K
Kristen M.
Scout
ScoutWhitetop
Great camping spot! Road isn’t horrible going up but there are some rougher areas toward the end of the road. Gorgeous sunset and sunrise spot! Fire rings seemed fairly abundant at the pull offs.
Camping near St. Paul, VA
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Campgrounds near St. Paul, Virginia range from developed facilities to dispersed sites across the Appalachian mountain region. Hidden Valley Wildlife Management Area offers primitive camping with fire rings and bear bins near water access, while Riverside Campground provides full hookups for RVs with seasonal availability from April through October. The area includes several state parks within driving distance, such as Natural Tunnel State Park with its distinctive geological features and multiple camping options including primitive sites, developed campgrounds with electric hookups, and cabins. Most campgrounds in the region sit along creeks or rivers, providing water access for fishing and paddling activities.
Road conditions and seasonal considerations affect camping access throughout the area, particularly at higher elevations or after heavy rainfall. "This spot is very nice, close to the water's edge. There's quite a few rings, bear bins, and a porta-loo. We had the place to ourselves which was really great," noted one visitor about Hidden Valley WMA. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, especially during peak seasons from late spring through early fall. Cell service varies significantly across the region, with several reviewers mentioning limited or no connectivity at more remote sites. Travelers should verify current conditions before arrival, as weather patterns in the Appalachian mountains can change rapidly and affect road access to more remote camping areas.
Several visitors highlighted the region's proximity to recreational trails and waterways as key attractions. The Virginia Creeper Trail and Appalachian Trail are accessible from multiple campgrounds, making the area popular with hikers and cyclists. Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront sites, particularly those along creeks that provide natural white noise for sleeping. According to one visitor, "Close to charming Abingdon VA with great local restaurants, the Barter Theater and the Virginia Creeper Trail. On the north fork of the Holsten River, this quiet campground provides the perfect spot for a family trip." Mixed-use campgrounds accommodating both tent and RV camping are common throughout the region, with varying levels of amenities from primitive sites with just fire rings to developed campgrounds with electric hookups, showers, and dump stations.
Best Campgrounds near St. Paul (135)
1. Hidden Valley WMA
"This spot is very nice, close to the water’s edge (although no camping allowed lakeside). There’s quite a few rings, bear bins, and a porta-loo. We had the place to ourselves which was really great."
"I have camped at this location multiple times. There used to be portable potties and trash cans. No longer. Pack in pack out now. Regularly patrolled by officers who are fantastic."
2. Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost
"Staying at The Cliffhanger Ranch places you in a quiet area surrounded by forests and a small downtown nearby, perfect for adventuring around a new area. "
"What makes this place great is that the entrance is directly across from the Jefferson National Forrest."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability3. Breath of Dawn
from $28 - $150 / night
Check Availability4. Breaks Interstate Park Campground
"What it offers in terms of a get away from it all makes it the go to destination for everyone who’s just about had enough of everything average. First of all, where the heck is it? "
"It was surrounded by a lot of trees, so it had shade. It was a short walk to the bathhouse which was very clean with nice showers. The campground has 4 different loops."
from $20 - $38 / night
Check Availability5. Sugar Hollow Campground
"Trails right off the campground to walk around the park, not huge but nice. Close off the highway but no road noise."
"From the road you wouldn’t guess there’s a giant park beyond the entrance. The rangers at the entrance were super friendly, but they patrol a lot, so often no one is actually at the gate house."
from $20 / night
Check Availability6. Riverside Campground
"Close to charming Abingdon VA with great local restaurants, the Barter Theater and the Virginia Creeper Trail."
"There are about 8-10 sites that are right behind the pool and more sites down a short hill all along the river. This campground accommodates tents, pop ups and RV's comfortably."
from $28 - $40 / night
Check Availability7. Flag Rock Recreation Area Campground
"Great campground with biking/hiking trails and mountain scenic overlook. Clean bathhouses, picnic tables, fire rings, charcoal grills, and electricity provided. Quiet with great views."
"Continuing on there is a short walk to a lovely overlook. There are very nice picnic shelters. Our only complaint was the place had a number of lampoles with lights that were on all night."
from $20 / night
Check Availability8. Natural Tunnel State Park Campground
"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."
"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."
9. Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground — Warriors' Path State Park
"We had a change of plans and made reservations at Warrior Path State Park on a whim - and are VERY glad we did."
"This park is located about 15 minutes off I-81 just south of the VA/TN border, making it extremely convenient, and a great place to stop for anyone traveling that stretch of the country."
