Searching for a tent campsite near Pennington Gap? Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Pennington Gap, including sites, reviews, and tips. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
$14 / night
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
The campground is located in Jonesville Virginia on a large creek in the woods. We have unlimited camping spots and can accommodate large groups. Picnic tables available. All fires must be inside the campground an inside a fire pit. Fresh spring water is provide but necessary to treat if used for drinking. Firewood can be provided for a small fee. No cutting of live trees are allowed but you can pick up dead limbs. We live on sight so should you need anything just ask. Enjoy your stay!!!
$15 - $50 / night
Strategic Location for peaceful camping with lots of nearby options. Camping is very primitive and rustic as new amenities come online in planned future. The best time of booking is the weekend at present.
We have:
Wooded/Grassy hills with plenty of tree cover and open space to spread out . A uniquely positioned community fire pit is available with an impressive view. It is very rustic and primitive, but well kept, quiet, secluded, with developing surroundings.
There is direct access to Jefferson National Forest and miles of hiking, biking and horseback trails. Equestrians encouraged, but is Bring your own horse and Tie Line.
Nearby sites include Bark Camp Lake, Guest River Gorge, Bear Rock, Little Stony Falls, Chief Benge Trail, Devils Bath Tub, and High Knob. We are also located along several driving and scenic routes to include: Backroads of the Cumberland's, Appalachian Backroads, Virginia Wildlife and Birding Trail, and Thomas Jefferson Scenic Byway (Rt. 72). In addition, within a short drive there is an ATV trailhead in the local town. The Clinch River is not far at all as well.
There is a small quaint downtown less than 5 miles with grocery, gas, supplies, and a few places to eat.
Mission:
The original idea for CR Adventure Outpost came many years ago. We grew up visiting "Grandma & Grandpa" in Wise County and developed a deep love for the area, the outdoors, and all it had to offer. There came a point, , when we realized that the amount of outdoor activities and authentic cultural experiences could indeed support visitors. It could also support many business opportunities once everyone became aware of what was all around them. At that point, a process began of research and planning on ideas some thought were pointless. People deeply want to get back to nature and withdrawal from a fast paced materialistic society, at least long enough to realize what is really important in life. There is a huge need and vast opportunity to take advantage of the many beautiful landscapes in Southwest Virginia.
$20 - $35 / night
Phillips's Creek Group Picnic area is a secluded site surrounded by forest. It is a great facility for family reunions, organization activities and other group events.
Open lawn areas are adjacent to the picnic area can be used for activities such as horseshoes, sports and games (bring your own game and sports equipment). Hiking trails are available within easy driving distance and include Pine Mountain and Red Fox Trails. The Phillip's Creek Trail is near the picnic area.
Parking is adjacent to the picnic shelters and restroom facilities. The restrooms are pit toilets. The toilets are adjacent to shelter #1 but are a short walk (850 feet) from shelter #2. A large charcoal grill is available at both shelters. Picnic tables are located inside the shelters. There is no electricity or drinking water available.
The picnic area is surrounded by forest. The North Fork of Pound Reservoir is nearby and is a popular boating and fishing destination.
The Pine Mountain and Red Fox Trails are within easy driving distance.
Discover the Unique Ranch Experience.
Thank you for considering your next adventure with us. While we're still a work in progress, we're excited to offer a place for you to pitch your tent and enjoy the great outdoors. With a minimum stay of 2 nights, you'll have the opportunity to experience the beginnings of what will soon be a primitive lifestyle experience.
Picture yourself horseback riding on our 11-acre property or taking a refreshing dip in one of our swimming holes. As night falls, enjoy the warmth of summer evenings while gazing at the stars above. Please note that at the moment, we're only offering dry camping, but rest assured, shower facilities and restrooms are in the works.
It's important to mention that all proceeds from your stay will go towards our equine rescue efforts. Thank you for considering us for your outdoor getaway, and we look forward to welcoming you soon!
$25 - $45 / night
Katy Branch, a former Youth Conservation Corp Camp, is a private outdoor pavilion surrounded by beautiful Tennessee woodland in the Cherokee National Forest.
Katy Branch is located in open woodland. A more heavily forested area and an open area, part of which is used for parking, is adjacent to the pavilion area.
Forested land is available for hiking and exploration and an open area is available for group activities.
