Tent camping options near Norton, Virginia range from primitive backcountry sites to more developed campgrounds within the surrounding Appalachian Mountain region. The area sits at elevations between 2,000-4,000 feet, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions with warm summers and cool nights. Most campgrounds in this region experience significant temperature drops after sunset, even in summer months, requiring campers to pack appropriate layers.
What to do
Kayaking at Bark Camp Lake: Access this uncrowded lake directly across from Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost within Jefferson National Forest. One camper noted, "We were able to kayak at Bark Camp Lake which was not busy at all and hike at Little Stoney Falls. Plenty to do and see in this area."
Fishing for trout: The small lake at Kingdom Come State Park Campground is regularly stocked with multiple species. A frequent visitor explains, "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."
Rock climbing at Raven Rock: This 450-foot granite face at a 40-degree angle provides challenging climbing opportunities with panoramic mountain views. As one camper describes, "Our favorite is the Raven Rock trail which leads to a 450 foot 40 degree angle granite rock facing that you can climb to get an amazing view of the surrounding mountains."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Bears are frequently spotted from safe distances in the area. One camper at Kingdom Come State Park shared, "I saw more bears while at this park then any other time. But it was never scary because they were always far away. We were really careful to keep our campsite very clean."
Abundant firewood: Several campgrounds provide complimentary firewood for campers. A Kingdom Come State Park visitor commented, "Everyday a ranger will come by and keep you stocked with wood. It's included with the price of camping."
Natural rock formations: The region features unique geological formations accessible via short hikes. "There is also a natural rock bridge close to the campsites called Log Rock," explains one regular camper, providing distinctive features to explore beyond standard hiking trails.
What you should know
Bear safety precautions: Bears are active throughout the Norton camping area. Misfit Farmz Campground and other sites require strict food storage protocols. One Kingdom Come visitor advises, "We saw a bear across the valley, so take the warnings seriously and follow the instructions."
Steep mountain roads: Access to many campgrounds requires careful driving on narrow mountain roads. A camper warns about Kingdom Come, "The road in from Cumberland is STEEP! We made it in a mini van pulling a scamp, so you'll probably be fine."
Limited connectivity: Cell service and internet access are virtually nonexistent at most campgrounds. A visitor noted simply, "Great area, no service or wifi," making these locations ideal for truly unplugging but requiring advance planning for emergencies.
Tips for camping with families
Tent pad sizing: Most tent camping sites near Norton accommodate multiple small tents rather than a single large one. Kingdom Come sites feature "mulch tent pad big enough for two smallish tents," according to a family camper, making them suitable for parents and children in separate tents.
Amphitheater exploration: Bellebrook Acres and surrounding areas offer unique natural features for children to explore. One camper mentioned, "The trails were really cool with lots to see including an amphitheater inside a big cave!" providing educational opportunities beyond standard camping activities.
Trail combinations: For families with varying hiking abilities, the region offers connecting trail systems. A camper explains, "The surrounding mountains provide many short hikes that can be easily strung together to make for a longer trek if desired," allowing flexibility to extend or shorten outings based on energy levels.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accommodations: Few tent camping areas near Norton accommodate larger vehicles. At Kingdom Come State Park Campground, sites are "tent-centric but doable with a small trailer," according to one RVer who successfully navigated with a mini-van towing a small camper.
No dump stations: RVers must plan accordingly as facilities like Kingdom Come have "no dump station" available, requiring self-contained waste management for the duration of the stay.
Consider trailer size carefully: The mountainous terrain limits access for larger trailers and RVs. One camper observed most sites work only for "small trailers," recommending tent camping as the more practical option for most Norton area campgrounds.
