Best Campgrounds near Mendota, VA

The Appalachian foothills surrounding Mendota, Virginia feature a mix of established campgrounds and more rustic options within an hour's drive. Natural Tunnel State Park Campground, located in nearby Duffield, offers year-round camping with full hookup sites, cabins, and primitive camping areas. Sugar Hollow Campground in Bristol provides affordable sites with electric hookups in a natural setting that accommodates both tents and RVs. The region includes several riverside camping options, with Riverside Campground in Abingdon situated along the North Fork of the Holston River, operating seasonally from April through October with full amenities for family trips.

Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with many campgrounds experiencing limited or no coverage. As one camper at Creeper Trail Campground noted, "There is no cell phone reception anywhere around until you get to Damascus about 30 minutes away." Travelers should download maps and information before arrival. Virginia Wildlife Management Areas like Hidden Valley WMA require an access pass ($4) plus camping authorization purchased online. Mountain roads accessing some campgrounds can be challenging for larger vehicles, particularly in winter conditions. According to a reviewer at Backbone Rock Recreation Area, "The potholed road and tight turns to get up to the camp would be tough for any vehicle larger than 20 feet. 4WD highly recommended, especially in mud season or winter."

Proximity to outdoor recreation defines many camping experiences in the region. The Virginia Creeper Trail appears frequently in camper reviews as a major attraction, with multiple campgrounds providing convenient access to this popular cycling route. Creekside camping is particularly valued, with one visitor to Backbone Rock noting, "The running water sound of the creek behind us lulled us to sleep." Wildlife viewing opportunities include wild ponies at Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and Grayson Highlands State Park. While most established campgrounds maintain clean facilities with showers and hookups, dispersed camping in Washington & Jefferson National Forest requires self-sufficiency. Campers should be prepared for variable terrain, as many tent sites in the mountainous areas may not be perfectly level.

Best Camping Sites Near Mendota, Virginia (175)

    1. Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground — Warriors' Path State Park

    26 Reviews
    Kingsport, TN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 867-2757

    "We had a change of plans and made reservations at Warrior Path State Park on a whim - and are VERY glad we did."

    "This park is located about 15 minutes off I-81 just south of the VA/TN border, making it extremely convenient, and a great place to stop for anyone traveling that stretch of the country."

    2. Little Oak Campground

    23 Reviews
    Shady Valley, TN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 735-1500

    $12 / night

    "**Holston Lake is absolutely beautiful. The campground is deep in the national forest, out on a series of peninsulas, making all the campsites quite close to the water."

    "This campground is located about an hour or so from our home but it feels like a million miles away — in a good way!"

    3. Sugar Hollow Campground

    9 Reviews
    Bristol, VA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 645-7275

    $20 / night

    "Trails right off the campground to walk around the park, not huge but nice. Close off the highway but no road noise."

    "From the road you wouldn’t guess there’s a giant park beyond the entrance. The rangers at the entrance were super friendly, but they patrol a lot, so often no one is actually at the gate house."

    4. Breath of Dawn

    1 Review
    Mendota, VA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 880-8551

    $28 - $150 / night

    5. Riverside Campground

    7 Reviews
    Abingdon, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 628-5333

    $28 - $40 / night

    "Close to charming Abingdon VA with great local restaurants, the Barter Theater and the Virginia Creeper Trail."

    "There are about 8-10 sites that are right behind the pool and more sites down a short hill all along the river. This campground accommodates tents, pop ups and RV's comfortably."

    6. Natural Tunnel State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Duffield, VA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 940-2674

    "There's a trail to the tunnel or you can take a chairlift. There's a museum, several gift shops, camp store, visitor centers. The staff is helpful and friendly. Many educational activities."

    "However, the temperatures were in the lower 90s outside, and once we walked inside the yurt, it was like walking into an oven. The temperature had to be somewhere around 110 degrees inside."

    7. Moody Bluff Campground — Warriors' Path State Park

    6 Reviews
    Kingsport, TN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 867-2757

    "All around wonderful place to camp"

    "updated bathhouses lots of shady sites sits on Patrick Henry Lake - no boat that’s ok rent paddle boats and kayaks at the Marina or just have lunch and watch the ducks on the water!"

    8. Shadrack Campground

    3 Reviews
    Bristol, TN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 217-1181

    $28 - $40 / night

    "Close to Bristol Speedway, immaculate bath house and laundry, office staff is very friendly and helpful,well kept sights and maintenance and camp host during race time are superb"

    9. Observation Knob Park

    5 Reviews
    Shady Valley, TN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 878-1881

    $25 - $35 / night

    "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."

