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The best camping near Hungry Mother State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Hungry Mother adventure.

100% (16 reviews)
100% (16 reviews)

Woodland glamping, lake activities, and a sandy beach make this a family favorite.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Hungry Mother State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Hungry Mother State Park

99%
(704)

OnTop.camp - NW NC Ashe Co

5 sites ¡ RVs, Tents100 acres ¡ Jefferson, NC
www.ontop.camp Update! 11.11.23 the leaves down opening up views that were not there before! If sites are booked still msg asking for availability, there’s a chance! Welcome! Our farm is vast and sparse, focusing on sustainability while giving back to the community. We are a safe haven for animals and humans alike. Situated on and between two peaks of Little Phoenix Mountain range in Jefferson Ashe County. Our sites’ altitudes range from 3100 feet to over 3600 feet, which is a lot of slope and hillside to say the least. As a guest you will be offered insane long views and limited exposure to the oldest registered breed of bovine in the world. Our Scottish Highland Cattle are majestic and fit in quite well in the NC mountainside. Located in the Blue Ridge mountains, we have natural water springs popping out, some of which are tapped to drink from. (10.1.23 currently farm springs are not accessible to guests, shatley springs up the road approx 4miles north has a public spring that we highly recommend) If you are looking for a camping spot that is only 5-10 minutes from town (Jefferson NC or the quaint Downtown West Jefferson) but feels like you're in the middle of no where, then we have it! The Blue Ridge Parkway is less than 20 minutes away and the New River equally close. OnTopOfTheWorld.camp *firewood is available if you pay on site you will have to use Venmo OnTop.camp
from 
$70
 / night
99%
(82)

Blue Bear Mountain Camp

46 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents150 acres ¡ Boone, NC
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! Blue Bear Mountain offers spacious, Low-Density RV camping, spacious, private, rustic car-accessible tent camping, and spacious, private remote tent camping. Blue Bear Mountain also offers luxury Stargazer Domes and Cabin rentals to provide you with more choices of how to experience your mountain getaway. In a beautiful mountain setting with incredible views, the Stargazer Domes are a great way to enjoy the camping experience without really roughing it. Great for a romantic getaway or bringing the family. Furnished with a queen size bed, complete with high-quality linens, a bistro table, and chairs, you will stay in complete comfort. Conveniently located near the bathhouse with private bathrooms, a Laundry room, and a dishwashing station. You can drive right up to the handcrafted stargazer dome. Relax and take in the views while sitting around your stone fire ring. A park grill, picnic table, and free bundle of firewood are also provided to complete your glamping getaway.
from 
$30
 / night
99%
(68)

The Corner at Spencers' Highland

1 site ¡ RV, Tent10 acres ¡ Wilson Creek, VA
Learn more about this land: 1/8 acre opening in the corner of our 10 acre property. This opening is surrounded by tall white pines on the border of Grayson Highlands State Park. 100 ft behind the opening is Mill Creek, a spring fed tributary of Wilson Creek, where Rainbow Trout can be found. There are no hookups available at this primitive campsite. Generators are allowed and RV's may dump their grey water.
from 
$20
 / night
98%
(43)

Creeping Thyme Forest

7 sites ¡ RVs, Tents75 acres ¡ Abingdon, VA
Early settlers of this area were mainly Scotch-Irish and there are several dominant family names that still populate these areas. Tobacco was grown in the area for many years, but now is rarely seen. This whole valley between two mountain ranges was chosen in the 1970's to be dammed and made into a reservoir for a hydroelectric power plant; however, the residents at the time formed a strong resistance, went to Washington, and eventually blocked the development, preserving its natural beauty. This land is within the Jefferson National Forest. It was owned for many years by Roy Light, owner of a nearby lumber mill, but when he passed away, his children cleared the timber and moved away. Since then, the diverse deciduous forest has regrown quickly. A rustic cabin made from salvaged hand-hewn logs was built on the site in 2014 and an alpaca farm was established; however, the owners had to move away due to employment changes. Currently, we are working on developing a perennial food forest, as well as dairy goats, and chickens. 
from 
$25
 / night
98%
(121)

