The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Willis, VA

638 Reviews

The Willis, Virginia area provides several camping options within the Blue Ridge Mountains and Jefferson National Forest. Campers can find established campgrounds like Riverside Campground in Abingdon, which offers water and electric hookups for both tent and RV camping from April through October. Hidden Valley WMA offers dispersed camping with more primitive conditions for those seeking a more remote experience. Sugar Hollow Campground in Bristol provides year-round camping with amenities including electric hookups, showers, and sanitary dump stations. The region includes both public and private camping areas, with options ranging from basic tent sites to full-service RV parks and cabin rentals.

Road conditions and camping access vary significantly by location and season throughout the Willis area. Many campgrounds in the Jefferson National Forest require advance planning, especially during peak summer months when sites fill quickly. Cell service can be limited or non-existent in more remote areas, with one visitor noting that at Hidden Valley WMA, "there's no cell service at this camp, you have to go into town or hike a local mountain to get service up high." Winter camping is available at some locations like Sugar Hollow Campground, but many sites operate seasonally from April through October. Elevation changes affect temperatures and weather conditions, with higher elevations remaining cooler even during summer months.

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews from visitors to the Willis area. Several campgrounds offer access to creeks, rivers, or lakes, providing opportunities for fishing, swimming, and paddling. Hidden Valley WMA features lakeside camping that visitors describe as "peaceful and pretty," though camping directly on the lakeshore is prohibited. The campground includes fire rings, bear bins, and basic facilities. Campers seeking more amenities might prefer established sites like Little Oak Campground, which offers boat-in access in addition to standard drive-in sites. According to one visitor, the sound of water "lulled us to sleep" at creekside sites. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant throughout the region, with hiking trails connecting many campgrounds to scenic overlooks and natural features.

Map showing campgrounds near Willis, VirginiaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Willis, Virginia (145)

    1. Riverside Campground

    7 Reviews
    Abingdon, VA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 628-5333

    $28 - $40 / night

    "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."

    2. Hidden Valley WMA

    4 Reviews
    Willis, VA
    2 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "Easy to access in a vehicle several campers campsites available Lake is calm and clean for water recreation. Has the portable restroom and plenty of firewood."

    3. Sugar Hollow Campground

    9 Reviews
    Bristol, VA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 645-7275

    $20 / night

    "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."

    4. Little Oak Campground

    23 Reviews
    Shady Valley, TN
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 735-1500

    $12 / night

    "**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!"

    5. Breath of Dawn

    1 Review
    Mendota, VA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 880-8551

    $28 - $150 / night

    6. Royal Oak Campground — Hungry Mother State Park

    41 Reviews
    Marion, VA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 781-7400

    $25 - $45 / night

    "We stayed here for an overnight stop on our road trip through Virginia, and it was lovely!"

    "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"

    7. Hickory Ridge Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park

    56 Reviews
    Troutdale, VA
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 579-2374

    $25 - $40 / night

    "With camping just a moderate day hike away from Mount Rogers, the highest point in Virginia, this campground is a hiker's paradise."

    "Campground Review: There are two campgrounds in Grayson Highland SP which is located by The Mouth Of Wilson, VA, near the North Carolina border."

    8. Rainbow Campground

    1 Review
    Saltville, VA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 944-4243

    $28 - $43 / night

    9. Breaks Interstate Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Breaks, VA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 865-4413

    $20 - $38 / night

    "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."

    10. Observation Knob Park

    4 Reviews
    Shady Valley, TN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 878-1881

    $25 - $35 / night

    "We do lots of walking, so this campground has many drives to walk. Takes no time at all to walk a mile plus without going the same drive. Many shaded sites, lots seem to be seasonal."

    "Older but absolutely beautiful park located right on the lake. The park is very well maintained and the staff are super friendly. The views of the mountains meeting the lake are absolutely stunning."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 145 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Willis Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Willis, VA

272 Photos of 145 Willis Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Willis, VA

638 Reviews of 145 Willis Campgrounds

  • Shane N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Camp Stonefly

    Great small peacefully time

    Me and wife passing through. Stayed over weekend loved it

  • Gary S.
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Lake Haven Family Campground

    Stayed for the Location, Left because of the Owners

    As a retired Air Force couple with over five years of experience as full-time RVers, we have stayed at countless campgrounds across the country. We selected Lake Haven for an extended stay this past July while searching for a permanent home in the Lake Watauga area, drawn by its advertisement for year-round availability. The location is excellent, and our site was level with full hookups, a nice picnic table, and a fire pit. Maneuvering into the spot was also straightforward, despite some large boulders. Two concerns: no owners or host(s) onsite and the entrance/exits can be quite dangerous- each located on a curve. We really wanted to love this campground, but the positive aspects were completely overshadowed by the unprofessional behavior of the owners. The tone was set when we received a campground-wide text message asking“Please, for our sake, when away from your camper, set your AC temp to something reasonable(75 is what I use at my house when not home), to help us save on electricity”. While we understand the concern for costs, the request felt invasive. Then it got personal. In the first week of August, our daughter and her family were renting the on-site(3 bed/3 bath) Airbnb, and after she inquired about more toilet paper, one of the owners came to our RV site to confront us about it. We were shocked that a necessity for a rental guest was treated as a major issue, and the confrontational approach was completely uncalled for and made us feel extremely uncomfortable. To make matters worse, we later learned from other campers that the owners had been gossiping about our family and our stay. This was a major violation of our privacy and fostered a deeply unwelcoming atmosphere. While the physical campground has potential, we cannot recommend it. Feeling safe and respected is essential when you are camping, and due to the owners’ intrusive and unprofessional behavior, we decided to seek out another campground.

