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Tent camping near Tazewell, Virginia ranges from primitive campgrounds to dispersed sites within the Jefferson and Washington National Forests, with several options within a 30-mile radius of town. Cavitts Creek Park offers primitive tent sites with some shade, while Chestnut Knob Shelter along the Appalachian Trail provides backcountry camping with mountain views. Several dispersed camping areas can be found within a 30-mile radius of town, offering more secluded experiences for tent campers seeking solitude.
Most tent campsites in the region feature basic amenities, with conditions varying significantly between established and primitive areas. Primitive tent sites at Cavitts Creek Park include fire rings and access to a centralized shower house, but campers report challenging terrain for tent setup. A camper wrote, "Bring a hammer or find a rock to hammer your tent stakes in because the ground where you would want to pitch a tent is mostly rock." Many dispersed tent sites in Washington and Jefferson National Forest lack facilities altogether, requiring visitors to pack in all supplies including drinking water. Cell service is limited or non-existent at most primitive tent camping locations.
Tent campers in the Tazewell area enjoy proximity to natural features and outdoor activities, particularly along the Appalachian Trail corridor. Sites near Chestnut Knob offer sweeping views over Burkes Garden, nicknamed "God's Thumbprint." The camping area at Scales Trailhead provides access to multiple hiking options and opportunities to see wild ponies. According to one visitor, "The sound of the creek was lovely all night" at the dispersed forest sites. Tent-specific campgrounds vary in crowding levels, with primitive areas typically offering more solitude than established campgrounds. Many tent sites sit along creeks or in wooded areas, providing natural shade and water access for filtering. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains, so tent campers should prepare for temperature fluctuations even in summer months.
"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."
"It has 11 car camping platforms for tent only camping . There is no electric or water at each site. There is a bath house for the 11 sites."
from $27 / night
Check Availability"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!"
from $11 - $79 / night
Check Availability"There is a shelter at the top; this location is located along the Appalachian Trail and has wodden bunks and single platforms for pads and sleeping bags."
"Don’t make the same mistake I did and tent camp outside in a huge storm - just stay inside!"
"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."
from $25 / night
"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."
"Nice campground outside Bland, VA. The road up needs a 4x4. Nice vault toilets and a hand pump water. There are 5 sites at this location."
"1st: The water pump doesn't work at location. Bring your own water. 2nd: Bring all you need before you camp out. There is one gas station to find resources 2.2 miles from campsite."
"Tho, no immediate fresh water pumps, walking distance water access for horses and dogs. As well as bathing down from the campgrounds. Creak water. Very spacious and scenic."
from $5 / night
from $85 / night
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GuideNeed an overnight stay on 81/77 this is the place. Booked is call them complete the reservation via Campspot app which they use so I had to download it. Place had plenty of sites pull through which I didnt need but they were so accommodating. I had a perfect view of mountains and cow pasture Relaxation and sleep close to bathhouse and office. They also have propane fill for your camper
ScoutWe stayed in Site number 24 which is full hook ups, however, just about all of the sites number is one through 32 are less than desirable either very little room outside your camper or the back in sites are steep hard to level your camper and very little room to set a set of chairs out I would not camp in this area of the campground again.
ScoutFrom check in to our stay, large big rig drive through lot. Quiet and clean park. Even had pizza and delicious wings delivered right to our coach. Next time through we hope to stay again.
TravelerOn top of a mountain. Gorgeous afternoon and evening views but The fog is dense in the mornings, which comes with a lot of dew, but completely worth it for the afternoon view. No shade trees at our site, but they are large and offer fire rings and picnic tables. Direct access to the happy McCoy trails. We rented just down the street the side-by-side for a couple of days and had a fantastic time.
RangerI 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.
ScoutOwner is friendly, people staying here consist of workers and retired people for the most part so the people are very quiet, beautiful river running through the end of the campground and a nice little hiking trail and a wide open area for kids to run and play. Only “bad” part is the road noise you are about 200 yards off that highway and can here it all day and night! But if your like me and don’t mind you will love it here!
GuideWe camped in pull-thru A43. The site is decently level and spacious. The other campers were very friendly. The bath house was modern and clean.
There was so much to do here! We ventured out to most of the overlooks; the views were breathtaking! There were plenty of hiking opportunities on trails from easy to difficult. Kayaks also were available for rent.
There is a hotel in the park, but it's far enough from the campgrounds (A, B, C, and D) that the guests don't bother the campers.
I can't imagine how glorious this place must be in the fall!
