18 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Natural Tunnel State Park features several cabin options near Norton, Virginia with varying amenities. The cabins are clean, modern and include electricity and running water. Depending on the chosen cabin, visitors may find amenities such as queen beds, trundle beds, dining tables, and deck areas with rocking chairs. One camper noted that "the cabins are very clean and relatively new" while highlighting the excellent maintenance throughout the park. Larger cabins can accommodate up to sixteen people, making them suitable for family reunions or group gatherings. The park's cabins are set within a scenic landscape featuring trails and the natural tunnel formation.
Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. Natural Tunnel State Park Cabins require advance reservations, which can be made online or by phone. High Knob Recreation Area and Breaks Interstate Park also offer cabin accommodations with varying features. Most cabins allow pets with certain restrictions. According to one visitor, "the new cabin we rented in this beautiful park" had hiking trails running behind it and convenient access to park attractions. KOA-style cabins can be found at Bristol-Kingsport KOA and Baileyton KOA Holiday, both offering more standardized accommodations with predictable amenities.
Most cabins include beds but require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. As one reviewer advised: "You will have to take your own linens for the beds—a queen and a single." Kitchen facilities vary widely between properties, with some offering full kitchens while others provide only basic amenities. Cabins at Natural Tunnel State Park include side tables and outdoor picnic tables, but guests should verify what cooking equipment is available before arrival. Some locations have camp stores with basic provisions, including the one at Natural Tunnel State Park that stocks essential supplies. The nearest full grocery options are located in Duffield, approximately 15 minutes from Natural Tunnel State Park.
"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 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
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 Availability"Great mountaintop views, hiking, geocaching, kayaking, paddle boats, a zip line, and seasonal white water rafting all available."
"Like a lot of state parks, it’s got the usual wooded picnic table, fire ring, the electrical hook-up thing if you need it (or BYOS - bring your own solar), even nice bathrooms with showers and everything"
from $20 - $38 / night
Check Availability"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 Availabilityfrom $138 - $427 / night
Check Availability"Even though it's very close to the interstate, it was very quiet. We had a full hook up site, relatively level. It had a picnic table and fire ring."
"Pool, Waterpark, driving range, 2 lakes, showers, bathrooms, mining for kids, playground and store. They offer hand packed ice cream and hot foods daily as well. A great place to stay with kids!"
"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."
from $35 / night
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
Travel safe
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!!
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.
RangerThe Breaks are considered the “Grand Canyon of the south”. Great mountaintop views, hiking, geocaching, kayaking, paddle boats, a zip line, and seasonal white water rafting all available. A few miles from the campground you’ll even find river access with a sandy beach for summer fun. 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. Dump stations are available also. There are laundry facilities and bathhouses (didn’t use either so not sure on condition), playgrounds, picnic shelters, cabins, and inns. Each campsite had a fire ring and picnic table. Spots are definitely not level, so bring a variety of blocks—you’ll need them. No outside lights at the sites so when it’s dark it’s d-a-r-k. Beautiful campground.
LegendThis is our 2nd time staying here for a quick overnight stay. I would definitely like to stay here longer! Even though it's very close to the interstate, it was very quiet. We had a full hook up site, relatively level. It had a picnic table and fire ring. Shower rooms, laundry room, and store, as well as snack shop! The camp hosts were very kind and friendly. Lots of walking around we area. We were in site B1 46 dollars a night.
GuideThe 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.
LegendWe stopped here at zero dark thirty enroute to Hungry Mother State Park. It was dark, very quiet and sorta creepy. NO ONE was in the primitive camp area which is located off the main campground road , down a gravel road into the trees. This would be an excellent group site because all six tent pads surround this huge fire ring and there’s a nice pavilion with water, power and plenty of picnic tables. I was not interested in getting too comfortable just for a few hours sleep so I aired up my small mattress and crashed in the truck. We were up at the crack of sunlight and exploring. Two, small, nice full service campgrounds with a small store and playground. CCC style hiking trail up around the Natural Tunnel that offers some pretty views. There is a chairlift , gift shop and other attractions , BUT...don’t plan to do anything before 10 am, that’s when everything opens. So we hiked and then got on our way up the road.
LegendThis park has some nice campsites, which can make your camping experience an awesome time, but that’s not why you should go there. Like a lot of state parks, it’s got the usual wooded picnic table, fire ring, the electrical hook-up thing if you need it (or BYOS - bring your own solar), even nice bathrooms with showers and everything. What it offers in terms of a get away from it all makes it the go to destination for everyone who’s just about had enough of everything average.
First of all, where the heck is it? About 200 miles from anywhere you’ve ever heard of, unless you’re lucky enough to have been born and raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains, or you’ve just nursed along a love of two-lane winding roads, it rewards the traveler who says“let’s take a road trip.” The closest town is Haysi, Virginia, which offers a selection of small regional grocery stores, gas stations and a few restaurants...but not much more.
