Looking to find an RV campground or tent campsite near Willis that allows dogs? Find the best information on pet-friendly campgrounds near Willis, including sites, reviews, and tips. Each pet-friendly campsite offers quick access to one or more of Willis's most popular destinations.
LITTLE OAK CAMPGROUND IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO IMPENDING WEATHER FROM HELENE. CLOSURE IS ANTICIPATED THRU MONDAY, SEPT 30, BUT COULD BE LATER DEPENDING ON DAMAGE ASSESSMENT. Little Oak Campground hugs the shores and inlets of beautiful South Holston Lake in Sullivan County, Tennessee. With a view of the Holston Mountain ridgeline and lake islands, Little Oak campsites are a relaxing setting for your vacation. There are 69 universally accessible campsites improved in 2012 including warm showers and a paved access road. Campground hosts are available on site to answer your questions.
Fishing is a popular activity for campers at Little Oak, with a concrete boat launch within the campground. Numerous campsites have easy access to the lake shore for tying off your boat. There are nearby trails for hiking and horseback riding. Children and adults enjoy riding their bikes on the roads between camping loops. There is also a lakeside grassy area popular for swimming and picnicking. There is an array of wildflowers to enjoy throughout the season, resident deer and turkey and other natural wonders for the naturalist in your group.
South Holston Lake is a 7,580-acre hydroelectric reservoir managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority and surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest. Holston Mountain and nearby Iron Mountain provide habitat for an array of wildlife including a healthy population of black bear.
Little Oak Campground is within 30 minutes of Bristol, Tennessee, and nearby Bristol Motor Speedway. Backbone Rock Recreation Area is approximately 30 minutes away up beautiful Shadey Valley, and just five minutes past Backbone Rock is Damascus, Virginia. Jacobs Creek Campground and Swim Area is 25 minutes away for another view of South Holston Lake.
$10 - $12 / 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.
$28 - $40 / night
$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
Guide
We arrive very late, after all day travels from Florida. My phone had three bars, Verizon 5G ultra wide signal.
Guide
Absolutely stunning views! I was a little sketched out going up as it was my first time driving up a mountain like that, but it really wasn’t bad. Watching the sunset was spectacular, then being able to star gaze.
Ranger
Large County campground with electric and water with two pump out stations. spacious, hilly sites with some tree coverage along lake with boat ramp and capacity to tie your boat up at your site.
Recommend a surge protector on your camper as there are no breakers on the electric hook up at the site (clustered elsewhere).
Stayed here for a National water dog competition and the beach area was perfect for our group.
Guide
Laurel bed lake at top is beautiful. Waterfalls on way up and good fishing along the way in tumbling creek. Flat field area for camping on way. Several spots by creek for van or tent camping.
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
We've been going to Scales for several years now, & it's one of the few places we keep revisiting! Yes, the road in is rocky (& not short...probly 45 mins from the road to the campground), but anything with Subaru Outback ground clearance will be fine.
The campground itself is great! It's right on the AT, so there are lots of through hikers that you'll see stop in for a night. That also means that there's lots of great hiking options! Our favorite parts are the beautiful views, wild ponies, & it's (usually) relatively quiet!
Additionally, there are a lot of fire pits& there are pit toilets.
ScoutMy 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
Me and my wife were looking to get away from theater apartment for a couple of days during a remodel. Well we didn't Wana travel to mountains to camp. And by Luck,we found one right basicly in the city close to everything,with great spots and Really great fishing for Trout,as This stream has been on many different Fishing platforms and Program. Is my new favorite spot overtaking the Blue Ridge parkway even.
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.
Scout
The place is crawling with Venemous Copperheads. Do not recommend tent camping here.
