Cabin camping near Pennington Gap is a great way to escape into nature, yet still have all the comforts of home. The Dyrt is the ultimate place to find cabins for your next outdoor adventure near Pennington Gap. From secluded to easy-to-reach, these Virginia cabin rentals are perfect for any adventurer.
Mountains and streams provide the quiet country backdrop for this 50-acre KOA, with quick and easy access from I-81. There's so much to enjoy here: Tee up a bucket of balls at the on-site driving range, swish a pan in the gem mining sluice, cast a line in one of the spring-fed ponds, stroll along wooded hiking trails or join in planned themed activities (seasonal). For your stay, choose from a variety of RV Sites, Tent Sites, Cabins and even a tiny house. Visit historic Greeneville (a half-hour south), home of President Andrew Johnson. Race enthusiasts will discover roaring good fun at the nearby Volunteer Speedway dirt track or at Bristol Motor Speedway (less than an hour away). It's an easy day trip to the theme rides, live music shows and family entertainment at Dollywood. Pool: April 1 - September 15. Max pull thru: 75 feet.
Primitive Camping
Natural Tunnel's primitive camping site is in a partially wooded area about half a mile from the main campgrounds and bathhouses. Parking is available at the site, but RV’s and camping units are not allowed. Reservations for Primitive Camping can be made by calling the park office at 276-940-2674.
Amenities:
Five 15 ft. x 15 ft. tent pads. Common area with fire ring. Covered eating area with four picnic tables. Utility building with electricity and lights suitable for storage or food prep (no cooking inside the shed).
Parking for up to five vehicles. (Limited overflow parking available at the campground entrance). No RV or camping trailer parking is available. Potable water spigot at the entrance to the primitive camping area. Two portable toilets. (No showers on site.)
$15 / night
We are a small Privately owned Campground that offers Full RV Hook UP and Tent Camping on the Beautiful Clinch River.
We also Offer a Full Amenities Cabin overlooking the River and 3 Rustic Cabins with no electricity or running water that are staged throughout the mountain for maximum privacy.
$25 - $95 / night
About this space
Enjoy amped up camping at this at this posh mountain escape! Here you can reconnect with nature outdoors while luxury furnishings and full amenities provide all the comforts of home inside a spacious, pet-friendly camper. Add in an epic outdoor entertaining area featuring a theater with 120” screen, hot tub, kegerator, griddle, firepit, and deck and you have the ultimate camping adventure. Bonus – the site is located in a secluded spot on 25 acres in the VA mountains with views of KY and TN!
The space
This pet-friendly, luxury camping experience is ideal for everything from weekend getaways to extended mountain sojourns. The camper’s interior is packed with all the necessities required for a comfortable stay: a full kitchen with Keurig coffee machine, hot and cold-water sink, microwave, refrigerator, stove & oven; large dining booth; comfy seating area; full bathroom with shower tub combo; 2 private bedrooms; A/C & heat; a flat screen Smart TV with streaming capabilities; and expansive windows that fill the interior with natural light.
Outdoors is the ultimate entertainer’s paradise. Relax in the hot tub and enjoy theatre under the stars on the 120” elevated screen that can be seen from the entire site. Start mornings off with coffee and the smell of bacon sizzling on the outdoor griddle and end the days with a cold one from the kegerator. Every guest receives all the fixings needed for S’mores to roast on the firepit, and complimentary wood is provided that can also be used to cook up delicious meals on the classic campsite grill.
With views for miles, wildlife sightings, and proximity to major area attractions, a stay here is without a doubt the best way to effortlessly experience the exciting world of “camping with benefits”!
$125 - $165 / night
Between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, cabins are rented by the week, and rentals begin on either Saturday or Sunday depending on the cabin. This requirement is reduced to a four-night stay three months out and dropped to two nights in the last month before arrival. A two-night minimum stay is required the rest of the year. There are no extra bed rentals. Cabins and lodges are open year-round and may be reserved up to 11 months in advance. Cabin check-in is 4 p.m., check-out is 10 a.m.
The cabins are on a ridge offering mountain views and access to the park’s trails. Winter weather can vary here, so be sure to read policies regarding transferring and cancellation of cabin rentals because of inclement weather. Late arriving guests should phone the park to arrange check-in several days before arrival, if possible. Because new cabins have been built, one cabin, which had been no. 11 is now cabin 8. All others remain the same. The new cabins are numbers 11 through 14.
Cabins: When a week-long stay is required, cabins 1, 5, 12 and 13 rent weekly starting on Sunday. Cabins 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 and 14 rent weekly starting on Saturday.
Cabins 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13 and 14 are two-bedroom frame cabins. They sleep up to six and have parking for two vehicles. The cabins have one queen bed and two sets of bunk beds (sleep four) in a second bedroom. Each has one bathroom with a shower. No extra bed rentals.