The park sits atop an ancient canyon cut through time by the Russell Fork River some 1000 feet below. The trails wonder through sandstone formations laid down some 250 million years ago when the area was covered by a shallow inland sea. The views as well as the geological significance instills awe in the best sense.
The park offers a short scenic drive loop with a dozen or so stops all offering some look into the amazing scope of natural science. But in case that doesn’t inspire your 10-year-old, the mountain bike trails near to the campground will sure take some energy out of them. And in case they want to just go to the outdoor pool, or sit in the well-appointed cabin or guestroom, these are also available at this park offering a widely diverse accommodations for nearly anyone willing to make the drive to get there. The Russell Fork is also a world class river offering everything from class 2-3 fun to serious Appalachian creekin’ paddling. But don’t tell anyone about this place, because I don’t want anyone else to find out about it.
Natural Tunnel State Park offers a variety of cabin camping options in southwest Virginia's Jefferson National Forest. Located at approximately 2,200 feet elevation, the area features limestone formations and densely forested terrain. Cabin campers can expect mild summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak season, with cooler nights even in summer months.
Hiking local trails: Natural Tunnel State Park Primitive Camping provides access to multiple well-maintained trails. "We took advantage of some of the hiking trails, which were well maintained and marked," reports one camper who enjoyed the park's network of paths that connect various attractions.
Fishing opportunities: Little Oak Campground gives visitors access to South Holston Lake for excellent fishing. "The campground has plenty of room and space for your truck/boat/trailer. The campfire setup worked out well and the view of the lake was unbeatable," notes a reviewer who enjoyed the fishing amenities at Little Oak Campground.
Chairlift rides: The chairlift at Natural Tunnel State Park Primitive Camping offers a unique way to view the tunnel. "Just happened to be the one day a year the tunnel is open to walk through (it's an active railroad and closed otherwise)," explains a visitor who timed their trip perfectly to see this rare attraction.
Clean facilities: Breaks Interstate Park Campground maintains exceptionally clean restrooms. "Bathrooms are clean and well maintained. Lots of hot water and water pressure in the showers," notes a camper who appreciated the well-kept facilities during their stay.
Privacy between sites: Many cabins at Breaks Interstate Park offer good separation from neighboring sites. "The campground was nice, the staff friendly. Apparently there is a lot of bear activity, although we did not encounter one. The sunsets are to die for!" shares a visitor who enjoyed both the privacy and scenery.
Scenic water views: Cabins near water features are particularly popular. "Most sites have a view of South Holston Lake and trail access to the water. Shower house were clean. All sites are primitive," explains a reviewer from Little Oak Campground who appreciated the direct lake access.
Bear precautions needed: Several cabin areas report bear activity, requiring proper food storage. The primitive camping area at Natural Tunnel State Park includes "tent pads, picnic tables, fire pit, hanging poles, and bear box," which one camper found essential during their three-night stay.
Limited cell service: Watauga Lake Area and surrounding cabin rentals often have spotty reception. "Deep and clean lake" compensates for the technology limitations according to regular visitors who prefer the disconnected experience.
Seasonal openings vary: Some facilities close during off-peak months. At Natural Tunnel State Park, "Apparently there is a lot of bear activity, although we did not encounter one" reports one camper, while noting that "The chairlift is only open on weekends" during certain seasons.
Pool amenities: Baileyton KOA Holiday offers family-friendly water features. "Nice pool, very clean park, lots of things for the kids. They have activities on the weekends," explains a visitor who found plenty to keep children entertained.
Educational programs: Many state park cabins offer ranger-led activities. "There are so many activities for everyone of all ages. Pool, picnicking, canoeing, hiking, fishing," notes a Natural Tunnel State Park visitor who took advantage of the educational opportunities.
Playground accessibility: Campgrounds with cabins often include play areas. "This place is very kid-friendly yet quiet! Pool is salt-water so no chlorine smell. Playground is away from most camp sites and has a tire swing and small set up," shares a Baileyton KOA Holiday visitor who appreciated the thoughtful layout.
Leveling challenges: Breaks Interstate Park requires preparation for uneven sites. "Nice Campground, once you get here. The roads to this amazing State Park are two lane and twisting. We have a 38' 5er and a CrewCab Dually tow vehicle," explains a camper who successfully navigated with a large setup.
Grocery planning: Bring supplies before arriving at Bristol-Kingsport KOA. "Be sure to bring all necessary supplies BEFORE you get here, nearest stores are a 20 minute drive away on crooked mountain roads," advises an RVer who discovered the limited local shopping options.
Access road considerations: Some cabin areas have challenging approach roads. "The campground itself is maintained better than any other state run campground I've ever been to. The things one must take into consideration is that you need to bring ANYTHING you might need for groceries and there is limited cell coverage for ATT," notes a visitor to Breaks Interstate Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Norton, VA is Natural Tunnel State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 19 reviews.
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