Tent camping near Pound, Virginia sits within the Appalachian Mountain region at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 feet. The area receives approximately 45 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forests and numerous streams throughout the camping areas. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F with cooler nights at higher elevations, while spring and fall bring temperature fluctuations requiring layered clothing.
What to do
Fishing at Carr Creek Lake: Campers staying at primitive sites can access Carr Creek Lake for bass, bluegill, and trout fishing. The lake is regularly stocked and offers both shoreline and boat fishing opportunities.
Cave exploration: Kingdom Come State Park features unique geological formations including an amphitheater inside a cave system. As one visitor noted, "The trails were really cool with lots to see including an amphitheater inside a big cave! The views from the outlooks are great on multiple sides."
Kayaking at Bark Camp Lake: Located near Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost, this peaceful lake offers uncrowded paddling opportunities. A visitor mentioned, "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."
Wildlife observation: The mountains around Pound provide opportunities to spot black bears, white-tailed deer, and various bird species. At Kingdom Come State Park, one camper reported, "I saw more bears while at this park than any other time. But it was never scary because they were always far away."
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Kingdom Come State Park Campground offers primitive tent camping with minimal crowds. A reviewer described it as "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."
Free firewood service: Some campgrounds provide complimentary firewood delivery. At Kingdom Come, "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 attractions like Raven Rock. A camper described the experience: "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."
Digital disconnect: Limited cell service creates a true wilderness experience. One camper at Kingdom Come simply stated, "Great area, no service or wifi," highlighting the opportunity to fully disconnect from technology.
What you should know
Bear safety protocols: Black bears are active throughout the region, requiring proper food storage. Campgrounds like Kingdom Come provide specialized equipment: "Each [site] with its own picnic table, fire ring, and pole for stashing your food away from bears."
Water availability varies: Many primitive sites have limited water access. At Kingdom Come, one visitor noted, "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)."
Road conditions: Some forest roads require careful driving. For Bellebrook Acres, access roads may require vehicles with adequate clearance during wet weather, while at Kingdom Come, a visitor cautioned, "The road in from Cumberland is STEEP! We made it in a mini van pulling a scamp, so you'll probably be fine."
Seasonal closures: Always check operating dates before planning a trip, as many campgrounds close during winter months. High Knob Campground operates only from May 15 to September 15, and one visitor warned, "Road closed unfortunately. No information posted."
Tips for camping with families
Gradable hiking options: For families with children, look for campgrounds with varied trail difficulties. Misfit Farmz Campground caters to families and can "help families with almost any request," making it suitable for those with children of different ages and hiking abilities.
Educational opportunities: Kingdom Come State Park offers wildlife viewing chances that can serve as natural science lessons. A camper mentioned, "We were really careful to keep our campsite very clean as to not attract the bears closer," providing an opportunity to teach children about wildlife safety.
Multiple tent arrangements: Many sites accommodate family camping configurations. Kingdom Come offers "mulch tent pad big enough for two smallish tents," allowing parents and children to have separate sleeping quarters while remaining at one site.
Bathroom accessibility: When camping with children, knowing bathroom facilities is essential. A Kingdom Come visitor specified, "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."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most campgrounds near Pound accommodate smaller RVs and trailers only. At Kingdom Come, a camper advised the sites are "tent-centric but doable with a small trailer," noting they managed "in a mini van pulling a scamp."
Limited hookups: RVers should prepare for primitive camping conditions. Most sites around Pound offer no electric or water hookups, with Kingdom Come providing "primitive [sites] with no running water, but good pads, picnic tables, food hangers, shade from trees, and fire rings."
No dump stations: Plan accordingly for waste management. One RVer at Kingdom Come specifically mentioned, "No dump station," requiring self-contained operation during your stay.
