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Camping near Damascus

Damascus, Virginia, also known as the "Heart of the Appalachian Trail," is every hiker’s prime base camp. The Virginia Creeper Trail, a renowned biking and hiking trail, offers access to a variety of campgrounds, such as secluded tent campsites and RV parks with electric hookups, toilets, and showers nearby. The trail winds through scenic forests and over historic trestles, providing a unique way to explore the area's natural beauty. Stop at Mount Rogers National Recreation Area for RV campsites with full amenities, cozy cabin rentals, or high-altitude tent sites near Virginia's highest peak. The area is also great for horseback riding, fishing, and exploring diverse trails. Grayson Highlands State Park, famous for its wild ponies and panoramic views, offers more well-equipped campgrounds and group sites for every comfort level. Lodges, yurts, and primitive tent camping are all available with varying amenities. This park’s extensive trail network connects to the Appalachian Trail, providing more opportunities to discover unique hiking and wildlife sightings that campers won’t want to miss.

96% (4.5K) • 1,900 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Damascus

Secluded Farm Camp near Damascus VA

1. Secluded Farm Camp near Damascus VA

97%

(33)

3.4mi from Damascus · 3 sites

A beautiful family operated farm including beef cattle, hay, and soon to be corn. Don’t stay too long or we will put you to work. ;p Enjoy a walking path down to a creek where you can lounge in a cool, tree covered area. The campsite is nestled among a 100 acre farm and the view of fields and mountains never gets old.

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Beech Grove River Spot

2. Beech Grove River Spot

97%

(191)

3.9mi from Damascus · 1 site · Tent, RV

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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Sky High Paradise

3. Sky High Paradise

100%

(13)

4mi from Damascus · 1 site · Tent, RV

Less than one mile from Virginia Creek Trail and Appalachian trail Wooded tent camping sites with long range views Flat Gravel site for RV's, Vans, and car camping Located on a scenic ridge in the peaceful family friendly community of Taylors Valley, VA. You are also located 11 minutes from the heart of Damascus, VA (trail city USA). Area Attractions: -Campsite is less than one mile away from the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Creeper Trail which the area is known for. -Rent bikes in Damascus and take a shuttle to the top of the Virginia Creeper trail and enjoy the 13 mile gradual descent down a converted railroad line through some of the most beautiful scenery Southwest VA has to offer. -40 minutes from Grayson Highland State park (hike among wild ponies) -40 minute drive to the summit of Whitetop Mountain (2nd highest peak in VA) Amazing Views! About the sites: There is a large parking area right off main road for easy access. Those with vans and RVs can set up right on the gravel parking area (also an option to tent camp right beside the parking area and enjoy the open sky and long range views. Campers who are willing to walk up a somewhat steep him can tent camp in the beautiful hilltop tent camping site which is located in a grove of pine trees. This is a new Hip Camp listing and sites are privative for now. Enjoy unplugging as you camp because there is No Cell Phone reception here. There is WIFI at the neighborhood restaurant, Hellbender's Café just 4 minutes away (typically open from 11-5pm) during the warmer months. While there is no electricity (or hookups for RVs), there are very few street lights in the area which makes for amazing stargazing. The only source of water is from a temperate stream that runs along the back side of the property for those campers who are comfortable boiling or treating their water. The property is 5.3 acres total, part of it is open former pasture land and over 1/2 of the property is forest. There is a wooden hill top area that is great for tent campers. The back side of the property is steep in some places, but it can be fun for those who want to hike and explore the mountainside.

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Picnic table

Cherokee National Forest

4. Cherokee National Forest

96%

(49)

National forest 17mi from Damascus · 625 sites

Follow us to Tennessee and dive into the grandeur of the Cherokee National Forest! It’s filled to the brim with scenic forested trails, rushing rivers, and rainbow trout. During the day you can go rafting, and at night you can bask yourself in moonshine (of various sorts) and brush up on your constellations. If you are in pursuit of some Appalachian Mountain bliss, this is the right place to start. Don’t forget your camera, you're going to want to show these vistas off!

Jefferson National Forest

5. Jefferson National Forest

98%

(29)

National forest 48mi from Damascus · 488 sites

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

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Compass Rose Campground

6. Compass Rose Campground

97%

(17)

5mi from Damascus · 1 site · Tent, RV

1302 Greer Branch Rd Laurel Bloomery, TN 37680 Camp on top of a farm near the forest edge, under the milky way with amazing mountain views, zero light pollution, no wifi pollution, and absolute peace. 1. The Shooting Star Tent Site A 20x30' deck for tent camping, with outhouse, wash sink, giant slide, fire pit and hammock. Can accomodate up to a 15ft tent, or two smaller tents. We have a seasonal outdoor shower available. The farm below the campground has animals, a duck pond, and seasonal pick your own produce! Note: we do have a second site available only on Airbnb and Vrbo. It is called the North Star Dome. Please check it out if you are looking for a two-person glamping experience at the very top of the hill!

