The best ranch campgrounds near Big Stone Gap, Virginia

Welcome to Hipcamp! If you're looking for a camping experience near Big Stone Gap, Virginia, and have a preference for a ranch setting, we've got you covered with over 250 options to choose from. Whether you're seeking a rustic retreat, a family-friendly campground, or a secluded hideaway, you'll find the perfect ranch campsite for your adventure. Check out top-rated campsites like Dark Ridge Hide Out (422 reviews), ON TOP . CAMP - NW NC Ashe Co (240 reviews), and Harmony hollow (92 reviews) for a glimpse of what awaits you. With popular amenities such as toilets, showers, and trash facilities, and exciting activities like climbing, swimming, and snow sports, your camping experience will be nothing short of amazing. Plus, with an average price per night of just $40 and options as low as $12, you can enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank. So pack your gear and get ready to embark on an unforgettable camping journey!

99% (85)

Top-rated campgrounds near Big Stone Gap

Welcome to Hipcamp! If you're looking for a camping experience near Big Stone Gap, Virginia, and have a preference for a ranch setting, we've got you covered with over 250 options to choose from. Whether you're seeking a rustic retreat, a family-friendly campground, or a secluded hideaway, you'll find the perfect ranch campsite for your adventure. Check out top-rated campsites like Dark Ridge Hide Out (422 reviews), ON TOP . CAMP - NW NC Ashe Co (240 reviews), and Harmony hollow (92 reviews) for a glimpse of what awaits you. With popular amenities such as toilets, showers, and trash facilities, and exciting activities like climbing, swimming, and snow sports, your camping experience will be nothing short of amazing. Plus, with an average price per night of just $40 and options as low as $12, you can enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank. So pack your gear and get ready to embark on an unforgettable camping journey!

99% (85)

Top-rated campgrounds near Big Stone Gap

1. Creeping Thyme Forest

93%

(76)

41mi from Big Stone Gap · 7 sites · Tents, RVs

Primitive, open, country road camping. (Primitive means there is nothing at the campsites except a space to camp. Open means you can camp anywhere on the land that is available. Country road means you might hear cars or trucks go by, but it is not a heavily traveled road.) Nestled between small mountain ranges, on a south-facing slope. Adjacent to mountain stream. Fishing pond. Wooded and open sites available. Rough gravel road loops around camping areas. Generally a high-clearance vehicle is recommended, unless you feel adventurous. Some campers have noted dogs barking at night. The campsites are roughly mown a few times per year--not like your lawn. Prior camping experience recommended. We are close to a Volunteer Fire Department--if there is an emergency (rare), you may hear sirens. Bathroom with hot showers and flush toilet.

2. CR Adventure Outpost

100%

(1)

17mi from Big Stone Gap · 27 sites · Tents, RVs

Strategic Location for peaceful camping with lots of nearby options. Camping is very primitive and rustic as new amenities come online in planned future. The best time of booking is the weekend at present. We have: Wooded/Grassy hills with plenty of tree cover and open space to spread out . A uniquely positioned community fire pit is available with an impressive view.  It is very rustic and primitive, but well kept, quiet, secluded, with developing  surroundings.  There is direct access to Jefferson National Forest and miles of hiking, biking and horseback trails. Equestrians encouraged, but is Bring your own horse and Tie Line. Nearby sites include Bark Camp Lake, Guest River Gorge, Bear Rock, Little Stony Falls, Chief Benge Trail, Devils Bath Tub, and High Knob. We are also located along several driving and scenic routes to include: Backroads of the Cumberland's, Appalachian Backroads, Virginia Wildlife and Birding Trail, and Thomas Jefferson Scenic Byway (Rt. 72). In addition, within a short drive there is an ATV trailhead in the local town. The Clinch River is not far at all as well.  There is a small quaint downtown less than 5 miles with grocery, gas, supplies, and a few places to eat. Mission: The original idea for CR Adventure Outpost came many years ago. We grew up visiting "Grandparents" in Wise County and developed a deep love for the area, the outdoors, and all it had to offer. There came a point, , when we realized that the amount of outdoor activities and authentic cultural experiences could indeed support visitors. It could also support many business opportunities once everyone became aware of what was all around them. At that point, a process began of research and planning on ideas some thought were pointless. People deeply want to get back to nature and withdrawal from a fast paced materialistic society, at least long enough to realize what is really important in life. There is a huge need and vast opportunity to take advantage of the many beautiful landscapes in Southwest Virginia.

