Lake Camping Near Big Stone Gap, Virginia, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2026

Looking for the perfect camping spot near Big Stone Gap, Virginia with a beautiful lake? Look no further than Dark Ridge Hide Out (422 reviews), Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground (197 reviews), or Camping on Cloud 9 (181 reviews) for some highly recommended options. And with popular amenities like toilets, potable water, and showers, you'll have all the comforts of home while enjoying the great outdoors. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping adventure in Virginia!

94% (70)

Top-rated campgrounds near Big Stone Gap

Looking for the perfect camping spot near Big Stone Gap, Virginia with a beautiful lake? Look no further than Dark Ridge Hide Out (422 reviews), Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground (197 reviews), or Camping on Cloud 9 (181 reviews) for some highly recommended options. And with popular amenities like toilets, potable water, and showers, you'll have all the comforts of home while enjoying the great outdoors. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping adventure in Virginia!

94% (70)

Top-rated campgrounds near Big Stone Gap

1. Wiley's Last Resort

94%

(54)

15mi from Big Stone Gap · 18 sites · Tents

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.

2. Tranquil- Lakefront living

86%

(14)

48mi from Big Stone Gap · 1 site · Tent, RV

This secluded spot on a private drive is a perfect little getaway location. You have lake view and lake access by foot. Vehicles can be parked on the 25 ft stretch of grass pad above the campsite, or pulled down the hill … (please note the word HILL) onto site at vehicle owners' discretion. Fire pit is on premise and ready for use with a walking trail to the water. Kayaks are available for rental to navigate Cherokee Lake. Trees surround you full of wild rabbits, birds and squirrels. Down at the water about 50 ft from your site you have the availability to fish, wade in the water, Kayak, or sit and watch the ducks, geese, turtles and more. This is a private drive but has four sites so please respect other tenants who have come to enjoy seclusion and serenity during their stay. We are in a rural area about 22 minutes from main town. However, there are restaurants, a Blue Bell ice cream parlor, a grocery store and post office all within 8 minutes. We are 12 minutes from one of the best Disc Golf courses, 25 minutes from Parks/trails/waterfalls, and only about an hour from major tourist sites in Sevierville/Pigeon Forge/ Gatlinburg/ Knoxville/Bristol Speedway. You will have solitude during your stay but opportunities for communication and aid from the host is available. The site can be busier during holiday breaks as this is OFF a main road and is on Cherokee lake so noise echos on the water, and there may be other renters checking in other units just a heads up. HAPPY TRAVELING TO YOU :)

3. Creekside Camping

100%

(16)

48mi from Big Stone Gap · 10 sites · Tents, RVs

We are just starting out as homesteaders. We have 50 beautiful acres to explore. In time we hope to have Copper Top Cabins, an event barn and a working farm. Come enjoy the peace and serenity that God has bestowed on us. Step out of the rat race and enjoy slow pace of the country, the scenery and animals. Or go fishing or ride your motorcycle on the many nearby motorcycle rides like Tail of the Dragon, The Mini Dragon, Copperhead Road and many others. The locals are friendly and the scenery is breathtaking. Come and relax and take in the fresh country air.Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent near the creek. Enjoy the sounds of rippling water, beautiful night sky and a communal campfire if you’d like. There are few amenities as we are just starting off. But we are flexible, accommodating and will allow use of our porta-potty and water well, if you need. Just ask for drinking water as we collect it in jugs at the spring for ourselves and will be happy to share. We have over 50 acres to explore and even an old log cabin if you care to brave the woods to find it.

4. Jefferson National Forest

98%

(27)

488 sites · Bluefield, Virginia

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

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

5. Carr Creek Lake

45 sites · Vicco, Kentucky

Tucked along the mountainous region of southeastern Kentucky, Carr Creek Lake is located near at least half a dozen outdoor sights just waiting to be visited. Bury your toes at the sandy beach or launch a boat off to discover uncharted waters. A marina and conveniently located fishing facilities make this place a boon for anglers looking for that next bite. If you want to scout out wildlife on one of the hiking or interpretive trails, it shouldn't be too hard to find so long as you keep a pair of binoculars handy. Once you're ready to broaden your prospects, consider visiting the Red River Gorge, Lilly Cornett Woods, or the Kentucky River. With the prospects of such abundant beauty all around you, we think a road trip is in order!

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

6. Pilot Hill

48mi from Big Stone Gap · 3 sites · Tents

Pilot Hill is a breathtaking place to visit. It is located in Limestone, TN, near Great Smoky Mountains. This property has an incredible view that will forever remain in your memories. Pilot Hill is a great place to relax and admire the beautiful nature God blessed us to enjoy. You can go fishing in our pond, pet our farm animals and play with the puppies.

7. Lakefront Open Parking Spot

100%

(2)

49mi from Big Stone Gap · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

This is an open gravel lot facing Cherokee Lake. Best suited for a quick one night stop during long trips. There is a public access trail for easy entrance to water. Near the main roads and quick trip to Dollar General, ice cream parlor, diner or grocery store. There is a storage building on premise with no access for renters. Lot can accommodate tents to 40ft RV's etc. Site is spacious enough for multiple tents, or a moving truck towing a vehicle on trailer. Grass area is available for animals. Woods are for those thrill seekers as the climb is strenuous and no marked trails, however the distance of woods covers about 2 acres.

