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Wilderness Road Campground

Overview

Wilderness Road Campground is nestled in the lush forests of the Appalachian Mountains in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park , where Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia meet. You can access miles of forest and mountain trails directly from the campground.

While in the park, drive up to the Pinnacle for a breathtaking view of the mountains or check out Civil War earthworks. Hike to the pale cliffs of White Rocks, the gaping mouth of Sand Cave, or the historic Hensley Settlement to see how mountain folk once lived. Stand in 3 states at the same time or immerse yourself in thousands of acres of proposed wilderness. Walk a path once traveled by the bison, Native American, longhunter, and pioneer. Stand in the narrow mountain gap where Daniel Boone stood and where thousands of people risked everything to reach and settle what would become America.

Wilderness Road Campground includes 151 wooded sites open to tents, trailers, and RV campers. Electrical hookups (20-, 30-, or 50-amp) are available at 43 sites. Group sites are also available. The campground is open year-round with limited campsites, as well as the comfort station between loops C and D, open during the winter season (mid-November to mid-March).

Recreation

Over 85 miles of trails offer plenty of opportunities for Hiking and Backpacking adventures in the great outdoors. You can take an easy 1/4-mile stroll or go on a challenging 10-mile hike in the backcountry, the choice is yours. Several trails meander through over 14,000 acres of proposed wilderness.
Backcountry Camping is allowed at 5 designated sites in the park with a permit. Experience the quiet beauty of the mountains and wilderness as you camp under the stars. Permits are free of charge and can be obtained at the park visitor center.
Picnicking at one of several picnic areas in the park is a popular activity. Whether you are looking for a quiet lunch while enjoying nature or having a big family get-together in the great outdoors, we have limitless options. You can also reserve a picnic shelter for exclusive day use for a fee. Stop by the park visitor center to reserve a picnic shelter up to 3 months in advance.
Horseback Riding is permitted on the 17-mile Ridge Trail, which extends from the Pinnacle to White Rocks.
Guided Tours, Hikes, and Programs range from Pioneer and Civil War Living History demonstrations to guided tours of Gap Cave (formerly known as Cudjo's Cave), and from guided tours of the historic Hensley Settlement to Campfire Programs. Programs offered vary seasonally. Fees are charged for Gap Cave and Hensley Settlement tours. Stop by the park visitor center for program tickets and information.

Facilities

Wilderness Road Campground is located about 3 miles from the park visitor center, off Highway 58 in Virginia. 150 woodland sites welcome tents, trailers, and RV campers. 43 sites with 20-,30-, and 50-amp electric hook-ups are available in loops B and C. Hot showers and potable water are located in the comfort stations. A dump station, for campground reservation holders only, is located near the entrance station. Sites are accessed through paved loop roads. Most sites require backing in with the exception of one pull-through site.
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Visitor Center is located on U.S. Highway 25E just south of Middlesboro, KY. Restroom facilities are located on the outside of the building. The visitor center is fully accessible with designated parking and an elevator. The park visitor center is open daily from 9:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M. Eastern time. It is closed on Thanksgivig Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
America's National Parks Store offers books, souvenirs, games, postcards, and other items related to the park and its many stories. Your purchase from our national park stores helps to provide inspiring educational experiences to millions of park visitors each year.
Daniel Boone Parking and Exhibit Area is located just off Highway 58 near the town of Cumberland Gap, Tennessee. Wilderness Road Trailhead is located here. An outdoor pavilion features the sights and sounds of early travelers and pioneers. Restroom facilities are available here.

Natural Features

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park protects 24,000 acres of Appalachian Mountain habitat stretching across Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. Walk the trails that Daniel Boone and thirty axemen blazed to open the first great gateway to the West. Plan your visit today and experience the natural, historical, and cultural beauty of the park.