Rental facilities include an open pavilion with fireplace and four large picnic tables. The pavilion is attached to a building that contains two accessible restrooms and a "kitchen" area with stainless steel sink, microwave and refrigerator. A large outdoor charcoal grill and five folding tables and 80 folding chairs are also available with the rental. The pavilion is located about .5 miles on a gravel road, closed to the public.
Katy Branch is located about half-way between the towns of Greeneville and Erwin. Though it is not located on the Nolichucky River, the river is only about .5 miles away.
$30 - $120 / night
Scout
I rode all the way over here from Greeneville to check out the area in order to bring a group of friends camping next weekend.
BUT the entire campground is closed. When I pulled up to the iron gate and saw the sign, it read "CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC DUE TO VANDALISM AND UNAUTHORIZED ACTIVITY"
Scout
Quiet campground with a private pond for fishing.
ScoutI drove over an hour to get here to find that it is “closed to public for vandalism”. I was very upset by this but obviously nothing I could do. Just wish I knew how to check before driving all the way. But the drive! Woah! So beautiful, I wish there was a way I could find out when it opens back up because I was very much looking forward to camping here.
Guide
We arrive very late, after all day travels from Florida. My phone had three bars, Verizon 5G ultra wide signal.
Guide
The map for this campground isn’t quite accurate. Also, the price is $24 p/ night not $14. Not quite what we were looking for.
Scout
Paid in full in 2023 for 2024. Checked in May 2024, all good on reservations, stated looking forward to seeing me in September. August 31, 2024, received an email stating they could not accommodate me for the agreed upon reservation. Tried to call, went straight to voicemail, mailbox full.
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!!
Scout
We had an excellent time at Davy Crockett Birthplace. Very clean facilities. Friendly staff and quick check-in.
Guide
This is an enjoyable State Park with a lot to offer. The rangers and staff may be the nicest we’ve encountered. They have a full docket of activities, ranger-led hikes, games, crafts and wildlife lectures offered throughout the day. In addition to camping they have a full marina with canoe, kayak and paddle board rentals. It houses an acclaimed mountain bike trail area. Nearby you can golf and ride horses. Cell coverage varies from LTE to 5G all over the park.
The main camping section was laid out long ago, with older style short sites and water/electric only. Many of the sites are narrow and some have challenging access. Be sure to read site descriptions and check the suggested trailer size- they seriously mean the max size!! Each site has a fire ring, and small grate grill and a picnic table. The sites up on the ridge are probably sized only for tents and Class B units; many are sloped. The newly updated section, Moody Bluff, has FHU and a number of pull-through sites. It only has trees around the edge of one side giving it an open field feeling.
The main campground has its own boat ramp for access to the reservoir. The camp store has a small offering of RV accessories and ice for$2.00. The main campground shower units are individual and separate from the bathrooms. There are ADA shower stalls, bathrooms, and ramps. While the bath house is older and could use fresh paint it was meticulously clean all week.
We spent a long weekend with several other RV couples. Nearby Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium provides engaging planetarium shows, a herpetarium, wildlife sections with bobcats, foxes, gray wolves, and raptors, as well as hiking trails. Restaurants, grocery stores and big box retail stores are 10 minutes away in Kingsport.
Our site(62) was narrow and a little short for our 23’ trailer. We had to park the truck sideways at the entrance. Our stairs opened right on the concrete pad for the table and we had very little room for our chairs. Our group host had enough room on their site(58) that they could erect two shelters for our meals. The forest was right up to our sides and we had lovely birdsong to awaken us every morning. I would definitely return, especially if the larger sites were available.
ScoutOverall was impressed with the grounds! Well kept, and huge park. Only reason for 4 stars, is no sewer hookup on site. Several Dump stations on grounds, though they are free for guests. Very friendly Park Rangers at the check-in station. 30 amp hookups. Water hookup. Several Lake front spots. Shower and bathroom buildings on site. Several pavilions. Dumpsters, Lots of walking trails. As well as a boat ramp. For $25 a night, with my 28ft pull behind, I was very pleased with my stay! Will come back again!
ScoutVery well kept campground. Staff were very nice. One of the cleanest parks I have visited. Lots of historical places to visit in the area. Slightly tough to get to, thats why only 4 stars. Don’t let that keep you from visiting.
