Best Tent Camping near St. Paul, VA

Scattered throughout the forests and mountains surrounding St. Paul, Virginia, tent campers will find several primitive and established camping options within Jefferson National Forest and nearby state parks. Washington & Jefferson National Forest offers free dispersed tent camping with access to creeks and wooded surroundings, while Kingdom Come State Park Campground provides tent sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and food hangers to protect supplies from bears. These tent-friendly locations offer various amenities and levels of seclusion for overnight stays in southwestern Virginia's mountain terrain.

Tent sites in this region typically feature natural, ungraded surfaces with minimal site development. Most dispersed camping areas in Jefferson National Forest provide fire rings but lack drinking water, picnic tables, and toilet facilities, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and practice proper waste disposal. Kingdom Come State Park offers more amenities with toilets, trash service, and in some cases, free firewood provided by rangers. Some tent campgrounds experience significant road noise due to their location in valley areas, while others offer more secluded experiences. Campers should be prepared for variable conditions, including possible wildlife encounters, particularly bears in certain areas.

Sites along creeks provide natural water sources that can be filtered for drinking and cooling during summer months. The area offers excellent access to hiking trails, including connections to the Appalachian Trail and Virginia Creeper Trail for day hiking from tent campsites. Many tent camping areas have shaded sites under mature forest canopy, providing natural cooling during hot summer months. Areas farther from main roads offer greater seclusion but may require hiking gear in rather than parking directly at the site. A recent review noted, "Most of campsites are large, very shaded, and have at least one fire ring. A handful of sites have direct water access, and are more private." Cell service is limited or non-existent at most tent campgrounds in the region, creating a true disconnected wilderness experience for tent campers seeking to escape everyday connectivity.

Best Tent Sites Near St. Paul, Virginia (18)

    1. Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost

    2 Reviews
    Coeburn, VA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 614-5585

    $20 - $35 / night

    "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."

    3. Bellebrook Acres

    1 Review
    Bristol, TN
    25 miles
    +1 (423) 963-8060

    $50 - $70 / night

    4. Kingdom Come State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Cumberland, KY
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 589-4138

    $14 / night

    "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 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."

    5. Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

    7 Reviews
    Damascus, VA
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 265-5100

    "The Appalachian Trail and Virginia Creeper Trail are just minutes away, as well as some easy whitewater paddling fun on the White Top Laurel Creek."

    "Only downside was the spot I set up camp was very close to the road and headlights from passing cars would light up the spot. However the road was quiet most of the night."

    6. Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area

    3 Reviews
    Butler, TN
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 735-1500

    "Stayed a night out here while traveling, scary narrow rocky trails, but beautiful streams and mountains"

    7. Blackberry Blossom Farm & Campground

    3 Reviews
    Unicoi, TN
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 735-0696

    $24 - $55 / night

    "There’s a covered outdoor space for small events, too. 

    For me however, the huge draw is the natural beauty of the place."

    "to get away to some quiet (NO traffic noises!) and decompress. 

    Janice and Ed are the kindest, most considerate hosts you could imagine. "

    8. Scales Trailhead Basecamp

    3 Reviews
    Troutdale, VA
    49 miles

    "Once reaching the off road trail my partner got nervous, feeling as if our Forrester wouldn’t make it up. My advice… come prepared. I got. Flat on the way up and was able to make it to my campsite."

    9. Cavitts Creek Park

    3 Reviews
    North Tazewell, VA
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 988-7250

    $11 - $79 / night

    "We camped in the "primitive loop" for a long holiday weekend. Tent sites were spaced a decent distance apart. Most were treed and had some shade during the day."

    "Beautiful lake surrounded by gorgeous mountains, hiking, fishing and boating, amazing staff, very clean shower houses and laundry facility! Very family oriented and pet friendly!"

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Tent Camping Reviews near St. Paul, VA

477 Reviews of 18 St. Paul Campgrounds


  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 30, 2020

    Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area

    Beautiful & Free but Lots of Road Noise

    Just on the edge of Watauga Lake sits this free dispersed camping area that is perfect for tent camping only. This is a park outside the gate and walk your gear in type of place, some bring your IKEA bags or a wagon. Opportunities for fishing and boating are abundant. Most of campsites are large, very shaded, and have at least one fire ring. A handful of sites have direct water access, and are more private. 

    There is no drinking water, picnic tables, or even pit toilet, so come prepared. The only major problem is that folks tend to leave a ton of trash around, so we spent about an hour cleaning the entire campground. Please Leave No Trace! Also, we would not recommend camping here on a busy weekend because the road is very close and the trucks are very loud! 

    The nearest town is Butler, which is small but offers the basics such as groceries and gas.

  • 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.

  • Stephanie J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2018

    Royal Oak Campground — Hungry Mother State Park

    Ranger Review: RōM Outdoors RōM Pack at Hungry Mother State Park

    Hungry Mother State Park, just a short drive off I-81 in southwestern Virginia, is an easily accessible gem offering modern cabins, yurts, and campgrounds equipped for tents or RVs, with limitless activities.

