How much does camping cost at Cranesnest Campground?

Camping fees at Cranesnest Campground are $20 - $24/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cranesnest Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Cranesnest Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cranesnest Campground before I book?

Yes! Cranesnest Campground has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Cranesnest Campground?

Cranesnest Campground is open May 22 to September 09. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cranesnest Campground?

Yes, Cranesnest Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Cranesnest Campground have?

Cranesnest Campground has 20 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cranesnest Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Cranesnest Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Cranesnest Campground?

Cranesnest Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cranesnest Campground?

Popular activities at Cranesnest Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cranesnest Campground (Va)

Q: Can I have a campfire at Cranesnest Campground?

Fire policies at Cranesnest Campground: Campers are responsible for disposing of waste. There is a complimentary dumpster placed near the campground entrance for your convenience. Campers must NOT leave garbage at campsite for contractor staff or USACE staff to remove nor shall it be left in their firepit. Any prohibited items must be placed in the silver bin adjacent to the green dumpster.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.69

48 reviews

2207 Flannagan Dam Road

C-Report Card

Summer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Virginia

Quick Facts

1,400 ft

Price

$20 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open May 23 to Septe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

ElectricShowers

Book on US Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,400 ft

Price

$20 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open May 23 to Septe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

ElectricShowers

Book on US Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Cranesnest Campground (Va)

$20.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

RV ELECTRIC: $24.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

276-835-9544audrea.j.o'quinn@usace.army.mil

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Cranesnest Campground (Va)

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Campground Map

2207 Flannagan Dam Road

Cranesnest Campground (Va)

2207 Flannagan Dam Road

Nearby places

Clintwood (approximately 5.4 miles), Haysi (approximately 12 miles)

Weather at Cranesnest Campground (Va)

Current alerts(9)

All motorized recreational vehicles (including but not limited to motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV), utility-terrain vehicles (UTV), mopeds, scooters, golfcarts, etc..) that are not licensed for use on public roadways are prohibited for use in campgrounds.
All occupants at a campsite must adhere to the above posted restrictions and all rules and regulations posted in 36 CFR Part 327. Failure to adhere to these rules may result in a citation issued and/or being asked to vacate the facility.
Any person utilizing a Federal Pass (i.e. Golden Access or any America the Beautiful) must be the primary occupant of the campsite for the duration of the reservation. Passholder must be able to present pass upon request.
Due to planned construction at Cranesnest Campground, we regret to inform our customers that we will be temporarily closing the campground to allow the re-surfacing of roadways, pull-offs, and campsite entrances to be completed.

Best Time to Camp at Cranesnest Campground (Va)

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit for full access to the lake and campground services — expect warm, humid days typically in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F with cooler nights around the mid-50s to mid-60s. Boating, swimming, family-friendly playgrounds, and peak fishing are all at their height between late June and August, and the campground is fully open (reservations recommended for holiday weekends). Be prepared for higher day-use crowds on weekends and occasional afternoon thunderstorms; first-come Peak months: July, June, August, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: summer with full lake access; peak season May–Sept and many activities available.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 09. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23 to September 2 for reservations. First-come, first-serve sites available after June 21.

About Cranesnest Campground (Va)

Cranesnest Campground sits on the shore of John W. Flannagan Reservoir in the foothills of southwest Virginia near Haysi. Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, this small lakefront campground offers tent sites, RV hookups, and primitive options with access to boating, fishing, and hiking trails. The facility includes hot showers, flush toilets, and a family playground.

The campground supports various types of accommodations including tent camping and RV sites with electrical hookups. Primitive camping is available further down the road but lacks electric hookups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit for full access to the lake and campground services — expect warm, humid days typically in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F with cooler nights around the mid-50s to mid-60s. Boating, swimming, family-friendly playgrounds, and peak fishing are all at their height between late June and August, and the campground is fully open (reservations recommended for holiday weekends). Be prepared for higher day-use crowds on weekends and occasional afternoon thunderstorms; first-come Peak months: July, June, August, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Elevation1400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe 1,145-acre reservoir winds through weathered sandstone ridges and fertile valleys, creating 40 miles of shoreline with hidden coves and inlets. Hardwood forests blanket the surrounding hillsides, and the lake reflects the mountain peaks above. The ancient Cumberland Mountains form a natural amphitheater around the water, their time-worn slopes supporting diverse wildlife. The setting is genuinely beautiful when the campground is well-kept, though overgrown grass can detract from the scenery during periods of poor maintenance.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available, but nearby Breaks Interstate Park offers lodging, dining, and other amenities.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights. Visitors must vacate for 7 days after staying 14 consecutive nights. Maximum 14 nights within any rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to two vehicles per site. Additional guests must use overflow parking.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, through the app, or by calling the contact center.