Traveler
Most campground reviews are from the RV crowd. This is from the tent camper perspective, particularly motorcycle tent camping. The roads/lanes in the park are paved, but otherwise where you would ride are lousy for motorcycles. The "gravel" parking lot from the road to the office and in the RV/electric loop is more like rocks, and you stand a good chance of dropping your bike. Park your bike on the asphalt drive and walk up to the office. In addition, the tent parking spots are sloped upwards with some very slick crushed rock and are challenging for a motorcycle. The office closes at 5 (4 on Sunday and probably Saturday) and there is no campground map posted to see where the tent camping area is. They have copies of the campground map in the office and I suggested they put one on the outside of the office door so people arriving after they close have a map to view. The tent camping (primitive) is off a paved lane a lot further down the hill past the office. The sign for the lane says primitive. Straight up at the top of the hill for that lane is site 6 which is somewhat acceptable for motorcycle parking although you are not going to get good enough of a cell signal there to use any internet apps. You might get one bar to make calls or text. At the top of that hill, take a left and go up a steep hill to the shower house and where sites 1 &2 are at. At sites 1&2 and outside the shower house you can get a good enough signal (2 bars) to use internet apps. The campground does have an open wifi, but it doesn't reach to the tent camping sites. They should add some directional antennas to extend to that area. Sites 1&2 are best for motorcycles if you can reserve one of them. 2 has a wide enough turn around that you could easily park a group of motorcycles there. When you check in you are assigned a 4 digit code to unlock the shower house doors. If you arrive after hours you'll have to ask another camper if they'll share their code with you like we had to. Don't bother trying to call the campground number after hours to check in or ask for a code because you'll just their voicemail. 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. Being primitive there is no electric at the tent sites. There is an outlet by the sink in the shower house if you need to charge your phone. There aren't any external outlets at the shower house. There is a spigot outside the shower house, but I did not open it to make sure it worked. We got our water using the shower house sink. The rate as of July 2024 is $10.50 PER TENT per night. There is no discount for only using one site with several tents. We (four bikes with 4 tents) stayed there four nights. We would have left after the first night, but had paid for all four nights and also didn't want to have to pack everything up to look for a different campground.
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.
Traveler
My husband and I stayed from the 4th of July to the 7th. The site was nice and level with a beautiful view. It’s a quiet, sleepy campground just perfect for relaxing by a fire. Be aware that only a few sites have septic. Pay attention to the site description. There is no cell phone reception anywhere around until you get to Damascus about 30 minutes away. The office/cafe does has WiFi. It is not park-wide though so plan ahead by downloading your maps and music, etc. The campground is owned and run by a couple who take great care to make sure your stay is pleasant. They have a cafe and small store in the office building. We had breakfast one morning - bacon, egg and cheese biscuit and a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich - made on homemade bread and biscuits. So good! I also got a latte and it was amazing. We stopped in for pizza night and got a homemade pesto pizza. Don’t miss that one! Our camper has a bathroom but the camp bathrooms were incredible. Super clean and well-maintained. If you need diesel, nearly every gas station is gas-only. There is a nice gas station and cafe close by in Whitetop Station that carries diesel and has really good food. We stopped there on our way out and the biscuits and gravy were wonderful. The Virginia Creeper trail head is right around the corner from the entrance to the campground.
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.
Traveler
We stumbled on to this place - we must be living right! Brand New, Clean, LEVEL sites with all the hookups. Great view of the mountains. ($50/night) Owner has done everything he can to make it a comfortable relaxing place to stay. Pull thru and back in sites .... great WiFi too!
Guide
Our camping trip was excellent, our host was very friendly and communicative. Highly recommended. The view of our site named Crooked Tree # 5 was wonderful. Beautiful night sky with an opening view to the mountains. Excellent parking spot with plenty of room to set up a 3-person tent. Also, delivery of homemade pizza. I recommend the Jalapeno & Cheese.
