John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Virginia camping has to offer. Get the dirt on all the best camping near John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
$20 - $38 / night
"We camped here for 3 nights with our dogs. Our site was in the B loop and had no water or electricity. It was surrounded by a lot of trees, so it had shade."
"What it offers in terms of a get away from it all makes it the go to destination for everyone who’s just about had enough of everything average.
First of all, where the heck is it? "
"There is no bath house, just a couple of porta potties surround by a structure with a handwashing station. The host informed us that a new bath house was in the works and coukd be open in November."
"Locating directly in the river makes it a very serene atmosphere. We enjoyed fishing and kayaking during our stay."
$20 - $24 / night
$20 - $26 / night
$20 - $24 / night
$20 / night
"Great campground with biking/hiking trails and mountain scenic overlook. Clean bathhouses, picnic tables, fire rings, charcoal grills, and electricity provided. Quiet with great views."
"Continuing on there is a short walk to a lovely overlook. There are very nice picnic shelters.
Our only complaint was the place had a number of lampoles with lights that were on all night."
"The views are spectacular, Camping with electric, water and showers was just a bonus to all the beauty around us and pet friendly. Great people all around and we felt so welcomed."
"Great place for dog walks. Tunnel very cool."
ScoutBeautiful lake surrounded by gorgeous mountains, hiking, fishing and boating, amazing staff, very clean shower houses and laundry facility! Very family oriented and pet friendly!
GuideThis was my third visit to the NTSP - I really enjoy the camping, and the pool and Natural Tunnel are great fun. Each time I've camped in Lover's Leap, and all the sites are well spaced. Have stayed in #3 and #5, and #12 which is even more private. The restrooms and showers are always clean, and there is a nice laundry area as well. This trip we took a car ride to Big Stone Gap, a thriving little town about 30 minutes north of the park - it's a nice quiet but interesting town, with a nice dog park. Took a car ride to Gate City, south of the park - wouldn't recommend it. It's a city on it's way down. The short ride to the Blockhouse in the park is interesting, with nice views of the mountains. The ride and hike up and down to the tunnel is always fun. In the summers they light the tunnel one Saturday night each month, so it's worth trying to plan for that.
GuideThe views are spectacular, Camping with electric, water and showers was just a bonus to all the beauty around us and pet friendly. Great people all around and we felt so welcomed.
ScoutOverall; nice place, bathrooms get gross quickly when campground is at full capacity. Not handicap friendly. Good cell service, 4G. Small beach area, clear water for swimming, but have quite a few steps to walk down to the lake. Playground equipment was taken down, only had a couple of swings. All sites have electric and water, picnic table, two poles to hang garbage or lantern, also fire rings with grates for cooking on Pets allowed on leash. Firewood and ice available.
Attendant on site, not a ranger, maybe a "workamper?" Bathrooms cleaned only once in the midmorning. The commodes have a button to flush which is difficult to push. I think young children couldn't push it, so the toilets got nasty and full. Toilet paper ran out by early evening. There was no commode in the handicap stall in the women's room. Hot showers with regular handle for continual flow (as opposed to some places that only run a couple of minutes before you have to push the button again.
Most sites are shaded and grassy areas. Sites 7, 8, 26, 28, 31 are washed out, not good for putting up a tent. Lake surrounds campground but not visible through the trees. A few very steep trails from some sites down to the lake.
Beach is about 100 yds long. Water was clean and clear. It might be a slight challenge walking back up the steps to the parking lot if you're not in good shape. If you plan on hanging out at the beach area for awhile, I suggest bringing a beach tent, it gets hot. There is a drive way down to the beach for handicap access, but the gate was locked. There is a marina on the other side of the road. I believe you can rent a pontoon there.
While we were there, somebody with a super loud speed boat was racing around, so be aware that if you're wanting peace and quiet, there is boating noise. There was also a group of campers that had speakers set up and played their music Sat night that was annoying. Not super loud, but we just didn't care for their style of music. We tolerated it, but don't know why they weren't asked to turn it down. To me, music shouldn't be heard much past your own site.
It's about 5+/- miles in either direction for a store. There is an ice cream place about 2 miles away that also sells basic prep fried food and breakfast.
Our electric didn't work (site 33) but we were with another couple and plugged into theirs next to us. We usually primitive camp, but because of the Aug heat, it's nice to have a fan at night.
We might camp there again. The main thing is that the bath house needs to be updated and attended to more than once a day. It's better than nothing, but I'd rather go in an outhouse than see an overflowing toilet.
GuideThis 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!
ScoutIn nature, not to close together spots, affordable (20/night).
Im in a 25ft class c, always looking for a more nature forward spot, trees out my door. There’s phone service and Wi-Fi in some spots. A few will fit a larger rig, many will fit my size. A few are flat already and some will need leveling. Tons of sites, fewer ‘ideal’ ones but there will be something.
Trails right off the campground to walk around the park, not huge but nice. Close off the highway but no road noise.
Water available but not at your site(mostly, if you have an extension you you make some work) Electric at most sites.
Close to abingdon and Virginia creeper trail. Also close to a Target, makes a convenient stop.
LegendThis campground is minutes from Asheville, offering all urban amenities like nearby grocery, Starbucks, etc for last minute errands.
You share the campground with permanent residents, RV's, and primitive campers. Campsites are relatively flat but a little gravely. Sites are pretty close together but each one has a fire ring and picnic table.
You can't get any close to the water, being right on the French Broad River. Sling up a hammock for serious relaxation.
We enjoyed this campground as a large group and rented out 4 adjacent sites. Dogs are welcome. Firewood can be purchased, but we never saw anyone in the office so I would suggest bringing your own.
Bathrooms are at the front of the park, a 10-minute walk from the primitive sites. Bathrooms are not spotless, but they do the trick.
ScoutClose to charming Abingdon VA with great local restaurants, the Barter Theater and the Virginia Creeper Trail. On the north fork of the Holsten River, this quiet campground provides the perfect spot for a family trip
LegendWe camped here for 3 nights with our dogs. Our site was in the B loop and had no water or electricity. It was surrounded by a lot of trees, so it had shade. It was a short walk to the bathhouse which was very clean with nice showers.
The campground has 4 different loops. I personally liked the B loop the best because everything was very close to it like hiking trails, laundry facility, basketball court, and a little camp store which has ice and firewood available.
The state park also has a lodge, cabins, and a beautiful lake. There is a restaurant in the park. We tried it for lunch and it was good. The landscape in the park was just beautiful. The overlooks, especially the tower overlook, are gorgeous. There are several hiking trails. Be aware that the loop is extremely strenuous and takes 4 to 5 ours. I really liked that the trails are not heavily trafficked.
We would definitely camp here again. All the park staff, hosts and volunteers were super nice and very helpful.
Discover the joy of camping with your furry friends near John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir in Virginia. Several pet-friendly campgrounds offer a perfect blend of nature and amenities for both you and your pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir is Breaks Interstate Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 23 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir?
TheDyrt.com has all 43 dog-friendly camping locations near John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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