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Stormbrew Farm

7. Stormbrew Farm

99%

(150)

8.5mi from Damascus · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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. 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.

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Tri Mountain View

8. Tri Mountain View

97%

(173)

10mi from Damascus · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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.

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Full hookups

Whitetop Camp / Easy Level Access!

9. Whitetop Camp / Easy Level Access!

100%

(17)

11mi from Damascus · 2 sites

Location, location! Whitetop Camp is located in the heart of Whitetop, literally just minutes from the start of the Creeper Trail (Whitetop Station), Whitetop Mountain, the Appalachian Trail, National Forest, and Grayson Highlands State Park. Our property is quiet and serene. A lovely creek runs through the property. A gas station/minimart, cafe, post office and library are a walkable distance away for your convenience. Please note for 2026: The Creeper Trail from Whitetop to Damascus is currently CLOSED due to heavy damage from Helene. Hwy. 58 to Damascus is open! You can drive to Damascus and ride the Trail to Abingdon. All other trails and parks in the Whitetop area are OPEN at the time of this writing (March 2026).

Grayson Highlands State Park

10. Grayson Highlands State Park

100%

(37)

State park 16mi from Damascus · 22 sites

Along with hiking and bouldering, these rocky mountains host wild ponies and live music festivals.

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George Washington National Forest

11. George Washington National Forest

99%

(52)

National forest 163mi from Damascus · 487 sites

Come and experience the magic of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachia

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Elk Knob State Park

12. Elk Knob State Park

100%

(2)

State park 21mi from Damascus · 13 sites

Elk Knob State Park: A Haven for Hikers and Nature Lovers.

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Hungry Mother State Park

13. Hungry Mother State Park

100%

(16)

State park 22mi from Damascus · 51 sites

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

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Drifter Ridge

14. Drifter Ridge

100%

(13)

14mi from Damascus · 1 site

Wake up to rolling hills, open pastures, and the peaceful charm of Ashe County at Drifter Ridge. Our site overlooks a serene, wide-open valley. Surrounded by quiet farmland and tree-lined ridges- it’s the perfect escape for campers looking to reconnect with nature. Ashe County is literally the ‘coolest corner of NC!’ Home to Ashe County Cheese, America’s Christmas Tree capital, and endless outdoor activities like fly fishing, kayaking, hiking, and cycling. Nestled in the quaint town of Lansing, NC, our Hipcamp is just 30 minutes from downtown West Jefferson’s shopping, restaurants, and local breweries, and 25 minutes from the Virginia Creeper bike trail. In 20 minutes, you can be hiking among wild horses at Grayson Highlands State Park, with stunning mountain views. We know camping isn’t for everyone or maybe you’d love to have family or friends join you, but they prefer four walls and a cozy bed. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce The Wicked Cozy Cabin at Drifter Ridge! Our 600sq foot eastern white pine log cabin! We welcome you to a whole new way to enjoy Drifter Ridge. Please message us for more information. *The cabin is separate from the RV pad reservation* 🍎 Ashe County Farmers Market- Held every Saturday from 8 AM to 1 PM on the Backstreet in West Jefferson. The market runs through November 8th. 🥕Lansing Park Farmers Market- Every Saturday from 11 AM to 4 PM at the Lansing Creeper Trail in downtown Lansing. We’re also conveniently close to other popular destinations: • Elk Garden Trailhead: 20 minutes • Mount Jefferson State Park: 30 minutes • Paddy Mountain Park: 30 minutes • Appalachian State University: 1 hour • Virginia Tech: 2 hours • Beech Mountain: 1 hour 30 minutes • Bristol Motor Speedway: 1 hour 10 minutes • North Wilkesboro Speedway: 1 hour 10 minutes 🏥 Medical facility -30 min. 🧺 Laundry mat- 10 min The Liar’s Bench, Pie on the Mountain, The Molly Chomper, The Log House, Lansing General Store, The Squirrel & Nut, Amy Anne Apparel Boutique, The Windfall, Lost Province, & Bunny and the Beaverman, CJ’s Market. We deeply appreciate your support! 🇺🇸Drifter Ridge is Veteran owned & operated

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Sky Valley Sanctuary

15. Sky Valley Sanctuary

100%

(13)