Cabins 3 and 10 are three-bedroom frame cabins. Cabin 3 is ADA-accessible. They sleep up to eight and have parking for three vehicles. The cabins have one queen bed, two twin beds in the second bedroom and two sets of bunk beds (sleeps four) in the third bedroom. Cabin 3 has an ADA-accessible bathroom, which adjoins the room with a queen bed, and another bathroom with a tub-shower combo. Cabin 10 has two bathrooms with tub-shower combos. No extra bed rentals.
Cabin 8 is a two-bedroom frame cabin. It sleeps up to six and is ADA accessible, including an accessible bathroom and shower. The cabin has one queen bed and a set of bunk beds (sleeps two) in a second bedroom. No extra bed rentals.
Features:
Kitchen: Refrigerator, stove, coffeemaker, dishes, silverware, cooking utensils, pots, pans, microwave oven, toaster, can opener, clock radio. Bring food, dish detergent, dishcloths, coffee filters, coffee, salt and pepper, nonstick cooking spray, soap, bath towels, etc. Bedrooms: Bed(s), nightstands, dresser, closet with hangers. No linens are provided. Guests must bring all linens: sheets, pillowcases, blankets, towels, bath mats, kitchen towels and cloths. All queen and twin beds have Tempur-Pedic® mattresses. No dishwasher, phone, TV, washer or dryer. Wrap-around deck; open porch with rocking chairs and end tables. Air conditioning and heating. A picnic table and a campfire grill are in the yard beside the cabin. Firewood is for sale at the campground host campsite by the road near the cabin area entrance. Gas log fireplace. Mission-style rustic furniture. No smoking. Two vehicles are allowed for two-bedroom cabins, and three vehicles are allowed for three-bedroom cabins. A daily parking fee is charged for additional vehicles. All vehicles and trailers must be parked in designated areas at the cabin. Pets are allowed. There is an extra fee plus tax per night per pet. Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. through 6 a.m. Only overnight guests are allowed in the park after 10 p.m. Natural Tunnel has one six-bedroom lodge (LOD 09-SAT). When a week-long stay is required, rental begins on Saturday.
Features:
Kitchen: Refrigerator, stove, coffeemaker, dishes, silverware, cooking utensils, pots, pans, microwave oven, toaster, electric can opener and large dining table. Bring food, dish detergent, dishcloths, coffee filters, coffee, salt and pepper, nonstick cooking spray, soap, board games, bath towels, etc. A washer and dryer are provided. Bedrooms - Bed(s), nightstands, dresser, closet with hangers, clock radio. Two bedrooms have queen beds, two bedrooms have twin beds, and two bedrooms have two sets of bunk beds. The queen and twin beds have Tempur-Pedic® mattresses. No linens are provided. Guests must bring all linens: sheets, pillowcases, blankets, towels, bath mats, kitchen towels and cloths. No dishwasher, phone or TV. Front and back decks have rocking chairs. There are three bathrooms, two with shower-tub combo and one with an accessible shower. Air conditioning and heating. A picnic table and a campfire grill are in the yard beside the cabin. Firewood is for sale at the campground host campsite, which is by the road at the cabin area entrance. Accessible to the disabled: kitchen, dining area, living room, two bedrooms and one bathroom. There’s a gas log fireplace in the living room and a gas grill on the deck. Mission-style rustic furniture. Maximum occupancy is 16; no extra bed rentals. Maximum six cars, including trailers, at the cabin. A daily parking fee is charged for additional vehicles. All vehicles must be parked in designated areas.
No smoking.
Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. through 6 a.m. Only overnight guests are allowed in the park after 10 p.m.
Pets are allowed. There is an extra fee, plus tax, per night per pet. Total sites of each type: two-bedroom frame, 11; three-bedroom frame, 2; lodge, 1.
Lodges
The park's Cove Ridge Center can accommodate up to 48 overnight guests.
$115 / night
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Camping on the Nolichuckey River. Full hook up sites 50 & 30 amp, cabin rentals, wifi, pool, kayak,
Guide
This place is absolutely breathtaking. A must go. Cabins, yurts, RV camping, primitive camping. Excellently maintained. The are so many activities for everyone of all ages. Pool, picnicking, canoeing, hiking, fishing. 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. The cabins are very clean and relatively new. But, I haven't run into 1 bad Virginia state park.
TravelerWe loved the new cabin we rented in this beautiful park. A hiking trail ran behind the cabins, past the campground (also new) to the tunnel. It is a great hike and even better when you use the ski lift going up :) The tunnel is at the base of a massive rock and a train drives through it very slowly each day.
