RV parks near Lebanon, Virginia operate in the mountainous terrain of southwestern Virginia, where elevations range from 2,000 to 3,000 feet. Most campgrounds in this region follow the valleys along creeks and rivers, with limited flat terrain suitable for larger rigs. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing from November through March, prompting seasonal closures at some parks.
What to do
Creeper Trail access: Laurel Creek RV Park in Damascus provides direct access to the Virginia Creeper Trail. "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," notes one camper who appreciated the proximity to the trail.
Riverside walking trails: At Jessie Lea RV Park and Campground, visitors can access local walking paths. "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!" reports one visitor who enjoyed the literary connection.
Coal mining history: Portal 31 RV Park is located directly across from a historic coal mine exhibition. "If you want to see the history of coal production in southeast Kentucky, this is the place. If you (like me) are a highpointer, this site is like 4 miles from KY highpoint, Black Mountain," explains a camper interested in local industrial heritage.
What campers like
Creek and river access: Waterfront sites are particularly valued at Riverside Campground in Abingdon. "First trip camping solo and loved this riverside stay. Staff could not have been more friendly and accommodating. Despite the rainy weekend, I enjoyed my view along the water front," shares one camper who appreciated the waterside location.
Clean facilities: Rocky Top Campground & RV Park in Blountville maintains well-kept grounds. "Nice clean campground with affordable pricing, I highly recommend this camp," notes a satisfied visitor who found the park well maintained.
Mountain views: Some sites offer elevated perspectives of the surrounding landscape. "Plenty of space with short grass. Small rock fire pit and log bench. Excellent views and lots of deer and birds about," describes a visitor to Breath of Dawn, highlighting the wildlife viewing opportunities.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Several campgrounds in the region operate only during warmer months. Riverside Campground in Abingdon is open "April - October," requiring winter travelers to find alternative options.
Wildlife concerns: Local fauna includes various snake species that campers should be aware of. "The place is crawling with Venomous Copperheads. Do not recommend tent camping here," warns one Riverside Campground visitor about potential wildlife encounters.
Cell service: While not mentioned in many reviews, mobile connectivity varies significantly throughout the mountainous terrain, with stronger signals generally available at campgrounds closer to towns and highways.
Flood impacts: Several campgrounds along creeks may experience periodic flooding. "We didn't realize that this place had pretty much washed away in the flood that hit in September of 2024, but they'd been working hard to get it back up and going again!" notes a visitor to Laurel Creek RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: River Country Campground & RV Park offers family-friendly water activities. "New playground for the kids! Remodeled bath houses make it the nicest campground on the river," reports a camper who appreciated the child-friendly amenities.
Holiday activities: Some campgrounds organize special events during major holidays. "If you go on any holiday, there are usually holiday related activities for the whole family. October was great for costumes, trick or treating, fall activities and parties!" shares a visitor who enjoyed the seasonal programming at Riverside Campground.
Family-friendly rivers: Water features with moderate depths provide safe play areas. "The river is perfect! It's not too deep so the kids can play in it. Fairly easily accessed from many areas at the campground," notes a parent who found the waterways at Riverside Campground appropriate for children.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: RV sites at many parks have limited separation. "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. Sites are spaced out with some full-timers, part-timers and vacationers," explains a Jessie Lea RV Park visitor.
Navigation challenges: Some access roads present difficulties for larger rigs. "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," cautions a Rocky Top Campground visitor.
Noise considerations: Construction and maintenance can impact stays at some rv parks near Lebanon. "We stayed a week and all days during the week - Monday through Friday, there was construction literally right beside our RV. Constant leaf blowing," reports a Rocky Top Campground guest who found the noise disruptive.
