3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
The Jefferson National Forest offers dispersed tent campsites along creek beds near North Tazewell, Virginia, with several established tent campgrounds also available within driving distance. Cavitts Creek Park provides more developed tent camping options with its primitive loop area, while Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites offer free, more secluded tent camping experiences for those seeking minimal amenities.
Many tent camping areas in the region require self-sufficiency and preparation. Cavitts Creek Park's tent sites are described as having sloped, rocky terrain that may present challenges for tent stakes, with one camper noting that "the ground where you would want to pitch a tent is mostly rock." Sites at Chestnut Knob Shelter along the Appalachian Trail provide simple wooden platforms for sleeping bags and pads. Most primitive sites lack drinking water, requiring campers to either filter from nearby creeks or bring their own supply. The Washington & Jefferson dispersed sites typically provide basic fire rings but no picnic tables, toilets, or other amenities.
Areas deeper in the national forest provide tent campers with greater solitude and natural immersion. One camper shared that the Washington & Jefferson National Forest sites offer "a great little spot right off the road. The sound of the creek was lovely all night." Tent campers at Cavitts Creek Park can expect spacious, well-separated sites with partial shade, though reaching the shower house requires navigating hilly terrain. Scales Trailhead Basecamp accommodates tent camping with access to Appalachian Trail hiking, though the road access requires high-clearance vehicles. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most primitive tent camping areas, with reviewers frequently mentioning no reception at forest sites. Late spring through early fall provides the most reliable weather conditions for tent camping in this mountainous region.
"Most cabins also have covered porches, exterior picnic tables, and exterior fire rings. The Creekside Campground loop has water and electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings."
"It has 11 car camping platforms for tent only camping . There is no electric or water at each site. There is a bath house for the 11 sites."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $27 / night
"We camped in the "primitive loop" for a long holiday weekend. Tent sites were spaced a decent distance apart. Most were treed and had some shade during the day."
"Beautiful lake surrounded by gorgeous mountains, hiking, fishing and boating, amazing staff, very clean shower houses and laundry facility! Very family oriented and pet friendly!"
from $11 - $79 / night
"There is a shelter at the top; this location is located along the Appalachian Trail and has wodden bunks and single platforms for pads and sleeping bags."
"Don’t make the same mistake I did and tent camp outside in a huge storm - just stay inside!"
"The Appalachian Trail and Virginia Creeper Trail are just minutes away, as well as some easy whitewater paddling fun on the White Top Laurel Creek."
"Only downside was the spot I set up camp was very close to the road and headlights from passing cars would light up the spot. However the road was quiet most of the night."
from $25 / night
"Once reaching the off road trail my partner got nervous, feeling as if our Forrester wouldn’t make it up. My advice… come prepared. I got. Flat on the way up and was able to make it to my campsite."
"Nice campground outside Bland, VA. The road up needs a 4x4. Nice vault toilets and a hand pump water. There are 5 sites at this location."
"1st: The water pump doesn't work at location. Bring your own water. 2nd: Bring all you need before you camp out. There is one gas station to find resources 2.2 miles from campsite."
"Tho, no immediate fresh water pumps, walking distance water access for horses and dogs. As well as bathing down from the campgrounds. Creak water. Very spacious and scenic."
from $5 / night
from $85 / night
GuideNeed an overnight stay on 81/77 this is the place. Booked is call them complete the reservation via Campspot app which they use so I had to download it. Place had plenty of sites pull through which I didnt need but they were so accommodating. I had a perfect view of mountains and cow pasture Relaxation and sleep close to bathhouse and office. They also have propane fill for your camper
ScoutWe stayed in Site number 24 which is full hook ups, however, just about all of the sites number is one through 32 are less than desirable either very little room outside your camper or the back in sites are steep hard to level your camper and very little room to set a set of chairs out I would not camp in this area of the campground again.
ScoutFrom check in to our stay, large big rig drive through lot. Quiet and clean park. Even had pizza and delicious wings delivered right to our coach. Next time through we hope to stay again.
TravelerOn top of a mountain. Gorgeous afternoon and evening views but The fog is dense in the mornings, which comes with a lot of dew, but completely worth it for the afternoon view. No shade trees at our site, but they are large and offer fire rings and picnic tables. Direct access to the happy McCoy trails. We rented just down the street the side-by-side for a couple of days and had a fantastic time.
RangerI wandered a bit and took a left up a gravel road near where the sites indicated were located and just drove for a few miles. Found an awesome spot with a fire pit and lush surroundings. The road was unpaved (but as are all to the best spots) and there were definitely some large rocks and potholes to navigate. Would suggest higher raised vehicle. Saw nobody else and felt like I had my own slice of paradise.
ScoutOwner is friendly, people staying here consist of workers and retired people for the most part so the people are very quiet, beautiful river running through the end of the campground and a nice little hiking trail and a wide open area for kids to run and play. Only “bad” part is the road noise you are about 200 yards off that highway and can here it all day and night! But if your like me and don’t mind you will love it here!
GuideWe camped in pull-thru A43. The site is decently level and spacious. The other campers were very friendly. The bath house was modern and clean.