16mi from Damascus · 2 sites

👋Hey There! Having a mountain property to share with other outdoor lovers and creative minds has always been a dream of mine, and I'm honored to share this magical 30-acre property with you. This land sat vacant for about ten years until I started bringing it back to life last year. While the property is in its early stages, it still has much to offer! It has a few acres at the bottom of the valley with a creek that rolls through it. The remaining land is stunning mountain acreage, which you can explore. There are many unique sections of the mountains, but at a minimum, be sure to see the mountain spring! It's like a fairytale back there most of the year... I'm developing and offering many types of stays, so as you wander the property, please be kind and courteous to all guests. Be sure to respect their camp space. ☺️

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Rainbow Campground

16. Rainbow Campground

98%

(26)

17mi from Damascus · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Beautiful Mountain Retreat next to Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area which offers over 25,000 acres to enjoy. Laurel Bed Lake is on top of the mountain and Big Tumbling Creek is across the road from campground. Premier trout fishing available year round. Big Tumbling Creek is stocked regularly year round with trout by the Vdgif.

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LAUREL HILL HAVEN, Va. Blue Ridge

17. LAUREL HILL HAVEN, Va. Blue Ridge

100%

(14)

17mi from Damascus · 1 site

Near Grayson Highlands State Park and Virginia Creeper Trail Glamping perfection in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia. Sleep in a brand new Happier Camper set up for 2 adults and one child. Enjoy our bathhouse fitted with a kitchenette, real toilet, and a hot shower. Camper and picnic table are protected from elements by bathhouse. Explore our 23 acres of mtn property and 2000 feet of creek frontage. Room for extra tent, 2 extra campers hookups for $50/camper/night. Appalachian Trail, Grayson Highlands State Park, top of Va Creeper Trail within a few miles.

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The Corner at Spencers' Highland

18. The Corner at Spencers' Highland

97%

(119)

18mi from Damascus · 1 site · Tent, RV

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.

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Creeping Thyme Forest

19. Creeping Thyme Forest

93%

(84)

18mi from Damascus · 3 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.) Large rigs NOT recommened. Nestled between small mountain ranges, on a south-facing slope. Adjacent to mountain stream. Fishing pond. Wooded and open sites available. Rough gravel, drit road loops around camping areas. Generally a high-clearance vehicle is recommended, unless you feel adventurous. Larger rigs not recommended--pop ups only. 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.

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RugbyCreek Pet Friendly Rentals

20. RugbyCreek Pet Friendly Rentals

100%

(46)

19mi from Damascus · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Rugby Creek is a very special Vacation Rental Destination! We are a private family farm and animal rescue offering quiet, peaceful, comfortable pet friendly vacation rentals near Grayson Highlands State Park! We have different options to fit every person's needs and budget from Glamping, RV Hookups, Tiny Homes, Barn Apartments to Cabins! Located in the Appalachian Mountains of SW Virginia. Temperate Climate, Quaint Towns, National Parks & Breathtaking Views. Only a few miles from Grayson Highlands State Park and Mount Rogers National Recreational Area you will discover Rugby Creek, a 63-acre mountain retreat. We have private rentals on our working horse farm and non-profit animal rescue. Whether biking the Virginia Creeper Trail, canoeing/tubing the New River, hiking Grayson Highlands State Park/Appalachian Trail, or choosing a personally guided horseback ride amongst the wild pony herds, at the end of the day let nature call you home as you drift to sleep with the night serenade of crickets and frogs. Enjoy quiet seclusion and escape the reality of the fast-paced life to recharge and reset yourself at Rugby Creek. 

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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Kenneth

3 days ago

38 ft fifth wheel

Weekend Trip to Camp Cressy Creek

Great communication, easy location, close to hiking

Catherine

5 days ago

21 ft Class C

With pets

2 nights at RugbyCreek Pet Friendly Rentals

This spot was my favorite camping spot ever! The electric, water hookup and WiFi worked well. Our site had us right by the barn where we could visit chickens, small pot bellied pigs and cute dogs and puppies. We also had an amazing view of beautiful grazing pastures with horses, cows and even an alpaca. So peaceful! Even with all these animals it was totally quiet at night. Can’t wait to go back when we again visit Grayson Highlands.

Charcoal park grill on site as well as firepit and picnic table.

James

2 weeks ago

1 night at Rainbow Campground

Kevin was amazing and the Creek side camping side was one of the best I’ve been to. Great access to outdoor adventures. Highly recommend!

