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Natural Tunnel State Park Campground offers rustic cabin camping options with modern amenities in a scenic setting near Mendota. Cabins provide electric hookups, running water, and toilet facilities, with several units featuring full kitchens complete with refrigerator, stove, and microwave. Most cabins include heat and air conditioning systems for year-round comfort, making them suitable for both summer and winter visits. Picnic tables and fire rings are standard at cabin sites, allowing for outdoor meals and evening fires. "We stayed in one of the cabins after Hurricane Michael rained out our plans for tent camping. This was our first time in one of the VSP cabins, and will not be our last," one visitor commented about the comfortable accommodations.
Rustic log cabins and more modern cabin rentals are available throughout the region's campgrounds, including at Bristol-Kingsport KOA, where small single-room structures accommodate couples or solo travelers, while larger family cabins sleep 4-6 people. Most cabin sites require advance reservations, particularly during peak season from April through October. Pet policies vary by location—Natural Tunnel State Park and Hungry Mother State Park allow pets in designated cabins with additional fees. According to one camper, "I'd never used a KOA before but was tremendously impressed with the serene beauty of this place situated well away from traffic in a bucolic setting. The young man who helped me observed I was alone and put me in a small cabin for no additional charge."
Most cabins include beds with mattresses but require guests to bring their own linens, pillows, and towels. Kitchen facilities vary significantly between locations, with some offering only basic microwaves while others provide full kitchens with cookware and utensils. Firewood can be purchased at most campground offices or camp stores, which also typically stock basic provisions and camping supplies. The camp stores at Natural Tunnel State Park and Roan Mountain State Park offer firewood bundles, ice, and limited grocery items. Visitors planning extended stays should consider bringing groceries from larger towns, as on-site selections are generally limited to essentials.
"We booked before the site filled up and got the best site of the loop — site 006. I don’t know if we’ll ever be back because it was a bit out of the way for us."
"With south Holston lake at your finger tips it offers a great area to fish, boat, kayak, paddle board and swim. Facilities were cleaned everyday so no stinky bathrooms and showers."
from $12 / night
Check Availability"First of all, it is a cross between a tent and a cabin, and it has no electricity, bathroom, or running water."
"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."
"I’d never used a KOA before but was tremendously impressed with the serene beauty of this place situated well away from traffic in a bucolic setting."
"They have cabins, a nice pool, a blob, lots of outdoor activities, playground area, horse shoes, even with it being a smaller KOA Campground there is a lot to do."
"Bath House was very clean...shower. Nestled next to the.Holly River. Prices were good."
"I came here on a couple of break days while working at a nearby summer camp and it was such a fun experience. The lake surrounded by mountains was breathtakingly beautiful."
from $30 - $95 / night
Check Availability"Shaded, good fire pits, picnic table. Fire pits you had to walk up to but were away from tents, which I liked. Bathhouse was clean, well lit, pretty warm showers."
"Some of the sites, the picnic table, fire pit, and grill are disjointed from the pad, separated by distance or stairs. There are several things to do, a lot of trails, all very pretty."
"Campground consist of a fire ring in the middle with benches and tables surrounded by back-in camp sites. There was a nice clean bathhouse with showers. Free firewood."
"Cabins, RV spots mostly level, paddocks for horses. Lots of exploration in the woods potential."
from $15 - $45 / night
Check Availability"All sites have picnic tables and fire rings, and bathrooms with electricity and flush toilets* Chestnut Hollow Campground:
-There are 23 sites here with water and electric hook-ups May-October, and"
"Campground Review: There are two campgrounds in Grayson Highland SP which is located by The Mouth Of Wilson, VA, near the North Carolina border."
from $27 - $98 / night
Check Availability"Booked a 3 night stay over the weekend and had the primitive camping area to ourselves. 5 spots with tent pads, picnic tables, fire pit, hanging poles, and bear box."
"Had a great weekend at Natural Tunnel State Park. This campground stays booked up but was able to get in on a cancellation for the upcoming weekend."
from $16 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $75 - $100 / night
"I spend on average 10 days at a time camping in the primitive grounds (April/May, Aug/Sep & end of October 2023 ) all five spaces are nicely kept and a large communal fire pit is wonderful."