    "Older but absolutely beautiful park located right on the lake. The park is very well maintained and the staff are super friendly. The views of the mountains meeting the lake are absolutely stunning."

    10. Hidden Valley WMA

    4 Reviews
    Willis, VA
    16 miles
    Website

    "This 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."

    "Easy to access in a vehicle several campers campsites available Lake is calm and clean for water recreation. Has the portable restroom and plenty of firewood."

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Recent Reviews near Mendota, VA

805 Reviews of 175 Mendota Campgrounds


  • Christine S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Rocky Top Campground & RV Park

    Loud construction, neverending leaf blowing, not restful

    The campground itself was good. Bathhouse was clean-ish. The one shower stall smelled quite moldy/mildewy. Not a lot of amenities. We stayed a week and all days during the week - Monday through Friday, there was construction literally right beside our RV. Constant leaf blowing. I understand that they are doing improvements, that is great. A head's up about it, possible option to stay at another site, a noise discount, or at least letting us know, so we could make a choice, would have been nice. Would never stay here again.

  • Todd C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Breaks Interstate Park Campground

    Fall trip

    Beautiful campground, site can be a little small. We stayed in the C loop so we never used the bath house or anything. The camp hosts and staff were amazing and lots of help.

  • cyndy B.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Lower Twin Campground (VA)

    Good

    Great host,, very clean.. Has showers ,, bost ramp, hiking,, etc... ONLY downfall about the place is SNAKES... Be on the lookout for copperheads and rattlesnakes !!!

  • S
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Observation Knob Park

    On the water

    Beautiful, popular park. Not all sites are level. Sites are fairly close together. Excellent scenery.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Around Pond RV Park

    Nice stop

    nice stop off interstate, about 1 mile easy pull thru, during week stop, was quiet, peaceful, little traffic noise through nite. pond area, chickens, ducks, swans.

  • William F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Creekside Campground — Hungry Mother State Park

    Great Spot!

    Sites are a little close and sharp turns coming in. Pads are level, bathrooms are clean. Everything is kinda spread out as far as bathrooms houses or playgrounds for the kids. Really nice and quiet tho.

  • Bailey R.
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Cardens Bluff Campground

    Lake side camping

    This relaxing little camp site has such pretty spacious camp site. We went day of in September and found a spot on the lake no problem. Do bring cash as it’s cash only if you pay the day you show up. Camp host were super nice and the price was wonderful. There weren’t as many bathrooms as I would have liked due to most being worked on. There is really good cell service on the camp site.

  • Mary D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Roan Mountain State Park Campground

    New Favorite Campground

    This is my new favorite campground! There are trees everywhere and there really isn't a bad spot! Some sites were right on the creek (sites 40 and 41 were great). The tent camping area is beautiful and one of the best I've seen. We were at site 9, one of the only pull-through sites. We had water and electric and some sites have FHU. There are a lot of beautiful hikes in the area. No cell service, but there is (slow) wifi throughout the campground. There is a Verizon hotspot to make calls, but I couldn't connect with US Cellular. We will definitely be back!


Guide to Mendota

Camping near Mendota, Virginia typically offers moderate temperatures from April through October, with average highs around 75-85°F during summer months. The region sits at elevations between 1,500-2,000 feet, creating varied terrain for campsite selection. Most camping areas feature mixed hardwood forests dominated by oak, maple, and hickory trees that provide natural shade.

What to do

Disk golf at state parks: Warriors' Path State Park offers an 18-hole disk golf course as part of its recreational amenities. "We only did one hike, however, there are multiple trails to make use of in the park. My son and I enjoyed a round of disk golf while my wife and daughters made use of their awesome playground," notes Jedidiah J. from Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground.

Canoe on South Holston Lake: Little Oak Campground provides direct lake access with multiple water activities. According to Nathan F., "The camp ground is well organized with many amenities including super easy access to the water on all sides and surprisingly clean bathrooms. After the boat noise dies down the lake is extremely peaceful and placid."

Mountain biking on dedicated trails: Natural Tunnel State Park contains several mountain biking trails that connect to the campground areas. "This is an enjoyable State Park with a lot to offer. It houses an acclaimed mountain bike trail area. Nearby you can golf and ride horses," reports Sara M. from Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground.

