Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Willis, VA has a lot to offer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Willis, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
Late Cabin/Lodge/Yurt/Camping Cabin/Bunkhouse Arrivals:
A sealed packet of information with your last name will be left for you. This packet will be at one of the following places: contact station, visitor center or park office. Claytor Lake and First Landing will leave your packet at the cabin. Your last 4 digits of your confirmation number will be your access code. Please take your confirmation letter with you.
Late Camping Arrivals:
A sealed packet of information with your name will be left for you. This packet will be at one of the following places: contact station, visitor center, park office or the campground camp host site. Please take your confirmation letter with you. If you have a site specific reservation please look for your site highlighted by the yellow post along with your site number. If you have a non-site specific reservation please look for your site type to set up your equipment.
$25 - $40 / night
The Main Campground campsites are equipped with water and electric hookups. All campsites also include a grill and fire ring. Restrooms and heated showers are available.
For your convenience, you can purchase firewood at the camp store during your stay.
$20 - $30 / night
Grindstone Campground is tucked in the Fairwood Valley among pastures and wooded hillsides. The surrounding Mount Rogers National Recreation Area provides endless opportunities for fun and relaxation in the nature setting. The Campground will be closed until further notice due to facility repair needs. Opossum Loop will be open for tent campers. There will be no available water. No Dump Station available.
The area offers excellent hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and hunting. Recommended hiking trails include the Mount Rogers Trail at 7.5 miles and the Whispering Waters Nature Trail at 0.6 miles. Several streams pass by just beyond the campground, with trout fishing available in abundance. The campground boasts a water play area in the creek, an amphitheater, a playground and volleyball courts to entertain families.
At 3,800 feet, Grindstone is surrounded by mixed hardwoods, hemlock and rhododendrons. The Mount Rogers National Recreation Area spans 200,000 acres of National Forest, with four wildlife-rich wilderness areas.
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (276) 783-5196.
The Mount Rogers Scenic Byway, which traverses more than 50 miles with views of forestland and open rural countryside, is accessible nearby.
$24 - $34 / night
Roan Mountain State Park is situated in the Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee. This heavily wooded area is known for its rhododendrons and hiking trails. Roan Mountain Campground is open to RVs and tent campers. This state park provides both full hookup campsites and primitive camping.
$14 - $54 / night
Hurricane Campground is one of the best kept secrets in southwest Virginia. Located along a rushing mountain stream under the shade of hemlock and rhododendron, this campground offers a peaceful setting for those looking to relax as well as visitors looking for outdoor adventure. From the campsite, hikers can access many trails including the Appalachian Trail. This well-known trail extends more than 2,189 miles throughout the Appalachian Mountains across 14 states. It is a protected greenway and owns the title as the first National Scenic Trail.
Visitors frequently explore the Hurricane Knob Trail. The loop trail, at 1.1 miles, parallels Hurricane Creek for about half a mile, crosses two wooden bridges and ascends to the picturesque Hurricane Knob. The creeks are stocked with trout for a relaxing day of fishing.
The campground is perched along Hurricane Branch and Comers Creek, among colorful rhododendron. Several groomed, grassy fields unfold at the campground, but the campsites are nicely shaded by mixed woods of oak and hemlock. Hurricane Knob is nearby with an elevation from 2800 to 3050 feet.
For facility specific information, please call (276) 783-5196.
Hurricane and Comers creeks run through the campground and surrounding areas for wading and trout fishing. Additional fishing options and excellent hunting opportunities are available near the campground. State fishing and hunting regulations and licensing requirements apply. Hurricane Knob Nature Trail offers a brisk 1-mile loop hike and there is easy access to the Appalachian Trail within mile. The entire campground has a relaxing, rustic atmosphere and an open field allows for games and family fun.