10. Little Oak Campground
"**Holston Lake is absolutely beautiful. The campground is deep in the national forest, out on a series of peninsulas, making all the campsites quite close to the water."
"This campground is located about an hour or so from our home but it feels like a million miles away — in a good way!"
from $10 / night
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Drive Time
- 53 min from Kingsport, TN
- 1 hr 4 min from Johnson City, TN
- 1 hr 38 min from Morristown, TN
- 2 hrs 5 min from Beckley, WV
Recent Camping Photos near St. Paul, VA
188 Photos of 135 St. Paul Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost
Breath of DawnJ
Hidden Valley WMAR
Riverside Campground
French Broad River Campground - Permanently Closed
Sugar Hollow Campground
Thunder River Campground
Jessie Lea RV Park and Campground
Breaks Interstate Park Campground
Rainbow Campground
Cove View Campground — Natural Tunnel State Park
Natural Tunnel State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near St. Paul, VA
581 Reviews of 135 St. Paul Campgrounds
Windy W.ScoutDoe River Landing
Beautiful Place, Ugly host, Oct 2026
Let me first start by saying that this campground is absolutely beautiful. I have lived in this area my entire life and the Doe is one of my favorites. I am a avid camper and have camped all over this area. I decided to give this place a try, I own a small pop-up camper and knew it was going to get cold 10/20/2026-10/22/2026, so me and my sister rented the RV at Doe River. #1 check in is not until 3pm, I always order a load of wood from a local guy who delivers to camp sites, I do all my cooking in a Dutch oven over the fire or burgers and dogs in the fire, what is a camping trip without a nice warm fire. The owner came over to my campsite and asked if I had ordered this wood and I replied yes, she then asked what I was going to do with it all, I replied I am going to burn it. So, I told Carl (the wood guy) where to stack it, the owner then said that I need to leave it in my truck bc if I didn't use it all I would have to put it back on my truck and take it home with me, I said really? It's just a unspoken rule that if you don't use all your wood that you pay it forward and leave it for the next camper?? She said absolutely not, So we moved the wood from his truck and into mine. She then asked again why I needed so much wood and that most ppl just buy small bundles from her. And just like that I understood! Carl the wood man and his wife also made a comment about how rude she was about the wood. It does not end there, Not only does she have camaras on some of the out blds which I get, but I don't get why they are pointing directly at camp sites, We felt like we were in a fish bowl the entire time. Every single time we went to the bathroom she showed up abt 5 mins later, There is a camara right above the bathroom door, One on the pavilion, and one on each side of the bathhouse, at the entrances and who know where else. So much for privacy in the great outdoors. I didn't even feel comfortable hiking, we felt like we were being watched constantly. She was constantly there, walking her dog which was not friendly and so big she could hardly control him on the leash which was really scary, she also was driving through several times throughout the day. Then came the kicker, about 1 o'clock in the morning we were freezing, I had turned the heat on in the camper before going to bed and heard it come on, Well the propane ran out between 11pm and 1am, I called her at least 10 times we had every blanket and was still freezing, We decided we would go to the bath house bc it had a mini split hanging on the wall, Out of luck there, it was set on air conditioning with no way to change it, so we found a blow dryer trying to get warm, still the entire time trying to call the owners, We finally ended up in our car until the husband arrived. He acted so annoyed at us and said all u have to do is fip the switch on the propane tanks outside! We had never stayed in a travel trailer before and according to them all we had to do was show up and start glamping!! So, I was supposed to know to go outside at 1 am and switch over propane tanks?? No, It should have been FULL when I got there!!! With attitude he said,"Its Basic Camping" No sir it's not, what I do is basic camping, I was told on the phone that I was glamping, She, the owner also said we should have called 911 when we could not get hold of them so that Carter County police officers could come and wake them up!!! Not sure if that is putting our tax dollars to good use?? Like I said it is truly a beautiful place and has great potential, we left that second night at 11pm because again the heat was not working, we have not asked for any refund we just took the loss. it would be to much of a hassle. We just know better next time. With owners like that they can keep it. Windy Wells/Debra Price
- RRonnie C.
TravelerSugar Hollow Campground
3 stars only because it says water hookups but they are far and few between communal. No spigot at individual sites. Need long hose(s)to reach the connection. Good T-Mobile 5G but too wooded for StarLink. Quiet, shady, somewhat level sites were available. $20/night.
Jacob A.TravelerWhitetop
The road was very bumpy but I got up on my 2WD Honda Odyssey. A couple people came during the day to take photos, but the night was peaceful. A couple campsites on the drive up, less secluded though. View was gorgeous and the sunset was amazing. Amazing spot for stargazing.
