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The John W. Flannagan Dam & Reservoir Area boasts an expansive lake nestled in the rolling green Cumberland Mountains of southwest Virginia, offering visitors an oasis of recreation in the summer months. The nearby dam, built primarily for flood control for the Cranesnest and Pound Rivers, creates a breathtaking lake that is maintained at nearly 1,400 feet above sea level. This facility is an ideal spot for picnicking, water activities and hiking.
Flannagan's reputation as a fisherman's paradise is well-known. Visitors can enjoy secluded coves of deep, clean water that are well-stocked with bass, walleye and trout. Boating, canoeing, whitewater rafting, and biking top the long list of activities available nearby.
The campground offers campsites with electric hookup options, bath houses, playgrounds, launch ramps and picnic shelters with grills and horseshoe pits which provide an ideal location for parties and other get-togethers.
The John W. Flannagan Dam, completed in 1964, carves out a 1,145-acre lake with nearly 40 miles of beautiful shoreline in the lush Virginia mountains.
Breaks Interstate Park is nearby, offering lodging, dining, a museum, gift shop, rafting, canoeing, rock climbing and other outdoor activities.
From John W. Flannagan Dam & Reservoir continue on RT. 739. Turn left on Rt. 611, travel 2 miles, turn left on to Corps Lower Twin Rd. Campground is .25 miles.
Amazing little gem! The lakes are a short walk away and the campsites are right on the creek which is stocked with trout. We even managed to float down the creek a little from the spillway area. A bunch of hot springs nearby, just magical!
We stayed at site 15, close to the bathrooms yet far enough. It says it’s a walk in site but you can park not too far although we did need an extension cord to blow up the mattresses. Host can be extra nice or not, depending what mood she’s in. You can buy your wood right with the host. There is no phone reception here but there is a resort located 10 min away walking distance where you can buy ice and hop on free wifi.
I camped here last week with my mother and two of her friends. There are four sites designated as tent-only sites and number 14 was large enough for 3-4 tents, plus it was right on the creek and next to a small meadow-like area. I prefer backpacking and camping in less structured areas, but this site was perfect for our little group. It was close to the bathroom, but not close enough to smell it, and there were paved table and fire pit pads, in addition to paved walkways to each site and to the bathrooms, which were great for my mom.
All of the sites are well-shaded and close to the creek and some are far better suited for trailers and RVs. Some have no space for tents. The area surrounding this campground is breathtaking and you don’t have to go too far to see it. We rented a pontoon at the Twin Lakes Resort and spent a few hours on the lake—gorgeous!
Besides the beauty, I must mention how absolutely clean and well-maintained this campground is. The camp host, Terrie, is amazing, and so helpful and friendly. She works constantly to keep it clean. Fire pits are shoveled out, walkways and table pads are blown off, there was not even a speck of trash anywhere. Terrie also kept guests well-informed about protecting bears with proper food storage and even put people’s food in their bear boxes for them if they accidentally left anything out when they were exploring for the day. The bathroom was kept extremely clean and well stocked with toilet paper, attended to twice a day.
Additionally, the tables were freshly painted and clean. The fire pit was heavy cast iron and completely functional—Toiyabe NF is doing a great job (I spent some time recently on the western slope of the Sierra at a Sierra National Forest campground and it was disgusting. The camp host did very little and took no pride in the campground. The tables and fire pits were in poor shape, too)
There are plenty of places nearby to get supplies and eat out, and of courses, days’ worth of recreational activities. We also enjoyed the shower house just a one minute drive from the campground (bring 12 quarters for 7 minutes).
Beautiful place. Host was nice. Some sites are a little small, others have better space. Right next time a creek filled with trout. 3 minute walk to the lake. 1 minute drive from the store by the lake. No cell service, 1 small bar every once in a blue moon.
Beautiful. But.... CROWDED. You're not gonna get an ounce of solitude. Fer Crist sakes, they built a four lane freeway from Bishop to Mammoth. Breaks my heart to see.
