The best camping near Jefferson National Forest

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

100% (24 reviews)
100% (24 reviews)

Literally thousands of miles of hiking trails can take you anywhere you want to go.  

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Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Jefferson National Forest

99%
(850)

Rivers Edge Trail Camp

7 sites · RVs5 acres · Allisonia, VA
LIKE us on FACEBOOK at https://www.facebook.com/riversedgetrailcamp Standing on the New River Trail looking up where the campsites are located will give you the feeling that you truly are sleeping on the edge at Rivers Edge campground. Unique limestone formations can be found on the property. Large birds and even an eagle or two seem to prefer this area for hunting. Watch from a distance as farmers cut hay throughout the summer. This private cliff top setting has 6 newly created camp sites on 5 Acres. Enjoy less crowds and more nature! The long range views or the river and farmlands will take your breath away. At the bottom of the drive you have access to the New River and the New River Trail so bring your bike, or kayak for more fun. Bike the trail, bird watch, or star gaze; the choices are endless. Don't be surprised to see bear, turkey, eagles, deer, or a coyote. PLEASE give us a rating on YELP also if you enjoyed your stay! The direct link to our place on Yelp is https://www.yelp.com/biz/rivers-edge-trail-camp-barren-springs?osq=Camping Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK at https://www.facebook.com/riversedgetrailcamp This is a great spot for people looking for peace and quiet. 26 Minutes upriver of Claytor Lake State Park. There is a zoo in nearby Ft. Chiswell. Each site has full hook ups. No tent sites at the present time. Area grocery stores are located about 30 minutes away in Wytheville, Pulaski and Hillsville. A portion of the profits will be donated to a non-profit! Bookmark the direct link to our site here on HipCamp: https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/discover/virginia/rivers-edge-trail-camp
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$50
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97%
(101)

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
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98%
(81)

Mountaintop Retreat

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents60 acres · Jumping Branch, WV
Want to see 5 star panoramic views of the Appalachian Mountains? This ultra safe, ultra private property is located only 10 minutes off interstate 77. There is only one farm past ours so traffic is very minimal. Plenty of room to do what you and your pets want to do while exploring on our 60 acres. Come enjoy the view and recharge and relax in peace and quiet. The sun rises up behind the view and lets you see just a little further. It is magical and one of the best things this mountain has to offer. It will not disappoint. We can accommodate up to a 35ft RV. The best part is no long walk for the best views! You can park at the campsites and camp on flat ground. Each campsite features a bench and a camp cooktop. Nothing is needed to use the cook tops other than a campfire. The area has many parks, rivers and trails for fly fishing, kayaking, biking, hiking, horseback riding, bird watching, and photography, etc. View stars as only those miles away from any light can experience. The crickets and whippoorwills will sing you to sleep. Google link, trail map, and campsite location map will be emailed the day of arrival. Close to: Winterplace Ski Resort New River New River Gorge State Park Fayetteville Rafting & Tourism Camp Creek State Park Little Beaver State Park Grandview State Park Pipestem State Park Twin Falls Resort Babcock State Park Kanawha State Park Hawks Nest State Park Pinnacle Rock State Park Brush Creek Falls Bluestone State Park Sandstone Falls State Park
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$59
 / night
100%
(46)

IRON Peak Ranch

2 sites · RVs, Tents88 acres · Wytheville, VA
We have traced this farm's history back to the 1750's when a mill was built on the creek. There is a log home that we know that was built in 1840 still on the premises. The white farm house across from the camp sites was built in 1877. The fish hatchery that is still in operation today was built by the Federal Government in 1923. Learn more about this land: Camp site situated along 3 separate creeks connected by one large private 11 acre field. Tate Run/ Reed Creek/ Venrick Run. The farm house is across the road and the whole property comprises of 88 acres of woods and pasature. The farm house was built in 1877 and the Ranch currently operates with 30 head of cattle and a working trout hatchery. We have traced this farm lineage back to the 1750's when a mill was constructed at the meeting of Tate Run and Reed Creek by Swiss Immigrant Henry Grubb. Camping here along Reed Creek is peaceful and quiet. Located just a few short miles from town it is easy to get to ...but a long way from the world at large. In Short, it is lovely and we hope you enjoy it.
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$48
 / night
100%
(60)

