The Wise, Virginia area sits at elevations between 2,000-3,000 feet in the Appalachian Mountains of southwest Virginia. Summers are mild with temperatures typically ranging from 60-85°F, while winters bring occasional snow and temperatures dropping to the 20-30°F range. Cell service can be unreliable in deeper valleys between campgrounds, especially during stormy weather.
What to do
Historical mining tours: 4 miles from Lynch. Portal 31 RV Park sits directly across from an exhibition coal mine where visitors can learn about the region's mining history. "If you're interested in coal mining, have I got a spot for you... If you want to see the history of coal production in southeast Kentucky, this is the place," notes one camper at Portal 31 RV Park.
Greenway trail walking: 0.5 miles from Big Stone Gap. The paved walking trail follows the creek and connects to local restaurants and shops. "Across the bridge is a paved walking trail that follows the creek. Also the town is the home of writer Adriana Trigiani, bestselling author of Big Stone Gap!" shares a visitor to Jessie Lea RV Park and Campground.
Chairlift rides: Available weekends only. Natural Tunnel State Park offers unique views via chairlift. "The one thing I was really looking forward to (the chairlift) is only open on weekends. However, we were able to hike a couple of trails and see the natural tunnel," explains a camper at Natural Tunnel State Park Campground.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Updated regularly. Campers consistently mention the well-maintained bathhouses. "The bathhouse was clean-ish. The one shower stall smelled quite moldy/mildewy," notes one reviewer, showing the variability at Rocky Top Campground.
Riverside sites: Limited seasonal availability. Some campgrounds offer premium creek-side camping when conditions permit. "We had two Jeeps with roof top tents, and while this is an RV Park, he has a few seasonal sites near the creek open. If the water is high, the sites aren't available," explains a visitor to Jessie Lea RV Park.
Community amenities: Access included with fees. Many rv sites near Wise, Virginia include unexpected perks. "Neighboring Leeman Field park has multiple playgrounds, picnic shelters, swimming pool (Admission to the pool is included in campground fees), tennis courts, and disc golf course," says a guest at Leeman Field Park.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Limited winter services. Some campgrounds reduce amenities during colder months. "We stayed 5 nights through Christmas and it was absolutely wonderful. Owner are very nice and helpful. Facilities were pristine," shares a winter visitor to Jessie Lea RV Park.
Mountainous driving: Challenging for larger rigs. The terrain requires careful navigation. "The camp on the west side is Dangerous to drive up in a motorhome. I personally drove my 36' up the most curvy incline I wouldn't recommend anyone to give this a second thought if your not a seasoned driver," warns a camper about Rocky Top Campground.
Primitive camping options: Basic amenities only. For those seeking more rustic rv sites near Wise, Virginia. "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," details a visitor to Natural Tunnel State Park Primitive Camping.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Seasonal pool access. Families can cool off without leaving some campgrounds. "Neighboring Leeman Field park has multiple playgrounds, picnic shelters, swimming pool (Admission to the pool is included in campground fees), tennis courts, and disc golf course," reports a camper at Leeman Field Park.
Educational activities: History-focused options. Several campgrounds offer learning opportunities. "This park has so many things to do and is fun for all ages. They have concerts and lots of outdoor activities during different times of the year. Great place for family fun!" says a visitor to Natural Tunnel State Park Campground.
Alternative accommodations: Yurts available. For families wanting more comfort than tenting. "The temperature had to be somewhere around 110 degrees inside. Fortunately, I had two 100-foot extension cords and a fan in our car... make sure to take extension cords and at least one fan," advises a summer visitor at Breath of Dawn.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Bring blocks. Many sites require adjustment for comfort. "Sites are relatively level and there is a decent amount of space between them. Backing in is quite easy as there is plenty of room to maneuver," notes a visitor to Harlan County Campground.
Site selection strategy: Ask for options. Some parks allow choosing specific spots. "The owner allowed us to choose our site, and after having driven through a full day of traffic, we chose the easiest to pull into," shares a camper at Jessie Lea RV Park.
Weekday visits: Recommended for quiet stays. Construction and maintenance can impact experiences. "Monday through Friday, there was construction literally right beside our RV. Constant leaf blowing... A head's up about it, possible option to stay at another site, a noise discount, or at least letting us know, so we could make a choice, would have been nice," advises a camper at Rocky Top Campground.