"Amazing trails, well maintained with breathtaking views. Camp site was clean. Accessible. Camp store had all the needed supplies and then some. Friendly staff. Well monitored for safety."
from $37 - $80 / night
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LegendSites: 60 Pull thrus
RV-Tent-Cabins 15-30-50 amp service
Hot showers, pool, pets allowed, toilets, laundry, small grocery store This is only of couple of miles off I40 in the rolling hills of Tennessee, very quiet and well maintained. Sites ae a bit close together but not on top of each other. Gravel pads, fire rings, picnic table, trash. Beautiful green space and dog walk area. Enjoy the hiking.
LNT
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LegendAshley here with The Dyrt. This A-frame cabin comes with 5-gallon refillable solar heated water bag, porch, cooking area, outhouse, gas fire pit, lounge chairs, and a beautiful mountain view! Come check them out and leave them some love!
LegendThis is the first time I have stayed in a yurt, and it was definitely a learning experience. First of all, it is a cross between a tent and a cabin, and it has no electricity, bathroom, or running water. This was not so bad since the campground bath house was only a couple of hundred feet away. 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. Immediately after opening the door, opening the window and opening the canvas window coverings, we could feel the heat pouring out of the yurt. Fortunately, I had two 100-foot extension cords and a fan in our car. I plugged into the closest campsite and ran the cord to the yurt. There is no way we could have stayed in the yurt without the fan, so if you decide to stay in a yurt at this park during the summer, make sure to take extension cords and at least one fan. One thing that my wife and I found strange was that there were handrails along the three steps to the deck around the yurt, but there were no handrails beside the rougher steps leading to the yurt. Once we got the yurt cooled off to a decent temperature(high 70s), it wasn’t too bad. It had a queen bed and a trundle bed, which our grandson stayed on. A couch, side tables, and a dining table was also inside. The overall appearance inside the yurt was pleasant, and there was a picnic table and rocking chairs on the outside on the deck. There was also a fire pit, another picnic table, and a lantern hanger included with this yurt on the ground outside of the deck area. You will have to take your own linens for the beds—a queen and a single. There are two campgrounds in this state park, and each one is quite different. The Lover’s Leap campground has space for larger RVs and appears to be the newer of the two campgrounds. Although there are playgrounds, a swimming complex, an amphitheater, and much more, some of these venues are closed for the season due to the pandemic. The one thing I was really looking forward to(the chairlift) is only open on weekends. However, we were able to hike a couple of trails and see the natural tunnel. There are also cabins in the campground and they have a variety of sleeping arrangements of up to sixteen people in one cabin. The historical background of the state park is varied and extensive, so there are a lot of things to see within the park and surrounding the park. My wife and I decided we really want to come back and camp here again when we have more time. Overall, the campground has a lot of opportunities for different types of camping, and a lot to do, but if you stay in a yurt, be prepared.
GuideBooked a 3 night stay over the weekend and had the primitive camping area to ourselves. 5 spots with tent pads, picnic tables, fire pit, hanging poles, and bear box. Then there is a very large, communal fire pit, and an open but covered shelter with picnic tables and an outlet to charge your tech things. Water spigot at top, a little walk, uphill, for water. The camp store people said they are unable to use spigot nearby common shelter because it’s no good. 🤷🏻♀️ Glad we brought our large bladder so we weren’t constantly going up and down the hill for water. Camp store with some basics at entrance, and person on golf cart drives around checking on things. Trash dumpster, up the hill just past water spigot. Couldn’t have asked for a more peaceful place, especially for the price, $15/night. Took advantage of some of the hiking trails, which were well maintained and marked. Also, went and checked out the natural tunnel via chairlift. The other two campgrounds looked nice, with big, fancy bathhouses. And the cabins, wow, fancy! Hooray for Virginia State Parks!!
Legend**Campground Review: **
This is the second year in a row of us ending our summer road trip at Honey Bear Campground in Boone, NC. Honey Bear is a medium sized campground with around 60 sites that are a mix of full hook up, RV water& electric, Tent water& electric, primitive camp sites, and a group tent camp area. There is also two small cabins to rent. All sites with hook ups also included cable hook ups. I have included a campground map in my pictures for your orientation. All the sites are gravel and most sites are wooded with lots of shade. The sites are a little sloped, so have leveling equipment ready. The sites vary from small and close together, to medium size with established plumeria shrubs separating sites for some privacy. All style sites include a picnic table and fire ring. If the campground is full, they do have an overflow area that they allow you to boondock at until a site opens up.
