14 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Natural Tunnel State Park near Pennington Gap, Virginia features several cabin camping options with varying amenities. The park's cabins are clean, relatively new, and equipped with electricity, heating, and private bathrooms. Most units include queen beds, trundle beds, and living areas with couches and dining tables. Outdoor amenities typically feature picnic tables, fire rings, and deck areas with rocking chairs. "The cabins are very clean and relatively new," notes one visitor to Natural Tunnel State Park. Posh Mtn Camping offers more upscale cabin rentals with hot tubs, while Riverside Campground and Cabins provides riverside accommodations with full hookups and shower facilities.
Rustic and deluxe cabin options are available throughout the region, with sizes accommodating solo travelers to large family groups. Natural Tunnel State Park Cabins can sleep up to sixteen people in their largest units, making them suitable for family reunions or group retreats. Several KOA locations within driving distance, including Bristol-Kingsport KOA and Baileyton KOA Holiday, offer pet-friendly cabin rentals that provide basic amenities in a campground setting. According to one KOA visitor, "I was tremendously impressed with the serene beauty of this place situated well away from traffic." Most cabins require advance reservations, particularly during summer months when availability becomes limited. Year-round cabin camping is possible at several locations, though amenities and services may be reduced during winter.
Most furnished cabins include beds with mattresses but require guests to bring their own linens, pillows, and towels. Kitchen facilities vary significantly between properties, from basic microwaves to full kitchens with refrigerators and stoves. Visitors should check specific cabin listings for cooking equipment details before arrival. Firewood is typically available for purchase at campground stores, along with basic food supplies and camping necessities. The nearest full-service grocery stores are located in Duffield, approximately 15 minutes from Natural Tunnel State Park, where campers can find a medium-sized grocery store, Dollar General, and several restaurants for additional supplies or dining options.
"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."
"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"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 Availabilityfrom $25 - $95 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $125 - $165 / 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!"
from $35 / night
from $138 - $427 / night
Check Availability"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."
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
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LegendAshley 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!
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.
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 campground is minutes from Asheville, offering all urban amenities like nearby grocery, Starbucks, etc for last minute errands.
You share the campground with permanent residents, RV's, and primitive campers. Campsites are relatively flat but a little gravely. Sites are pretty close together but each one has a fire ring and picnic table.
You can't get any close to the water, being right on the French Broad River. Sling up a hammock for serious relaxation.
We enjoyed this campground as a large group and rented out 4 adjacent sites. Dogs are welcome. Firewood can be purchased, but we never saw anyone in the office so I would suggest bringing your own.
Bathrooms are at the front of the park, a 10-minute walk from the primitive sites. Bathrooms are not spotless, but they do the trick.
Natural Tunnel State Park near Pennington Gap sits at approximately 1,400 feet elevation in the clinch mountain range. The area features limestone formations and dense Appalachian forests, with cabin accommodations available throughout the year. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-80s, while winter lows can drop below freezing, making cabin camping a practical option for visitors seeking outdoor experiences with modern comforts.
Train viewing: Natural Tunnel State Park allows visitors to watch trains pass through the 850-foot natural limestone tunnel. "The tunnel is at the base of a massive rock and a train drives through it very slowly each day," notes a visitor at Natural Tunnel State Park Campground.
Chairlift rides: Access the tunnel area via a scenic chairlift when available. "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," explains a camper from Natural Tunnel State Park.
Canoeing: The Clinch River offers paddling opportunities for cabin campers. "Canoed Clinch River, caved in the park, and took a short guided hike through Stock Creek to backside of tunnel. Highly recommend!" shares a reviewer from Natural Tunnel State Park Campground.
Catch-and-release fishing: Several camping areas near Pennington Gap provide fishing opportunities. Crossville KOA maintains a small pond for guest use, with fishing equipment often available for rent at the camp store.
Private shower facilities: Many cabin accommodations include dedicated bathrooms. "Each bathroom is a private toilet and shower, very clean, nicely tiled and plenty of hot water," according to a visitor at Crossville KOA.
Off-season solitude: Primitive camping areas often have lower occupancy during cooler months. "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," reports a camper from Natural Tunnel State Park Primitive Camping.
Accessibility features: Several cabin areas provide amenities for guests with mobility considerations. "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," mentions a visitor to Natural Tunnel State Park Campground.
Community facilities: Shared amenities enhance the cabin camping experience. One camper at Natural Tunnel State Park Primitive Camping notes, "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."
Summer heat management: Cabins without air conditioning require planning. A visitor to Natural Tunnel State Park Campground explains: "This is the first time I have stayed in a yurt, and it was definitely a learning experience. The temperatures were in the lower 90s outside, and once we walked inside the yurt, it was like walking into an oven. Fortunately, I had two 100-foot extension cords and a fan in our car."
Water access: Some primitive cabin areas have limited water sources. "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," advises a camper from Natural Tunnel State Park Primitive Camping.
Seasonal activity schedule: Many attractions operate on limited schedules. "The one thing I was really looking forward to (the chairlift) is only open on weekends," notes a reviewer from Natural Tunnel State Park Campground.
Internet connectivity: Cell service varies significantly between cabin locations. "My phone had three bars, Verizon 5G ultra wide signal," reports a visitor to Bristol-Kingsport KOA.
Educational opportunities: Natural Tunnel provides learning experiences for children. "They have concerts and lots of outdoor activities during different times of the year. Great place for family fun!" notes a visitor to Natural Tunnel State Park Campground.
Budget accommodations: Tent sites near cabins offer affordable options for larger groups. "I tent camped with a group here and the sites are very rugged and pretty far from water/bathrooms but there is a pool and the staff is very friendly and helpful," shares a camper from Bristol-Kingsport KOA.
Swimming facilities: Several cabin camping locations maintain pools for summer use. "Great park! It's got all you need from camping to trails to swimming to even learning history about the area and the park itself! Great for the family!" mentions a reviewer from Natural Tunnel State Park Campground.
Activity variety: Baileyton KOA Holiday offers multiple recreation options. "Nice pool, very clean park, lots of things for the kids. They have activities on the weekends. We stayed in a pull through site and it was not very level," reports a visitor.
Site leveling: Some cabin and RV sites require adjustment. "We stayed in a pull through site and it was not very level (we had planned to not even unhook from the truck but had too bc of this)," notes a camper at Baileyton KOA Holiday.
Campground navigation: Access routes accommodate various vehicle sizes. "Kingsport/Bristol has easy access from Interstate 81 and the campground is easily navigated with a large 5th wheel," reports a visitor to Banks Farms Campground.
Off-peak travel: Seasonal considerations affect cabin camping experiences. "It had been raining alot while we were here and it can be pretty slick if you don't stay on the thin gravel road with your vehicle," warns a camper from Bristol-Kingsport KOA.
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 14 cabin camping locations near Pennington Gap, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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