    We stayed in one of the cabins after Hurricane Michael rained out our plans for tent camping. This was our first time in one of the VSP cabins, and will not be our last. There are three types of cabins; log exteriors, part of the original Civilian Conservation Corps structures; wooden frame cabins with wooden interiors, and cinderblock exteriors with tile floors. Cabins range from economy to three bedroom, and all have a kitchen with microwave, stove, and refrigerator/freezer, a bathroom with a shower, and a fireplace, as well as heating and air conditioning. Most cabins also have covered porches, exterior picnic tables, and exterior fire rings.

    The Creekside Campground loop has water and electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. The layout is similar to most water/electric sites in state and national parks in Virginia; not much privacy between the sites, but fairly shaded, and a quiet atmosphere. This loop is true to its name, and right on the creek running through the park. We were there during the rains from Hurricane Michael and the creek was running so high that sites 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, and 19 looked like they were in danger of flooding.

    The Royal Oak campground has platforms for tents set into the mountain rather than dirt or gravel tent pads, however as there are hooks in each of the pads to anchor your tent they can only accommodate tents with a 20x20 footprint. These sites have picnic tables and fire rings on the dirt beside the platforms. The two VSP Yurts at Hungry Mother are in the Royal Oak loop, along the entrance that are set up from the road. This loop overall offers a lot more privacy for each site that I have typically seen in state parks due to the platforms, though you will still see/hear your neighbors. Both camping loops have bathrooms with electricity, flush toilets, and showers with warm water.

    Amenities in the park include a lake with a swimming area, boat/canoe rentals, fishing (with license), a restaurant, hiking, biking, and ranger programs. The park office also has several cool displays of local wildlife and history of the area, as well as backpacks you can check out with books and gear for tree, wildflower, and animal identification. Hiking varies from short and easy trails with minimal elevation gain, to the difficult Molly’s Knob trail with one of the most epic sunset views I’ve ever hiked in Virginia.

    I love Virginia State Parks, and this is definitely a new favorite. I’m skeptical of the comfort of the wooden platforms for future tent camping trips, but the cabins will definitely be a future stay for us, particularly during the winter months, and there is so much to do in this park even the most reluctant adventurer will find fun.

    **Product Review **

    As as Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time — on this trip I tested the RōM pack, from RōM Outdoors.

    I was skeptical about this pack when I first received it—it felt extremely heavy for a day pack, particularly as it doesn’t have a hip belt, and while I was impressed with the removable pockets, it didn’t seem like the pack itself had a lot of cargo capacity.

    After using this pack on our trip, I am a convert. We used it to pack clothes for my husband and I, knowing we would be able to leave our clothes at camp when we went hiking. This freed up space in the car that would normally go to a larger backpack, and we got to take advantage of the pack’s ability to convert to both a poncho and a blanket, not just for review purposes, but out of necessity.

    The poncho’s rain resistance held up well, considering we were hiking in the outer bands of a hurricane. The first hike we took this on we started in the rain, and my husband wore the poncho—he stayed dry for the first half mile of our hike, but by end of our mile the water had started leaking through so he did get a little wet—though mostly around the the seams/openings. On our second hike he wore it as a backpack. Because it was raining when we set out and we anticipated needing the poncho feature again, we elected not to bring the detachable pockets, but the interior of the pack was enough to hold our 5 year old’s day pack once she got tired of carrying it.

    It stopped raining by the time we got to the summit of our hike, and we tested the blanket feature of the pack for a picnic. It unfolds to a size that was perfect for our family of four. The canvas is thick enough to make a great picnic blanket—it protects from damp ground and sharp rocks, and the lining makes for a very soft surface to sit on. On the way back I took advantage of the poncho. By this point it had gotten extremely windy and was getting dark quickly, and the poncho was excellent at keeping me warm. It’s very heavy, which was welcome in the strong wind, though it did make it hard to hear with the hood over my ears.

    Pros to this pack:

    -Versatility. In one trip we used the backpack, poncho, and blanket feature, and were grateful for all three.

    -Durability. This is definitely a well-constructed pack, with heavy materials that seem like they will last for a long time.

    -User-friendly. The pack looks intimidating at first, but it unfolds/folds from pack to poncho/blanket very easily. Combined with the drawstring inner pack and detachable pockets it’s easy to convert while still keeping track of your gear.

    Cons to this pack:

    -Space. This is great to bring on a camping trip where you can bring additional packs/bags for your gear, but it doesn’t hold much on its own.

    -Weight. It only weighs in at 4.6lbs, which is less than a lot of backpacking packs, but as the pack doesn’t have the hip belt it’s a high starting weight.