8. Carr Creek State Park

39 sites · Vicco, Kentucky

Discover Carr Creek State Park's natural splendor and outdoor fun.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

9. Breaks Interstate Park

100%

(1)

134 sites · Virginia

Break out your hiking shoes for this scenic and historic passageway in southwestern Virginia.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

10. Buckhorn Lake

47 sites · Buckhorn, Kentucky

The landscape of Buckhorn Lake is truly a sight to behold. It’s as if the Kentucky River just busted through and carved these incredible valleys and green, winding hills, which are now affectionately known as the amazing Appalachian Mountains! You’ll only have to travel a short distance from Lexington to find this rugged and rural outback that surrounds the 1,230-acre Buckhorn Lake and the nearby Cumberland Plateau. If you drive down the main road for a bit, you’ll hit Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, where you can dine, lodge, or camp out. During the day, you’ll want to get out in the woods, so bring your best-loved, broken-in hiking shoes. Paddle around the waters or simply sit on the shore and take in the unsurpassable views. Words could not do this wilderness justice, so you might want to start packin’ now. This out-of-the-way gem is just the right amount of quiet, fun, and beauty that will hit the spot and leave you breathless.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Big Stone Gap

High Knob Recreation Area

8.8mi from Big Stone Gap · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Jefferson National Forest

Cave Springs Recreation Area

9.2mi from Big Stone Gap · 37 sites · Tents, RVs · in Jefferson National Forest

Bark Camp Recreation Area

14mi from Big Stone Gap · 34 sites · Tents, RVs · in Jefferson National Forest

Cane Patch Campground

17mi from Big Stone Gap · 35 sites · Tents, RVs · in Jefferson National Forest

Littcarr Campground

28mi from Big Stone Gap · 45 sites · Tents, RVs · in Carr Creek Lake

Carr Creek Campground

29mi from Big Stone Gap · 39 sites · Tents, RVs · in Carr Creek State Park

100%

(1)

Breaks Interstate Park Campground

40mi from Big Stone Gap · 134 sites · Tents, RVs · in Breaks Interstate Park

Trace Branch Campground

42mi from Big Stone Gap · 18 sites · Tents, RVs · in Buckhorn Lake

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

j

josh

November 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Creekside Camping

While creekside is not as close to a creek as intended, and not as secluded as some places, it was a very nice and quiet stay. We had a need for an inexpensive site along our route and creek side fit the bill. The host was absolute incredible, and there is a cabin on site that we were allowed to use. I’m not sure if it’s regularly part of the stay though.

Joey

October 2025

15 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Creekside Camping

I had a great time camping on Emma's land. I parked my teardrop camper in her open field and enjoyed viewing the beautiful scenery. The directions were clear and her property was easy to find. I highly recommend camping here!

R

Randy

September 2025

20 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Creekside Camping

Emma is a very gracious host and a very kind lady my brother and I enjoyed our stay on Emma's land it was a wonderful time....

A

April

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wiley's Last Resort

Communication was so good! I do recommend going during day light to set up.

S

Samuel

June 2025

Tent

2 nights at Wiley's Last Resort

Awesome site. Steve is a super nice and helpful guy & this property is great. Plenty of awesome spots + trails. Great overlooks & a general store down the road.

B

Bianca

May 2025

Tent

1 night at Creekside Camping

Emma’s land is so beautiful! She was our late night hero as we had difficulty finding a place to stay (unexpected campground closures along the way). She was responsive and friendly - making sure we knew exactly where to go. Sleeping under the stars with the gentle flow of the nearby creek and waking up to beautiful birdsongs and frog choruses was a lovely reset along our traveling way. There was also a clean toilet space we could use. Excited for Emma’s hopes to keep transforming the space! Until then, if you need to park your truck with your popup tent or pitch a tent for the night, this is a lovely spot!!

L

Lauren

May 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Creekside Camping

Emma was extremely accommodating allowing us a late check in and setting an alarm to wake up and greet us. She even checked on us the next morning.

R

Rachel

April 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Tranquil- Lakefront living

This site is a hidden treasure! We throughly enjoyed our stay over Easter weekend and loved how accommodating the hosts were. Shaylen left some firewood to start us out which was so helpful. Also, we caught a turtle fishing on the lake so that was a huge highlight. Thanks for an amazing stay and can’t wait for next time!

I

Ian

April 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Creekside Camping

Property was a peaceful getaway, owner was very nice and brought us some wood and a fire pit.

K

Kat

April 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Lakefront Open Parking Spot

Very friendly and great communication! I really appreciated Shaylen’s flexibility and understanding with our travel needs.

S

Samantha

April 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Lakefront Open Parking Spot

Shaylen really saved the day for me this weekend! My original camping spot didn’t pan out, but I was able to book this spot and show up within 10 minutes. If you’re looking for a spot out in the woods, this isn’t the spot for you. But if you just need a safe place to camp, I definitely recommend it! It was way quieter than I expected, and the price was great. My dog didn’t have issues with surrounding sounds. Shaylen is very accommodating.

L

Larry

December 2024

Tent

1 night at Wiley's Last Resort

Great place. It is located on Pine Mountain and the property leads to the Pine Mountain Scenic Trail. It is surrounded by beautiful Rhododendron. The host Steve was very friendly and helpful.

V

Vincent

November 2024

Tent

1 night at Wiley's Last Resort

It was perfect spot to base camp for Pine Mountain Trail and Bad Branch Falls area. Safe and Steve the host was very knowledgeable about the area and upgraded our primitive camp to a cabin as it is really off season for them.