Dark at night and largely cut off from cell service, Raccoon Branch Campground sits within Jefferson National Forest in Sugar Grove, Virginia, operating from mid-April through late December. The campground runs along forested terrain near a creek and gives campers a choice between primitive sites and electric hookups, with water hookups and a dump station also on-site. Big rigs up to 60 feet can access the grounds, though the road in has been flagged as rough, so drivers should factor that in before arrival.
The campground serves as the trailhead for a 2.5-mile one-way trail that climbs to a ridgeline with open overlooks and significant drop-offs. Fishing is the other main draw. Cleanliness and maintenance have received mixed feedback over the years: some visitors found the bathrooms clean and sites well-kept, while others reported long grass, no showers, and brown water during their stays. There are no showers regardless of conditions, so plan accordingly.
"Secluded, quiet and dark at night," notes Shelly S., who used Raccoon Branch as a stopover between Hungry Mother State Park and Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Hurricane Campground is another nearby option in the same forest system. Reservations are available, and given the campground's occasional closure for water or bathroom issues, it's worth confirming operational status before making the drive.
Description
Overview
Raccoon Branch Campground, nestled at the base of Dickey Knob, offers scenic mountain views, hiking trail access from campsites and cool mountain streams. Campers can access Dickey Creek and the Raccoon Branch from the campground. The most notable time to visit is fall, when the trees boast gorgeous fall foliage. With a location just 11 miles from Interstate 81, the beautiful campground is easily reached by drivers heading out from one of the surrounding cities.
Recreation
The beautiful Dickey Knob Trail takes hikers through a Wilderness to the top of Dickey Knob for spectacular views of Sugar Grove and Rye Valley. The creek provides a setting for wading and fishing.
Facilities
Every site accommodates RV or tent camping and five campsites have electric hookups. Perks of the campground include flush toilets, drinking water, paved roads and spurs and a dump station. There are no showers. A volunteer host is onsite to welcome visitors and offer advice on the region.
Natural Features
The campground is at an elevation of 2,880 ft., along a large grassy area, surrounded by pines, hardwoods and rhododendrons. Perched in the Appalachian Mountains, Raccoon Branch is part of the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, a 200,000-acre stretch of designated wilderness areas.
Nearby Attractions
Hike the Appalachian Trail, which extends more than 2,175 miles throughout the Appalachian Mountains across 14 states. The trail was designated as the first National Scenic Trail. The Virginia Creeper Trail, Hungry Mother State Park and Grayson Highlands State Park are nearby.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsRaccoon Branch Campground is located in Virginia near Sugar Grove
Directions
From I-81, take Marion exit 45 onto Virginia State Route 16 South. Follow SR 16 South for approximately 13 miles to the campground on the right.
Address
6416 Sugar Grove Highway
Sugar grove, VA 24375
Coordinates
36.747489 N
81.424744 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 13 min from Kingsport, TN
- 1 hr 18 min from Johnson City, TN
- 1 hr 21 min from Blacksburg, VA
- 1 hr 36 min from Beckley, WV
