Camping, trails, maps & photo credits — Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Cumberland Gap was the first great gateway to the west. Come follow the path of bison, Native Americans, longhunters, and pioneers. Walk where 300,000 people crossed the Appalachians to settle America. Explore 85 miles of trails and 14,000 acres of wilderness. Stand in 3 states at once. Explore a cave, see Hensley Settlement, or camp under the stars. Come find your connection to Cumberland Gap.
Camping & reservations
The booking button opens the official provider or park-specific camping instructions published by the NPS. Select the named campground and verify its dates, access and site rules.
Wilderness Road Campground ↗
This 150-site campground is located approximately 3 miles from the park visitor center off of Highway 58 in Virginia. 20-, 30- and 50-amp electrical hookups are available at 43 of the sites. Hot showers and potable water are located in the comfort stations. Camping rigs up to 50 feet can be accommodated at some sites. Sites are accessed through paved loop roads. Most of the sites require backing in with the exception of one pull through site.
Reservations: All campsites must be reserved and paid for through Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777. You can also download the Recreation.gov mobile app and use your smart device to book and pay for your site.
Reservations / current camping instructions ↗
Fires: Fires: Keep fires small. Build fires only in established fire rings. Use only dead wood which is down. Completely extinguish fires
Site rules: Camping is permitted no more than 14 days within a rolling 30-day period.
Truck-camping & permitted overnight use
Wilderness Road Campground has electric sites with asphalt pads in loops B and C. Campsites accommodate different vehicle lengths. Group sites in loops G and O do not allow RVs or camper trailers. Select a suitable individual campsite and confirm dimensions.
Backcountry camping and vehicle camping require park-specific authorization; National Park Service land is not generally open to unrestricted roadside camping. Confirm designated sites, permits and food-storage rules with this unit.
Activities, hiking & trails
Hiking, Backcountry Hiking. Official activities and trail-planning information ↗
NPS-listed recreation: Biking, Camping, Backcountry Camping, Caving, Guided Tours, Hiking, Backcountry Hiking, Wildlife Watching, Park Film, Shopping, Bookstore and Park Store.
Maps & road access
Use the official NPS directions and current alerts. Check vehicle restrictions and campground approach roads before traveling.
By Plane The closest major airport is located in Knoxville, Tennessee approximately 85 miles away. Flights can also be made into Lexington, Kentucky approximately 130 miles away. By Car The park entrance is located on Highway 25E just south of Middlesboro Kentucky. Official directions / site access ↗
Before you travel
Summers at Cumberland Gap are hot and humid, with temperatures commonly in the mid to upper 90s. Winters are generally mild with rain and some periods of snow January through March. Temperatures usually range in the 30s and 40s. Weather can sometimes be unpredictable, especially at higher elevations.
Source review: 2026-11-01. Conditions, fees, permits and availability can change. National Park Service official information ↗
Photograph sources & licensing
Banner: Mountain View
View from the Pinnacle Overlook
Credit: NPS Photo. Original source ↗ · Public domain — NPS-created federal work ↗. Resized and cropped to match the profile display framing; original image source linked.
Second large photograph: Hiker in Sand Cave
Sand Cave is a massive sandstone rockshelter found in the backcountry
Credit: NPS Photo. Original source ↗ · Public domain — NPS-created federal work ↗. Resized and cropped to match the profile display framing; original image source linked.
Photographs are real images of the named unit; no AI-generated photographs are used. Federal photo credit register.