Beech Grove River Spot

3 sites ¡ RVs, Tents14 acres ¡ Damascus, VA
In addition to using this land as our camping/fishing get-a-way, it is also used for hay! Our 5th generation farm and home are just a few miles away, where we raise sheep, cattle, goats and chickens. Learn more about this land:Spend the night along the river in a 14 acre field. We have a picnic table, fire pit and grill in place! This site is easily accessible and along a road. The Appalachian Trail and Virginia Creeper Trail are a few miles away in Damascus, Va, where you can bike, hike, shop or eat. Just a 45 minute drive away is Grayson Highlands, where you can hike and see the wild ponies! Abingdon, VA is 20 minutes away. Hang out around a fire, fish (if you have your fishing license), or just relax by the river! We are excited to share our favorite camping spot. We live just a few miles away on our farm and are happy to help in any way we can. Happy Camping!
from 
$35
 / night
97%
(98)

Campjames

1 site ¡ TentFries, VA
I started purchasing land in 1984 to create a forest animal wildlife preserve. After retiring from my construction business in New York I have returned to the New River to continue the project. I have a biology degree and raise various types of animals on the landLearn more about this land:Campsite with fire pit with river view near the double shoals . Wood available. Private, beautiful trail to river with immediate access to 60-mile long New River Trail in less than 5 minutes.
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$49
 / night
96%
(13)

Ted's Wildlife Habitat

6 sites ¡ RVs, Tents90 acres ¡ Tannersville, VA
Once a dairy farm for over 200 years, we acquired the property 16 years ago and immediately started on the task of reverting the property back to it's pre dairy farm state. Working with the Forestry department and other agencies, we have reforested over 30 acres with over 6,000 trees. We have also created a wildlife habitat ( Wildlife corridor) which has succeeded in bringing back species of birds that have long been gone from the valley. Additionally, the pond in the back of the property was dying, now it is thriving! No logging on this property since 1964 and we plan to keep it that way. Just today, there were a bunch of wild turkeys in the front field which is now encircled with chinquapins. We are happy to announce that starting in the Fall, we begin the process of converting the final 9 acres of hay into wild flower fields. This has been in the works for years and we are so excited that it is finally happening! Learn more about this land: Allen has carved out some beautiful sites for you to choose from with awesome views of the western Virginia mountains. Looking for privacy? You've got it here. You get away for privacy, not crowds. Choose  your own special piece of paradise. The property has multiple fields, the side of a forest covered mountain, and sites along the creek. We back up to Jefferson National Forest. This property is really more for the tent camper that does not need a lot of amenities. If you have a small RV ( like a tear drop) or vehicle you can sleep in, we do have flat fields that can accommodate you. Note, there is no water or electrical hookup. We have a nice pond in the back of the property located just before the mountain starts. We are more than happy to hike up the "hill" with you and show you some tent sites with spectacular views. Great for bird watchers and bikers alike!
from 
$20
 / night
82%
(56)

Channels Park Edge Campsites

6 sites ¡ RVs, Tents125 acres ¡ Rosedale, VA
Primitive campsites are located within one and a half mile of the Channels State Park entrance. One can hike, bike or drive to the Channels if that's your destination. Beautiful views, forested hiking trails on old logging roads are plentiful on our 125 wooded acres. Wildlife abounds in this remote setting. Other interesting features are nearby salt mines with Civil War history and a nearby farm store, Goshen Homestead, less then 2 minutes away. There you will find firewood for sale, pastured poultry products like eggs and chicken, grass-fed milk meats and cheeses, ferments, dried fruits, baking supply like grains and flour, etc. All organic and non-GMO. You will be sure to find all your breakfast, lunch and dinner needs. The town of Lebanon is about 15 minutes away. Breaks Interstate Park is within an hour drive. Surprisingly, most phones get full service.
from 
$30
 / night
100%
(47)