We drove 2 hours to canoe the Clinch River which was great fun and we got to see a lot of the area.
Guide
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. 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.
Legend
Ashley here with The Dyrt. This A-frame cabin comes with 5-gallon refillable solar heated water bag, porch, cooking area, outhouse, gas fire pit, lounge chairs, and a beautiful mountain view! Come check them out and leave them some love!
TravelerThis park has so many things to do and is fun for all ages. They have campgrounds,cabins and Yurts. There are nice hiking trails,chairlift to view the tunnel,picnic areas,swimming pool and so much more. People are friendly and helpful too. They have concerts and lots of outdoor activities during different times of the year. Great place for family fun!
Legend
This is a cute KOA campground at a great price! 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! We stayed in C5, basically level gravel site, not too close to other campers. There are cabins, too.
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
Guide
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. 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!!
LegendKingsport/Bristol has easy access from Interstate 81 and the campground is easily navigated with a large 5th wheel.
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. The park is also near Warriors Path State Park, which is fun to go hike and see.
They have several large pull through sites, as well as back in smaller sites. They have 50amp service and full hookup sites.
Cellular reception is decent for TMobile and AT&T.
This park is frequented by travelers and NASCAR fans.
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.
Guide
The is a cool little campground. a mix of RV, Cabins and tent sites. All have power and water. Some campers are more tenants who live there but all are very friendly. You are right on the water which is so beautiful and is a lullaby at night. Also at night the train comes and far off in the distance you see this light coming around the bend across the river and passes right by. it really is a site to see at night with the river as a beautiful accent. Asheville is right down the road with all the river outfitters running there shuttles stacked with tubes. The River District is centered to the arts and is a cool place. Downtown Asheville is just a bit further. That’s a whole other review....
TravelerNice for a night or two to get away but not be too far a town or necessities. Good for camping with kids too.
TravelerNice small campground right on the French Broad river. We love camping right on the water and here was perfect. The owners very nice, clean grounds and not that far to shopping. Tube rentals available but we brought our own kayaks and took a 5 hour float trip from our campsite!
LegendIts a steep climb into the campground (CG) area but doable. At the main park entrance keep going straight and veer to the right up the hill to cabins/CGs to get to Lover's Leap and Cove View CG areas. The office was closed so we grabbed a park map and headed to back-in site 10 with 50 AMP and water. Our tags were already on our site post so we did not have to check in. The water pressure was 60+ so I used my pressure reducer. I also had to use Teflon tape to get a good seal on my pressure reducer. I noticed that other campers had similar problems evident by the water spray coming off the spigot. 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). Site 9 would also be one of the better sites. The adjacent Cove View CG is older and the sites are closer together. The yurts are also there. Cove View does have a few sites that will take larger rigs. I would definitely suggest staying in the Lover's Leap loop regardless of what size of rig you have because the sites are more spacious. We got a few OTA channels, but only one major channel. AT&T and Verizon were 2 bars. The bath house was newer, clean, and there’s a laundry with 2 washers & dryers at a $1.00 a piece. Most of the Lover's Leap sites have a clear shot to the southern sky for satellite. The trails out of and around the campground are worth the hikes. The most aggressive was to Lover's Leap Overlook and then down to the Natural Tunnel via Lover's Leap Trail. I wouldn't recommend Lover's Leap Trail if you are very afraid of heights. It goes along the rim and while it does have a fence to protect you from falling, it can still be quite scary. You can drive down to the Natural Tunnel where there’s a parking lot and chair lift down/up (seasonal) to the Tunnel. The Purchase Ridge Trail also goes out of the CG and is a moderate hike through the valley forest but without the stunning views of the Lover's Leap Trail and Natural Tunnel areas. There are other hiking trails and historical sites in the area. Duffield is about 15 minutes away and has gas stations with diesel, a medium sized grocery store, Dollar General, and a few restaurants. This was a quiet campground and we enjoyed our stay.
Legend-CAMPGROUND REVIEW- I was pleasantly surprised when we pulled into this campground. It accomadates to all, without being too showy. There are cabins you can rent and full RV hookup sites as well if that’s what you’re interested in. I was particularly interested in the primitive tent site. This is only a 45 second walk from the provided parking area- and well worth it for the privacy and seclusion. There is one bathroom in the campground- one men’s shower and one woman’s shower. I wouldn’t say it was stellar in cleanliness- but it wasn’t disgusting by any means either. For the tent and primitive sites there are two portable bathrooms- one was better than the other. The guy who runs it is super nice and accommodating- even letting us have a fire with our family in one of the easier to get to camp sitesp so that my grandparents could enjoy a nice campfire.
