Camping near Emory

·

Looking for the best camping near Emory? The area features dozens of top-rated campgrounds and places to park your RV for the night, many within a short distance of Virginia hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Whether you want a pet-friendly campsite or a family cabin rental with wifi, check out campsite photos, tips, and reviews from other outdoor enthusiasts to plan your next camping trip near Emory.

95% (3.4K) 1,750 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Emory

Rainbow Campground

1. Rainbow Campground

98%
(21)
7mi from Emory · 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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Secluded Farm Camp near Damascus VA

2. Secluded Farm Camp near Damascus VA

97%
(30)
8mi from Emory · 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.
Pets
Stormbrew Farm

3. Stormbrew Farm

99%
(139)
8.3mi from Emory · 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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Jefferson National Forest

4. Jefferson National Forest

98%
(28)
National forest 42mi from Emory · 488 sites
Literally thousands of miles of hiking trails can take you anywhere you want to go.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Cherokee National Forest

5. Cherokee National Forest

96%
(49)
National forest 26mi from Emory · 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!
Beech Grove River Spot

6. Beech Grove River Spot

97%
(175)
8.4mi from Emory · 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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Creeping Thyme Forest

7. Creeping Thyme Forest

93%
(81)
12mi from Emory · 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.) 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.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Sky High Paradise

8. Sky High Paradise

100%
(11)
12mi from Emory · 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.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
Compass Rose Campground

9. Compass Rose Campground

97%
(17)
15mi from Emory · 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!
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Hungry Mother State Park

10. Hungry Mother State Park

100%
(16)
State park 18mi from Emory · 51 sites
Woodland glamping, lake activities, and a sandy beach make this a family favorite.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
George Washington National Forest

11. George Washington National Forest

99%
(52)
National forest 158mi from Emory · 487 sites
Come and experience the magic of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachia
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Grayson Highlands State Park

12. Grayson Highlands State Park

100%
(37)
State park 21mi from Emory · 22 sites
Along with hiking and bouldering, these rocky mountains host wild ponies and live music festivals.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Elk Knob State Park

13. Elk Knob State Park

100%
(2)
State park 32mi from Emory · 13 sites
Elk Knob State Park: A Haven for Hikers and Nature Lovers.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Whitetop Camp / Easy Level Access!

14. Whitetop Camp / Easy Level Access!

100%
(17)
17mi from Emory · 2 sites · RVs, Lodging
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. There is a large open field for frisbee and other recreation. CYCLISTS ARE WELCOME! 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).
Toilets
Potable water
Tri Mountain View

15. Tri Mountain View

96%
(151)
18mi from Emory · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Drifter Ridge

16. Drifter Ridge

100%
(12)
21mi from Emory · 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. *Exciting things are happening at Drifter Ridge! We’re in the process of building a 600 sq ft. 2BR/1BA Eastern White Pine log home right here on the property. Don’t worry construction will in no way affect the peaceful experience of your stay. 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 coming soon! Stay tuned we can’t wait to welcome you to a whole new way to enjoy Drifter Ridge.* 🍎 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, The Molly Chomper, The Log House, Old Orchard General Store, The Squirrel & Nut, Amy Anne Apparel Boutique, The Windfall, Lost Province, & CJ’s Market are open and welcoming visitors. We deeply appreciate your support! 🇺🇸Drifter Ridge is Veteran owned & operated
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
Kennedy Historic Appalachian Farm

17. Kennedy Historic Appalachian Farm

98%
(25)
21mi from Emory · 7 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Refugio Entre Pinos

18. Refugio Entre Pinos

99%
(67)
22mi from Emory · 1 site
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.....
Pets
Full hookups
The Corner at Spencers' Highland

19. The Corner at Spencers' Highland

97%
(112)
23mi from Emory · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
LAUREL HILL HAVEN, Va. Blue Ridge

20. LAUREL HILL HAVEN, Va. Blue Ridge

100%
(13)
23mi from Emory · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field