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The best camping near Natural Tunnel State Park

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

100% (2 reviews)
100% (2 reviews)

As tall as a city high rise, this natural cave has been attracting sightseers for over 100 years.  

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Community favorites near Natural Tunnel State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Natural Tunnel State Park

95%
(21)

Posh Mtn Camping w/Theater Hot-Tub

3 sites ¡ Lodging25 acres ¡ Jonesville, VA
About this space Enjoy amped up camping at this at this posh mountain escape! Here you can reconnect with nature outdoors while luxury furnishings and full amenities provide all the comforts of home inside a spacious, pet-friendly camper. Add in an epic outdoor entertaining area featuring a theater with 120” screen, hot tub, griddle, firepit, and deck and you have the ultimate camping adventure. Bonus – the site is located on 25 acres in the VA mountains with views of KY and TN! The space This pet-friendly, luxury camping experience is ideal for everything from weekend getaways to extended mountain sojourns. The camper’s interior is packed with all the necessities required for a comfortable stay: a full kitchen with Keurig coffee machine, hot and cold-water sink, microwave, refrigerator, stove, oven; large dining booth; comfy seating area; full bathroom with shower tub combo; 2 private bedrooms; A/C, heat; a flat screen Smart TV with streaming capabilities; and expansive windows that fill the interior with natural light. Outdoors is the ultimate entertainer’s paradise. Relax in the hot tub and enjoy theatre under the stars on the 120” elevated screen that can be seen from the entire site. Start mornings off with coffee and the smell of bacon sizzling on the outdoor griddle and end the days with a cold one from the kegerator. Every guest receives all the fixings needed for S’mores to roast on the firepit, and complimentary wood is provided that can also be used to cook up delicious meals on the classic campsite grill. With views for miles, wildlife sightings, and proximity to major area attractions, a stay here is without a doubt the best way to effortlessly experience the exciting world of “camping with benefits”!
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$129
 / night
100%
(16)

10 acres on the Clinch River,

5 sites ¡ RVs, Tents10 acres ¡ Duffield, VA
Learn more about this land:Camp on the beautiful Clinch River in front of the famous Copper Creek Viaduct Bridge with picnic table and fire pit. Fish, Swim, Tubing, and Tanning
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$25
 / night
97%
(38)

Wiley's Last Resort

18 sites ¡ RVs, Tents90 acres ¡ Whitesburg, KY
Wiley's Last Resort is about a hundred acres on top of Pine Mountain in Letcher County, KY.  Jim Webb aka "Wiley Quixote" purchased the property in 1996 and began restoring, developing, and naming all the nooks and crannies that make up this wonderful place.
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$20
 / night
100%
(130)

Morning Star's Mountain View

5 sites ¡ RVs, Tents93 acres ¡ Church Hill, TN
Morning Star Homestead is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains with elevation see 3 states. Secluded and quiet. The valley is named for the Carter family that once lived in the area.
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$25
 / night

Clinch River Primitive Camp Site

1 site ¡ RV, Tent1 acre ¡ Duffield, VA
This is a primitive camp site along the beautiful Clinch River in Scott County VA. Bank access to the river provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking and floating on the river. Located a short drive from the Natural Tunnel State Park and The Devil’s Bathtub. Enjoy a quiet river view surrounded by beautiful mature trees.
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$44
 / night
98%
(42)

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
 / night
Saved 1 time

Swinging Bridge

15 sites ¡ Tents69 acres ¡ Duffield, VA
Swinging Bridge is 69 acres of beautiful land that fronts almost a mile of an amazing stretch of the Clinch River. This river is great for kayaking and canoeing and fishing. Learn more about this land:There is a swinging bridge crossing the river, a mile of river frontage that you can camp along the river, you can ride four wheelers. I will be putting up cabins with stalls for horses later.
from 
$50
 / night
Saved 17 times

Camp Stonefly

11 sites ¡ RVs, Tents2 acres ¡ Johnson City, TN
Situated on the Watuaga River, one of the most prolific trout rivers on the East coast. Our clean bathhouse is amazing with endless hot water. We have two Campers for rent, seven primitive camping sites, and two sites to bring your own RV/Travel Trailer. Our Camp Hosts are cordial and very helpful, plus you are minutes away from downtown Johnson City, Less than 400 yards away you many amenities such as Gas/Convenience and liquor store, and with 2 miles there is fast/casual food restaurants plus a Wal-Mart, but you'll never guess that when camped out at Camp Stonefly.
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$45
 / night
Booked 1 time

