Raccoon Branch Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Reopens mid-April 2026 and operates through late November. Reservations available via Recreation.gov. Gate hours 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. when open. 14-night maximum stay.
Cold Weather Advisory issued December 29 at 9:15PM EST until December 30 at 10:00AM EST by NWS Blacksburg VA
* WHAT...For the Wind Advisory, west winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. For the Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind chills as low as 7 below expected. * WHERE...Bland, Smyth, Tazewell, and Wythe Counties. * WHEN...For the Wind Advisory, until noon EST Tuesday. For the Cold Weather Advisory, until 10 AM EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. The cold wind chills as low as 5 below zero could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken.
Wind Advisory issued December 29 at 9:15PM EST until December 30 at 12:00PM EST by NWS Blacksburg VA
* WHAT...For the Wind Advisory, west winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. For the Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind chills as low as 7 below expected. * WHERE...Bland, Smyth, Tazewell, and Wythe Counties. * WHEN...For the Wind Advisory, until noon EST Tuesday. For the Cold Weather Advisory, until 10 AM EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. The cold wind chills as low as 5 below zero could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken.
About
Nestled at the base of Dickey Knob in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, Raccoon Branch Campground offers a peaceful mountain retreat surrounded by pines, hardwoods, and rhododendrons. At 2,880 feet elevation, the campground features 17 sites situated along a large grassy area with scenic mountain views and access to cold mountain streams. Each campsite includes a paved parking spur, graveled tent pad, picnic table, fire grill, and lantern post. Five sites feature electric and water hookups for an additional fee. The campground provides flush toilets and drinking water, though no showers are available. Dickey Creek and Raccoon Branch are accessible from the campground, offering opportunities for wading and trout fishing. The Dickey Knob Trail departs directly from the campground, leading hikers through the adjacent Raccoon Branch Wilderness to spectacular views of Sugar Grove and Rye Valley. The campground's location provides easy access to the Appalachian Trail, Virginia Creeper Trail, and nearby Grayson Highlands State Park. With convenient access from Interstate 81 via State Route 16, Raccoon Branch is particularly popular during fall foliage season and summer vacation months.
Directions
From I-81, take Marion exit 45 onto Virginia State Route 16 South. Follow SR 16 South for approximately 13 miles to the campground on the right.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Hurricane Campground 3.9mi
- Old Virginia Group Horse Camp 5.0mi
- Fox Creek Horse Camp 5.6mi
- Grayson Highlands State Park Hickory Ridge Campground 8.2mi
- Grayson Highlands State Park Shelters Campground 8.7mi
- Grindstone 7.7mi
- Grayson Highlands State Park Horse Stalls Campground 9.2mi
- Grayson Highlands State Park Hunts Campground 9.2mi
- Grayson Highlands State Park Backpack Parking Campground 9.1mi
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | Yes |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 - $27 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 60ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 60ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| sm.fs.mrnra@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (800) 628-7202 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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