Starry Nights New River Gorge

6 sites · RVs, Tents88 acres · Hinton, WV
Welcome to Starry Night New River Gorge of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Starry Nights NRG is 88 acres of mountain top land in the heart of Southeast WV with easy access to a lake, rivers, State Parks, and National Parks. Enjoy long range views to the East and West of the Appalachian and Allegheny Mountains. See the sun rise and fall beyond the distant blue ridge lines as you await vast night skies free of light pollution. Watch the smoke rise from the forests creating clouds after a foggy morning or rain. Discover cliffs, caves, springs and more as you adventure the land. Hike the terrain with the East and West side of the property providing different experiences. All wildlife is in abundance and bird watchers rejoice, the forests and pastures are alive. Enjoy the peace, still and quiet that comes with seclusion deep in the mountains. There are currently three camping sites available. Each one comes with a picnic table, fire ring, trash can and an outhouse. Cell phone and satellite service is excellent on the property. Benefits of being at the top. ••• Times include 15 minute descent from property to bottom of mountain ••• • 20 minutes to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve • 30 minutes to NRGNP: Sandstone Falls • 35 minutes to NRGNP Sandstone Visitor Center • 15 minutes to historic downtown Hinton, stores, groceries and gas • 15 minutes to 2000 acre Bluestone Lake State Park and Wildlife Management Area, Bertha location. 20 minutes to Bluestone Lake Marina. 25 minutes to Bluestone Lake Wildlife Management, Indian Mills • 15 minutes to Greenbrier River • 15 minutes to New River • 20 minutes to Bluestone River • 35 minutes to Pipestem Resort State Park • 55 minutes to Winterplace Ski Resort
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$45
 / night
95%
(19)

Burke’s Garden Camping ⛺️

10 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Tazewell, VA
Learn more about this land:Open pasture with working general store Monday through Saturday. Homemade food with rest rooms and plenty of room to play. Minutes from the Appalachian Trail. Bicycle rentals also available on site.
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$33
 / night
99%
(136)

Camp The New River, Blacksburg, VA

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Blacksburg, VA
One very large, private site, plenty of room for a large group. All yours, no sharing. Pet friendly! Private porta john, cleaned weekly. No electric or hook ups, Generators welcomed. Amazing tent/ small camper site. Level ground, private boat dock and boat landing! Swimming, fishing, kayaking, floating, canoeing, paddle boarding. Enjoy the beautiful sunrises, sunsets and wildlife. Firewood available for $30. per tractor bucket load, of 1/2 for $20. 15 minutes from Virginia Tech and RU. Great place for a tailgate before a game. Train comes by occasionally, but no whistle, private crossing.
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$25
 / night
100%
(1)

Under the Trees with 3 Goats

1 site · Tent10 acres · Bluefield, VA
Located on the outskirts of Bluefield, Va., our backyard is located on ten acres once owned by a veterinarian. We've raised goats here for 30 years. Hemlock and black walnut trees border pastures where you can pitch your tent. Wake up to the sounds of birds, a neighborhood rooster, and "baaa-ing” baby goats saying it's time for breakfast. While you’re here you can....- Take a swim in the town’s gorgeous pool, just two miles away, one of the few pools that still has a high diving board. - Bring your bikes and a camera: You'll be minutes away from the two-lane, shady, Wrights Valley Road that takes you by centuries-old farm buildings and fields. You’ll pass old country churches and cross Wrights Valley Creek. - Visit one of the oldest graves in Maple Hill Cemetery, that of a Civil War soldier. Only a 5 minute way away, the restored historic section of the cemetery honors the markers of many black people buried there. The Norfolk and Southern Railroad runs south of the cemetery, alongside an old American Indian trail. At the Sanders House Center historic site near downtown Bluefield Va, you can see the log cabin built by my Bailey ancestors, founding settlers of Tazewell County. - Coming by motorcycle? The challenge of the Back of the Dragon Road is 15 minutes away.Learn more about this land:Either pitch your tent on a grassy site in the east yard with the goats, or under the hemlocks with a fence between you and the goats. Use the picnic table, chairs, grill and portable fire pit. The neighbor's house next to the yard adds a bit of security to the site. Because of Covid-19, I'm restricting use of the house's half bath and toilet at this time, so you won't be able to use those. Click on my name to get more details about my place. 
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$20
 / night
98%
(128)

