Best Campgrounds near Eolia, KY

Campgrounds surrounding Eolia, Kentucky provide a mix of tent and RV camping experiences within eastern Kentucky's mountainous terrain. Kingdom Come State Park Campground offers primitive tent sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and food hangers in a mountainous setting. Several developed facilities like Jessie Lea RV Park and Campground in nearby Big Stone Gap, Virginia provide full hookups with both tent and RV sites. The region includes a combination of state parks, national forest lands, and privately operated campgrounds, with most developed sites offering basic amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and access to toilets.

Roads to campgrounds in this mountainous region can present challenges, particularly at higher elevations. Kingdom Come State Park features steep access roads that may be difficult for larger vehicles, though most passenger vehicles can navigate the terrain with caution. Camping seasons vary by location, with Littcarr Campground operating from April to October and some facilities like Natural Tunnel State Park remaining open year-round. Harlan County's bear population requires proper food storage at campsites, particularly in more remote locations. One camper noted, "You'll be climbing one of the highest mountains in Virginia to get there, so be prepared for the drive."

Campers report high satisfaction with the region's peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty. The higher elevation campgrounds provide cooler temperatures and scenic mountain views that receive consistently positive reviews. Kingdom Come State Park's small campground with only 7 sites offers a secluded experience with access to fishing in a stocked lake and hiking trails to impressive mountain vistas. A visitor described it as "a little jewel in southeastern Kentucky" with "many short hikes that can be easily strung together to make for a longer trek." Cell phone coverage can be limited throughout the area, particularly at more remote campgrounds. Most developed campgrounds maintain clean facilities with varying levels of amenities, from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV parks with showers and laundry facilities.

Best Camping Sites Near Eolia, Kentucky (69)

    1. Jessie Lea RV Park and Campground

    8 Reviews
    Big Stone Gap, VA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 523-0055

    "We visited the local museums and walked the green belt. The green belt is next to the camp ground within walking distance. We will be back!"

    "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."

    2. Kingdom Come State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Cumberland, KY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 589-4138

    $14 / night

    "Kingdom Come State Park is a little jewel in southeastern Kentucky!"

    "If you like fishing there is a small lake which is regularly stocked with Trout. Bass, Blue Gill, Sunfish, and a few others. It's just a short walk from the campsites."

    3. Carr Creek State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Carr Creek Lake, KY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 642-4050

    $28 / night

    "Small beach area, clear water for swimming, but have quite a few steps to walk down to the lake. Playground equipment was taken down, only had a couple of swings."

    "The beach is nice but a lot of steps to get down to it. Overall the campground is clean and staff is extremely helpful. The bathhouses are a bit run down and updated or something."

    4. Flag Rock Recreation Area Campground

    4 Reviews
    Norton, VA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 679-0754

    $20 / night

    "Continuing on there is a short walk to a lovely overlook. There are very nice picnic shelters. 

    Our only complaint was the place had a number of lampoles with lights that were on all night."

    "Great campground with biking/hiking trails and mountain scenic overlook. Clean bathhouses, picnic tables, fire rings, charcoal grills, and electricity provided. Quiet with great views."

    5. Natural Tunnel State Park Campground

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

    "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."

    "Site 10 is a great site with plenty of distance between adjacent sites and a huge yard area, probably the best site in the two loops (Lover's Leap& Cove View)."

    6. Littcarr Campground

    5 Reviews
    Vicco, KY
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 642-3052

    $24 - $30 / night

    "Very clean facilities, friendly hosts, and a wonderful location on the lake. Site #25 is our favorite, though it could be more level, but the privacy, size, and shade are perfect for us."

    "The canal at the park leads you to Carr Lake."

    7. Portal 31 RV Park

    1 Review
    Lynch, KY
    9 miles
    +1 (606) 848-1530

    "This small park is located across the street from an exhibition coal mine, portal 31. It is in the former train depots former switch yard. Small, with electric hookups and a communal water spout."

    9. Breaks Interstate Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Breaks, VA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 865-4413

    $20 - $38 / night

    "It was surrounded by a lot of trees, so it had shade. It was a short walk to the bathhouse which was very clean with nice showers. 