Lakeview RV Resort

150 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs10 acres ¡ Bluff City, TN
Enjoy a stunning lake view from your campsite, steps away from beautiful Boone Lake in the shadow of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. At Lakeview RV Resort, you can camp in one of Tennessee’s best campgrounds with easy access to the area’s rich history, stunning natural beauty, and adventure-filled attractions. Our family- and pet-friendly RV park in Bluff City, TN, is open year-round, so stop in for a visit anytime! Whether you’re a full-time RVer, a summer vacationer or glamping’s your thing, you’ll find the perfect getaway at Lakeview RV Resort near Bristol, TN. Our RV pads are newly updated and well-maintained. All RV sites have full hookups with water, sewer, electric,ity and free WiFi. You can also rent a cabin or deluxe cabin with a full bath, kitchen, and the comforts of home.
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$71
 / night
94%
(78)

Share the Farm

29 sites ¡ RVs, TentsGreeneville, TN
In purchasing this property nearly twenty years ago my family and I have built a neat little camp here. The property is near our home century farm called Cromwell Dairy. Hosting to guest is traditional in our family from far back in time. We look forward to this new adventure with Hipcamp.
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$20
 / night

Big river bend

4 sites ¡ Tents12 acres ¡ Gate City, VA
We have 24 extremely private acres nestled in the mountains of Scott county VA, along side the beautiful clinch river. This property has water and power hook ups for a RV along with multiple sites for those of us who like primitive camping. There is a pole barn along side the river for those family cookouts and plenty over 600’ of river front to fish and swim in.
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$50
 / night
100%
(16)

Riverside Camping in the Mountains!

8 sites ¡ RVs, Tents350 acres ¡ Blackwater, VA
Nickols farm for over 200 years.  Beautiful, multiple springs, mountain hiking,  North Fork of the clinch river runs through the middle of the property, swimming.Wildlife : Pheasant, turkey, black bear, mink, otter, snip, hawks, bald eagles.Learn more about this land:Welcome!Come pitch a tent under the stars and enjoy camping next to the river. You are also welcome to pull up your RV or camper to the older Victorian house on the property, that we are upgrading with solar and water right now.Let me know if you have any questions and I look forward to your stay!
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$20
 / night

The best camping near Natural Tunnel State Park guide

Overview

About

This natural tunnel was called the Eighth Wonder of the World by William Jennings Bryan. Standing at 10 stories tall, the geological wonder formed over a million years ago. Groundwater bearing carbonic acid percolated up through the limestone, slowly dissolving it. A creek diverted into this underground chasm, further eroding the rock to form the tunnel you see today.

The natural cave is so large, it has served as an active railroad tunnel since 1894. On the 3rd Saturday of every July, the trains stop, allowing park visitors to walk through the 850-foot long tunnel. On other days, you can take a chair lift down to the viewing area at the bottom of the gorge.

The surrounding 900-acre park is great for hiking in solitude. For a stunning view, climb Lovers Leap Trail to the scenic overlook 300 feet above the gorge. Two campgrounds offer sites with electric hook-ups and access to the pool. But the large cabins are awfully tempting, as are the adorable yurts constructed in 2017.

Notable campgrounds

  • Cove View Campground - Offers shaded and sunny sites with electric and water hookups, perfect for tents or RVs up to 38 feet.
  • Lover's Leap Campground - Features back-in sites with electric and water hookups, accommodating tents, pop-ups, and RVs up to 50 feet.
  • Primitive Camping - Provides a rustic experience with tent pads and a common area with a fire ring, for those seeking a more traditional camping adventure.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early, as reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance, ensuring your spot in this sought-after natural haven.
  • Consider visiting during the off-peak season for greater availability and a chance to enjoy the park's tranquility.
  • Keep an eye on cancellation policies, as last-minute openings can provide unexpected opportunities for a stay.
  • Explore nearby camping options to maximize your chances of securing a site during busy times or if the park is fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Natural Tunnel State Park is from May through October, when the chairlift operates and full access to the tunnel is available. Winter offers a unique, serene beauty, but some facilities may be closed, and the chairlift is not operational.

Know before you go

  • Check the park's operating hours, which are from 8am to dusk, to plan your visit accordingly.
  • Be aware that the chairlift and some facilities have seasonal hours or may be closed for maintenance.
  • Accessibility is a priority, with features like an accessible chairlift and designated parking for guests with disabilities.
  • Remember to bring all necessary supplies, as cabins do not provide linens, and amenities vary.
  • Pets are welcome in certain areas, but be prepared to pay an additional fee and follow park regulations.

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