Natural Tunnel State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Historians know that Daniel Boone was the first American settler to explore the southwest Virginia area and believe he came across this fantastic tunnel though he did not document it. Today, the tunnel is the centerpiece of Natural Tunnel State Park, a 909-acre site owned by the Commonwealth of Virginia and operated by the Norfolk-Southern Railway. The 850 feet long and 80 feet high tunnel runs beneath Purchase Ridge in the Allegheny Mountains close to Duffield, VA. The tunnel, created by the action of natural acids on limestone and the flow of Stock Creek when it drilled through the stone for thousands of years, is now a pathway for coal-laden railroad cars. Along with the tunnel, the park offers several trails ranging from easy to difficult. Many local visitors from Kingsport, TN, only 23 miles southeast, and Dryden, VA, 23 miles northwest, call the park their haven for picnics, fishing, hiking, and other fun activities.
Spring 35-75 F
Summer 60-85 F
Fall 35-78 F
Winter 26-48 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Natural Tunnel State Park
There are several campgrounds around Natural Tunnel State Park in which RVs are welcome. Taking a vacation in an RV allows you the freedom of the road, the ability to move quickly, and the highest comfort level you can enjoy. After hiking, biking, fishing, or hunting, your RV is a respite where you relax completely. RV rentals near Natural Tunnel State Park are available now--check them out at RVshare.
Natural Tunnel State Park Campground
Natural Tunnel State Park Campground offers 34 RV campsites, divided between two campgrounds—Cove View and Lover’s Leap. Firewood and ice are available at the campground host site. A junior-sized Olympic pool and a 100-foot water slide are available to all campers. A volleyball net and horseshoe pits are available for some extra exercise. These campgrounds accommodate RVs up to 50 feet in length.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electric Hookup: 20/30/50 amps
Sewer Hookup: No
Wi-Fi Available: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Restrooms with flush toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, warm showers, dump station
Fee: $35 to $40 per night
Clinch River Family Campground
Clinch River Family Campground is a privately owned facility that rents out 45 RV campsites. Of these campsites, 25 provide full hookups, while 20 only offer electricity and water access. Situated on the Clinch River's shores, this campground has a boat launch for easy water access. To serve inexperienced anglers, the campground provides a fully stocked fishing pond. The campsites accommodate RVs up to 45 feet in length. A playground is available for children. The roads and site pads are graveled. Hiking trails run throughout the campground and surrounding area, but none of the trails are designated for biking. The main activities that draw visitors to this campground are fishing, swimming, kayaking, boating, and canoeing.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electric Hookup: 30/50 amp
Sewer Hookup: No
Wi-Fi Available: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Restrooms with flush toilets, warm showers, fire rings, picnic tables, dump station
Fee: $30 to $40 per night
Jesse Lea RV Park
Jesse Lea RV Park is a small, family-owned campground set on the shores of the Powell River in Big Stone Gap, VA. The campground offers 35 RV campsites, seven of which are pull-throughs. Every campsite provides a full hookup. Jesse Lea RV Park prides itself on the extra effort they make to provide ADA accessibility to all its facilities. People visit this park for its solitude. In the evening, guests enjoy their favorite TV programs with cable piped into each site.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electric Hookup: 30/50
Sewer Hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi Available: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Restrooms with flush toilets, warm showers, fire rings, picnic tables, dump station
Fee: $21 to $40 per night
What to Do at
Natural Tunnel State Park
Inside Natural Tunnel State Park
Walking through the tunnel is the beginning of a fascinating visit with the natural wonders that the Allegheny's provide. Natural Tunnel State Park includes a deep valley with a wandering stream called Stock Creek. The creek offers some fantastic fishing for native trout. On each side of the stream, hills rise steeply to become ridges—the signature nature of the Alleghenys. Hiking is one of the activities that draw locals to this park. There are seven trails inside the park.
How to Get to
Natural Tunnel State Park
Many visitors to Natural Tunnel State Park come from the north and Lexington, KY, through Dryden, VA. To approach the park from Dryden via the swiftest route, head west on Dryden Loop for 0.9 miles. Turn right onto United States Highway 58 ALT-West (US-58 ALT-W). Drive for 3.7 miles and then turn left onto United States Highway 421 South (US-421 S). Go for 5.2 miles, and turn left to get on United States Highway 59 East (US-58 E). Take US-58 E for 10.6 miles before turning right onto United States Highway 23 South (US-23 S). Drive for 3.4 miles until you reach a junction just outside Clinchport, VA. Turn left onto State Route 871 at the intersection and travel for 1.3 miles until you see the Chairlift Loop sign. Turn right onto Chairlift Loop. The entrance to the park is 0.2 miles ahead.
Entering Natural Tunnel State Park
Natural Tunnel State Park is a day-use area that is open year-round from 8:00 a.m. until dusk.
Natural Tunnel State Park Entry fee per vehicle : $5.0
You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Natural Tunnel State Park. If you don't have an RV of your own, rent one with RVshare! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Natural Tunnel State Park
The park is open year-round with plenty of things to see and do. However, to enjoy activities like cave tours and canoe trips, consider visiting the park during the warmer months of May through October.
Natural Tunnel State Park is home to a ruffed grouse habitat. The diverse habitat is home to a variety of wildlife. During the fall, the park is a stop for several species of migrating birds.
The park has 34 electric-water hookup sites spread throughout two campgrounds. There are no sewer hookups. Reservations are required at the Lover’s Leap Campground. The Core View Campground is a first-come, first-served campsite.
No, reservations are unnecessary at Natural Tunnel State Park. There are 16 sites that are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations can be made online for the other sites, but full payment is due at that time.
Pets are welcome at Natural Tunnel State Park. They must be supervised at all times and be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Pet owners are asked to bring proof of a current rabies vaccine.
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