Rural Retreat Lake Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Reservations are available at Rural Retreat Lake Campground, a Wythe County-managed facility with electric and water hookups, showers, a dump station, and potable water. Sites are drive-in, and the campground sits within Rural Retreat Lake Park alongside a public lake. One reviewer notes that hookup posts are positioned at opposite ends of pull-through sites, so a 50-foot hose and extension cord are worth packing. Numbering signage has caused confusion on-site. Pets are allowed. Anglers and RV travelers who want full hookups in the campgrounds around Rural Retreat area will find this a functional, if unpolished, base.

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Map & DirectionsRural Retreat Lake Campground is located in Virginia near Rural Retreat

Public Campground

Coordinates

36.86467512 N
81.28506381 W

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Last on 6/21/26
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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

Market
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites
50 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 3 min from Blacksburg, VA
1 hr 17 min from Kingsport, TN
1 hr 19 min from Beckley, WV
1 hr 22 min from Johnson City, TN

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Reviews1 Camper Review - Rural Retreat Lake Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

2.0

out of 5

1 Review

SomadNomad M.

Guide

Reviewed May. 31, 2024

Lake is in the name

there 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

Site41

Month of VisitMay

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Rural Retreat Lake Campground located and how do I get there?

Rural Retreat Lake Campground is located in southwestern Virginia near the town of Rural Retreat. The campground is situated outside the main town area, adjacent to Rural Retreat Lake. To get there from Interstate 81, take exit 60 and follow signs toward Rural Retreat. The campground is accessible via local roads, though some navigation might be required as it's not immediately visible from the main highway. The location offers a serene setting near the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it a convenient stop for travelers exploring this region of Virginia.

What fishing opportunities are available at Rural Retreat Lake?

Rural Retreat Lake offers good fishing opportunities as it appears to be a public lake adjacent to the campground. The lake likely supports common freshwater species typical of Virginia lakes, such as bass, catfish, and various panfish. Fishing is available to campers and possibly day visitors as well. Remember to have a valid Virginia fishing license before casting your line. For specific regulations, seasonal fishing conditions, or if the lake is stocked, contact the campground office or check with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

Is there a map available of Rural Retreat Lake Campground?

Yes, maps of Rural Retreat Lake Campground are available. You can obtain a physical map upon arrival at the campground office or check the official Wythe County website which may provide downloadable maps. The map shows the layout of campsites, the lake's perimeter, trails, and facilities. For the most detailed and current map, it's best to contact the campground directly before your visit or stop by the registration office when you arrive.

Does Rural Retreat Lake Campground have a swimming pool or other water amenities?

Rural Retreat Lake Campground doesn't have a swimming pool, but it does provide access to Rural Retreat Lake for water recreation. The lake itself serves as the primary water amenity for the campground, though it appears to be located outside the immediate campground boundaries. Visitors should check with campground staff about permitted water activities on the lake, such as swimming or boating. The lake provides a natural alternative to constructed water facilities, allowing campers to enjoy fishing and potentially other water-based recreation during their stay.

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