Ridge Runner Campground

The Great Outdoors

You’ll be right on the Clinch River when you’re camping at the Ridge Runner Campground, and you’ll certainly want to spend some time on that river. Experience a two-hour tubing float or a 90-minute, three-and-a-half-hour, or seven-hour kayaking trip. All equipment, including top-notch safety gear and shuttle service to the river, is provided. Make the most of your Clinch River adventure while you’re here. The river is spectacular, and whether you’re in the mood for a lazy float or a solid rowing workout, you’ll appreciate everything that it has to offer.The Heart of Appalachia Bike Route is the only state bicycle route in Virginia, and you will be able to access it easily when you camp in an RV near St. Paul. It covers 128 miles with an additional 40 miles of side trails. Although it is in the mountains, the terrain is varied and includes paved and gravel roads, rail trails, and single tracks on the side trails. The total ascent is 6,585 feet. There is a suspension bridge river crossing. You will ride through National Forest land, rivers, farms, historic sites, and coal country. There are picnic areas along the way, as well as a few towns with stores that carry supplies. This can also be a scenic drive if that’s more your speed. More information is available at the Clinch Ranger District.Near Norton, the Flag Rock Recreation Area is also easily accessible with your rental motorhome at the Ridge Runner Campground. This 1,000-acre park features 25 acres that have been developed for outdoor recreation. It is a state sanctuary for the green salamander. The upper reservoir is a state-stocked trout waterway. It is also open to kayaking, canoeing, and motorboating. Other recreational opportunities include climbing, hiking, and mountain biking. There are picnic shelters with fireplaces, grills, water, electricity, and restroom access. Don’t miss the giant Woodbooger statue, which is celebrated with the annual Woodbooger Festival and a memorandum declaring the area an official Woodbooger sanctuary.

Exploring the Area

Big Stone Gap was the center of the eponymous movie Big Stone Gap, and you can visit when you are RV camping at the Ridge Runner Campground. The visitor center features the booths where the diner scenes were filmed. The town is characterized by Southern hospitality and Victorian architecture. Attractions include the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park, the Meador Coal Museum, the Lonesome Pine School and Heritage Museum, and many other historic houses and sites. It is also the home of the Official Outdoor Drama of the Commonwealth of Virginia, The Trail of the Lonesome Pine. Make sure to check out Visit Wise County and the Town of Big Stone Gap for the latest news on local happenings and visitor information.And if you’re in the mood for some big-city attractions and amenities while you’re here, you can direct your campervan rental to Kingsport. This is a culturally and historically significant city, and as such, there is plenty to do and see. Among the highlights are Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium, the Gray Fossil Site, the Netherland Inn Museum, and Cooper’s Gem Mine. Special events that take place here include BrewHaHa, a Downtown Concert Series, and the annual Wine and Whiskey Festival. There are also plenty of live music and other performances at venues such as the Symphony of the Mountains, the Kingsport Theatre Guild, and the Mountain Music Museum. Visit the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Visit Kingsport, and the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce for updated information on area attractions, events, happenings, and visitor guides.When you leave the RV campground in search of sustenance, you’ll have plenty of choices locally, including authentic barbecue, Southern home cooking, pizza, and familiar fast-casual chains. You will also probably need to refill your tank as well, and there are numerous truck stops, convenience stores, and service stations with both gasoline and diesel fuel.