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Best Tent Camping near Pennington Gap, VA

298 Reviews

Tent campsites near Pennington Gap, Virginia offer a mix of established grounds and primitive sites within surrounding state parks and national forests. Kingdom Come State Park Campground in Kentucky provides tent-focused camping with limited amenities, while Misfit Farmz Campground in Virginia offers dedicated tent sites. Jefferson National Forest's High Knob Campground provides access to mountain terrain, though seasonal closures may apply.

Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities suited for traditional camping. Kingdom Come State Park has designated tent pads with picnic tables, fire rings, and food hanging poles for bear safety. According to reviews, the campground has about 6-7 primitive sites with no running water, though restrooms with sinks are available. Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost offers secluded tent sites with fire rings on a property adjacent to Jefferson National Forest. Tent campers should note that many sites have gravel or mulch tent pads, and several campgrounds post bear warnings requiring proper food storage.

The tent camping experience in this mountainous region provides opportunities for solitude and outdoor recreation. "This campground in the Kingdom Come State Park has about 6 or 7 sites, and they are primitive with no running water, but good pads, picnic tables, food hangers, shade from trees, and fire rings," noted one camper at Kingdom Come State Park. Walk-in tent locations at Misfit Farmz and Bellebrook Acres offer increased privacy compared to drive-in sites. Jefferson National Forest provides access to hiking trails and natural features like Little Stoney Falls near the Cliffhanger Ranch property. Many tent campgrounds in the area remain uncrowded even during peak seasons, with several reviewers mentioning they encountered few other campers during their stays. The surrounding mountain terrain offers extensive hiking opportunities, fishing at small lakes, and wildlife viewing, including potential bear sightings from safe distances.

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Best Tent Sites Near Pennington Gap, Virginia (15)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Pennington Gap, VA

23 Photos of 15 Pennington Gap Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Pennington Gap, VA

298 Reviews of 15 Pennington Gap Campgrounds

  • P
    Jul. 13, 2021

    Kingdom Come State Park Campground

    Quiet, beautiful views

    This campground in the Kingdom Come State Park has about 6 or 7 sites, and they are primitive with no running water, but good pads, picnic tables, food hangers, shade from trees, and fire rings. There are men's and women's bathrooms, with running water in the sinks, but no water faucets as in other camps, and no showers. I've camped there twice and only saw one other camper. It is very quiet and remote. The views from the outlooks at the top of the road are amazing. There is a lake for swimming, and plenty of trails. Bugs are minimal.

  • S
    Oct. 12, 2020

    Kingdom Come State Park Campground

    Lovely quiet, small tent campground

    Kingdom Come State Park is a little jewel in southeastern Kentucky! There are 6 tent sites (7 if they allow you to reserve the one next to the duck pond), each with a gravel drive, mulch tent pad big enough for two smallish tents, fire ring, and picnic table. The nearby shelter house provides restrooms and trash cans. The local ranger was most helpful in providing firewood (free!) and offering to bring us water to wash up with or for drinking (there is a water fountain across from the CG, but it wasn't turned on and there is running water in the restrooms). The area is known for bear activity, but we saw none. The surrounding mountains provide many short hikes that can be easily strung together to make for a longer trek if desired. We look forward to camping there again!

  • G
    Aug. 7, 2018

    Carr Creek State Park Campground

    RV/Tent camp by mtn lake

    Overall; nice place, bathrooms get gross quickly when campground is at full capacity. Not handicap friendly. Good cell service, 4G. Small beach area, clear water for swimming, but have quite a few steps to walk down to the lake. Playground equipment was taken down, only had a couple of swings. All sites have electric and water, picnic table, two poles to hang garbage or lantern, also fire rings with grates for cooking on Pets allowed on leash. Firewood and ice available.

    Attendant on site, not a ranger, maybe a "workamper?" Bathrooms cleaned only once in the midmorning. The commodes have a button to flush which is difficult to push. I think young children couldn't push it, so the toilets got nasty and full. Toilet paper ran out by early evening. There was no commode in the handicap stall in the women's room. Hot showers with regular handle for continual flow (as opposed to some places that only run a couple of minutes before you have to push the button again.