    -Thin straps. The width of the straps is comfortable, but they could use a little more padding.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 2, 2021

    Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions and Campground

    Easy Access, Close to Town

    Just across the Virginia state line, this national forest offers multiple dispersed camping areas along Beaver Dam Creek. Opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, and paddling are abundant. Most of campsites are large, very shaded, along a beautiful treelined road, and surrounded by mountains. 

    There is no drinking water, picnic tables, or even pit toilet, so come prepared. The only major problem is that folks tend to leave a ton of trash around, so we often spend about 20-30 minutes cleaning these sites upon arrival. Please Leave No Trace! Our site had a good fire ring, and was on the edge of a creek that we could filter water from with ease.  Would not recommend for any vehicle larger than 20 feet as the potholed road and the tight turns to get up to the camp from the road would be tough.  4WD highly recommended, especially in mud season or winter.

    We stayed at this camp for 10 days during the pandemic shutdown and it was a lovely place to ride out this crazy storm.  Some road noise from the motorcycles that cruise the road, but only occasionally. The closest town is Damascus, VA, about 5 miles away. The town is small, but draws thousands of tourists each year who are either hiking the Appalachian Trail or cycling the famous Virginia Creeper bike path. It is equipped with a decent sized grocery store, gas, and couple of restaurants, and a cute downtown area. There is absolutely no cell service at this camp, you have to go into town or hike a local mountain to get service up high.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 30, 2020

    Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

    Creekside Camping

    At the intersection of the North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia state lines, sits this national forest which offers multiple dispersed camping areas along Bear Creek. Opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, and paddling are abundant.  The Appalachian Trail and Virginia Creeper Trail are just minutes away, as well as some easy whitewater paddling fun on the White Top Laurel Creek.

    Most of campsites are large, very shaded, along a beautiful treelined road, and surrounded by mountains. There is no drinking water, picnic tables, or even pit toilet, so come prepared. The only major problem is that folks tend to leave a ton of trash around, so we often spend about 20-30 minutes cleaning these sites upon arrival. Please Leave No Trace! 

    Our site had a good fire ring, and was on the edge of a creek that we could filter water from with ease. We stayed at this camp for 3 weeks during the pandemic shutdown and it was a perfect place to ride out this crazy storm and decompress from some anxiety. 

    The closest town is Damascus, VA, about 12 miles away. The town is small, but draws thousands of tourists each year who are either hiking the Appalachian Trail or cycling the famous Virginia Creeper bike path. It is equipped with a decent sized grocery store, gas, and couple of restaurants, and a cute downtown area. There is absolutely no cell service at this camp, you have to go into town or hike a local mountain to get service up high.

  • 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!!

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2021

    Grindstone

    Infrastructure decline means limited primitive camping

    Grindstone campground is a large, primitive NF site that will only have a single loop(Opossum) open with no water or electricity for 2021 and the foreseeable future.  I spoke with volunteers who stated there are extensive infrastructure needs and no funds to complete the repairs. So, if you have a tent or smaller RV, bring your own drinking water, and enjoy this quiet, wooded campground. There are portable toilets. Some of the site drives are sloped. The dump station is unavailable. For a site without facilities, the price seems a bit steep  ($24 for a single,$48 for a double site).

    If you have kids, there’s a play area, as well as a basketball and volleyball courts. There is also a small stone pool along the creek. I camped here with friends the weekend we decided to hike Mt Rogers. The trail leaves from the campground with some switchbacks. The summit of Mt Rogers, VA’s high point, is wooded, but there are some open fields and the potential to see wild horses as you approach the final ascent. There are easier trails than this, but you can enjoy relative solitude for most of the trail until you join the madness that is Grayson Highlands with the crowds out for a quick ascent.


Guide to St. Paul

Tent camping near St. Paul, Virginia, offers a blend of serene nature and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • At Hidden Valley WMA, you'll find bear bins and fire rings, making it easy to enjoy a cozy campfire while keeping your food safe from wildlife.
  • Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost provides a cozy cabin option along with tent sites, allowing for a comfortable stay amidst beautiful forest views.
  • The primitive camping area at Natural Tunnel State Park features tent pads, picnic tables, and communal fire pits, perfect for gathering with friends.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy fishing and hiking at Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost, with easy access to the Jefferson National Forest and Bark Camp Lake.
  • At Hidden Valley WMA, you can explore the scenic trails and enjoy the tranquility of the water's edge, perfect for a peaceful day outdoors.
  • The hiking trails at Natural Tunnel State Park are well-maintained, offering a great way to experience the area's natural beauty.

Tips for tent camping near St. Paul

  • Make sure to obtain an access pass for Hidden Valley WMA to enjoy free camping, which requires a small fee for authorization.
  • Bring your own firewood to Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost, as it allows fires and has plenty of dead wood available for use.
  • When camping at Natural Tunnel State Park, be prepared for a short uphill walk to access water, so plan accordingly for your hydration needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near St. Paul, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near St. Paul, VA is Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near St. Paul, VA?

TheDyrt.com has all 18 tent camping locations near St. Paul, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.