AccessibilityAccessible drinking water and accessible showers are provided. The playground is also accessible.

Site SizeMost sites have concrete pads which make leveling easy.

PrivacyPrivacy levels are not explicitly mentioned in the source material.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesConcrete pads make leveling easy, especially in sites such as 002, 010, and 018. Choose sites near the playground or bathhouse for family convenience.

Need help booking Cranesnest Campground (Va)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

The campground offers an array of amenities including campsites with electric hookup options, bath houses, playgrounds, launch ramps, picnic shelters with grills, and horseshoe pits. Accessible drinking water and showers are also available. User reviews provide mixed feedback on the maintenance of amenities, with some praising cleanliness and others citing management shortcomings.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Cranesnest Campground (Va)

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including fishing, boating, canoeing, whitewater rafting, biking, hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Nearby attractions expand recreational opportunities further.

Fishing4.0/5

Described as a 'fisherman's paradise'; lake stocked with bass, walleye, trout and many fishing mentions.

Boating4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Hiking3.0/5

Hiking trails available in the vicinity (Breaks Interstate Park and nearby scenic trails).

Biking3.0/5

Biking trails are mentioned as a popular activity but details are limited.

Wildlife viewing3.0/5

Wildlife viewing listed as an activity but species/locations are not detailed.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Reflective lake, sandstone ridges, hidden coves and hardwood hillsides make good photo subjects.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Fire PolicyCampers are responsible for disposing of waste. There is a complimentary dumpster placed near the campground entrance for your convenience. Campers must NOT leave garbage at campsite for contractor staff or USACE staff to remove nor shall it be left in their firepit. Any prohibited items must be placed in the silver bin adjacent to the green dumpster.

Trash & RecyclingUsers are required to clean out their own fire pits and remove all trash and debris upon departure. Overflowing trash has been a concern according to some reviews.

Cell CoverageCell phone service availability is unclear, but one user mentioned 'no service except text and phone call.'

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.7

48 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Cranesnest Campground (Va) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Cranesnest Campground are highly polarized. Positive feedback emphasizes its beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and amenities like showers and playgrounds. Negative reviews criticize poor maintenance, high grass, overflowing trash, and rude rangers.

Review Summaries

Based on 48 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 48 reviews.

Site 018Loved
Site 018 was criticized for poor conditions but praised for being family-friendly.
site 005Mentioned
Site-specific feedback highlights site 005 for its peacefulness and site 009 for maintenance issues.

What Campers Love

Visitors commended the campground for its 'fantastic hot showers,' 'clean bathrooms,' 'beautiful and peaceful environment,' and 'well-maintained playground.' One user noted, 'We had a wonderful time...

Based on 48 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints often revolve around poor maintenance: 'The grass was excessively high,' 'trash was overflowing,' and 'the smell was sickening.' Issues with parking regulations, hoverboards, and rude...

Based on 48 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing supplies to clean fire pits and managing trash, noting that maintenance can be inconsistent. One user advised, 'Be considerate to what the host asks.'

Based on 48 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Maintenance issues such as high grass and overflowing trash appear to be more common during summer months, while the campground's cleanliness and organization are praised during spring.

Based on 48 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The bathrooms were cleaned daily. The grounds were kept trimmed, and very neat.' - Jerry L 2. 'The grass was NEVER mowed. Someone is going to get snake bitten.' - Melanie F 3. 'This place was...

Based on 48 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are appreciated, but specific reviews from users with disabilities are not available.

Based on 48 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies and experiences are not detailed in the reviews.

Based on 48 reviews

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Cranesnest Campground (Va)

$20.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

RV ELECTRIC: $24.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

276-835-9544audrea.j.o'quinn@usace.army.mil

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.5

(63)

Pound River Campground (Va)

1182 Pound River Campground Rd, Clintwood, VA 24228

Pound River Campground sits on the shores of John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir in the Virginia foothills near Clintwood. Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, this mid-sized campground offers electric hookups, showers, and a dump station for tent and RV campers who come to fish, boat, and bike around the reservoir. Reviewers consistently praise the attentive host and daily-cleaned facilities, though low water levels can occasionally limit boating access.

Cranesnest Campground (Va)

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

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Campground Map

Weather at Cranesnest Campground (Va)

Current alerts(9)

Best Time to Camp at Cranesnest Campground (Va)

Planning Tips

About Cranesnest Campground (Va)

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Cranesnest Campground (Va)?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Cranesnest Campground (Va)

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

How campers graded it

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Directions

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Ask Camp Sage about Cranesnest Campground (Va)

Current alerts(9)

Best Time to Camp at Cranesnest Campground (Va)

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Cranesnest Campground (Va)?

Amenities available

Things to do at Cranesnest Campground (Va)

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns