Cranesnest Campground (Va)
Campground · Virginia · 31 bookable sites ·
Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers
John W Flannagan Recreation Area (Recreation Area) · Open Access
- 31
- Bookable sites
- 50 ft
- Max rig length
- up to 8
- People per site
- 1,426 ft
- Elevation
Overview
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.
Recreation
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.
Facilities
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.
Natural Features
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.
Nearby Attractions
Breaks Interstate Park is nearby, offering lodging, dining, a museum, gift shop, rafting, canoeing, rock climbing and other outdoor activities.
Charges & Cancellations
Changes and cancellations subject to potential fees and cancellations are not automatically subject to refund.
The facts
- 31 bookable sites
- Vehicles up to 50 ft
- Up to 8 people per site
- Loops: Area 3, CRANESNEST CAMPGROUND (VA)
Site types
- 16 RV Electric
- 12 Standard Nonelectric
- 3 Tent Only Electric
Amenities
- Electric hookups
- Campfires allowed
- Fire pits
- Picnic tables
- Grills
- Shade
- Pets allowed
- Water hookups — not available
- Sewer hookups — not available
31 campsites at Cranesnest Campground (Va)
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Access | Water | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Site 21 | Area 3 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Drive In | Riverfront | 28 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| Site 22 | Area 3 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Drive In | Riverfront | 28 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| Site 23 | Area 3 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Drive In | Riverfront | 28 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| Site 24 | Area 3 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Drive In | Riverfront | 28 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| Site 25 | Area 3 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Drive In | Riverfront | 28 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| Site 26 | Area 3 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Drive In | Riverfront | 28 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| Site 27 | Area 3 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Drive In | Riverfront | 28 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| Site 28 | Area 3 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Drive In | Riverfront | 28 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| Site 29 | Area 3 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Drive In | Riverfront | 28 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| Site 30 | Area 3 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Drive In | Riverfront | 28 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| Site 31 | Area 3 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Drive In | Riverfront | 28 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| Site 32 | Area 3 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Drive In | Riverfront | 28 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 002 | CRANESNEST CAMPGROUND (VA) | Tent Only Electric | — | — | Drive In | Riverfront | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 003 | CRANESNEST CAMPGROUND (VA) | Tent Only Electric | — | — | Drive In | Riverfront | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 004 | CRANESNEST CAMPGROUND (VA) | Tent Only Electric | — | — | Walk In | Riverfront | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 005 | CRANESNEST CAMPGROUND (VA) | Rv Electric | — | — | Drive In | Riverfront | 50 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 006 | CRANESNEST CAMPGROUND (VA) | Rv Electric | — | — | Drive In | Riverfront | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 007 | CRANESNEST CAMPGROUND (VA) | Rv Electric | — | — | Drive In | — | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 008 | CRANESNEST CAMPGROUND (VA) | Rv Electric | — | — | Drive In | — | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 009 | CRANESNEST CAMPGROUND (VA) | Rv Electric | — | — | Drive In | — | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 010 | CRANESNEST CAMPGROUND (VA) | Rv Electric | — | — | Drive In | — | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 011 | CRANESNEST CAMPGROUND (VA) | Rv Electric | — | — | Drive In | — | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 012 | CRANESNEST CAMPGROUND (VA) | Rv Electric | — | — | Drive In | — | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 013 | CRANESNEST CAMPGROUND (VA) | Rv Electric | — | — | Drive In | — | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 014 | CRANESNEST CAMPGROUND (VA) | Rv Electric | — | — | Drive In | — | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 015 | CRANESNEST CAMPGROUND (VA) | Rv Electric | — | — | Drive In | — | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 016 | CRANESNEST CAMPGROUND (VA) | Rv Electric | — | — | Drive In | — | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 017 | CRANESNEST CAMPGROUND (VA) | Rv Electric | — | — | Drive In | — | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 018 | CRANESNEST CAMPGROUND (VA) | Rv Electric | — | — | Drive In | — | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 019 | CRANESNEST CAMPGROUND (VA) | Rv Electric | — | — | Drive In | — | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 020 | CRANESNEST CAMPGROUND (VA) | Rv Electric | — | — | Drive In | — | — | 8 | 🐾 |
Getting there
From Clintwood, VA main street turn left onto Rt. 83. Travel 2.6 miles and turn left onto Cranesnest Campground Rd. Travel 2.8 miles to the campground.
37.14972, -82.41006 · 37°8'59.0"N 82°24'36.2"W
Typical weather
Typically 82°F in Jul, down to 43°F in Jan.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 43 | 47 | 56 | 68 | 74 | 80 | 82 | 81 | 76 | 66 | 55 | 46 |
| Low °F | 22 | 24 | 29 | 38 | 48 | 56 | 61 | 60 | 53 | 40 | 30 | 25 |
| Precip in | 3.7 | 3.9 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.9 | 5.1 | 5.3 | 4.1 | 3.3 | 2.8 | 2.8 | 4.3 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 4.5 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
Fees and stay limits
The only payment type accepted on site is major credit and/or debit card. We do not accept cash nor check. On-site reservation subject to ranger availability. For best results, please utilize recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777!
From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Cranesnest Campground (Va)
- Can you reserve a site at Cranesnest Campground (Va)?
- Yes, Cranesnest Campground (Va) is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Cranesnest Campground (Va) have?
- 31 sites.
- What is the maximum RV length at Cranesnest Campground (Va)?
- 50 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
- Are pets allowed at Cranesnest Campground (Va)?
- Yes, pets are allowed at Cranesnest Campground (Va).
- Does Cranesnest Campground (Va) have hookups?
- Electric.
- Are campfires allowed at Cranesnest Campground (Va)?
- Campfires are allowed at Cranesnest Campground (Va). Check for a current fire restriction before you go.
Camping near Cranesnest Campground (Va)
- Pound River Campground (Va) 3.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Lower Twin Campground (Va) 6.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
- John W. Flannagan Day Use 7 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Phillip's Creek Group Picnic Area 14.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Cane Patch 15.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Flatwoods Group Picnic Area 16.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Fishtrap Lake Shelters 20.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Bark Camp 20.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- High Knob Campground 21.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Littcarr Campground 30.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Carr Creek Lake Shelters 34.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Birch Knob Observation Site 6.7 mi · Facility
Contact
- Phone 276-835-9544
- Email audrea.j.o'quinn@usace.army.mil
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-07-26.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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