    Most sites are shaded and grassy areas. Sites 7, 8, 26, 28, 31 are washed out, not good for putting up a tent. Lake surrounds campground but not visible through the trees. A few very steep trails from some sites down to the lake.

    Beach is about 100 yds long. Water was clean and clear. It might be a slight challenge walking back up the steps to the parking lot if you're not in good shape. If you plan on hanging out at the beach area for awhile, I suggest bringing a beach tent, it gets hot. There is a drive way down to the beach for handicap access, but the gate was locked. There is a marina on the other side of the road. I believe you can rent a pontoon there.

    While we were there, somebody with a super loud speed boat was racing around, so be aware that if you're wanting peace and quiet, there is boating noise. There was also a group of campers that had speakers set up and played their music Sat night that was annoying. Not super loud, but we just didn't care for their style of music. We tolerated it, but don't know why they weren't asked to turn it down. To me, music shouldn't be heard much past your own site.

    It's about 5+/- miles in either direction for a store. There is an ice cream place about 2 miles away that also sells basic prep fried food and breakfast.

    Our electric didn't work (site 33) but we were with another couple and plugged into theirs next to us. We usually primitive camp, but because of the Aug heat, it's nice to have a fan at night.

    We might camp there again. The main thing is that the bath house needs to be updated and attended to more than once a day. It's better than nothing, but I'd rather go in an outhouse than see an overflowing toilet.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2024

    Natural Tunnel State Park Primitive Camping — Natural Tunnel State Park

    Primitive at its finest

    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!!

  • Julie
    Jul. 12, 2021

    Leeman Field Park

    Leeman Field RV Park & Campground

    Great little park located in the Appalachian mountains of Virginia beside of Leeman Field park in Pennington Gap. Easy sites to get into with full hookups. Clean restroom/bathhouse on site, group picnic area/outdoor fireplace, and horseshoes at the campground. Neighboring Leeman Field park has multiple playgrounds, picnic shelters, swimming pool (Admission to the pool is included in campground fees.), tennis courts, and disc golf course. There is a gorgeous walking and biking trail beginning at Leeman Field that winds along the river leading to a local grocery store and restaurants. Maps are available for ATV trails that can be accessed from campground also.

  • Lori H.
    Jun. 2, 2020

    Cherokee Dam Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

    Pristine camping

    Cherokee Dam campground is literally one of the most beautiful campgrounds in the area! The grounds are so well-kept, and the lake is just breathtaking. The campground is near town, so you can grab some bbq or hit the local hardware store for anything you need. The campground also had a camp store for essentials. They even delivered firewood to our site.

    The people running the campground were just amazing. So nice and helpful. Most of the sites have lake views. We were in site #36, and we were in our camper. Lots of space, no shade at all in this one. Most of the sites had some shade though. Picnic tables and fire rings at all.

    I’ve noticed the TVA campgrounds don’t have many showers, so I was glad to have that in our camper, just be aware, you might have to wait for one if you are tent camping. The tent sites were awesome, right on the water, and a short walk from the parking lot. If you have a rooftop tent, you won’t be able to park at your site, so you’ll be sleeping in the parking lot, but you could make it work.

    There’s a swimming area, boat launch, and walking trails. This is a great spot to have a great time on the lake!

  • Amin A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2023

    Palmers Junction Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Better than I expected

    So we weren't sure what we would end up finding here. I will say that there are a lot of places to camp, many many many options away from the porta potties. If you get within about 20-30 feet of those they are a bit stinky. The one camp site we chose was a great place, tons of space and well manicured. A lot of options for pull up to your campsite or park and walk to campsite spots.

    My only complaints are about the campers that stay there. The litter isn't horrible, but it's not great. It is a leave no trace place. Apparently some people have difficulty with throwing away their trash.

    When we stayed last night there was a person that kept peeling out up and down the gravel road (3/4 times) in a diesel truck at 10:00 at night. Not very courteous to all of us at the campground.

    And I was awakened at 2:00 a.m. by our camping neighbors when they were playing loud music. Also not cool, thankfully they stopped shortly after

    Overall we were very pleased with this campground, beautiful views, it was hard choosing one spot. We will be coming back, and hopefully we won't have loud campers next time.

  • Susan E.
    Jul. 16, 2020

    Bristol-Kingsport KOA

    What luck!

