Best Campgrounds near Clintwood, VA

The Appalachian highlands surrounding Clintwood, Virginia feature several established campgrounds nestled among forested mountains and waterways. Breaks Interstate Park Campground, located about 20 miles northeast of Clintwood, offers diverse accommodation options including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts. Pound River Campground and Cranesnest Campground provide riverside camping experiences closer to town, with both offering electric hookups for RVs while maintaining a natural setting. The John W. Flannagan Reservoir area supports multiple camping options with boat-in access points. Most campgrounds in this region maintain moderate to high ratings from visitors who appreciate the mountain scenery and water recreation opportunities.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many campgrounds requiring navigation along winding mountain roads. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, while spring and fall bring cooler temperatures and occasional heavy rainfall. Cell service can be spotty in valley locations but improves at higher elevations. As one camper noted about a nearby site, "You'll be climbing one of the highest mountains in Virginia to get there, so be prepared for the drive." Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer months and fall color season. Bear activity is common in the area, with several campgrounds providing bear-resistant storage options and safety guidelines for food storage.

Visitors consistently highlight the scenic mountain views and water access as standout features of camping in this region. The Russell Fork River near Breaks Interstate Park receives particular praise for its dramatic canyon setting, with one reviewer describing it as "an ancient canyon cut through time by the Russell Fork River some 1000 feet below." Bathhouse facilities vary widely between campgrounds, with state park facilities generally receiving higher marks for cleanliness and maintenance. Weekday camping tends to offer more solitude, while weekend visits often bring higher occupancy and occasional noise issues. Fishing opportunities abound in the area's lakes and rivers, with several campgrounds providing direct water access for anglers and boaters.

Best Camping Sites Near Clintwood, Virginia (68)

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Recent Reviews near Clintwood, VA

254 Reviews of 68 Clintwood Campgrounds


  • Carol J.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Breaks Interstate Park Campground

    Great spot for nature lovers

    This is a very well maintained park, with many hiking and overlook opportunities.  White tail deer are frequent, and very tame.  Bathrooms are clean and well maintained.  Lots of hot water and water pressure in the showers.  There is a pool and waterpark on site, and a gift shop and camp store.  Was disappointed that the Visitor Center was only open on the weekend (and it was still prior to Labor Day).  Staff was helpful and friendly, although there was no camp host on site on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday nights.

  • Lisa Horton
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Breaks Interstate Park Campground

    We took off for 4 days and decided to go to the Breaks and fish, camp out, and just enjoy our time with one another.

    It was a very nice camping spot and it also had a grill that we used to cook out. They also have a restaurant in the park that has some of the best food I have ever ate.

  • Beth B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Clinch River Family Campground

    Be prepared for 7 mile drive from main road

    We chose this campground because it was close to Natural Tunnel and Devils Fork trail (30-45 min). Both of these are worth doing if you are in the area. We chose to only hike to Devils bathtub (about 2 miles one way). It was exceptional but difficult.

    Most of the final road to campground is paved with exception of last mile, its wide enough but slow going. You will lose cellular pretty quickly when you turn on that road.

    Campground is well maintained, lots of playground equipment for kids and a launch for tubes/kayaks. At main road there is a public launch if you want to put in there and then float to campground.

    No laundry. Bathhouse is just ok, dated but functional.

    Owners are nice, and communicate quickly by email or phone. We had issue with the site we reserved and just moved over one site when setting up late and in the rain…told owner next day and it was no problem.

  • Zoey T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Hidden Valley WMA

    Private location - challanging hills

    The camp area is alright - 4 ish areas to pull up to and a few tent sites… pretty and quiet. Only downside is that the road up is a pretty harsh grade for 4 miles. Our short bus Skoolie had some troubles with it. There also are a few peculiar (methy) characters that come in and out of the parking lot at night. Outside of that pretty quiet cool fern filled Forrest and lake.

  • Ryan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Sugar Hollow Campground

    Gorgeous Secluded park

    Love this place. Very secluded feeling, we had no one around us. Very clean and close to town conveniences.