Guidethere is a lake , I'm guessing it's a public lake due to the fact its outside the campground, I paid for a elec./water site and said if it's in the sun it's a bonus, the picnic table and site and the one above me have sun, however my solar panels do not, now if you want water and elec. you either need a 50' hose or extention cord because they are on opposite ends of the pull through , which I forgot to pay for one that might have been closer to level than a bowling ball. still haven't found the dumpster or a garbage can for that matter , pool is not included , again I'm guessing public.it was entertaining watching a poor fella with 2 young boys walk around for 30 minutes looking for their site, I'm in #41 and if you're so lucky to get thus spot , don't follow the signs telling you where the #'ed sites are because we're next to #53 and not in the 40's at all , we are however right next to the shower room ... I'll update my review after I explore thar situation tonight. it got 2 stars because so far it is peacefull with no other campers around, they probably learned their lesson their first stay too. $75.×× for 2 nights eventhough it says $30 a night. taxes must be killer here in Virginia. if it didn't rain everyday I been here and my batteries weren't hurting so badly I'd of just boondocked it another week in this gorgeous national forest for free. PS. don't bother with firewood on site #41 there's no ring. Update after shower, well I think I got Athletes foot just by looking inside, cold unfinished concrete floor, no mirror no hooks no shelf a very small bench and a trash can and on the floor what I could only describe as a rubber webbed mat you would usually see inside a garage. the water temp was OK for me but i enjoy a cold shower every now and again , there's only 2 settings ...yup on and off couple spiders got to watch me get dysentery but they were friendly. now back at camp enjoying the sweet smell of bathroom. yay. the showers and toilets are individual rooms with a rusty slide latch lock. dirty but I can only speak for the two I went into (the first shower door didn't shut) but I'd assume they're all pretty much the same. Definitely not worth $76
ScoutThe road in is...."rocky". High clearance 4wd needed. Not ADV friendly, unless you're very adventurous. Access by horseback would be my #1 pick.
ScoutThis new campground has it all and is constantly improving! The campsites are set up on a very scenic mountain overlooking Watauga Lake. Every site has a personal campfire and the internet access is top notch (if you need it). Very short drive to hiking trails and swimming. The owners are really welcoming, available and helpful.
ScoutCamp next to a quiet bumbling creek with beautiful scenery.
Scout
If you’re looking to enjoy your time in pristine wilderness of the Appalachian mountains yet want a CLEAN bath house and safe environment, this is the spot.
Partial wooded, plus open field, pond, creeks, and clean spring water provide a wonderful place (100+ acres!) to get away to some quiet (NO traffic noises!) and decompress.
Janice and Ed are the kindest, most considerate hosts you could imagine.
Family camp time, nature retreat, etc., this is truly one of our local gems. 💎
ScoutI have never been to a cleaner, more beautiful campground in my life. The facilities are up to date, the bathhouse is spotless, and the campsites themselves are clear and well-maintained. I found the dishwashing station (with hot water!) to be especially convenient.
The camp store is also a lifesaver in case of the inevitable last-minute needs for items left at home, and it’s so charming, with locally made goods and unique vintage finds. There’s a covered outdoor space for small events, too.
For me however, the huge draw is the natural beauty of the place. From the fields there is a framed view of the gorgeous local mountain range, perfect for photo opportunities.
This spot is quiet and peaceful, no parties and loud camping vehicles. I felt like the owners and management were there for our needs but not up in our business. The campsites are far enough apart that I don’t feel like I’m on top of other campers. There are less concerns about privacy than other places I’ve been. Each site has a picnic table and a clearly designated firepit. The sites have nice flat spaces for tents, and many are near little creeks which provide a nice background ambiance. Definitely family-friendly and comfortable.
Without a doubt I would visit this campground again. Five stars.
Scout
The campground is great. The host asked me for sec then came outside, waking towards me with no pants on. Yes. I saw his everything. No pants. I began yelling at him to back away or I was going to get another camper. He went reluctantly back to his camper and I ran to my car and immediately left.
Ranger
We stopped here for one night on a trip. The staff were super friendly, campground was well maintained, hiking is awesome. We hiked a trail that weaves through NC and TN.
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 dog-friendly campsite near Willis, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Willis, VA is Royal Oak - Hungry Mother State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 40 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Willis, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 109 dog-friendly camping locations near Willis, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