$20 / night
Blue Bear Mountain Camp offers year round camping experiences for every type of outdoor enthusiast. Car accessible tent and RV sites in a natural setting. Hike in sites for those looking for a little more adventure and privacy. Stargazer Domes and Cabin rentals for guests wanting a rustic, mountain getaway while staying in comfort. Located just 8 miles north of Boone, NC on over 150 acres of pristine mountain land, miles of hiking trails, a trout pond and spacious low density sites allow the guest to get away from it all in a rustic, remote setting. In the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. At 4,000 feet elevation, come enjoy cool mountain breezes and mild temperatures. Blue Bear Mountain is a scenic location for large events such as weddings, corporate events and family reunions. Come Get away from it all at Blue Bear Mountain!
$25 - $136 / night
Camp Burson Camping - This campground is 1 mile before the park's main entrance. Camp Burson guests check-in at the Camp Burson office, open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day and weekends through October. Guests can check-in at the Discovery Center outside of Memorial Day through Labor Day. Camp Burson guests will need to drive or hike to the park's main gate to gain access to all other amenities at the park - swimming, concessions, gift shops, cabins, other campgrounds, Hemlock Haven, etc. (Carefully read the info above regarding Camp Burson sites.) Burson EWS (30 electric, water and sewer hookup sites in Camp Burson only, and approximately 1.5 miles from other Hungry Mother campgrounds) - Various equipment, electric, water, sewer hookups; tents, pop-ups and RVs, most sites will hold 25 to 35 feet, but larger sites are available; back-in sites and limited pull-through sites; accept outlets for 20, 30 and 50-amp current. Sites are on gravel; tent campers should bring an air mattress. Tents are not allowed to be set up on the grass. Equipment must be inside the marked site borders. Please double-check the site length when making a reservation to ensure the site will hold the camping unit. Burson E/W (20 electric and water hookup sites, no sewer, and approximately 1.5 miles from other Hungry Mother campgrounds) – Various equipment; electric and water, no sewer; tents, pop-ups and RVs, most sites will hold 25 to 35 feet, but larger sites are available; back-in sites and limited pull-through sites; accept outlets for 20, 30, and 50-amp current. Sites are on gravel; tent campers should bring an air mattress. Tents are not allowed to be set up on the grass. Equipment must be inside the marked site borders. Please double-check the site length when making a reservation to ensure the site will hold the camping unit. Total campsites: 80 total in the park; 50 of which are in Camp Burson Camping is available year-round in the Camp Burson campground.
Guide
We arrive very late, after all day travels from Florida. My phone had three bars, Verizon 5G ultra wide signal.
Scout
Paid in full in 2023 for 2024. Checked in May 2024, all good on reservations, stated looking forward to seeing me in September. August 31, 2024, received an email stating they could not accommodate me for the agreed upon reservation. Tried to call, went straight to voicemail, mailbox full.
Scout
My site was B82. Plenty of shade, very private on one side and pretty level,-1 from front to back. Most sites will require at least some leveling in the back and on the right side. The site was gravel and clean. Water and electric(30 amp) were fine. I was there a Monday thru Friday and it was VERY quite, I was the only one in my loop. I don't know if it's always like that or if it was a result of the campground only opening the Friday before my arrival due to damage/high water in the lake caused by Hurricane Debbie. It must be really busy on the weekends because they have a separate gate for campers already registered. Based on shade, privacy and level, I would recommend the following sites in B loop 10, 79, 80, 81 and 82. All sites in B loop had more trees between the next site as compared to Loop C. The downside to loop B is there is a lot of tent camping which can cause a lot of people in the showers. Loop B has it own 2 stall dump station, which was clean. There is a 4 station dump on the main road for the other loops. There were a lot of mosquitoes. I don't know if this was a result of the high lake water. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The Rangers patrolled on a regular basis. Now to the bathrooms. I agree with all the other comments. I don't know if it's always this way but the"comfort" station(toilets only) was only open Friday-Sunday. It only has cold water at the sink and no soap. The toilet stalls at the shower house were covered in spider webs. The sinks were filled with mosquitos. The floor wasn't swept or mopped during my stay. The doors of the shower stalls were very short. So short that any other user of the shower area could see entirely into the shower. Your fellow campers would know you very well. I drove thru Loop C and here are my observations. Loop C seems to be the favorite loop of the locals. It's has more lakefront sites which allows for boat docking. The sites didn't appear to have as much gravel as B. The shower house is MUCH better the the one in loop B. It had been remodeled and was clean and the shower doors were of a height that offered privacy. The water turn on is motion sensor and is activated when you enter the shower so be prepared. The water temperature is preset. The other loops were closed due to lake levels and hurricane damage so I could not observe them. The beach is small and not much. To access the bathroom at the beach you have to go to the adjoining campground loop bathroom. Verizon was 2 bars in the entire park. No local TV channels but some like Me TV, etc. No WIFI
Guide
This is an enjoyable State Park with a lot to offer. The rangers and staff may be the nicest we’ve encountered. They have a full docket of activities, ranger-led hikes, games, crafts and wildlife lectures offered throughout the day. In addition to camping they have a full marina with canoe, kayak and paddle board rentals. It houses an acclaimed mountain bike trail area. Nearby you can golf and ride horses. Cell coverage varies from LTE to 5G all over the park.