Check-in was easy at the office at the entrance of the campground. We stayed on site B12 again this year as we find it private, well shaded, and close to a small creek that provided background water noise when it’s flowing good. This site does have a good slope to it and we had to use a stack of 3 Cacmo leveling blocks to get level, but if anything, this is my only minor complaint about this site.
The bathhouse is centrally located and older, but functional and cleaned daily. There are also laundry machines available between the men’s and women’s area.
Firewood and ice was available at the office. You can even walk down, pay for wood and/or ice and they will deliver it to your site! The office also has limited other supplies. There is a full grocery store less than 10 minutes away. Connected to the office is a coffee bar that also had some seating and a TV(Seemed to be a teen hang out in the evenings).
We found good cell phone service with Verizon throughout the property. The campground did have wi-fi, however we only got a good connection if we were near the office/coffee bar.
The campground also has a dog run, which our dogs loved. After being on the road for two weeks they enjoy every opportunity to get off leash and run. The dog area was surprisingly clean, so either the dog owners are doing the right thing and cleaning up after their dogs, or the staff monitors and cleans this area regularly.
Being right on the outskirts of Boone is very beneficial. The area offers all types of outdoor activities, from hiking, rock climbing, fishing, mountain biking, and an assortment of snow sports in the winter. Additionally, you’ll find lots of shopping, restaurants, breweries & wineries, and appealing little towns around the area to explore. Also, Boone sits at 3,333 feet (surrounding mountains go up to 6K), so even in the middle of the summer you’ll find very comfortable day and night temperatures.
Pro Tip: Check with the office for the Saturday night movie! Weather dependent, they show a movie outdoors on the front lawn. Bring your chair or blanket and a cooler/snacks, and come hang out for a movie with fellow campers. They had multiple fire pits going the Saturday we were there, so bring your favorite snacks to toast over the fire.
With this being our second year to stop here, we have fallen in love with the area. We recommend this campground and will keep returning to this area. I wish it was a little closer to where we live and we’d come here a lot more often!
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**Product Review: **
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test products. At this campground, I tested the Gregory Intertia 20 H2O Hydration Pack. This backpack from Gregory turned out to be my new favorite day hiking pack. The 20L easily fits all my day hiking equipment with room to spare. The 3L reservoir is plenty of water for a day hike even on the warmest of days. What I also really like is the side pockets. They are very deep, so if you are on a shorter hike where you are not using the 3L reservoir, you don’t have to worry about water bottles popping out of the side pockets (I’ve had other packs with short side pockets where water bottles fall out easily). The front mesh pocket is also large enough to hold all that“need now” type gear and there is a small quick stow pocket that is lined and perfect for storing glasses or sunglasses. Even loaded down with more than I’d usually take for a day hike, I found that with the multiple adjustment straps, this pack proved to be very comfortable and rode perfect on my back. I highly recommend this pack for day hikes and look forward to trying some of their larger packs in the future.
GuideDoe River Landing is a small, delightful RV and cabin camping park that sits on the banks of the Doe River in the Roan Mountain valley of TN. We enjoyed our stay enough that we extended a few extra days. Five shaded, landscaped RV sites offering water/electric are located about 20 yards from the river’s edge. An additional site offers a fully-outfitted rental RV. Sites are pea gravel and mostly level. Luxury rental cabins(5) are available along with a truly awesome rental pavilion outfitted for larger group gatherings. The friendly hosts live in a home nearby and were around daily during our stay.
For a small family campground the amenities are super nice. The top-notch children’s playground and toy shed obviously delighted guest’s children. Wi-Fi signal is strong enough for streaming. Nice, clean bathhouse. Public grills are available. Hiking trails meander along the river and up through their woods.
There are few places we enjoy more than the Roan Mountain area for camping. The location is fantastic and even peak summer temperatures are usually comfortable. Roan Mountain State Park is minutes away for hiking and a slew of activities, while the top of Roan Mountain houses the famous wild Rhododendron Gardens. The AT and multiple hiking trails run along the top of the mountain.
There were only a few considerations with this venue.
The sites are mostly level although we needed two OxBlocks in each of the sites we stayed in. One needed leveling front-to-back, the other side-to-side. When Hurricane Helene scoured the area it likely left some dips in the parking pads.
