Best Campgrounds near Fort Blackmore, VA
Campgrounds near Fort Blackmore, Virginia range from established state parks to primitive camping areas set amid Appalachian landscapes. Natural Tunnel State Park serves as the region's camping centerpiece, featuring diverse accommodation types including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, yurts, and primitive camping areas. The park's campgrounds, such as Lover's Leap and Cove View, offer varying levels of amenities, with some sites providing electric hookups and water access while others maintain a more rustic experience.
Access to campsites throughout the region varies by location, with some areas requiring navigation of steep, winding roads. Many campsites are best accessed before nightfall, especially when towing equipment. "Highly recommend getting in before last light. Especially if you're towing anything, roads are steep and winding getting to and from camp/cabins," noted one camper. Cell service can be spotty to non-existent, particularly on hiking trails. The primitive camping areas require proper precautions for wildlife, as bears and coyotes are present in the region. Most established campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, though some amenities like the chairlift at Natural Tunnel State Park operate only on weekends during certain seasons.
Campers consistently praise the natural features and maintained trails throughout the Fort Blackmore area. Natural Tunnel itself represents a unique geological attraction within the state park, featuring a massive tunnel approximately 200 feet wide and 80 feet high, with an active railroad running through it. Hiking trails range from moderate paths to more challenging routes along ridges. A reviewer mentioned, "The Stockton Creek hike is through water and a bit challenging balance wise." Primitive camping sites often provide tent pads, picnic tables, fire pits, and bear boxes, making them suitable for those seeking a more remote experience while maintaining basic amenities. Bathhouses at developed campgrounds receive positive reviews for cleanliness and hot water availability. The region's campgrounds generally maintain reasonable distance between sites, though this varies by location, with Lover's Leap campground frequently mentioned for its spacious sites.