Cumberland Gap, carved out over aeons by wind and water, forms a V-shaped notch or gap in the formidable wall of the Appalachian Mountains. This natural low point made crossing over the mountains easier and less dangerous for bison and other animals, then later for Native Americans, and still later for European explorers and early pioneers. Stand right in the Gap where over 300,000 settlers crossed the mountains on their journey to the west.
The cliffs of White Rocks rise 500 feet above the surrounding wooded slopes at the east end of the park. Anyone up for a challenging hike to the top of the mountain will be rewarded with a breath-taking, 360-degree view of the surrounding area.
A natural scenic area in Kentucky, Sand Cave is a half-domed chamber that is 250 feet across in front (open). The floor slopes from back to front and is 1.25 acres of fine, colorful sand. Relax and enjoy nature in this magical, enormous natural feature.
Skylight Cave lies at the end of a steep, 1.9-mile hike in Ewing, Virginia. Start out on Lewis Hollow Trail, from the picnic area near Wilderness Road Campground. Hike through lush rhododendrons and along a river until you reach the cave.
Gap Cave was first found by European explorers in 1750, when Dr. Thomas Walker found and named it Gap Cave. Located in Lee County, Virginia, the cave is 18.5 miles long and accessible only by guided tour.
East of the Gap, the Cumberland Mountain Range includes 15,470 acres of roadless habitat extending 15 miles along the Cumberland and Brush Mountains. The ridge of Cumberland Mountain forms the Kentucky-Virginia state line. Both Cumberland and Brush Mountains are exceedingly steep and rugged with high cliffs in many areas.
Chimney Rock is a geological formation shaped like a pillar. Located at the Pinnacle Overlook, this unique rock formation could have taken 535 million years to form.
Gap Creek is a small cascade of water flowing out of Gap Cave. This peaceful natural feature is a great spot for capturing pictures and videos.
Yellow Creek runs along the park boundary behind New Bartlett Park and Old Barlett Park picnic shelters. Enjoy time playing in the creek, or simply listen to the flow of the water.
More than 14,000 acres of the park are managed as Wilderness, where visitors can experience the backcountry and nature in the purest way.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (606) 248-2817.

Nearby Attractions

Nearby National Park Service Areas:

Big South Fork National River & Recreational Area 90mi
Andrew Johnson National Historic Site 80mi
Great Smoky Mountains National Park 120mi
Mammoth Cave National Park 225mi

Other Local Attractions:

Kentucky Coal Mining Museum (606) 848-1530, 45mi
Abraham Lincoln Museum (423) 869- 6235, 3mi
Pine Mountain State Resort Park (276) 445-3065, 10mi
Wilderness Road State Park (276) 445-3065, 10mi

Regional Tourism Information:

Charges & Cancellations

Rules and Reservation Policies

Camp site features

Across 151 camp sites:

Electric hookups: 43 of 151 sites
Fire pit: all 151 sites
Pets allowed: 150 of 151 sites
ADA accessible: 2 of 151 sites
Group sites: 10 of 151 sites
Longest rig: 50 ft
Largest party: 25 people
Power up to 50 amps
Equipment: CAR, CARAVAN/CAMPER VAN, FIFTH WHEEL, LARGE TENT OVER 9X12`, PICKUP CAMPER, POP UP, RV, SMALL TENT, Tent, Trailer, VEHICLE

Fees

For all campsites, reservations and payments must be made by visiting www.recreation.gov or calling the Rec.gov Reservation Line at (877) 444-6777. INDIVIDUAL/FAMILY CAMPING * **$18.00** per night per site **without electricity**. Maximum of eight people, four tents, and two cars per site. * **$24.00** per night per site**with electricity**. All sites are **half price** for **Interagency Senior** and**Access Pass holders**. (**$9.00** for a **non-electric campsite** and **$12.00** for an**electric campsite**) GROUP CAMPING * **$39.00** per night per Group Campsite. Minimum of 12 people, maximum of 25 people, and maximum of 4 vehicles per group site. No electricity is available at group sites. Group Camping is located in loops G and O.

