such a nice perk.
It’s a beautiful, peaceful little campground tucked into the mountains and you can tell a lot of care goes into it. It’s not a parking lot like other places I’ve stayed the sites are tiered on the mountainside but level and large. Staff is friendly, they have a game room and laundry room and the store sells cold beer! It was a nice home away from home while working in town
Mountain valley campsites near Appalachia, Virginia range from 1,500 to 2,700 feet elevation, with temperatures averaging 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands during summer months. Most campgrounds in the area follow the region's natural topography, resulting in sites with varying degrees of shade and protection from mountain breezes. Cell service can vary dramatically between locations due to the mountainous terrain.
Hiking the Greenbelt Trail: From Jessie Lea RV Park and Campground, access the town walking trail via their footbridge. "There's a great walking trail that runs right by. The green belt is next to the camp ground within walking distance," notes Jason W. The trail connects to town attractions and follows the South Fork Powell River.
Primitive camping experience: At Natural Tunnel State Park Primitive Camping, you'll find five primitive sites with tent pads and basic amenities. "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," writes Sarah C. The sites include a large communal fire pit and a covered shelter with outlets for charging devices.
Swimming pool access: Leeman Field Park includes swimming pool admission with camping fees. "Neighboring Leeman Field park has multiple playgrounds, picnic shelters, swimming pool. Admission to the pool is included in campground fees," explains Julie in her review of the facilities.
River proximity: Many campsites at Jessie Lea RV Park and Campground are situated along the South Fork Powell River. "Our campsite was on the bank of the river with a fire pit and very level soft ground," reports Lauren J. The location provides easy access to both water views and the connecting greenway path.
Clean facilities: Campground bathhouses receive frequent praise from visitors. "The bath house was clean and decorated very nice. Looks like it has been freshly painted," mentions Mike in his review of Jessie Lea. Similarly at Natural Tunnel State Park, Roland R. notes, "Nice, clean campground. Used the primitive camping, everything was well taken care of."
Community pavilions: Several RV parks near Appalachia offer covered gathering spaces. "At the entrance, there is an amazing covered shelter with picnic tables, rocking chairs and grills," writes Charlene about Lakeview RV Resort. The park is "well maintained and has friendly staff" according to Doreen M.
Road conditions: Mountain driving requires careful navigation for larger vehicles. "The roads to this amazing State Park are two lane and twisting," shares one camper about Natural Tunnel State Park. At Rocky Top Campground, Debbie O. warns, "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 you're not a seasoned driver."
Water access points: Several campgrounds feature creek or river access, though availability can depend on conditions. At Jessie Lea, one visitor noted, "We had two Jeeps with roof top tents, and while this is an RV Park, he has a few seasonal sites near the creek open. If the water is high, the sites aren't available."
Seasonal availability: While Natural Tunnel State Park operates year-round, some amenities have limited schedules. One camper mentioned, "The one thing I was really looking forward to (the chairlift) is only open on weekends." Check with individual parks for current operating schedules before planning activities.
Playground access: Leeman Field Park offers multiple playgrounds adjacent to camping areas. "Neighboring Leeman Field park has multiple playgrounds, picnic shelters, swimming pool, tennis courts, and disc golf course," reports Julie, making it ideal for families with children of various ages.
Educational opportunities: Natural Tunnel State Park provides learning experiences for children. Myron C. notes, "The historical background of the state park is varied and extensive, so there are a lot of things to see within the park and surrounding the park." Rangers frequently conduct educational programs suitable for school-age children.
ATV trail access: Some campgrounds provide maps for nearby off-road trails. "Maps are available for ATV trails that can be accessed from campground also," mentions a reviewer about Leeman Field Park, offering recreation options for families with older children.
Site selection strategy: Experienced RVers recommend asking about choosing your own site when possible. "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," shares a camper at Jessie Lea RV Park and Campground. Pull-through sites are available at several locations.
Leveling requirements: Bring leveling blocks when camping in RV campgrounds near Appalachia, Virginia. The natural mountain terrain means many sites have slight inclines. Rocky Top Campground and other mountain locations require proper equipment for stabilizing larger rigs.
Hookup variations: The amp service varies between parks, with most offering multiple options. At Around Pond RV Park, a reviewer notes, "Pull thrus 15-20-30-50 amp" are available with rates ranging from $40-$200 depending on length of stay and hookup requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular RV campsite near Appalachia, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Appalachia, VA is Jessie Lea RV Park and Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 9 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 69 RV camping locations near Appalachia, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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