• fog flows through Cumberland Gap

    Cumberland Gap

    National Historical Park KY,TN,VA

There are park alerts in effect.
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  • Increase in camping rates at the Wilderness Road campground

    Effective June 1, 2013, camping rates will increase. Tent sites will increase to $14.00 per night and RV sites with electrical hookup will increase to $20.00 per night. Group camp sites will increase to $35.00 per night.

  • Special Program offered in place of Hensley tour on June 16

    The regularly scheduled Hensley tour will not be offered on June 16 but will be replaced by a special Father's Day program. The road to the Hensley Settlement will be open to visitors and living history demonstrations will be offered. More »

  • Cave Tour Alert!

    White Nose Syndrome is a disease that is killing bats in great numbers and has been found in park caves. While visiting Gap Cave please do not wear or bring anything that has been in other caves. Skylight Cave is currently closed.

  • Civil War Event Cancelled

    Invisible Souls: Behind the Veil of the Civil War, a special event showcasing stories of the Civil War October 4, 5, and 6, 2013 has been cancelled. Please call the park visitor center at (606) 248-2817, extension 1075 for more information.

Camping

camp site

Campsite with electricity

NPS PHOTO

FIREWOOD ALERT!
Please purchase or gather firewood in the campground to avoid bringing in the exotic Emerald Ash Borer or the Asian Long Horned Beetle. These exotic insects can be easily spread by bringing in infested firewood from outside the area.
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Wilderness Road Campground
The Wilderness Road Campground is located approximately 3 miles from the park visitor center off of Highway 58 in Virginia. It has 160 sites in a beautiful wooded setting.

20, 30 and 50 amp electrical hookups are available at 41 of the sites. Hot showers and potable water are located in the comfort stations. A dump station is located near the campground entrance.

Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Campground is open year around.

Camping fees:
$12.00 per night per site for tent sites with no electricity,
to increase to $14.00 on June 1, 2013.
$17.00 per night per site for electrical hookup,
to increase to $20.00 on June 1, 2013

All sites are one-half price for Senior Pass and Access Pass holders.

Group Camping
Group camp sites are available. Cost is $30.00 per night per site for 30 people or fewer. Group camp sites will increase to $35.00 per night, effective June 1, 2013.

Reservations for group campsites can be made up to three months in advance by calling the park visitor center at (606) 248-2817.

Please be aware of bears! Bears are active in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. All food must be properly stored in a vehicle when not in use and garbage must be properly stored or disposed of in park bear proof containers.
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Hikers in the backcountry

Hikers explore the backcountry

NPS Photo

Backcountry Camping

Backcountry trails lead to remote, wilderness areas. Backcountry camping is allowed in designated sites with a permit. Permits are free of charge and must be obtained at the park visitor center.

Note: The following information will be needed when obtaining a backcountry permit:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Contact Telephone number (in case of emergency)
  • Itinerary including number of people in party and number of horses
  • Information for any vehicles which will be left in the park (tag number, description, owner information)

Please be aware of bears! Bears are active in the backcountry. All food must be properly stored using approved bear proof containers or elevated to a height of at least 10 feet. Please report any bear activity to a park ranger or by calling the park visitor center at (606) 248-2817. more...

Reservations for backcountry campsites can be made up to three months in advance by calling the park visitor center at (606) 248-2817.

 
Martin's Fork Cabin

Martin's Fork Cabin in the backcountry

Photo by John Graves

Martins Fork Cabin

Martins Fork Cabin, located in the backcountry, features a large stone fireplace, three wooden bunk beds, and a picnic table, and can be rented for $10.00 per night.

Reservations for the cabin can be made up to three months in advance by calling the park visitor center at (606) 248-2817.

 

Your safety in the backcountry is important. Please see the following safety information to assist you in being prepared for your trip. Visit the park visitor center for more specific information including maps, trail conditions, water availability, etc.

For more information call the park visitor center at (606) 248-2817.

 

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Did You Know?

Fire Pink, a bright red appalachian wildflower.

Although Cumberland Gap is designated a national historical park, 14,000 of its 24,000 acres have been proposed, and are managed, as wilderness.