Directions

**Wilderness Road Campground** is located at the end of National Park Road, off US Highway 58 in Virginia. * **From the Park Visitor Center in Middlesboro, Kentucky** (approximately 5 miles): When leaving the visitor center parking lot, turn left onto **Pinnacle View Road** , then take the ramp down and merge into **US-25E S** toward Harrogate, Tennessee. Go through the tunnel into Tennessee. Turn right onto **US-58 E** toward Jonesville, Virginia and Cumberland Gap, Tennessee. Cross into Virginia. Continue on US-58 approximately 2.4 miles, then turn left onto **National Park Road**. Continue on National Park Road to the campground entrance. * **From Knoxville, Tennessee** (approximately 56 miles): Take **TN-331 (Tazewell Pike)** toward Tazewell, approximately 39 miles. Turn left onto **US-25E N** toward Harrogate. Go through Harrogate, then turn right onto **US-58** E toward Jonesville, Virginia and Cumberland Gap, Tennessee. If you enter the tunnel then you missed the turn. On US-58 you will cross into VIrginia. Continue on US-58 approximately 2.4 miles, then turn left onto **National Park Road**. Continue on National Park Road to the campground entrance. * **From Abingdon, Virginia** (approximately 115 miles): Take **I-81 S** toward Bristol, Tennessee. After approximately 18 miles, take **US-11W S** toward Kingsport. After approximately 20 miles, turn right onto **US-23 N**. Cross into Virginia. After approximately 22 miles, turn left onto **US-58 W**. Continue on US-58 W for approximately 52 miles, then turn right onto **National Park Road**. Continue on National Park Road to the campground entrance. * **From Lexington, Kentucky** (approximately 130 miles): Take **I-75 S** toward Knoxville, Tennessee. After approximately 75 miles, take exit 29 onto **US-25E S (Cumberland Gap Parkway)**. Continue on US-25E S approximately 48 miles, going through the Cumberland Gap Tunnel and into Tennessee. Turn right onto **US-58 E** toward Jonesville, Virginia and Cumberland Gap, Tennessee. Cross into Virginia. Continue on US-58 approximately 2.4 miles, then turn left onto **National Park Road**. Continue on National Park Road to the campground entrance.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

Ratings (642)

5 stars

478

4 stars

115

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Maurice D

Loop:A

Site:A-01

Reviewed 4 days ago

Some tent sites are not very level. This should be added to campsite descriptions so your not surprised when you get there. Campground is close to U.S.Hwy 58. and you hear it into the night. Other than that it's a very nice campground. Access to hiking trails all around. Hot showers are great. Friendly folks in camp store. Overall good experience.

Jim B

Loop:B

Site:B-07

Reviewed 6 days ago

This park is a very well maintained and clean campground. The roads into and throughout are well paved and easily navigable with a large class A motorhome. Middlesboro is just minutes away with all of the amenities you need. The only drawback is many of the sites are very sloped despite the description saying "slight incline".

Charles S

Loop:B

Site:B-18

Reviewed 9 days ago

A beautiful campground. Sadly we were just passing through so arrived late and left early but we’ve been here before and definitely will be again.

Greg V

Loop:C

Site:C-15

Reviewed 10 days ago

Camp was clean, easy to get to and had trails start at or near the campground.

Paul F

Loop:B

Site:B-18

Reviewed 10 days ago

Very clean and inviting, several things to do in the area, easy access. Will return one day.

Jeffrey P

Loop:C

Site:C-15

Reviewed 11 days ago

One of the nicest federal campgrounds I've ever visited.

Tim O

Loop:C

Site:C-25

Reviewed 12 days ago

quiet campground

Laurie B

Loop:C

Site:C-22

Reviewed 12 days ago

Serene campground. Have camped at site C22 many times and love the tree buffers between campsites. Decent shower house, too.

Karen S

Loop:C

Site:C-05

Reviewed 15 days ago

One of our favorite places to camp. Love the area and campground always quite and maintained.

Michael S

Loop:B

Site:B-18

Reviewed 16 days ago

Very shady spots and clean shower houses. Could use more full hook up sites. Also, should have a second sewer hole at the dump station. Rangers are nice and friendly.