What campers like

Lakefront camping spots: Observation Knob Park features camping sites directly on South Holston Lake. "Beautiful, popular park. Not all sites are level. Sites are fairly close together. Excellent scenery," explains Shawn. Another camper, Eleanor, adds: "Large County campground with electric and water with two pump out stations. Spacious, hilly sites with some tree coverage along lake with boat ramp and capacity to tie your boat up at your site."

Affordability of local campgrounds: Sugar Hollow Campground offers budget-friendly camping options with surprising amenities. "You can't beat the price and your secluded but yet close to Sam's and Walmart and even a Chick-fil-A 10-day maximum," explains Mike. Another camper, Catharina L., confirms: "And really inexpensive (we paid $20 per night)."

Seclusion in urban-adjacent settings: Several campgrounds near Mendota provide a sense of isolation despite being near conveniences. Charles H. notes about Sugar Hollow Campground: "As the title says, anyone local knows about this park, however, few take advantage of the camping aspect. Few neighbors, excellent staff, and a nice area to hang out with friends, family, or even yourself!"

What you should know

Varied site levelness: Many campsites near Mendota require leveling equipment. "Really nice facility near town. There are a lot of uneven campsites, so bring your leveling blocks," reports Michelle I. about Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground.

Hidden Valley WMA permit requirements: For dispersed camping at Hidden Valley WMA, permits are required. "Camping is free, technically. (you need to purchase an Access pass from Virginia Wildlife for 4 dollars online, and add a camping authorization to your account)," explains Rhys R.

Seasonal variations in campground crowding: Summer months often see full facilities at established campgrounds. "Sites were right on top of one another and extremely crowded—felt like a tailgating party in a parking lot. We ended up leaving when we found someone's car parked in our spot, and a group of 30-40 people congregated at the site next to us," reports Karin P. about Warriors' Path during a July visit.

Tips for camping with families

Scout sites before booking: Family-friendly sites vary considerably in size and suitability. "The only issues we had were several of the sites were too small for even our pop up camper, no way an RV can fit. You really need to scout the sites beforehand," advises Kate S. about Warriors' Path State Park.

Ranger-led activities for children: Natural Tunnel State Park Campground offers educational programs. "In the warm seasons they have a ranger that comes around and even little events for kids. I remember picking apart an owl pellet with the ranger. Very outdoor educational," recalls Travis R.

Playground availability: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "Very fun and kid friendly with play ground," notes Britt about Moody Bluff Campground. Another camper, Natalie A., mentions that Warriors' Path "has a Boundless Playground!"

Tips from RVers

Electrical protection: Some older campgrounds near Mendota have less reliable electrical systems. "Recommend a surge protector on your camper as there are no breakers on the electric hook up at the site (clustered elsewhere)," advises Eleanor about Observation Knob Park.

Site selection for larger rigs: Pay careful attention to campsite dimensions for larger RVs. "The site was perfect for our 23 ft RV but pay attention to the site size as some RVs had issues getting their larger RVs in their sites with the road/site layout," warns Jennifer H. at Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground.

Water hookup variations: At many campgrounds near Mendota, water access points aren't individual. "Most lots have electricity, water hookup is at the road and usually shared with several other campers," explains Christy H. about Sugar Hollow Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Lake Mendota located and how can I access camping areas?

Lake Mendota is located in Virginia's scenic region, accessible via several nearby camping options. Hidden Valley WMA offers camping close to the water's edge (though not directly lakeside) with free camping technically available with the purchase of a Virginia Wildlife Access pass. For those seeking easy access from campus areas, Honey Bear Campground provides convenient options. Most camping areas around Lake Mendota can be accessed by car with some offering walk-in sites, and several campgrounds provide good access points for water activities.

What amenities are available at Mendota campgrounds?

Mendota area campgrounds offer a range of amenities to suit different camping preferences. Sugar Hollow Campground provides affordable sites ($20/night) with phone service and Wi-Fi in some spots, accommodating RVs up to 25ft with varying leveling needs. Backbone Rock Recreation Area features large, shaded campsites along a beautiful tree-lined road. Other campgrounds in the area typically include fire rings, toilet facilities (from porta-potties to proper restrooms), and some offer bear bins. Amenities vary by location, with some sites being more primitive while others provide additional conveniences like water access and designated parking.

What camping is available near Mendota, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Mendota, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 175 campgrounds and RV parks near Mendota, VA and 13 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Mendota, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mendota, VA is Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground — Warriors' Path State Park with a 3.9-star rating from 26 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 free dispersed camping spots near Mendota, VA.

What parks are near Mendota, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 29 parks near Mendota, VA that allow camping, notably John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir and Cherokee National Forest.