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!! Each site has a fire ring, and small grate grill and a picnic table. The sites up on the ridge are probably sized only for tents and Class B units; many are sloped. The newly updated section, Moody Bluff, has FHU and a number of pull-through sites. It only has trees around the edge of one side giving it an open field feeling.
The main campground has its own boat ramp for access to the reservoir. The camp store has a small offering of RV accessories and ice for$2.00. The main campground shower units are individual and separate from the bathrooms. There are ADA shower stalls, bathrooms, and ramps. While the bath house is older and could use fresh paint it was meticulously clean all week.
We spent a long weekend with several other RV couples. Nearby Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium provides engaging planetarium shows, a herpetarium, wildlife sections with bobcats, foxes, gray wolves, and raptors, as well as hiking trails. Restaurants, grocery stores and big box retail stores are 10 minutes away in Kingsport.
Our site(62) was narrow and a little short for our 23’ trailer. We had to park the truck sideways at the entrance. Our stairs opened right on the concrete pad for the table and we had very little room for our chairs. Our group host had enough room on their site(58) that they could erect two shelters for our meals. The forest was right up to our sides and we had lovely birdsong to awaken us every morning. I would definitely return, especially if the larger sites were available.
Traveler
I’ve stayed here at least a dozen times. Nice loop with decks to put your tent on. Bathhouse is nice and has been renovated in the last few years.
Scout
There are 2 main campgrounds here for rvs and tents. Is it a nice safe place for families. Pets welcome. 30 and up a night with a good security faculty.
Scout
This place was awesome. Private but well equipped with all the necessities you need. Very pleasant.
Guide
Stayed 4 nights in section D. Our site was ok. There were a lot better sites to stay though. Staff was helpful and friendly. We had full hookups. Lots of shade.
Scout
Their website is from 2018. They have new owners and have let transit stay there campers look terrible. The place is really went downhill. It used to be really nice. Beware if you have a new camper. Looks like that newest campers like a 2010.
Ranger
We stayed here in late June and the weather was perfect. Hiking is awesome. The kids LOVED the wild horses and the steer walking around. Our family recommends this campground and will be back!
Scout
Beautiful campsite. Well maintained. Bring ur own Wi-Fi as there is No cell coverage and the Wi-Fi does not work.
Scout
Nice clean campground with affordable pricing, I highly recommend this camp
ScoutWe stayed for the Bristol Rhythm & Roots festival in the glampers and loved the romantic atmosphere at night. The trees are lit up with a warm glowing light. The pond fountain whispers you to sleep. The manager and staff were awesome and accommodating. They truly want you to make a lifetime of memories on your visit.
Traveler
We had unseasonably warm temperatures in October. Fall colors were just past peak. Our site was clean, spacious, level. Easily accommodated our 25 foot RV. Trails started close to our site and were just beautiful. Bath house was ok. There is a washer and dryer available. Plenty of grass for the pups to enjoy.