3. Kennedy Historic Appalachian Farm

98%

(25)

36mi from Big Stone Gap · 9 sites · Tents, RVs

This camping experience takes place on a 200+ year old farm. We currently offer multiple camping options, most of which are only accessible by either all-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive vehicles.  The first location (along the main road) is solely for RVs or travel trailers (TT). The other camping locations are for tent camping, and much smaller/narrower and rugged RV/TT with a 4-wheel drive towing vehicle. Daniel and Cherith Kennedy purchased this 164-acre farm in 2014, and Daniel's parents, Brent Rita Kennedy, purchased the 1800's era farmhouse from Daniel and Cherith a couple years later. Together, we have transformed this farm back into a working farm with hay fields, cattle, donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens and any other critters we buy or rescue. We are currently rehabilitating the 1700's era one room schoolhouse at the front corner of our land as well. This farm is full of memories, hard work, and is absolutely stunning. Your hosts on-site are Brent and Rita Kennedy, and they are famous for spoiling our guests rotten. They can give you tours of the farm, some in-season eggs and veggies as they have available, and even throw in some petting opportunities. They love having visitors and are sure to make your trip memorable. If you're interested in using our farm as a launching camp to see all the wonderful places that SW Virginia has to offer, we are very well located to many sites within an hour drive. - Pinnacle Area Reserve (https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/natural-area-preserves/pinnacle) - Barren Fall/Tank Hollow Falls of Cleveland(https://www.virginia.org/listing/tank-hollow-falls-of-cleveland/7223/) - The Channels (https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/natural-area-preserves/thechannels) - Virginia Creeper Trail (https://www.vacreepertrail.org/) - Explore Damascus (https://www.damascus.org/) - Explore St. Paul (https://www.stpaulva.org/community/page/playing-st-paul) and stop by our favorite, Mamaw's Cafe. Let her know we sent you!!! - Explore Abingdon (https://visitabingdonvirginia.com/). - Scenic Driving...seriously, this region has some amazing scenic roads that are off the beaten path and will WOW you. Ask our hosts for their suggestions and they'll point you in the right directions after gauging your interests.

4. Love Our Soil Farms- on the River

100%

(8)

37mi from Big Stone Gap · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Love Our Soil Farms is a developing, small regenerative farm that is the cornerstone of our family’s journey to living a more compassionate, peaceful, and sustainable life. Our independent family farm is a place—both physical and in spirit—that we hope to share with others. It is our passion project, driven by a desire to leave our earth better than we found it and create a healthier, more sustainable future for our children. We would love for you to join us here at Love Our Soil Farms on the beautiful Clinch River. It’s the perfect place for a getaway, whether you make it a day trip or come visit for an overnight stay. You can relax and unplug in your own cozy and comfortable space while surrounded by the majestic Appalachian mountains inhabited by an abundance of wildlife. Whichever stay, location, or event you choose, you will be only steps away from the river where you can swim, kayak or fish. You will be nestled up against our growing homestead, including our farm animals (we offer tours). We offer Farm-to-Table meals for all our guests and we love accommodating large groups with our different sites and are happy to help plan youre group event. Glamping Glamping in one of our three amazing luxury tents – located right on the river, the creek or tucked away in the mountains – is the ultimate in camping meets comfort. All three locations are nestled up against our farm and have full access to the river and gathering spots. Tents have their own private restroom with double compost toilets and an off grid hot shower heated by propane. Barnyard Staying overnight in our barnyard camper gives you the complete farm life experience. You will be staying right in the middle of our farm—between our barn and our milking parlor—surrounded by chickens, turkeys, and guinea hens! Inside your camper, you will have running water, a restroom, and a small kitchen. If you’re curious about life on a family farm or just want to get some good quality time in with farm animals, this is the place to stay. Boondocking Your own RV is welcome to park riverside, we currently do not have hookups so you will be dry camping. You are also welcome to use our fire pit and restrooms if they are available, as guests staying in our glamping tents will have the option to reserve them. The restrooms have double compost toilets and an off grid hot shower heated by propane. You can check with us prior to making your reservation to see if other guests have already reserved these amenities for their stay. Camping Classic tent camping is a blast here! You can bring your own tent or rent one from us. This is the ultimate experience for living off the land and reconnecting with nature. You will have your own fire pit, and you will be surrounded by an abundance of wildlife. When you stay overnight with us here on the farm you become part of our family. We want to make sure that you not only unwind but also get to take advantage of all the amazing things this beautiful homestead has to offer. You will have direct access to the river for kayaking, tubing, fishing, swimming, hiking, or just sitting along the bank enjoying the fresh air. Our family’s favorite activity is gathering by the fire pit at night, listening to the river, and gazing at the stars, which shine brighter here than anywhere we’ve ever been. We would love to share everything this peaceful place has with you. Waking up by the river is rejuvenating and is the perfect way to start your day as you reconnect with nature. While you’re perfectly welcome to cook all of your meals over a campfire for the full “roughing it” experience, we understand that there are times when you just want to kick back and relax. With that in mind, we also offer hot, home cooked family meals, delivered directly to your door upon request and at an additional expense. Tours Our farm is small but growing daily. We are striving to create a fully functional and self-reliant regenerative farm in an environment that is focused on soil health and increasing biodiversity, while peacefully existing and raising healthy and happy animals. If this is something you're interested in experiencing, we’ve got you covered. We offer different levels of tours and experiences and would love to share our farm, and our knowledge, with you. River dining Sitting on the river bank enjoying a farm-to-table meal can be romantic or just plain fun. We offer a limited amount of lunches by the river as well as candlelit dinners. Just let us know what you’re thinking and how many people you have in your party, and we’ll work with you to make your perfect event happen! Special events If you would like to hold a special event, such as a birthday party, wedding, or family reunion at our farm, we would love to make that happen. Special event availability is on a very limited basis with a select number of dates set aside for these types of events. Let us know what you have in mind and if we have the availability, we’ll work closely with you to make your dream event come true.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Nearby private hike to Pinnacle Rock is amazing.