Bonnie H.ScoutDoe River Landing
Kylie T & Andrew W. Review not accurate
My husband and I arrived at Doe River Landing for 3 nights and enjoyed everything the resort offered. While there we read the 2 reviews posted by Kylie T, and by Andrew W, who gave the resort a 1 star rating. Not knowing the facts that caused the rating by them, and occurred prior to us, we approach the owner and asked.
The owner showed us videos from their security cameras. These adults has stated in Kylie T review and confirm by Andrew W review that they were a group of 20 adults and "every single one of us is over 21 and family". So why are these adults playing "hide and seek" under the pavilion as they stated? Andrew W stated, "It was not blocked off", yet they had to crawl on the ground and around bushes to get under the pavilion. When the owner yelled at them approximately 10 adults that were under the pavilion crawled out which was captured on the security cameras. Andrew W stated in his review the owner called them hooligans, which is rowdy, destructive persons and from the security cameras, that description is correct. There was no mention of damages in their reviews such as the Adirondack chair they broke or possible damage to the water pipes and electric wires under the pavilion, which the owner was currently checking.
Once we read these two reviews by Kylie T and Andrew W and saw the owners security videos, we felt future customers deserved to know another opinion based on our findings.
These entitled adults justified their review of a 1 star by stating they paid money to use the campground.
I would ask these adults "why do you think it is OK to treat someone else's property in this destructive way?"
Kyle T.ScoutDoe River Landing
Unprofessional hosts that ruins a place with good potential
We brought our whole family out and rented almost every cabin on the property, plus the event center, for the weekend— we gave this place a lot of business. And honestly, the stay itself was great— nice place, no complaints about the cabins. The owner is the problem. He came flying in in his blue F-150 doing 20–30 mph where the posted speed limit is 5, and started screaming at us over something that could've been handled with a simple conversation. His exact words:"Where are your parents? This is a family establishment. I will not have hooligans running around here." Every single one of us is over 21 and family. All we were doing was playing hide and seek— which isn't against any of the property's rules— and there were no other guests to disturb, since we had the entire area rented. He still threatened to call the police, even though it wasn't even quiet hours. Before anyone could get a word in, he peeled out so fast the gravel sprayed up at us and our cars. Then on his way out he drove the wrong way down the property's one-way road, so apparently the rules only apply to guests. It's sad, because the property itself is great, and we were never anything but nice to the owners the whole weekend. To be treated in such an unprofessional manner— screamed at, threatened, and never given so much as an apology afterward— put a real dent in the weekend. We won't be back
- AAndrew W.Scout
Doe River Landing
Beautiful place ruined by unprofessional ownership
Our group of about 20 rented nearly every cabin at Doe River Landing for my friend's wedding weekend, with the reception held on site. The cabins were nice and well-equipped, and the only other guests were in a cabin half a mile away through the woods. Unfortunately, the hosts ruined the stay. One night, some of us were playing hide and seek in an area that wasn't blocked off or against any rule. The host's husband came speeding in at roughly 30 mph(the posted limit is 5), jumped out of his truck screaming that he"will not have child hooligans running around the campground," told us to"go back to the motel we crawled out of," and demanded to see our parents— despite all of us being adults in our twenties. He then peeled out so aggressively he sprayed gravel at us and our cars. It wasn't even quiet hours, and we weren't disturbing anyone. Afterward, the host called us again, passive-aggressive, and questioned our ages— even though you have to be 21 just to rent a cabin there. The property is lovely, but the hosts' behavior put a real damper on what should have been a joyful wedding celebration. It's a shame they treat people paying good money this way. We won't be back.
Juliana J.
GuideWashington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites
Epic Spot Near Iron Mountain and Rush Trails
I wandered a bit and took a left up a gravel road near where the sites indicated were located and just drove for a few miles. Found an awesome spot with a fire pit and lush surroundings. The road was unpaved (but as are all to the best spots) and there were definitely some large rocks and potholes to navigate. Would suggest higher raised vehicle. Saw nobody else and felt like I had my own slice of paradise.
- April V.Guide
Lakeview RV Resort
Nice little campground
Clean nice little campground for the weekend.
Guide to St. Paul
Dispersed camping sites near St. Paul, Virginia range from primitive lakeside spots to established campgrounds nestled in the Appalachian foothills. The region sits at elevations between 1,500-3,000 feet, creating distinct temperature variations between valley locations and mountain sites. Winter camping requires preparation for overnight temperatures that frequently drop below freezing from November through March, with higher elevation sites often experiencing snow or ice accumulation.
