Wilderness Road Campground

Star4.41
814 reviews
854 National Park Road, Ewing, VA 24248
Great Hiking

Quick Facts

1,401 ft

Price

$18 - $39/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

154 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Wilderness Road Campground
$18.00 - $39.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Nonelectric sites cost $18 per night, Standard Electric sites cost $24 per night, and Group Camping sites cost $39 per night. Discounts are...
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Standard Site Fee$18.00
Hookup Site Fee$24.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$39.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
606-248-2817CUGA_Interpretation@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.41

Recommended

Based on 814 reviews

264 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomsspacioushiking

Some mention

noise

"Reviews range from high praise for cleanliness, spaciousness, and tranquility to complaints about sloped sites, tree maintenance, and occasional plumbing issues. A reviewer stated, 'Beautiful campground with large sites,' while another noted, 'Showers were incredible.' Negative feedback included issues with unlevel sites and loud music from other campers."

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Campground Map

854 National Park Road, Ewing, VA 24248

Wilderness Road Campground

854 National Park Road, Ewing, VA 24248

Driving directionsFrom the Park Visitor Center in Middlesboro, Kentucky (approximately 5 miles): Turn left onto Pinnacle View Road, merge onto US-25E S toward Harrogate, Tennessee. Go through the tunnel into Tennessee, then turn right onto US-58 E toward Jonesville, Virginia. Continue 2.4 miles and turn left onto National Park Road. From Knoxville, Tennessee (approximately 56 miles): Take TN-331 (Tazewell Pike) toward Tazewell, turn left onto US-25E N toward Harrogate, then turn right onto US-58 E toward Jonesville, Virginia. Continue 2.4 miles and turn left onto National Park Road. From Abingdon, Virginia (approximately 115 miles): Take I-81 S toward Bristol, turn right onto US-23 N, then left onto US-58 W. Continue for 52 miles and turn right onto National Park Road. From Lexington, Kentucky (approximately 130 miles): Take I-75 S, then exit onto US-25E S toward Harrogate, Tennessee. Turn right onto US-58 E and continue 2.4 miles before turning left onto National Park Road.
Access roads are paved and in good condition. The campground can be accessed year-round, but winter season accessibility may be limited due to closures of some loops.
Nearby places
Middlesboro, KY: 5 miles (~10 minutes)
Harrogate, TN: ~10 minutes
Gibson Station, VA: ~10 minutes
Knoxville, TN: 56 miles (~1.5 hours)
Lexington, KY: 130 miles (~2.5 hours)
Abingdon, VA: 115 miles (~2 hours)
Nearby supplies
Supplies available in nearby towns—Middlesboro, KY
Harrogate, TN
and Gibson Station, VA, each ~10 minutes away.

Best Time to Camp at Wilderness Road Campground

Experience the full drama of Appalachian seasons at Wilderness Road. Winter transforms the forest into a hushed wonderland, occasionally dusted with snow that highlights the rugged mountain contours. As spring arrives, wildflowers carpet the forest floor while mild temperatures create perfect hiking conditions. Summer brings warm days ideal for exploring cool mountain streams and shaded trails. But many consider autumn the crown jewel, when the mountainsides explode in brilliant reds, oranges, and golds, offering some of the most spectacular camping weather of the year.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Popular in summer; reviewers note occasional overcrowding and sloped site issues.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Peak fall colors and scenic vistas are highlighted as a major draw in reviews.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring sees active trails and pleasant scenery; favorable season after winter limitations.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5
Top 22% in VA

Open year-round but with limited loops/services mid-Nov–mid-Mar; noted for quiet snowy scenery.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: March 21 to December 1 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Year-round operation, but limited loops (B, C, D) and comfort stations open during winter season (mid-November to mid-March).

About Wilderness Road Campground

Nestled within the historic Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Wilderness Road Campground invites you to camp where pioneers once blazed trails through the Appalachian frontier. This sprawling woodland retreat features 154 thoughtfully placed sites beneath a canopy of ancient trees, accommodating everything from simple tent setups to full-sized RVs. Forty-one sites offer electric hookups for modern comfort, while spacious group camping areas welcome larger gatherings. With modern restroom facilities and easy access to the park's most treasured historic sites and natural wonders, this campground serves as your basecamp for exploring one of America's most storied landscapes.
Wilderness Road Campground accommodates various camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping, and group camping. Electrical hookups are available for RVs. Loops B and C cater to RV setups, while group sites are located in loops G and O.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
After 2:00 PM
Check-out
By 12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights within rolling 30 days.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

The Wilderness Road Campground provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. With over 85 miles of trails, hiking is a popular activity. Visitors can also horseback ride, explore historical sites, and enjoy picnic areas. Guided tours, campfire programs, and cultural demonstrations are offered seasonally.
HikingThe campground features direct access to over 85 miles of trails. Trails range from easy walks to challenging backcountry hikes, with several connecting to nearby attractions like Pinnacle Overlook and Skylight Cave. Reviews highlight 'beautiful trails' and multiple options suitable for all skill levels.
BikingSeveral biking trails are available nearby and connect with other scenic routes. One reviewer noted, 'Good biking trails nearby, and this little jewel is a mere 1.5 miles away from Cumberland Gap.'
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is common within the park, with deer sightings reported by campers. Bears are active in the park, and visitors are advised to follow food storage precautions.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsSeasonal programs include Pioneer and Civil War Living History demonstrations, guided tours to Hensley Settlement and Gap Cave, and campfire events. Fees apply for certain programs.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsActive bear population. Poison ivy throughout campground. Sloped campsites may require leveling equipment.

Weather at Wilderness Road Campground

Reviews

4.4
814 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Wilderness Road Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews range from high praise for cleanliness, spaciousness, and tranquility to complaints about sloped sites, tree maintenance, and occasional plumbing issues. A reviewer stated, 'Beautiful campground with large sites,' while another noted, 'Showers were incredible.' Negative feedback included issues with unlevel sites and loud music from other campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 814 reviews

What Campers Love

Common praises include clean and spacious sites, modern and well-maintained restrooms, excellent hiking trails, and helpful rangers. One reviewer said, 'Campsites were large and spaced well apart,'...
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Based on 814 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include steep or unlevel campsites, traffic noise from a nearby highway, lack of water hookups at sites, and occasional rowdy campers. A reviewer stated, 'The campground needs mowed. The...
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Based on 814 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing leveling blocks, checking site slopes before reserving, and utilizing the senior discount for reduced fees. One reviewer advised, 'Sites on the outside of the loops are...
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Based on 814 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter visits highlight the campground’s quiet and tranquil nature, while summer reviews mention occasional overcrowding and site slope issues. Fall is noted for beautiful foliage, and spring sees...
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Based on 814 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Showers were incredible, some of the best I've encountered.' 2. 'Campsites were large and spaced well apart.' 3. 'Bathrooms were clean and well maintained.' 4. 'Bring leveling blocks; many sites...
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Based on 814 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Positive site-specific mentions include C-2, C-15, and D-28 for spaciousness and proximity to amenities. Negative feedback highlights steep slopes at certain sites, including C-24 and C-14.
Based on 814 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible features include paved roads and modern restrooms. One reviewer stated, 'Very clean bath house. Nice amphitheater trail from campground.'
Based on 814 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be controlled. A reviewer noted, 'Great place to take your dogs. Just did some hiking with my dogs, and it was great!' Another highlighted ranger interactions about barking...
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Based on 814 reviews

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Last updated February 2, 2026
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