Brooke

2 weeks ago

32 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Camp Cressy Creek

We loved our stay on Allison's land. She greeted us upon arrival and gave us the sweetest goodie bag with some homemade items. She also included a guide to some local things to do and restaurants. We tried a few of the places on her list and they were amazing! The spot is easy to pull into, easy to hook up, easy to maneuver around. There are several chairs to sit in as well as a picnic table and hammock. The fire pit was perfect for roasting hotdogs. We really enjoyed sitting by the creek and relaxing. It rained for a while during our stay so the creek was nice and babbling. They took our trash out for us twice. Very communicative as well. We would for sure come back and stay again. We had a wonderful time.

Kaitlyn

2 weeks ago

26 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Drifter Ridge

Beautiful and peaceful property close to Grayson Highlands State Park. We loved sitting out by the pond in the evening to watch the fireflies. The little town of Lansing is also really nice. Will definitely be staying here again!

New driveway exit makes it very easy to simply pull in to the spot and drive straight out back onto the road!

Rachel

2 weeks ago

20 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Refugio Entre Pinos

We weren’t able to meet the host as we arrived quite late and left very early. This spot is excellent for quick access to 81 on a road trip, and offered exactly what we needed!

Janis

2 weeks ago

23 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Refugio Entre Pinos

We had a wonderful night here passing through the area. Tracy was there to welcome us, show us around, offer his help and then we didn’t even know he was on the property- plenty of privacy. There were SO MANY fireflies. I don’t know if I have ever seen so many fireflies… it was a real treat. AND there is WiFi! Camp spot is a little close to the road, but we only saw a few cars the whole time. All around- Great stay, Highly recommend!

Renzo

3 weeks ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to RugbyCreek Pet Friendly Rentals

I had a wonderful stay at the NEIGHbor tiny home. It had everything you'd need for a comfortable stay. Great place to relax after long day's hike, and the location is perfect, only 10 minutes away from Grayson Highlands State Park. The host was also very responsive. Will definitely be staying here again whenever I'm back in the area.

Ashley

3 weeks ago

16 ft car

With pets

Weekend Trip to Refugio Entre Pinos

Super cute place! Tracy was a great host :) Would recommend staying here!

Michael

3 weeks ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to Meadowsweet Gardens

Very pleasant and well maintained site. Cabin was clean, cozy and well-equipped. The trickling stream behind the cabin provided a soft natural ambiance to lull you to sleep. We’re looking forward to our next stay at Debra’s!

Beautiful campsite, stayed on a rainy day this time, but will be back next time I'm in the area!

Leah

3 weeks ago

Tent

4 nights at Beech Grove River Spot

Best campsite ever! We loved being right on the river and having a spot for a campfire! Can’t wait to come back!

Paul

July 2026

12 ft campervan

1 night at Stormbrew Farm

Nice place well kept. Nice hosts who obviously love the land and the natural world. I was car camping. It worked very well. Thank you.

RV & Trailer Parking between pick-your-own garden (foreground) and white Farm Building.

Paul

June 2026

12 ft campervan

1 night at Stormbrew Farm

Well run small farm. Nice folks. Convenient to Abingdon.

Sheldon

June 2026

44 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Tri Mountain View

Very nice views, peacefull view of the valley and the mountain beyond. Fireflies are wonderful in the evening. Very clean showers and laundry. Great experience!

Jason

June 2026

48 ft toy hauler

5 nights at Tri Mountain View

Peaceful and awesome views!!! I was at one of the full hook up sites and had no issues. Restrooms and showers were clean. Laundry room was free to use too. I will definitely be going back again!

Kevin

June 2026

33 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Refugio Entre Pinos

Gorgeous property with full hookups. He was friendly and attentive upon our arrival. He helped us get level quickly. Excellent 10/10.

Jeffrey

June 2026

12 ft rooftop tent

With kids

4 nights at Beech Grove River Spot

Love the river spot. It’s so peaceful and quiet. We are planning another trip soon

Gary

June 2026

25 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Refugio Entre Pinos

Easy to communicate with the host, site was as described, clean and accessible. I will definitely stay here again!

Katharine

June 2026

Weekend Trip to Meadowsweet Gardens

Simple and clean spot to stay for a night. Would recommend! Little tricky to find in the dark - on the other side of the main road from the house; the gravel has some grass growing on it that made it a little hard to see. Look out for the port a potty and it’s right there!

Bradley

June 2026

Tent

1 night at Tri Mountain View

I honestly have nothing bad to say about this place. Camp spots are very lenient which makes it easy to set up whether you are in a hammock or a tent. Bath house is very easy to reach, even from the furthest spot. Shower gets hot and toilets were very clean. Water was available and tasted great. Cell service was good all around camp and the WiFi was also good. Such a beautiful place to stay and only for $18? What more could you possibly want