What to do
Kayaking at Bark Camp Lake: Located across from Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost, Jefferson National Forest provides water recreation opportunities with lower crowds. "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," notes Noah O.
Chairlift rides at Natural Tunnel: The park offers a unique perspective of its geological formations. "There's a trail to the tunnel or you can take a chairlift. There's a museum, several gift shops, camp store, visitor centers," explains Teresa K. from Natural Tunnel State Park Campground.
Fishing from lakeside camps: Many sites offer direct water access for anglers. "Dispersed camping free permit with Va wildlife, fishing, or use permit up to 14 days," mentions Betsy W. about Hidden Valley WMA. "Plenty of dead wood for fires. Trash cans available. Rocks for fire pits and no tables."
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Remote sites offer a genuine wilderness experience. "Staying at The Cliffhanger Ranch places you in a quiet area surrounded by forests and a small downtown nearby, perfect for adventuring around a new area," reports Jake C.
Waterfront accessibility: Little Oak Campground provides extensive lake frontage. "There are few places that I've been to that top this location. Super easy camp ground to get to with excellent paved roads in very close to each of the Tri-Cities. After the boat noise dies down the lake is extremely peaceful and placid," writes Nathan F.
Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds offer affordable rates. At Sugar Hollow Campground, one camper noted, "Not too much space for RV's. Ground not always levelled. But beautifully sited in the woods. Great for high temperatures. And realy inexpensive (we payed $20 per night)."
What you should know
Permit requirements: Some sites require advance documentation. At Hidden Valley WMA, "Camping is free, technically. (you need to purchase an Access pass from Virginia Wildlife for 4 dollars online, and add a camping authorisation to your account)," explains Rhys R.
Road conditions: Access to some camping areas involves challenging terrain. "The camp area is alright - 4 ish areas to pull up to and a few tent sites… pretty and quiet. Only downside is that the road up is a pretty harsh grade for 4 miles. Our short bus Skoolie had some troubles with it," warns Zoey T. about Hidden Valley WMA.
Variable facilities: Flag Rock Recreation Area Campground offers limited hookups. "Very peaceful, not at all crowded, small campground. There's only 18 sites and they're spread out. There is electric hookups but not water. There is a dump station too," notes Jason W.
Tips for camping with families
Educational programs: Look for ranger-led activities with kids. "In the warm seasons they have a ranger that comes around and even little events for kids. I remember picking apart an owl pellet with the ranger. Very outdoor educational," shares Travis R. from Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer recreation facilities. "Brought our family here for the end of spring break and had a blast. The kids loved riding thir bikes and scooters on the paved road through the park. My son and I enjoyed a round of disk golf while my wife and daughters made use of their awesome playground," says Jedidiah J.
Swimming options: Riverside Campground provides water recreation for all ages. "There is a small pool, but very clean and nice. The showers/restrooms are close by and nice. There is a store to purchase extras and firewood. Great family place to camp. The river is perfect! It's not too deep so the kids can play in it," explains Heather K.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. "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. The sites up on the ridge are probably sized only for tents and Class B units; many are sloped," advises Sara M. about Warriors' Path State Park.
Size restrictions: Check site specifications carefully. "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!!"
Seasonal considerations: Plan for winter camping limitations. "Campground and park are clean, well maintained and up to date," shares Rob J. about camping at Natural Tunnel State Park, though many amenities close during winter months and higher elevations may have restricted access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from St. Paul VA to Duffield VA?
What is the distance from St. Paul VA to Duffield VA?
The distance from St. Paul, VA to Duffield, VA is approximately 35 miles when traveling via US-23 N, which typically takes about 40-45 minutes by car. Duffield is home to Natural Tunnel State Park Primitive Camping, which offers excellent tent camping with amenities like tent pads, picnic tables, fire pits, and bear boxes. The park features a remarkable geological formation known as the "Natural Tunnel" and provides a great base for exploring this scenic part of southwestern Virginia.
What camping is available near St. Paul, VA?
What camping is available near St. Paul, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, St. Paul, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 135 campgrounds and RV parks near St. Paul, VA and 8 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near St. Paul, VA?
Which is the most popular campground near St. Paul, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near St. Paul, VA is Hidden Valley WMA with a 4.3-star rating from 6 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near St. Paul, VA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near St. Paul, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near St. Paul, VA.
What parks are near St. Paul, VA?
What parks are near St. Paul, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 parks near St. Paul, VA that allow camping, notably John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir and Fishtrap Lake.
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