    The campground has 4 different loops."

    "A wonderful getaway when you want to be away from it all. Several campground sections to choose from with primitive sites to full hookup with electric, water, and sewer."

    10. Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost

    2 Reviews
    Coeburn, VA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 614-5585

    $20 - $35 / night

    "Staying at The Cliffhanger Ranch places you in a quiet area surrounded by forests and a small downtown nearby, perfect for adventuring around a new area. "

    "What makes this place great is that the entrance is directly across from the Jefferson National Forrest."

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Recent Reviews near Eolia, KY

245 Reviews of 69 Eolia 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.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Baileyton KOA Holiday

    Nice overnight stop

    We are headed from Atlanta to Fredericksburg VA for a wedding. This is a very nice place for an overnight stop, probably one of the nicest for a KOA. Very clean and tidy campground. Mostly level, gravel sites. But some grass between sites! Some shade. Full hookups. Clean bathroom & shower. Pool, playground, driving range, big water slide. The internet is VERY slow. Also lots of road noise from I-81. Gift shop & convenient store in office. We’ve taken our travel trailer to 48 states, and have found KOAs generally convenient, but not much more. This place is definitely above average

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • paul C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 13, 2025

    Breaks Interstate Park Campground

    Hiker's dream

    Wonderful park for pretty much everything from zip line to water park, and to some of the most gorgeous trails in the region. The campground was extremely clean including bathrooms and showers that are immaculate. There are tons of sites to accommodate pretty much any rig. Nice camp store with firewood and propane refill. Most site are full hookup, but not all.


Guide to Eolia

Camping near Eolia, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. 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 ranger programs are fantastic. We recommend the Stockton Creek hike (though it is through water and a bit challenging balance-wise)."
  • Fishing: Enjoy some quiet time by the water at Carr Creek State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "Love that the beach wasn’t far from our site. People were friendly!"
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife at Breaks Interstate Park Campground. One camper noted, "Apparently there is a lot of bear activity, although we did not encounter one."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A review for Jessie Lea RV Park and Campground stated, "The bathrooms are the cleanest I've ever seen, you're close to town, and have a beautiful river that runs right by the campground."
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of the staff. One reviewer at Clinch River Family Campground said, "The staff was always around if we needed anything and we had a peaceful, memorable vacation."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the space between sites at Littcarr Campground. A visitor remarked, "Awesome, clean and plenty of space between camp sites."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in some areas. A camper at Trace Branch - Buckhorn Lake mentioned, "There is also no cell service here, so be prepared to unplug and unwind."
  • Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have steep or winding roads. One reviewer warned about the access to Kingdom Come State Park Campground, saying, "The road in from Cumberland is STEEP!"
  • Primitive Camping: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Flag Rock Recreation Area Campground noted, "There is electric hookups but not water."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for places with nearby hiking and fishing spots. One family at Breaks Interstate Park Campground enjoyed the "beautiful views" and "great trails."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring fans or extra cooling gear if you're staying in a yurt during summer. A camper at Natural Tunnel State Park Campground learned, "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."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Some campgrounds can be busy on weekends. A visitor at Clinch River Family Campground mentioned, "Sites are close together," so consider visiting during the week for a quieter experience.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your site has the right hookups for your RV. A reviewer at Jessie Lea RV Park and Campground appreciated the "pull-through sites" and "grass between each site."
  • Explore Nearby Towns: Don't miss out on local attractions. One camper at Carr Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "Duffield is about 15 minutes away and has gas stations with diesel, a medium-sized grocery store, Dollar General, and a few restaurants."
  • Be Prepared for Steep Drives: Some campgrounds have steep access roads. A visitor at Kingdom Come State Park Campground warned, "The climb up the mountain to get here is worth it."

Camping near Eolia, Kentucky, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Eolia, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Eolia, KY offers a wide range of camping options, with 69 campgrounds and RV parks near Eolia, KY and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Eolia, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Eolia, KY is Jessie Lea RV Park and Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 8 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Eolia, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Eolia, KY.

What parks are near Eolia, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 31 parks near Eolia, KY that allow camping, notably Carr Creek Lake and John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir.