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Raccoon Branch Campground, nestled at the base of Dickey Knob, offers scenic mountain views, hiking trail access from campsites and cool mountain streams. Campers can access Dickey Creek and the Raccoon Branch from the campground. The most notable time to visit is fall, when the trees boast gorgeous fall foliage.
With a location just 11 miles from Interstate 81, the beautiful campground is easily reached by drivers heading out from one of the surrounding cities.
The beautiful Dickey Knob Trail takes hikers through a Wilderness to the top of Dickey Knob for spectacular views of Sugar Grove and Rye Valley. The creek provides a setting for wading and fishing.
Every site accommodates RV or tent camping and nearly half the campsites have electric hookups. Perks of the campground include flush toilets, drinking water, paved roads and spurs and a dump station. A volunteer host is onsite to welcome visitors and offer advice on the region.
The campground is at an elevation of 2,880 ft., along a large grassy area, surrounded by pines, hardwoods and rhododendrons. Perched in the Appalachian Mountains, Raccoon Branch is part of the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, a 200,000-acre stretch of designated wilderness areas.
Hike the Appalachian Trail, which extends more than 2,175 miles throughout the Appalachian Mountains across 14 states. The trail was designated as the first National Scenic Trail. The Virginia Creeper Trail, Hungry Mother State Park and Grayson Highlands State Park are nearby.
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.
We didn't mind that the campground was close to the road, it's pretty tucked in and the traffic is low so it's not loud. We did not have any cell or internet service but that just made it more relaxing. It was nice to literally be offline for a few days.
Lots of hiking in the area, and trails at the campground itself. My girls loved riding their bikes around the campground, it's small and felt very safe. The hosts were very kind and welcoming. Their are NO SHOWERS here, you can go about 4 miles down the road to use the showers at another campground but we wouldn't recommend it. The other campground showers operate via a button, you cannot control the temperature and my kiddos were way to cold, plus it would only stay on for 30 seconds to a min (we had to keep mashing the button). I'm not deducting a star for it because technically it's at the other campground, but if you come just plan on using your own shower and you'll be much more comfortable. Also it's worth visiting the distillery down the road, they had excellent whiskey!
Excellent campsites, beautiful mountain view. Friendly and helpful camp host named Andy, I believe. Enjoyed our stay while we were there and highly recommend it for those who like primitive camping. They do have RV spots as well.
Great small, low-key campground. It is a bit noisy because of the proximity to the county road and it isn't fancy. No showers onsite and not even hot water in the bathrooms. But if you don't mind roughing it a bit, it's a beautiful place with incredible views and hikes! It also has good access to the AT.
It's a smaller campground located (a little too) close to a road, but it's beautiful. The electric/water sites are closer to the road, while the primitive sites are more near a stream that surrounds the rest of the campground. Included are two sets of restrooms and a dump station, water fill station and dumpster. There is plenty of firewood to be scavenged with much of it being pine, though. Dogs are allowed.
In April 2022 the cost for a site was $20 ($10 with a special pass) plus $7 extra for an electric/water site. Cash only at the self pay station.
We stayed at a site that put us near the stream and the road. While the road noise was there it didn't disturb our stay. The stream was pleasant to hear as we fell asleep, and it endlessly entertained the children during our stay. Next to the campground are a couple of trails that we found: 1. The horse trail that connects several locations throughout the area and 2. The Dickies Knob trail, which is a 5.5 mile out and back hike to the top of Dickies Knob. This moderate trail is gently sloped all the way to the top where you'll find what appears to be the foundation of a tower and a few markers. Views are great up there without leaves on the trees, but will become obscured as we move into May. Nice hike, would recommend highly.
Finally, our camp host was amazing. He checked up on folks at the campground to make sure everyone was good. He was friendly and courteous; we enjoyed several conversations together.
It was our first time camping here. The host was super nice and knowledgeable about the grounds. It's a small campground, but the sites are far enough apart. Electric hookup for our pop up was 30 amp, but it worked fine. The water was clean and everything functioned as it should. There are two restrooms at each end of the loop. There are no showers, bear that in mind when you go. The sites themselves are medium sized. Fine for a 30-40 foot coach or trailer with an extra little parking area for your towed car or tow truck. There's a fire ring and a lantern hanger at each site. The small town of Marion nearby has plenty of shopping and things to do. I will definitely go here again and explore the area more.