Refugio Entre Pinos

2 sites ¡ RVs38 acres ¡ Marion, VA
Originally homesteaded and farmed by settlers in the late 1800s/early 1900s, this property is part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can still view remains of the old stone wall the original settlers built by hand on the edges of the property! The Blue Ridge, part of the Appalachian range, was created by the uplifting of the Earth's tectonic plates 1.1 billion to 250 million years ago, making them the 2nd oldest Mountain Range in the world! You will also be able to view huge growths of Mountain Laurel growing in the Pines and maybe catch it in full bloom. The White Pines were planted over 30 years ago. We are 5 miles from Marion, VA: home of The Lincoln Theatre and Emory-Henry Medical College, and a small community hospital. Also close to Hungry Mother State Park (hiking, swimming, paddling, and fishing), Mt Rogers Recreational Area (where the highest peak in Virginia can be found!), George Washington-Thomas Jefferson National Forests, Grayson Highland State Park (where you can view wild ponies!), the Back of the Dragon (motorcyclists' dream ride on Rt. 16), the Appalachian Trail (accessible just 2 miles away!), The Virginia Creeper Trail, The Crooked Road Music Trail, Bristol Motor Speedway, the Carter Family Fold, Abingdon, VA (Barter Theatre), and Bristol VA/Bristol TN. We are also close to mountain stream fishing, small lake fishing, swimming area & beach (In Hungry Mother SP), wildlife management areas & miles of trails in different parks that offer tons of natural amenities and outdoor opportunities. You will be close enough for day trips to Burke's Garden, VA, Blacksburg/Christiansburg/Roanoke area, Hillsville, Floyd, Independence, Galax, Mouth of Wilson, or the Sparta area of North Carolina. Learn more about this land: Recent upgrade: 50 Amp electrical service, as well as 30 Amp and 120 Volt power! This is a FULL HOOK-UP, VERY EASY PULL THROUGH SITE!-WATER, SEWAGE, AND 50/30amp/120 volt ELECTRICITY. EASY PULL THRU IN/OUT! Water is filtered well-water; potable and what we drink but you may wish to have your own bottle water for food/drinking use.  CLOSE TO HUNGRY MOTHER STATE PARK, GRAYSON HIGHLANDS STATE PARK, JEFFERSON NATIONAL FOREST, MOUNT ROGERS RECREATIONAL AREA, THE VIRGINIA CREEPER TRAIL, THE TRANSVIRGINIA BICYCLE ROUTE, AND THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL!  Convenient to I-81 and Route 16- Back of the Dragon.  We just added a new driveway connection to make it even easier to pull back onto the road!  This area has a very different climate than many other parts of Virginia. We are located in a KÜppen Climate Classification Zone Cfb, which is a Temperate Oceanic Climate (or sometimes called Marine West Coast Climate). Yes, the Southwest Mountains of VA have a maritime climate! Think Coastal Alaska, Pacific Northwest, or British Columbia to get an idea of our climate. All of which means our summers are cooler (average of 83 in August) with low humidity, and our winters are milder. So this is a great place to escape the hot humid Virginia summers!  We experience four true seasons, and the colors in the fall season are some of prettiest on the East Coast and perfect for leaf peeping!  We have deer, wild turkey, bear, chipmunks, raccoons, wild rabbits, Whip-poor-wills, and opossums on the property. Plus, the fireflies at night can be beautiful!  Plus, we've yet to see a mosquito!  You will be the only camper on the property, my RV is on site and is used as  guest quarters when I have company, but this is rare. There is no cell phone coverage and limited strength wifi, so unplug and relax!  The Camping Site is part of our mountainside property located in Long Hollow and sits on the edge of 7 acres of pasture, which leads to 7 acres of White Pine Forest you are welcome to use for walking, wildlife viewing, dog walking, etc.. It is conveniently located less than 2/10s a mile from Rt. 16, and 5 miles from I-81. Our neighbors are quiet but you may hear their donkey braying or chickens clucking. We ask that you do not disturb the neighbors or interact in any way with their animals. There is a Firepit and Picnic Table for your use. I try to keep a supply of firewood on hand which you are welcome to use, but if I run out you may have to get some wood elsewhere. You can scavenge fallen wood to burn.....
from 
$30
 / night
98%
(95)

Waterdog Campground

18 sites ¡ RVs, Tents12 acres ¡ Crumpler, NC
Spend the night under the stars… On our quaint 12 acre river bottom tucked away behind the mountains. The campsite is on the edge of the New River, overlooking its clear waters and abundance of wildlife. Listen to the sounds of nature as you fish right off the bank. Enjoy tubing/kayaking/canoeing 5 miles to Zaloo’s or 4 miles to New River Outfitters or take a 1 mile “kid’s trip” from a secluded access to J E Gentry bridge. Our family-friendly site is an economical way to have fun and get in touch with nature. And yes! we are dog-friendly as well! Please note that cell service is very limited and WiFi is not provided. Prolonged rainy conditions in the river bottom may get muddy, so please be prepared for your stay!
from 
$30
 / night
99%
(65)