The bathhouse contains one toilet and shower, both housed in the same room which can tie them up for long periods.
3) There may be some day and night traffic noise as large trucks involved in repairs from Hurricane Helene are still active.
The approach is rather challenging. New lighted signage helps identify where their single-lane entrance road takes a HARD fork off US-19E. Be sure to check the Directions tab on their website. If you are arriving from the north (through Elizabethton) you will be able to pull directly onto Bob Ray Rd.(entrance to the right of the little Bible church). Approaching from the south on US-19E is more difficult. Bob Ray Rd basically runs parallel to US-19E which requires essentially a U-turn across 2-3 lanes to accomplish. The host suggests turning through the closed fruit stand parking lot(on the left within sight of the entrance) but we weren’t sure about it given on-coming traffic. We elected to drive~ 2 miles further down 19E and U-turn across the left shoulder.
Bob Ray Rd is a single-lane road. Based on timing for check-in/check-out you are unlikely to meet another RV coming at you(thankfully!)
Multiple choices for food in the area. The Whiteway Grill– less than 5 minutes away- offers fabulous breakfasts. Smoky Mountain Bakers is beyond awesome! Wood-fired pizza for dinner and breakfast plates from simple sandwiches to breakfast burritos, pancakes and French toast. We find excuses to eat here during the week. Every meal we’ve had at Puerto Escondido Mexican restaurant was huge(as in leftovers) and tasty.
GuideI’d never used a KOA before but was tremendously impressed with the serene beauty of this place situated well away from traffic in a bucolic setting. Mindful of my budget I learned to ask for a tent site with no electricity, no water, just toilets and showers. The young man who helped me observed I was alone and put me in a small cabin for no additional charge. Just outside the cabin was a bonfire of old wood from construction debris. I was super stoked to get this deal. I spent lots of time stoking that fire and sitting outdoors watching the evening arrive. If you’re anywhere near the area do stop in and enjoy a quiet and lovely night. You can even pet the horses nearby.
GuideWe recently stayed at the Boone KOA and couldn’t be happier with our experience! The facilities were incredibly clean—bathrooms, showers, and common areas were spotless and well-maintained throughout our stay, which made camping that much more comfortable.
What really stood out was the peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere. Even though the campground was full with RVs and other campers, it was surprisingly quiet and respectful at night—ideal for families or anyone looking to relax.
The tent sites had tons of space between them, giving us both privacy and room to spread out, which can be hard to find at other campgrounds. We never felt cramped and had more than enough room for our gear, a picnic area, and space for the kids to run around.
There’s a lot here that people are looking for when choosing a campground: ✅ Level tent pads ✅ Clean restrooms and showers ✅ Quiet hours that are actually respected ✅ Close proximity to Boone and Blue Ridge Parkway hikes ✅ A friendly staff that makes you feel welcome ✅ Activities for kids and families without being too noisy
Whether you’re in an RV or pitching a tent, Boone KOA is a perfect base for exploring the High Country. Highly recommend and will definitely return!
ScoutWe arrived with a reservation and there was no spot because someone decided to stay longer and someone unreserved showed up. It was just not unorganized and no one seemed to want to move from the spot so we could park our camper. It was a unique campground and after overhearing lots of talk due to the place we were parked we learned they try and over pack the park with people. It’s not your ordinary state park or US park. There is definitely a vibe I’ve never seen before. More of a hippy vibe. We were given a dvd a lady made of here visions. No dogs were on leashes and no one seemed to care. Just bizarre. The river was beautiful if you could see passed the tents. Bathrooms were clean enough but very small. This campground sits on a half gravel/half paved road that is mostly one way as far as width. If you’re hauling a huge camper it’s gonna make you sweat getting to the campground. You will question if your even on the right road because it turns to gravel and cuts under a train bridge. The office was under remodel so there was no “working office” or store. You has to knock on the guys trailer(not creepy at all). They parked our camper in front of his since our spot was given away so we had many people thinking we were the camp manager. Very annoying. There is also a rafting company with cabin rentals in the same area so there are quite a few random people moseying around. It is in a private area but is not private. I would not recommend this place unless you are and old hippy that wants to raft the rapids. If you want a quiet woodsy getaway this is not it. You are likely to have strangers sitting on your picnic table and making themselves at home at your site.