  • Michael N.
    Jun. 5, 2025

    Observation Knob Park

    3 week stay….

    We do lots of walking, so this campground has many drives to walk. Takes no time at all to walk a mile plus without going the same drive. Many shaded sites, lots seem to be seasonal. Showers and restrooms are spaced apart for sections of grounds. Very hilly, some sites are unlevel, so additional blocking helps. Only 2 dump stations, but, there is a honey wagon service that quite close and very reasonably priced.

  • Polly J.
    Jun. 5, 2025

    Carr Creek State Park Campground

    Disgusting

    Bbathrooms are disgusting.  Half don't work and handicap doesn't have lock. Only 1 shower worked. Water leaking from toilet and sink. The beach wasn't open so it couldn't have been beach water. It's been like this for 5 years.  They don't seem to care.

  • A
    May. 26, 2025

    Observation Knob Park

    Great all around

    Great for kids and dogs!! Spots are a little hard to find if you aren’t familiar, and there is no septic at each site, but other than that, it’s exactly what you’d expect. Long term and by night rentals. Food trucks on bigger holidays!

  • papa G.
    May. 24, 2025

    Clinch River Family Campground

    Spectacular

    What a great experience for the whole family and kids and enjoyed the privacy water was a little cold this time of year but I had a great fire next to the river Under the Stars roasting s'mores


Guide to Clintwood

Camping near Clintwood, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Natural Tunnel State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The trails out of and around the campground are worth the hikes," highlighting the great hiking options available.
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Paintsville Lake State Park Campground. A camper noted, "We love fishing on Paintsville Lake!" which shows the lake's appeal for anglers.
  • Wildlife Watching: Visit Breaks Interstate Park Campground for a chance to see local wildlife. One visitor shared, "Wildlife is not fearful of us, or the dogs," making it a great spot for animal lovers.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. At Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground, a reviewer said, "The main campground shower units are individual and separate from the bathrooms... it was meticulously clean all week."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites at Little Oak Campground. One camper remarked, "Spacious sites; peaceful campground; clean showers," emphasizing the comfort of the camping experience.
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. At Grindstone, a visitor noted, "The hosts were extremely friendly and can answer all of your questions."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell reception. A camper at Hurricane Campground warned, "Absolutely no reception so be sure to have everything squared away before entering the park!"
  • Primitive Camping: Some campgrounds, like Grindstone, have limited amenities. A review mentioned, "If you have a tent or smaller RV, bring your own drinking water," indicating the need for self-sufficiency.
  • Seasonal Availability: Check the camping season for each site. For example, Little Oak Campground is open from April to October, so plan your trip accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. At Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground, a reviewer mentioned, "They have a full docket of activities, ranger-led hikes, games, crafts and wildlife lectures offered throughout the day."
  • Safe Play Areas: Choose campgrounds with open spaces for kids to play. One camper at Hurricane Campground noted, "Nice creek for kids to play in as well as an open field great for catching the night sky."
  • Plan for Rain: Be ready for wet weather. A family at Hurricane Campground said, "Despite the 3 days of constant rain, we made the best of it and enjoyed the hell out of our stay!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to read site descriptions carefully. A reviewer at Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground advised, "Be sure to read site descriptions and check the suggested trailer size."
  • Access to Amenities: Look for campgrounds with full hookups. A camper at Paintsville Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Nice level, large sites with full hookups," which is a plus for RV travelers.
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A visitor at Cardens Bluff Campground noted, "The noise in this campground carries and makes for a restless night," so consider your site location.

Camping near Clintwood, Virginia, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. From hiking and fishing to family-friendly activities, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Clintwood, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Clintwood, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 68 campgrounds and RV parks near Clintwood, VA and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Clintwood, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Clintwood, VA is Breaks Interstate Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 23 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Clintwood, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Clintwood, VA.

What parks are near Clintwood, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 31 parks near Clintwood, VA that allow camping, notably John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir and Fishtrap Lake.