Stormbrew Farm

18 sites ¡ RVs, Tents18 acres ¡ Abingdon, VA
Nestled in the breathtaking Appalachian Mountains of Southwest Virginia, , hens, ducks, bees, Great Pyrenees, and cats pastorally roam over 18 acres of rolling farmland and forest. Experience our favorite parts of Stormbrew Farm through a primitive camping experience. Learn more about this land:An agrarian dream- a literal field of possibility. With 18 acres to choose from you may find yourself sleeping along the lazy Fifteenmile Creek, atop a hill under Virginia stars, or even set up with pastoral views of hens and Great Pyrenees dogs. The roadfront side of our property offers level terrain for pull-behind trailers, while vehicles (preferably 4WD) and tent campers can travel all the way back to the creek. Feeling froggy? Ford the stream and camp in the large field on the other side. Be sure to mind the animals and fields, as this is a working farm. One mile down the road from the farm is the Virginia Creeper Trail, renowned for biking, but as a multi-use trail, you can also enjoy walking, running, horseback riding, fishing, cross country skiing, and geocaching. South Holston Lake is only minutes away by vehicle, with two public access boating ramps 10 to 20 minutes away. For a drink by the water, head to Abingdon Vineyards- only 10 minutes away. Access to the Appalachian Trail is only 20 minutes away in Damascus. We became caretakers of this lovely property in June of 2021, moving from our existing farm, 45 minutes away. When we got it, it was a blank slate of a hayfield, and we have spent the summer laying infrastructure so that we may grow our cut-flower, honey, and vegetable business.
from 
$30
 / night
98%
(30)

Tri Mountain View

13 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents27 acres ¡ Shady Valley, TN
Tri Mountain View Campground is located in the Northeast corner of Tennessee in the town of Shady Valley. With an elevation of 2,800 feet, Shady Valley is the second highest town in Tennessee. It is just 26 miles from the Bristol Raceway and the Bristol Caverns. It is just a 15 minute drive to Backbone rock and a short drive to the Appalachian Trail. The property was a Dairy Farm and went out of business in the late 90’s and since then there has been over 3,000 trees planted. Some of these trees include the rare Butternut and Hazelnut, but mostly White Pine, Walnut and Oaks. The property has approximately 1,000 feet of fishing on Beaver dam creek, so we recommend bringing waders. There is also a shower house, washer and dryer.
from 
$15
 / night

The best camping near Hungry Mother State Park guide

Overview

About

If the East Shore is too far to drive, Hungry Mother State Park is inland Virginia’s next-best-thing to a beach break. Sink your toes into the sand at the lake beach, cool off from the summer sun with a swim, or take to the water to boat, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard. Bass, crappie, and catfish are all on the menu for anglers, so work up an appetite hiking and biking along 17 miles of trails, then cook up the day’s catch on the campfire. Campers can choose from cozy cabins, glamping yurts, and three wooded campgrounds.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for family campers: Camp Burson is one mile outside the park with 50 RV/tent sites, all with electric hookups and some with full hookups.
  • Best for tent campers: Royal Oak Campground has 11 tent-only sites plus a glamping yurt.
  • Best for anglers: Creekside Campground has 19 sites with electric hookups and easy access to the creek

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You can reserve a cabin or a campsite at Hungry Mother online. Minimum stays are required for cabins in season. 
  2. Campsite reservations open 11 months in advance and must be made at least one day before arrival.  
  3. Campsites can book up fast, especially on summer and holiday weekends. Book a minimum of three months in advance to avoid disappointment.

When to go

Peak season is April through October, and it can get crowded on weekends, especially when the sun is shining. The swimming beach is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, but you can hike and fish at any time, depending on the weather. Camping is possible year-round at Camp Burson, while other sites open in the high season only. Cabins are also year-round. 

Know before you go

  • Hungry Mother State Park is located just north of Marion along Interstate 81.
  • Day-use parking fees and camping reservation fees are charged at Hungry Mother. State fishing licenses are also required, and there is a daily fee for access to the swimming beach (included for campers).
  • Facilities include a visitor center, gift shop, restaurant, swimming beach, restrooms, and picnic areas. 
  • Paddleboats, kayaks, and other watercraft are available for rent in season. Swimming is allowed only in designated areas.

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