Timothy H

Loop:A

Site:A-12

Reviewed 18 days ago

Really well maintained park. Bath and shower facilities looked awesome. Beautiful shaded campground. Trails connected right in park. Beautiful amphitheater.

kelli w

Loop:C

Site:C-25

Reviewed 19 days ago

Bathrooms and showers were clean. Very peaceful and quiet....almost too quiet. The bear warnings are little unnerving but....apparently needed.

Sally S

Loop:B

Site:B-19

Reviewed 19 days ago

It was very nice, very quiet. Had stuff to do around the camp ground.

Robert L

Loop:C

Site:C-21

Reviewed 19 days ago

Well kept, beautiful campground. We had a small tree to fall shortly after arriving, but the park rangers successfully removed it promptly. We will return, lots to do in the area.

Lynnette S

Loop:B

Site:B-07

Reviewed 20 days ago

Lovely campground. Paved sites, electric only. Potable water is available at the dump station. There is poison ivy; somehow our dogs and us avoided catching it. We would definitely stay again.

Brandon F

Loop:B

Site:B-15

Reviewed 20 days ago

Nice campground, but wish they had water hookup

Robert A

Loop:C

Site:C-24

Reviewed 21 days ago

great motorcycling country in kentucky - nice campground & facilities

Jonathan K

Loop:B

Site:B-17

Reviewed 22 days ago

Excellent facility. Shaded private sites and clean restrooms. Amazing hiking trails accessed from the campground.

Angela B

Loop:C

Site:C-20

Reviewed 22 days ago

Very clean grounds and bathhouse. The stores were huge and tons of trees and privacy.

Janet G

Loop:B

Site:B-09

Reviewed 24 days ago

Excellent campground, clean, well spaced sites. Will definitely stay there again.

Garland H

Loop:C

Site:C-07

Reviewed a month ago

Beautiful campground! Fresh water at dump station was located close to dump area and the faucet was situated in an awkward way. The site was fairly private but very unlevel(the paved parking pad)bring you leveling blocks. Even though the paved pad looks level…had to raise the passenger side of the van by 7 inches! Some campsites in this park should be considered extremely impractical for level. We will return!

Mary Z

Loop:E

Site:E-14

Reviewed a month ago

The Pak was well maintained. The bathroom's were clean. The fire pits were cleaned out. We hiked two of the trails and enjoyed the peace. We had lots of deer come around our site. We will be back.

Barbara T

Loop:D

Site:D-02

Reviewed a month ago

The campground is well maintained and very quiet.

Brenda R

Loop:D

Site:D-34

Reviewed a month ago

Lovely lovely campground!

Jodi S

Loop:C

Site:C-15

Reviewed a month ago

Nicole C

Loop:C

Site:C-06

Reviewed a month ago

Quiet, nice trees, lots of trails, generous affordable campsite space (C-06), not far from supplies if you forget anything, excellent park programs, friendly staff

Brenda R

Loop:D

Site:D-28

Reviewed a month ago

Beautiful campground. Fireflies at night. I hope to go back and stay longer!

Potraffke A

Loop:D

Site:D-18

Reviewed a month ago

One of the most underrated parks in America. The park is beautiful and well kept. A very nice and educational museum and gift shop.

ADRIENNE K

Loop:D

Site:D-28

Reviewed a month ago

great price, not crowded like other NPs. and love having a bear box to put the cooler in

Tracy M

Loop:A

Site:A-14

Reviewed a month ago

Campground was clean and well maintained. Beautiful trails with access from the campground.

Chuck L

Loop:B

Site:B-16

Reviewed a month ago

Camping in a 30-ft RV. Good facilities. Highly highly recommend the cave tour

Mark W

Loop:A

Site:A-10

Reviewed a month ago

Our interaction with staff was fantastic. Campsite was great. Showers were nice and clean.

James G

Loop:C

Site:C-17

Reviewed a month ago

Most spots level. Bathhouse and electrical hook up. Liked that there were several hiking trails from the campground, no need to drive anywhere.