    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.

  • Kelsey G.
    Jun. 7, 2019

    French Broad River Campground - Permanently Closed

    Riverside Urban Camping

    This 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.

Guide to Pennington Gap

Tent camping near Pennington Gap, Virginia provides access to the Jefferson National Forest and surrounding mountain areas. The Appalachian Mountains create terrain with elevations ranging from 1,400 to 4,000 feet, with dispersed camping options available throughout the region. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F during day and drop to 55-65°F at night, while spring and fall bring cooler conditions with occasional morning fog in valleys.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Bark Camp Lake in Jefferson National Forest offers uncrowded fishing conditions near Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost. "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," writes Noah O.

Hiking diverse trails: Kingdom Come State Park features multiple interconnected trails for customizable hikes. "The surrounding mountains provide many short hikes that can be easily strung together to make for a longer trek if desired," explains Sarah from Kingdom Come State Park Campground.

Rock climbing adventures: The Raven Rock trail in Kingdom Come State Park leads to a natural climbing challenge. Brian B. notes, "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."

Wildlife viewing: The region offers opportunities for safe bear watching from designated areas. "I saw more bears while at this park then any other time. But it was never scary because they were always far away," shares Jess B. about her Kingdom Come experience.

What campers like

Secluded camping spots: Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost provides private tent sites adjacent to national forest land. "Had a great camping weekend with a buddy at Cliffhanger Ranch. We were able to have a few nice fires at the top of the hill with great views," writes Noah O.

Ranger support: Kingdom Come State Park rangers actively assist campers with supplies. Brian B. reports, "Everyday a ranger will come by and keep you stocked with wood. It's included with the price of camping."

Quiet atmosphere: Most campgrounds in the area remain uncrowded even during peak seasons. "I've camped there twice and only saw one other camper. It is very quiet and remote," Paul H. writes about his Kingdom Come experience.

Reliable amenities: Cedar Grove Marina & Campground provides well-maintained facilities for tent campers. Linda P. notes, "This is a very nice place to stay in. It has everything you need to enjoy your stay."

What you should know

Bear safety protocols: Kingdom Come State Park requires proper food storage. "We were really careful to keep our campsite very clean as to not attract the bears closer," advises Jess B., adding that they "saw more bears while at this park then any other time."

Road access challenges: Some mountain roads have seasonal closures or difficult conditions. "No dump station, and the road in from Cumberland is STEEP! We made it in a mini van pulling a scamp, so you'll probably be fine," cautions Grant M. about Kingdom Come State Park Campground.

Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have limited or no connectivity. "Great area, no service or wifi," states wyman M. about Kingdom Come State Park, making it ideal for disconnecting but requiring advance planning.

Seasonal availability: Several campgrounds operate on limited schedules. High Knob Campground typically operates only from May 15 to September 15, and campers report occasional unexpected closures.

Tips for camping with families

Choose sites with bear safety features: Kingdom Come provides specialized equipment for food storage. "The campground has 7 sites each with it's own picnic table, fire ring, and pole for stashing your food away from bears," explains Brian B.

Plan for primitive conditions: Misfit Farmz Campground focuses on tent camping with basic amenities. Scott P., the owner, notes they are "providing a place for families to get in to nature" and "will help families with almost any request."

Visit fishing spots: Kingdom Come State Park offers family-friendly fishing in a stocked lake. "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," says Brian B.

Explore natural formations: Several unique geological features provide educational opportunities. Brian B. recommends visiting "a natural rock bridge close to the campsites called Log Rock" at Kingdom Come State Park.

Tips from RVers

Limited hookup availability: Most tent-focused campgrounds near Pennington Gap offer minimal or no RV hookups. Small trailers can access Kingdom Come State Park where Grant M. reports the sites are "tent-centric but doable with a small trailer."

Size restrictions: Large RVs face access challenges on mountain roads. Bellebrook Acres and similar campgrounds are not big-rig friendly, requiring smaller rigs or trailers.

Advanced reservations recommended: The best tent camping near Pennington Gap, Virginia requires planning ahead, especially for limited RV spaces. Misfit Farmz notes, "The first to reserve the campground will receive deep discounts since we will be learning."

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 Campground 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 15 tent camping locations near Pennington Gap, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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