Cabin rentals near Mendota, Virginia offer access to South Holston Lake and Cherokee National Forest, with elevations ranging from 1,400 to 3,000 feet providing moderate temperatures even during summer months. The region experiences distinct seasons with fall foliage typically peaking in mid-October, making it a popular time for cabin stays near water access points and hiking trails.
Fishing and boating at South Holston Lake: Little Oak Campground provides direct lake access for fishing enthusiasts. "Great place to camp and fish," notes reviewer Bill T. The area features several bait shops and boat docks nearby for supplies and rentals.
Explore Natural Tunnel: Natural Tunnel State Park Primitive Camping offers hiking trails that lead to unique geological features. "Just happened to be the one day a year the tunnel is open to walk through (it's an active railroad and closed otherwise)," mentions Julie, highlighting a rare opportunity visitors might encounter.
Hiking on nearby trails: Trails range from easy lakeside paths to more challenging mountain routes. "There are several short hiking trails, but plan to spend most of your time on the water," advises Lynn G. about the Little Oak area, noting the density of greenery and proximity to stables for horseback riding.
Private, shaded sites: Roan Mountain State Park Campground receives praise for its layout. "Our loop was very private and shaded. The only negative point was the street light right across from us," shares Katrin M., whose campsite included a picnic table, fire pit, water spigot, and electricity.
Clean facilities: Maintained bathhouses are frequently mentioned in reviews. "The bathhouse was very clean and taken care of," notes a Hungry Mother State Park visitor. At Little Oak, another camper mentions, "Facilities were cleaned everyday so no stinky bathrooms and showers."
Creek-side cabins: Cabin on The Creek and similar options provide water access. At Roan Mountain State Park, campers appreciate "water on every site" with some campsites positioned "right on the creek," which visitors mention is "perfect for dogs" during warmer months.
Reservation requirements: Most cabin sites require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "This campground stays booked up but was able to get in on a cancellation for the upcoming weekend," shares Julie about Natural Tunnel State Park.
Terrain considerations: Royal Oak Campground — Hungry Mother State Park features wooden platforms for tent camping. "It's level and large enough for any tent I've ever seen. Water drains pretty decent between wood decking, so no pooling," explains Dave V., though noting "When the cold wind blows, it's hard to retain heat in the tent."
Water access varies: Some campgrounds offer immediate lake or creek frontage while others require short walks. "Little oak offered a great place to stay for a week. With south Holston lake at your finger tips it offers a great area to fish, boat, kayak, paddle board and swim," writes Jayme G.
Cell service limitations: Reception can be spotty in mountainous areas. "The Verizon cell service is spotty at best, but sometimes this is welcomed," notes Nathan F. about Little Oak Campground. Other parks like Roan Mountain offer wifi throughout the campground despite limited cell coverage.
Kid-friendly water activities: Little Oak Campground receives praise for its family orientation. "Very kid-friendly super spacious campsites every site is right on the lake with amazing sunsets every night," shares Tiffany G., though noting they "Only wish they had electricity."
Scheduled events: Many parks host regular activities. At Roan Mountain State Park, "The park also has events scheduled. They had a cloggers dance group when we were there, which was very nice," according to one reviewer.
Playground access: Consider locations with designated play areas. "There are a lot of things to do in the area. Some of the hiking trails even start in the campground," notes a camper about family-friendly amenities at Roan Mountain State Park.
Educational opportunities: Natural history programs are available seasonally. "You can also explore the grist mill with a nature trail or an old homestead," mentions a visitor about historical features at Roan Mountain suitable for family learning experiences.
Site selection for larger rigs: Bristol-Kingsport KOA accommodates larger vehicles. "Kingsport/Bristol has easy access from Interstate 81 and the campground is easily navigated with a large 5th wheel," reports Laura H., adding "They have several large pull through sites, as well as back in smaller sites."
Hookup considerations: Full hookup options vary between parks. "They have 50amp service and full hookup sites," notes a reviewer about Bristol-Kingsport KOA, while another mentions Little Oak Campground has limited electrical hookups, requiring planning for power needs.
Seasonal accessibility: Some areas have restricted access during winter months. "Our site was clean and quiet. Close to the bathhouse. The full hookups are just so far from the main park," shares Rosa S. about positioning considerations for RVs at Hungry Mother State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Mendota, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Mendota, VA is Little Oak Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 24 reviews.
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