GuideThis is a small campground but the sites are very spacious. Our site (6) backed up to the creek and trail. There is no power or water on this side of the campground, but there is a water spigot by the bathrooms. There is also a water hose for filling tanks by the dump station and trash dumpster. *Word of caution, bring your own water because it was yellow/brown while we were there. The bathrooms were clean, but on our last day there one of the toilets and the sink was clogged in the ladies room. There are two bathroom buildings at this site.
GuideWhat a great find! Private sites, nice walking areas, and great hosts. Top it off with clean bathrooms with great showers and this was a win for us. It may not be suitable for bigger rigs but for our 22’ van, it was perfect.
Tent camping near Tazewell, Virginia offers numerous options within the Appalachian Mountain region where elevations range from 2,300 to 4,700 feet. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during days and dropping to 55-65°F at night. Many primitive sites require high-clearance vehicles to access, with rough forest roads leading to some of the most secluded camping locations.
Hike to mountain views: Chestnut Knob along the Appalachian Trail offers panoramic views after a moderate climb. A camper noted, "We've made this hike several times with our dogs. It is a great shorter hike with great views over Burkes Garden." The Chestnut Knob Shelter area provides both tent sites and shelter options.
Fish at nearby lakes and ponds: At Goforth Mountain Homestead, campers have access to a one-acre private pond. "You will have the whole property to yourself to fish the 1 acre pond and hike around the 76 acre land," according to the property manager. This private site accommodates just one tent party at a time.
Paddle the New River: The New River offers calm sections perfect for canoes and kayaks. At Millrace Campground, "There is an island you can row across to and enjoy just a few hundred yards from camp. Well worth the exploration!" Multiple access points provide entry to the river within 30 minutes of Tazewell.
Morning fog views: The riverside locations create magical morning experiences. As one camper at New River Trail State Park described, "Ever wake up on a foggy Virginia morning and walk only a few feet from your tent and watch the fog rise off the water? I DID and it was AMAZING!!" Most riverside tent sites are within 30-50 feet of the water.
Wildlife encounters: The Scales Trailhead area is known for wild pony sightings. A camper reported, "The campground was well kept, well placed, not to mention the next morning part of the crew that maintains the area helped us fix our flat. Some of the other campers introduced themselves and were extremely friendly and helpful." Scales Trailhead Basecamp provides access to multiple hiking trails.
Nighttime creek sounds: Tent campers frequently mention the soothing sounds of running water. At Washington & Jefferson National Forest dispersed sites, one visitor shared, "Overall this was a great little spot right off the road. The sound of the creek was lovely all night." These primitive sites typically have small fire rings but no other amenities.
Rocky terrain challenges: Many tent sites in the region have difficult ground for stake placement. A camper at Walnut Flats advised, "Nice campground outside Bland, VA. The road up needs a 4x4. Nice vault toilets and a hand pump water. There are 5 sites at this location." Walnut Flats Campground remains open April through early December.
Variable cell coverage: Cell service is inconsistent throughout the camping areas. At one Washington & Jefferson site, a camper reported, "Absolutely no verizon service," while another noted at New River Alleghany Access, "The location also had four bars of Verizon LTE. Amazing!" Pack paper maps and download offline directions before heading out.
Rough access roads: Some primitive sites require specific vehicle capabilities. At Scales Trailhead, one visitor cautioned, "The road in is...'rocky'. High clearance 4wd needed. Not ADV friendly, unless you're very adventurous." Allow extra travel time when navigating to remote tent camping locations.
Look for designated primitive loops: Family-friendly tent camping often separates from RV areas. A visitor to Cavitts Creek Park observed, "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." The distance between sites provides better privacy for families.
Choose sites with nearby amenities: Bathhouse access varies widely at tent campgrounds. At New River Alleghany Access, a family noted, "The bathroom facilities are new and very clean. We enjoyed hiking." Confirm bathroom and water facilities before arriving with children.
Pack entertainment options: While natural features abound, having backup activities helps with younger campers. Near Millrace Campground, "There is a historic site with great information, a boat ramp and launch area which is spacious, playgrounds, horse stables, pavilion, canoe area and on site security."
Separate camping areas: RVs and tents often have designated sections at established campgrounds. At Cavitts Creek Park, one camper noted the contrast: "The RV parking was a gravel lot with large RVs packed in tight," compared to the more spacious tent sites. This separation can affect campground atmosphere depending on which section you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Tazewell, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Tazewell, VA is Royal Oak Campground — Hungry Mother State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 42 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Tazewell, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 33 tent camping locations near Tazewell, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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