There was so much to do here! We ventured out to most of the overlooks; the views were breathtaking! There were plenty of hiking opportunities on trails from easy to difficult. Kayaks also were available for rent.
There is a hotel in the park, but it's far enough from the campgrounds (A, B, C, and D) that the guests don't bother the campers.
I can't imagine how glorious this place must be in the fall!
GuideThis is a small campground but the sites are very spacious. Our site (6) backed up to the creek and trail. There is no power or water on this side of the campground, but there is a water spigot by the bathrooms. There is also a water hose for filling tanks by the dump station and trash dumpster. *Word of caution, bring your own water because it was yellow/brown while we were there. The bathrooms were clean, but on our last day there one of the toilets and the sink was clogged in the ladies room. There are two bathroom buildings at this site.
GuideWhat a great find! Private sites, nice walking areas, and great hosts. Top it off with clean bathrooms with great showers and this was a win for us. It may not be suitable for bigger rigs but for our 22’ van, it was perfect.
The Jefferson National Forest region offers diverse tent camping options near North Tazewell, Virginia, situated in the heart of Appalachian coal country at elevations ranging from 2,000-4,000 feet. Most primitive camping areas remain accessible from April through October, though summer temperatures typically stay below 85°F due to the mountainous terrain. Winter camping isn't recommended as forest service roads often become impassable after snowfall.
Hiking the AT segments: Chestnut Knob Shelter provides access to the Appalachian Trail with exceptional views over Burkes Garden. "We've made this hike several times with our dogs. It is a great shorter hike with great views over Burkes Garden (nicknamed God's Thumbprint)," notes Brandon W. about Chestnut Knob Shelter.
Fishing local waters: Many camping areas offer creek or river access. At Goforth Mountain Homestead, you can "fish the 1 acre pond and hike around the 76 acre land," according to site manager Michael G. This private homestead provides a single tent site with exclusive property access.
Paddling opportunities: The New River offers multiple paddling routes. "There is a canoe area and on site security to make sure your stay is safe and enjoyable," explains Crystal C. about New River Trail State Park. Several campsites include river access for canoe or kayak launching.
Private creekside spots: The sound of running water provides natural white noise at many forest sites. Erik C. shared about Washington & Jefferson National Forest: "Overall this was a great little spot right off the road. The sound of the creek was lovely all night."
Easy wildlife viewing: The mountainous terrain supports diverse wildlife. At Millrace Campground, one camper notes: "Ever wake up on a foggy Virginia morning and walk only a few feet from your tent and watch the fog rise off the water? I DID and it was AMAZING!! While I was here I did see a lot of nature roaming and loved it!!"
Cell service at select sites: While most primitive areas lack connectivity, some developed sites maintain service. Todd T. reported about New River Alleghany Access: "The location also had four bars of Verizon LTE. Amazing!" This makes certain campgrounds better for those needing to stay connected.
High clearance vehicles required: Many forest roads demand appropriate vehicles. Jon M. warns about Scales Trailhead Basecamp: "The road in is....'rocky'. High clearance 4wd needed. Not ADV friendly, unless you're very adventurous." Similar access issues affect many forest service roads in the area.
Ground conditions for tent stakes: Rocky soil presents challenges for securing tents throughout the region. One camper advises: "Bring a hammer or find a rock to hammer your tent stakes in because the ground where you would want to pitch a tent is mostly rock."
Water availability varies: While some sites have pumps or spigots, many require filtering creek water. Stephanie J. notes about Walnut Flats Campground: "Nice campground outside Bland, VA. The road up needs a 4x4. Nice vault toilets and a hand pump water. There are 5 sites at this location."
Bathroom considerations: Most primitive sites lack facilities. Larry W. recommends Millrace Campground: "Clean rest room, friendly staff, private spots." This makes certain sites better for younger children.
Safety concerns: Some dispersed sites have reported concerning behavior. Glennie V. suggests: "Be aware of your surroundings and always carry something on you to protect yourself!" She recommends finding sites with multiple campers visible for added security.
Accessibility factors: Consider the walk-in distance for gear when camping with small children. Brad M. notes about New River Trail State Park: "Everything has to be carried in from the parking lot. No showers but there is water and pit toilets. The camp sites were very clean."
Limited RV options: Most campsites near North Tazewell are tent-only, with Cavitts Creek Park providing the main RV accommodation. Jennifer K. shares specific site information: "Sites with full hookups: 3, 7, [8, 12, 13, 14, 15 near bath house] 18, 19, 20. Bath house was nice and clean."
RV parking considerations: The terrain at many sites isn't suitable for large vehicles. One camper describes Cavitts Creek's setup: "The RV parking was a gravel lot with large RVs packed in tight." This indicates limited space between sites for slideouts or outdoor setups.
Seasonal limitations: Access roads to many camping areas become impassable for RVs during wet seasons. Most RV camping should be planned between late spring and early fall when roads remain dry and passable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near North Tazewell, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near North Tazewell, VA is Royal Oak Campground — Hungry Mother State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 42 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near North Tazewell, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 32 tent camping locations near North Tazewell, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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