  • xGYABx L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

    Great Getaway and stay

    We spent 1 night out here on a Saturday Night it is very secluded away from everything only downside was had 2 drive at least 10 miles 2 get cell service and the site is close 2 the road so we can hear a lot of traffic

  • Carol J.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Breaks Interstate Park Campground

    Great spot for nature lovers

    This is a very well maintained park, with many hiking and overlook opportunities.  White tail deer are frequent, and very tame.  Bathrooms are clean and well maintained.  Lots of hot water and water pressure in the showers.  There is a pool and waterpark on site, and a gift shop and camp store.  Was disappointed that the Visitor Center was only open on the weekend (and it was still prior to Labor Day).  Staff was helpful and friendly, although there was no camp host on site on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday nights.

  • Katrin M.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Royal Oak Campground — Hungry Mother State Park

    Beautiful campground in the woods

    We camped here over the weekend with our dogs. The campground was fantastic. All campsites are on platforms, which makes it very nice to set up your stuff. The sites have the usual amenities like a picnic bench and table, a firepit, and a lantern pole. The bathhouse was very clean and taken care of. There are several spigots with drinking water through the campground. The bathhouse also has a dishwasher station. There are multiple trails within walking distance. The park is very well maintained and clean. You can hike, swim, or rent a canoe.
    We would camp here anytime again.

  • Lisa Horton
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Breaks Interstate Park Campground

    We took off for 4 days and decided to go to the Breaks and fish, camp out, and just enjoy our time with one another.

    It was a very nice camping spot and it also had a grill that we used to cook out. They also have a restaurant in the park that has some of the best food I have ever ate.

  • Michelle J.
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Camp Burson Campground — Hungry Mother State Park

    Hungry Mother Trails & Lake

    Clean sites Stayed in Brunson Site 44 by creek Some shade Water and electricity on sites Main camping is Creekside / tent platforms at Royal Oak All facilities super clean , laundry and lake for a cool dip. Lots of hikes from moderate to 5 mi hard.

  • Kurt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Camp Stonefly

    Great location right beside roaring river

    Good location. Good size lots. All gravel with picknic size pads with table. Bathroom very clean very small campground 8 to 13 lots.

  • Beth B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Clinch River Family Campground

    Be prepared for 7 mile drive from main road

    We chose this campground because it was close to Natural Tunnel and Devils Fork trail (30-45 min). Both of these are worth doing if you are in the area. We chose to only hike to Devils bathtub (about 2 miles one way). It was exceptional but difficult.

    Most of the final road to campground is paved with exception of last mile, its wide enough but slow going. You will lose cellular pretty quickly when you turn on that road.

    Campground is well maintained, lots of playground equipment for kids and a launch for tubes/kayaks. At main road there is a public launch if you want to put in there and then float to campground.

    No laundry. Bathhouse is just ok, dated but functional.

    Owners are nice, and communicate quickly by email or phone. We had issue with the site we reserved and just moved over one site when setting up late and in the rain…told owner next day and it was no problem.

Guide to Willis

Camping near Willis, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails around the area. At Hungry Mother State Park, one camper mentioned, "Lovely trails, clean facilities," making it a great spot for hiking enthusiasts.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds are near lakes and rivers. A visitor at Little Oak Campground noted, "Most sites have a view of South Holston Lake and trail access to the water," perfect for casting a line.
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers often spot various wildlife. One reviewer at Warriors' Path State Park shared, "The forest was right up to our sides and we had lovely birdsong to awaken us every morning."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Camp Burson Campground said, "The bathhouse was nice and has been renovated in the last few years."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy spots. One camper at Grindstone mentioned, "The sites have a nice large flat area for a tent pan."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts can make a big difference. A reviewer at Breaks Interstate Park Campground noted, "The staff was helpful and friendly."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have spotty reception. A camper at Hurricane Campground warned, "Absolutely no reception so be sure to have everything squared away before entering the park!"
  • Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground operates from April 15 to October 31.
  • Primitive Camping: Not all sites have electric hookups or water. A visitor at Virginia Natural Tunnel State Park Campground mentioned, "Some sites had water and electricity, but we booked late and ended up without it."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One camper at Warriors' Path State Park mentioned, "They have a full docket of activities, ranger-led hikes, games, crafts, and wildlife lectures."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on children near water. A reviewer at Natural Tunnel State Park Campground advised, "The trails out of and around the campground are worth the hikes."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep everyone happy. A camper at Sugar Hollow Campground noted, "Great for high temperatures," so be sure to stay hydrated and fueled.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Warriors' Path State Park mentioned, "Be sure to read site descriptions and check the suggested trailer size."
  • Bring a Generator: If your site lacks hookups, a generator can be a lifesaver. A camper at Grindstone shared, "We used a small ultra quiet generator."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump station is located. A reviewer at Breaks Interstate Park Campground mentioned, "There’s a dumpster and dump station."

Camping near Willis, Virginia, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. With clean facilities, friendly hosts, and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Willis, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Willis, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 145 campgrounds and RV parks near Willis, VA and 9 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Willis, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Willis, VA is Riverside Campground with a 4-star rating from 7 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Willis, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Willis, VA.

What parks are near Willis, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 30 parks near Willis, VA that allow camping, notably John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir and Fishtrap Lake.

Keep Exploring