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!
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$35
 / night
97%
(47)

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. 
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$25
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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 Köppen 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.....
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$30
 / night

Crystal Creek ATV RV Tent Camping

6 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Montcalm, WV
Learn more about this land:Camp right next to Crystal Creek. There is nothing like sleeping to the sound of a mountain stream! On the other side of the stream is pristine forest. Our campsite is only a quarter mile from the closest ATV trail head on the Hatfield McCoy Trail System and less than a mile from 2 or 3 other access points to the trail. Easy access from the road for your RVs, campers, ATV trailers, and vehicles. We welcome RVs and tent campers. Right now, we offer dry camping only, however we have expansion plans for full hook-ups coming soon, as well as seasonal RV sites. We are a mile away from local grocery stores and dining. This is a perfect spot for both convenience and nature. Your hosts Paul and Patricia welcome you to relax and enjoy their special spot in the mountains.Things to do near us:The Hatfield–McCoy Trails, located in West Virginia, is a nationally known trail system most popular for its off-highway vehicle trails. The trail system is a multi-county project, including the West Virginia counties of Logan, Kanawha, Wyoming, McDowell, Mercer, Wayne, Lincoln, Mingo, and Boone. The trails are managed by the Hatfield–McCoy Regional Recreation Authority, a legislatively created quasi-state agency and its paid staff, which is governed by a multi-county board of directors.The name of the trail system is derived from the names of two families, the Hatfields and McCoys, who famously feuded near the West Virginia and Kentucky border after the Civil War.Leff Moore originated the idea of the trail system and was its first executive director. He was followed by Mike and Mark Whitt, Matthew Ballard, and Jeffrey T. Lusk in leading the trails' expansion.Pinnacle Rock State Park is a 374-acre day use state park in Mercer County, West Virginia. The park surrounds Pinnacle Rock, a sandstone formation that rises above the surrounding terrainPocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine, also known as Pocahontas Mine No. 1, or Baby Mine, is an inactive coal mine in the Pocahontas Coalfield, near Pocahontas in western Virginia. The mine was the first in the sub-bituminous coal of the Pocahontas Coalfield, opening in 1882Camp Creek State Park was created in 1987 by dividing the 550-acre area from Camp Creek State Forest. Camp Creek State Park is located about two miles from the Camp Creek Exit of I-77 in Mercer County, West VirginiaPipestem Resort State Park is a 4,050-acre state park located in southern West Virginia, on the border between Mercer and Summers counties. The park was built with grants provided by the Area Redevelopment Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce under the administration of President John F. Kennedy
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$25
 / night

The best camping near Jefferson National Forest guide

Overview

About

Explore two national forests in western Virginia that total 1.8 million acres. The Forest Service manages 1 million acres as wilderness areas, meaning they offer mile after mile of unspoiled, pristine lands.

Begin with extreme southwestern Virginia at Mount Rogers. It's the highest peak in a state filled with mountains on its western backbone. Mount Rogers is 5,279 feet above sea level. A 3.5-mile trail leads to the top.

Let loose with a yelp of speed at Russell Fork River Gorge. It's one of the deepest river gorges east of the Mississippi. Spend a day here after hiking up Mount Rogers.

See the spooky ghost town of Lignite in Botetourt County. This town thrived on iron ore until the 1920s. The last residents left in the 1950s. Chimneys are the most obvious remnants of this town. Drive to nearby Roaring Run Furnace for another historical site.

Getting to this forest is easy thanks to the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are plenty of campgrounds and cabins for accommodations.

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