The campsites were as a whole pretty close together- we went midweek and before their peak season so there wasn’t really anyone else around, but could see it being less than desirable to stay here in the on season. It gets pretty busy in the on season. Would highly recommend the primitive tentsite or site 17 for optimal privacy (especially in the on season.)
-GEAR REVIEW- Being a Ranger for the Dyrt, I get to test out some killer equipment from the best guys out there. This time was no exception. The Renogy Water Filturation system is probably not something I would have ever thought I needed. I’m one of those people who carelessly drinks out of any body of water as long as it seems to be moving fast enough. While I’ve never had any problems in the past- it’s always a stress in the back of my mind. What if I have some kind of parasite living inside me just waiting to come out and kill me? What if on my backpacking trip I drink stream water and end up pooping myself because of contracting giardia? Real worries.
Renogy has changed all this though- because now- I know I’m only getting purified water. This filter easy to use and put together, very minimalistic, and light as a feather. It for sure will simplify my backpacking trips from now on (I usually pack two or three gallons- which as you can imagine gets pretty heavy.) It comes with the purification system, two tubes, a suringe for cleaning out the filter and a few replacement parts. It all fits in its little pouch.
Going to go ahead and give this a 5 star rating. Thanks Renogy! Grab your own here- https://www.renogy.com/renogy-portable-outdoor-water-filter/
GuideHave waited six months into our RV life to start reviews for fair comparisons. Spent 2 nights. Sites were very close together and it was very crowded, but friendly and courteous folks. Hiking very good from the site. Great place for dog walks. Tunnel very cool.
ScoutVery nice campgrounnd! Very clean. Even the fire pit was cleaned out. Host came by within ten minutes to check us in, which was much appreciated. Stayed in Lover's Leep #8. Steep drive in, but easy back in to site. Highly recommend
GuideWho needs to go all the way out west to see the grand canyon when you can get the jist of it here
TravelerNatural Tunnel is awesome. Not a lot of sites which is great. I’d recommend Lovers Leap as the sites are super spacious and far apart from each other. Some have more shade than others. The bathrooms are super clean and there is even laundry. The ranger programs are fantastic. We recommend the Stockton Creek hike (though it is through water and a bit challenging balance wise). The cable cars are so fun. Ranger Bill was a great storyteller and very informative. Hiking was moderate. Nothing too crazy. It was was a very nice stay.
ScoutI camped here back in June 2018. It was one of three sites I camped at that week on my trek to ten VA state parks in the south eastern of the state. This was my favorite of them all. It offered primitive, trailer and tent camping. Since I was by myself I choice the tent. Very clean, helpful and friendly folks. the site was easy to pull through with my truck. I been to some that were not so easy.
RangerTent camped for a weekend to hike Devil’s bathtub. Campgrounds were well kept. We had water and electric at our site. Fire ring and table. Level gravel tent pad. Bathhouse very clean. We hiked down to the tunnel. Beautiful. The chair lift was running and the kids loved that. (We rode just for fun) park rangers were friendly. Dogs were welcome leashed.
GuideBeautiful campground. So much fun stuff for the kids to do. Great trails for hiking or biking.
TravelerSpent the night in a tent at Lovers Leap campground. Campground and park are clean, well maintained and up to date. Canoed Clinch River, caved in the park, and took a short guided hike through Stock Creek to backside of tunnel. Highly recommend!
RangerWe stayed in Lovers Leap Loop, site specific reservable. All these sites are roomy, but often back or butt to the next site. New super clean showerhouse with plenty of pressure and hot water. We had great cell and hot spot service (ATT & Verizon). The Tunnel is well worth seeing also. Would definitely stay here again.
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.
GuideOur family really enjoyed the this park , there are many interesting structures at the park. The staff was very friendly . The park is very clean there are informative facts .
LegendIn addition to the main attraction and hiking trails, this park has a TON of activities…..canoeing, kayaking, caving, ranger led programs, night hikes, etc etc.
We spent the first few days exploring the tunnel and visitor‘s center.The tunnel was formed millions of years ago when groundwater that had carbonic acid in it ate away the rock and formed the tunnel. It is huge…about 200 feet wide and 80 feet high. There is some folklore that says that a Cherokee maiden and a Shawnee brave were forbidden to marry and jumped to their deaths from the highest pinnacle…now named Lover’s Leap. There is a still an active railroad thru the tunnel hauling coal. And, there is a creek that flows thru the tunnel. The campground sits atop the tunnel. Very spacious and open sites!
There are two ways to get down to the tunnel…you can ride the chairlift or you can hike. We did both!
Cabin camping near Pennington Gap, Virginia, offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and cozy accommodations, perfect for those looking to escape into nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Pennington Gap, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Pennington Gap, VA is Natural Tunnel State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 19 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 12 cabin camping locations near Pennington Gap, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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