D

Dosh

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Creeping Thyme Forest

The site is as described. True primitive campsite with the ability to camp wherever your feet or vehicle can make it. I stayed at the furthest point past the pond. Parked right next to a babbling brook and took in the peace. He has scrap wood (dry) for fires, a workshop bathroom w/hot water. David was a fantastic host and appreciate him giving us the opportunity to stay on his land.

A

Alice

October 2025

20 ft campervan

1 night at Creeping Thyme Forest

Beautiful scenic area all around this site. Access to Water was handy too.

M

Mary Ann

August 2025

12 ft campervan

1 night at Creeping Thyme Forest

The property is beautiful with lots of options for where to set up camp! I wish it was a little more maintained to make things easier, but we did book last minute. Camping here feels like you are super remote just enjoying sounds of nature and seeing stars. Definitely make sure you get to the place prior to sunset as there’s no signage or lights.

Jazmine

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Love Our Soil Farms- on the River

We loved our stay here! We were in an area just to ourselves and even our own bath house. The bathroom and shower were made out of a horse trailer and were very clean and had hot water! They were very nice and explained to us how to use their facilities. We enjoyed being able to make our dinner by the river in the new fire pit. They even provided fire wood and kindling! It felt very private and was a big site to stay at. This was definitely my favorite place I have stayed at to camp and we would definitely come back!

J

Jill

June 2025

Tent

1 night at Creeping Thyme Forest

This property is gorgeous and peaceful. We enjoyed driving around checking out all the spots and picking our favorite. David was so kind and gave us a pile of firewood! We felt very safe and slept very well. Will return!

Javier

May 2025

19 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Kennedy Historic Appalachian Farm

Our stay at Kennedy Farm was nothing short of magical. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed like family by the sweetest hosts. They went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed. The farm itself is stunning with gorgeous rolling hills and natural beauty. We loved having coffee by the fire and stargazing at night! The animals were an absolute treat- cows, goats, chickens, and donkeys added so much charm and the kids had the best time loving on them! Don’t let the 45 minute drive to The Channels or other trails deter you. Staying here is so worth it! We will definitely be back to Kennedy Farm!

Catesby

May 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Kennedy Historic Appalachian Farm

Beautiful spot tucked way in the SWVA mountains! Def need awd/4wd. Hosts were very attentive.

M

Michelle

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Creeping Thyme Forest

It has a nice steam at the back of the property, and well maintained roads and camping areas.

C

Christopher

April 2025

40 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Creeping Thyme Forest

Good spot to camp. We didn’t use any of the amenities, just boondocked it. Great little stream running down the side of the area made for a relaxing afternoon.

R

Ridgley

March 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Kennedy Historic Appalachian Farm

What a wonderful find in the heart of Appalachia! The Kennedys made sure I knew how to navigate to their property beforehand because they were worried I wouldn’t have service. When I arrived, they had already started a fire at my site and helped me unload car and set up camp. Their hospitality was off the charts and their property is a hidden gem. There even was a baby calf born while I was there. The views, farm fresh eggs, and hot shower next to my campsite easily made this the best hipcamp I have stayed at—the Kennedy Farm is a must visit and a site to see all in itself!

J J

March 2025

12 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Creeping Thyme Forest

We stayed near the pond and felt it was far enough away from the neighbors to feel private. The bathroom had a wall heater that came in handy in March weather and there's a hot water shower. It checked all the boxes and I would stop in for a night in the future.

j

juniper

December 2024

15 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Kennedy Historic Appalachian Farm

Daniel's farm is charming & full of fascinating history! We originally booked site #6, but our late arrival time meant that site #1 was the best option for his parents, Rita & Britt, to recieve us. They had the fire ring set up with dry wood, but snow kept us from making a morning fire so Britt & Rita made us a warm breakfast 💜 The tour of the farm was lovely (definitely would not have taken my 2 wheel drive to site 6 after going up in a 4-wheel drive with her, though). I will absolutely stay here again in the summer for stargazing and the welcoming hosts who know and care about the land they steward.