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Best Campgrounds near Norton, VA

276 Reviews

Camping near Norton, Virginia encompasses a mix of state park facilities, recreation areas, and private campgrounds nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. Flag Rock Recreation Area Campground sits directly in Norton, providing tent and RV sites with electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. Natural Tunnel State Park, located about 25 miles south in Duffield, features multiple camping areas including Lover's Leap Campground, Cove View Campground, and primitive camping options. The park is known for its namesake geological formation, a 850-foot natural tunnel, accessible via hiking trails or a seasonal chairlift. Jefferson National Forest's High Knob Campground operates seasonally from May to September, offering a more rustic camping experience near Norton.

Most campgrounds in the region require reservations, with peak season running from late spring through early fall. Winter camping is limited, though Natural Tunnel State Park remains open year-round. Access to Flag Rock Recreation Area involves climbing one of Virginia's highest mountains, so visitors should prepare for steep driving conditions. Cell service varies throughout the area, with most developed campgrounds reporting adequate coverage. Bear activity is common in the region, particularly at Kingdom Come State Park just across the Kentucky border, where food storage precautions are necessary. Summer temperatures can reach the 90s, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.

Camping experiences vary widely across the Norton area. According to reviews, Flag Rock Recreation Area offers "quiet sites with great views" and access to fishing and kayaking opportunities within a half-mile of the campground. Natural Tunnel State Park provides more developed facilities, with one visitor noting that "Lover's Leap Campground is best and newer" with "water and electricity and a very nice bathhouse." The primitive camping area at Natural Tunnel offers a more secluded experience with tent pads, fire pits, and bear boxes at a lower price point ($15/night). Jessie Lea RV Park in nearby Big Stone Gap provides full hookups and access to a greenway trail system connecting to town amenities.

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Best Camping Sites Near Norton, Virginia (84)

    1. Natural Tunnel State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Duffield, VA
    17 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."

    2. Jessie Lea RV Park and Campground

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

    "Great surprise in the mountains of Virginia! beautiful creek nearby!"

    "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!"

    3. Flag Rock Recreation Area Campground

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

    $20 / 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."

    "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."

    4. Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost

    2 Reviews
    Coeburn, VA
    9 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."

    5. Natural Tunnel State Park Primitive Camping — Natural Tunnel State Park

    3 Reviews
    Duffield, VA
    17 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "Water spigot at top, a little walk, uphill, for water."

    "Just happened to be the one day a year the tunnel is open to walk through (it’s an active railroad and closed otherwise)."

    6. Cove View Campground — Natural Tunnel State Park

    3 Reviews
    Duffield, VA
    17 miles
    Website

    $35 / night

    "Also the crows - smarter than normal haha they WILL wake you up earlier than the other birds demanding you make breakfast and leave so they can then hop around your camp."

    "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."

    7. Lover's Leap Campground — Natural Tunnel State Park

    3 Reviews
    Duffield, VA
    17 miles
    Website

    $35 / night

    "Towns of Big Stone Gap and Norton VA visit for sure."

    "The cabins look fantastic from the outside. For more adventures you can also rent a yurt. There is also a little campstore that has firewood and some essentials. The area is very scenic."

    8. Jefferson National Forest High Knob Campground

    1 Review
    Norton, VA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 328-2931

    9. Kingdom Come State Park Campground

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

    $14 / night

    "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."

    "There are 6 tent sites (7 if they allow you to reserve the one next to the duck pond), each with a gravel drive, mulch tent pad big enough for two smallish tents, fire ring, and picnic table."

    10. Cane Patch Campground

    1 Review
    Pound, VA
    12 miles
    Website
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Recent Camping Photos near Norton, VA

74 Photos of 84 Norton Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Norton, VA

276 Reviews of 84 Norton Campgrounds

  • Shane N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Camp Stonefly

    Great small peacefully time

    Me and wife passing through. Stayed over weekend loved it

  • 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.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Around Pond RV Park

    Very nice stop over campground

    Stayed for one night as a stop over on our trip home. Easiest check in we have ever had. Pulled up to the staging area near the office and didn’t even have to get out of the truck. Guy came up on a golf cart and confirmed my name. Took us right to our spot which was a full hook up pull through. Site was gravel and completely level. A lot of full time campers here but that doesn’t bother us at all. Nice little pond to walk the dogs around or just sit and relax. There is no store or pool but we never use those anyway. There is a laundry on site and a good size area with grills and picnic tables to use if you want. Sure it’s not a KOA with all the amenities but for a stop over or even a few day stay it’s fine. And ONLY $39 a night ! Btw KOA right down the road wouldn’t accept our reservation because they require a 2 night minimum.

  • Kurt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Camp Stonefly

    Great location right beside roaring river

    Good location. Good size lots. All gravel with picknic size pads with table. Bathroom very clean very small campground 8 to 13 lots.

  • 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.

Guide to Norton

Camping near Norton, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Hungry Mother State Park said, "The bathroom facilities were very clean (heated, showers, flushable toilets)."
  • Friendly Staff: Many reviews highlight the helpfulness of the staff. One camper at Breaks Interstate Park Campground mentioned, "Staff was helpful and friendly."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at Baileyton KOA Holiday. A reviewer noted, "The site that we stayed in was wide and long. We did not feel squeezed in."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds have fewer amenities. A camper at Little Oak Campground mentioned, "All sites are primitive," meaning you should be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Noise Levels: Be aware that noise can carry in some campgrounds. One visitor at Cardens Bluff Campground said, "The noise in this campground carries and makes for a restless night."
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Jenny Wiley State Park Campground is open from April to October.

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming pools. One family at Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park Campground enjoyed the "nice pool" and activities for kids.
  • Easy Hiking Trails: Choose campgrounds with accessible trails. A reviewer at Natural Tunnel State Park Campground said, "The trails out of and around the campground are worth the hikes."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or check if the campground has a store. One camper at Hungry Mother State Park mentioned, "You can buy firewood at the Creekside Campground across the road."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to read site descriptions carefully. A visitor at Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground advised, "Be sure to read site descriptions and check the suggested trailer size."
  • Use Leveling Blocks: Some sites may not be perfectly level. A camper at Breaks Interstate Park Campground noted, "The sites are well marked with wide spaces for pulling through or backing in."
  • Plan for Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell reception in some areas. A reviewer at Little Oak Campground mentioned, "Verizon cell service is spotty at best, but sometimes this is welcomed."

Camping near Norton, Virginia, 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 Norton, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Norton, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 84 campgrounds and RV parks near Norton, VA and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Norton, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Norton, VA is Natural Tunnel State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 19 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Norton, VA.

What parks are near Norton, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 29 parks near Norton, VA that allow camping, notably John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir and Carr Creek Lake.

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