Traveler
Did a couple of days at Around the Pond Campground in Greenville Tennessee.( mtns.) It was a awesome trip with our friends Ronni Herold& Dean. And our new friends we met Nancy Riegelsperger& her husband Herb.Campground was clean and the staff was very friendly.
Scout
There are 2 main campgrounds here for rvs and tents. Is it a nice safe place for families. Pets welcome. 30 and up a night with a good security faculty.
Scout
Their website is from 2018. They have new owners and have let transit stay there campers look terrible. The place is really went downhill. It used to be really nice. Beware if you have a new camper. Looks like that newest campers like a 2010.
ScoutGreat location. Not crowded. But could use a cleaning. PortaJons are nasty.
GuideLots of lil cozy pull offs on an easy gravel road. Lots of longer term people staying it seemed like (or just really full send camping friends lol). Many fire rings and spots by the lake. Unfortunately the other reviews are right - A decent amount of trash. There are trash cans and porta potties. I’ve seen worse porta potties at festivals but there were a few stinky ones.
Scout
Nice clean campground with affordable pricing, I highly recommend this camp
Legend
Jake from the Dyrt here! We're excited to have this campground on the Dyrt and ready for you to book, check them out and make sure to leave a review!
ScoutWe stayed for the Bristol Rhythm & Roots festival in the glampers and loved the romantic atmosphere at night. The trees are lit up with a warm glowing light. The pond fountain whispers you to sleep. The manager and staff were awesome and accommodating. They truly want you to make a lifetime of memories on your visit.
Scout
Great staff. Isolated area. Quiet neighbors. All around wonderful place to camp
TravelerGreat place to camp along side the creek or rv lots with mountain views. Walking distance to Clinch River. Kayak, Hiking, Biking, spacious lots
GuideThis is a great park to go camping, swimming at their nice pool, great fishing in the nolichucky river, but very dangerous river , DO NOT SWIM IN. but overall great place.
Guide
A “secret spot” that holds a special place in my heart.
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. Even when all sites are full. There’s plenty of space. Porter Johns on site as well (and nicely maintained for what that’s worth! )
By far - the best camp ground I’ve visited in terms of Hosts, rangers, amenities if needed, scenery and solitude.
Take bear and coyote warnings SERIOUSLY my friends. I’ve seen plenty out there but never had a problem taking proper precautions. 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.
Your cell service will be spotty / non existent on trails around the area… even when you see a road running parallel to your hike .. plan accordingly. (And bear spray people. Please. Just take it)
Plenty of wood split ($4 a bundle. Ice $2 a bag) and hosts will graciously bring wood to your camp site <3
The “trail” off the primitive site doesn’t seem to be on a map - and I heard many different variations of where it went. So I hiked the whole thing just for y’all! It’s an in and out(maybe a mile give or take total) that dead ends to PRIVATE property. (So obviously don’t proceed past gate) Lots of beautiful growth, cool in the summer with shade - nice quiet trail for dogs - half way is definitely less of a beaten path. Use caution.
HIGHLY recommend getting in before last light. Especially if you’re towing anything, roads are steep and winding getting to and from camp/cabins. And lotssss of deer / rabbits at dawn and dusk jumping around.
In a nutshell - this park gets a 10/10 from a solo female camper. Everyone is mindful of one another’s space and solitude - however in true Appalachian fashion everyone also looks out for you and always ready to lend a helping hand.
Ranger
Pleasant one night stop on a rainy night. It's worth a longer stay for sure, the TVA campgrounds are clean & well maintained. We're coming back someday to explore the area.
GuideIt was fine. Site 50 and 27 are great. Site 111 in overflow was not good. Had to move. Very tilted.
Guide
Very typical KOA. We’ll kept, sites are gravel, level and not too close. Bathhouses are new and clean. WiFi is so so. Convinient to I81.
Scout
Great experience, the lady who took my booking was super helpful and friendly. Campground is quiet and feels very safe. Nestled nicely in the hills in the Pennington gap . Lots to do within easy driving distance. Overall a great experience
Camping near Pennington Gap, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Pennington Gap, Virginia, has something for everyone. With a little planning, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Pennington Gap, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Pennington Gap, VA is Kingdom Come State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Pennington Gap, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 tent camping locations near Pennington Gap, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