Tommy B

Loop:C

Site:C-15

Reviewed a month ago

good place to camp

Stephanie D

Loop:C

Site:C-07

Reviewed 2 months ago

We stayed in C-6 and it was absolutely perfect. I loved the distance between us and the other campers. Plenty of wooded area and it was clean. Our spot was pretty level and easy to back into. This was our second trip and will return. If you have Verizon, we recommend you remove the 5G and put it on LTE for better reception. Worked for us in that spot.

Justin C

Loop:D

Site:D-19

Reviewed 2 months ago

Always a good, quiet, and peaceful experience every time we (wife and I) are here. There are some good quality trails that aren't over ran by tourists. The campsites also stay cool in the hottest part of the day. I will come back to this campground.

Steve S

Loop:C

Site:C-25

Reviewed 2 months ago

Good trip great place to camp

Robert M

Loop:C

Site:C-04

Reviewed 2 months ago

We were in site c-4 which is a pull through site and isn’t bad if you can pull your rig through backwards because the picnic table and fire ring are on the opposite side of the door. We did manage to maneuver ours in so we were facing them but our trailer is only 28 feet so it wasn’t too bad. A bigger rig wouldn’t be able to do it. The campground was surprisingly empty for a holiday weekend but after looking at most of the sites we could understand why. There was no one to run the campground store so we couldn’t get firewood or ice there and had to go to Middlesboro KY to get them. The bathrooms and showers were actually very clean and up to date and the amphitheater was very nice but there were no postings of anything going on. All in all it is a mediocre place.

Rolando B

Loop:B

Site:B-15

Reviewed 2 months ago

Wonderful location to spend a few nights while exploring the park.

james h

Loop:B

Site:B-04

Reviewed 2 months ago

Always a nice place to camp. We camp here at least once a year.

Justin C

Loop:D

Site:D-18

Reviewed 2 months ago

Its very quiet with really really well paved roads. Bathhouse is very clean. And the campground host is very friendly, which is rare at some public campgrounds.

Summer G

Loop:C

Site:C-22

Reviewed 2 months ago

This site is perfect and we would book again! Private, peaceful, and a short walk to the restrooms/showers.

Elizabeth C

Loop:B

Site:B-17

Reviewed 2 months ago

We enjoyed our stay in the B loop at Wilderness Road. The camping spaces were adequately spaced apart, allowing for privacy. We loved the shade and buffer of trees between sites. Bathrooms were clean and functional. We participated in the Gap Cave tour with the rangers for $8/person. Short 0.5 mile hike in, 0.5 mi in the cave, and 0.5 mi back to parking lot. Saw a few bats and salamanders. The park has done a great job making the cave a fun experience.

Charles D

Loop:B

Site:B-03

Reviewed 2 months ago

Love this place it is so nice with large, private camp sites. Beautiful area!

Nancy K

Loop:B

Site:B-20

Reviewed 2 months ago

Beautiful campground. Love camping in history

Donna C

Loop:D

Site:D-28

Reviewed 2 months ago

Nice sites but not all are level. Very private with lots of trees. Flush toilets and good showers.

Jimmy B

Loop:B

Site:B-20

Reviewed 2 months ago

We were there for one night but it was our fourth stay. Its a quiet, clean and comfortable campground. We will be back soon.

William P

Loop:C

Site:C-01

Reviewed 2 months ago

Thanks for hosting the Dulcimer Gathering. We really look forward to our time spent at The Gap every year. A highlight was allowing our group to play at the Visitor's Center. Pat, Pat, and Julie always make us feel welcome. Britney's Ranger Talk at the Amphitheater was an added plus to our musical experience.

Brian C

Loop:E

Site:E-29

Reviewed 2 months ago

This campground has never been full during the two times that I have stayed. It is quiet and the bathrooms are clean. The shower rooms with wall hooks and bench are great. You can hear the road from the campground at times. The one thing that was annoying was the lack of trail maintenance on the Gibson and Ridge Trails. Both of these trails were overgrown and some of the wooden trail signs were vandalized and lying on the ground.

Sandra D

Loop:C

Site:C-03

Reviewed 2 months ago

Our favorite national park