TravelerStayed here at the end of October and saw amazing foliage change. Beautiful colors hard to see elsewhere. The trails were great and clearly well maintained. Mike and Pam were fantastic helping us get settled. Likely will go back to catch some snow.
RangerLoved my site- I’m a tent camper and my tent just fit on the site- I had a tent footprint and padding inside my tent so as not to damage the tent floor - the site is a paved site meant for campers but I wanted to be by the creek! The bathrooms were in great condition and the camp hosts were very friendly!
GuideIt was fine. Site 50 and 27 are great. Site 111 in overflow was not good. Had to move. Very tilted.
TravelerBeautiful shaded lots, with great hiking trails, lake, and more. Only stayed one night, would like to come back and spend a few days. Very clean, great stop!
LegendLoved this campground. Sites were a little close, but peaceful and the trails made up for the close sites.
the wild ponies on Rhododendron trail were incredible along with the views! I have no words. You must camp here!!
They also has a lovely general store outside the grounds that you must stop at! It is owned by the nicest family....they serve ice cream. Try the acai ice cream and they have homemade desserts.
ScoutWe just spent the night, did not get to use any of the facilities. Beautiful ride in, drove by so many deer on the side of the road. Very clean, well organized, sites are almost level on their own. Not a lot of privacy, but plenty of room. We will have to come back and spend more time.
GuideOvernight stay. One of the nicest state parks we’ve been to. Heavily wooded lots of shade. Not all sites have sewer hookups. Very friendly and helpful staff.
Traveler
Stayed for 3 nights after visiting laurels caverns from up north - absolutely no reception so be sure to have everything squared away before entering the park!
Extremely clean sites with designated tent areas. Showers are also warm one on each side of the campground. Just be sure to leave a 2 dollar payment at the station by the entrance.
Despite the 3 days of constant rain, we made the best of it and enjoyed the hell out of our stay!
Scout
Great area, no service or wifi
LegendGeneral: Smallish campground (< 70 sites in two loops) with a mixture of water/electric and tent sites with no hookups, and also four yurts.
Site Quality: Some were back-in and some were pull-through. Gravel pads. Not a lot of separation between the sites. Some were more level than others but not a problem to make it work for us.
Bathhouse: Heated! Clean. One shower in the bathroom plus additional shower rooms. Best place in the campground to catch a fleeting cell signal so it was not unusual to see people in the bathroom on their phones!
Activities/Amenites: Hiking! Close to the AT. Unfortunately, the best trail IMO was the Cabin Creek Trail (it was also awarded one of the best 25 trails in the US) but it is not accessible directly from the campground. There is also a small country store, but it was not open when we were there. There is a small museum at the Visitor Center and well worth a trip there. There is also a dump station.
There was an unseasonable cold snap when we were there in October (temps got down to mid-20s with wind chill in the teens) so even though we had planned on two nights there, once we hiked the Cabin Creek and Rhododendron trails, we decided to go to a lower elevation and warm up!
LegendEasily accessible with a large RV. Has multiple pull through sites, bath house and laundry close by. We were there during off season so some of the park was closed and they collected payment through honor system. We did some great hikes and walked around the beach area which was very nice. Would love to revisit during warmer months.
Legend
Ashley here with The Dyrt. I love the flooring in this yurt!! With a comfortable queen bed and full shower and bathroom, this truly provides a perfect place to relax after a day of exploring. Look up at the stars while you drift to off to sleep. Book your stay today and leave them some love!
TravelerWe stayed at #86 which was off the main campground overlooking the lake. The site was perfect for our 23 ft RV but pay attention to the site size as some RVs had issues getting their larger RVs in their sites with the road/site layout. Overall we loved the campground and view of the water. The only negative about our site would be traffic noise from the nearby bridge.
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.
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
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Willis, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Willis, VA is Hickory Ridge Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park with a 4.8-star rating from 56 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Willis, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 29 glamping camping locations near Willis, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
