Lower Twin Campground (Va)
4.158 reviews2207 Flannagan Dam Road
Lower Twin Campground (Va)
$20.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$24.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Tent Only Nonelectric sites cost $20 per night during peak season. RV Electric and RV Nonelectric sites cost $24 per night. Rates do not include taxes, discounts, or additional fees.
About this campground
Tucked away in the verdant Cumberland Mountains of Virginia, Lower Twin Campground offers a peaceful retreat within the John W. Flannagan Dam & Reservoir Area. This hidden gem attracts those seeking solitude and authentic outdoor experiences, with well-appointed campsites featuring electrical hookups and modern bathhouses. Families and friends gather beneath the picnic shelters, fire up the grills for evening cookouts, and challenge each other to friendly games of horseshoes as the sun sets behind the mountain ridges.
Lower Twin Campground accommodates tent camping and RVs with electric hookups. Primitive camping is either not available or not explicitly mentioned. Site privacy is limited, and the campground is described as small and remote.
Historical SignificanceThe landscape here tells a story of human ingenuity meeting natural beauty. When the John W. Flannagan Dam rose from the valley floor in 1964, it transformed the rushing mountain streams into a stunning 1,145-acre lake. Originally built for flood control, this engineering marvel has become the heart of recreational life in the region, creating opportunities for adventure where once only remote hollows existed.
Weather and SeasonsThe campground comes alive during the glorious summer months, with the sweet spot for camping running from late May through early September. Mountain weather keeps things interesting—expect pleasantly warm days perfect for lake activities, punctuated by refreshing afternoon showers that bring out the earthy scent of the forest. Even in peak summer, the elevation can surprise you with crisp mornings that call for that extra layer around the campfire.
ElevationPerched at 1,400 feet above sea level, Lower Twin Campground offers a natural air conditioning system courtesy of Mother Nature. The elevation brings noticeably cooler temperatures than the valleys below—a welcome relief during summer months. From this lofty vantage point, campers are treated to sweeping views across the water and surrounding peaks, with morning mists that dance across the lake surface creating picture-perfect moments.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Cumberland Mountains embrace this campground in a tapestry of green, where ancient ridges meet the sparkling waters of the reservoir. Forty miles of intricate shoreline create countless hidden coves and quiet inlets, each one a potential hotspot for landing trophy bass, feisty walleye, or pristine mountain trout. The interplay of water and mountain creates ever-changing vistas—from mirror-still mornings reflecting the forest canopy to dramatic afternoon light painting the hillsides in shades of emerald and jade.
Geological RegionSet within the ancient Cumberland Mountains of southwest Virginia, Lower Twin Campground showcases the region's distinctive rolling terrain and rich geological heritage. The dam has transformed this mountain valley into an aquatic playground, where 40 miles of serpentine shoreline wind through the folded landscape. At nearly 1,400 feet elevation, the campground sits in a sweet spot where Appalachian ecology thrives, creating a lush backdrop of mixed hardwood forests that burst with color each fall and provide cooling shade throughout the summer camping season.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible facilities are noted but not detailed in the official source. For questions about power-driven mobility aids, visitors are directed to contact the campground office.
Sites SizeSites have varying sizes; no exact dimensions are provided.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy at the sites is limited, as stated by a user: 'Campsites offered power but very little privacy and consist of the majority of sites along one long row along the side of a creek.'
Total Campsites30 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 020 offers creek-side views but may experience noise from boat traffic. Sites 010 and 015 are noted for their clean and well-maintained conditions. Limited privacy is noted among sites.
Best CampsitesUser reviews highlight site-specific factors such as proximity to the creek (e.g., site 020), cleanliness, and ease of access.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground. You may stay up to 14 nights total within rolling 30 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No more than 2 vehicles per site. Guests beyond this must park in overflow parking areas.
Groups
Group camping sites are not described in the provided data.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutMost campsites are arranged in a single row along a creek, with limited privacy as noted by user reviews.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season starts May 23, 2025, and closes on September 2, 2025. First-come, first-served availability from June 21, 2025, to June 22, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, through the app, or via the contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability is limited to between June 21 and June 22, 2025. Reservation is required outside this period.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the scheduled arrival date with a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiture of the first night’s fees for late cancellations. Changes to reservations have a $10 fee and are allowed until the day before arrival.
Amenities available
Showers
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Lower Twin Campground provides opportunities for fishing, boating, biking, wildlife viewing, and hiking. However, some activities like hiking trails are not as prominent compared to nearby Breaks Interstate Park. The campground primarily caters to boating enthusiasts due to its proximity to a lake created by the John W. Flannagan Dam.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are better explored at nearby Breaks Interstate Park rather than directly in the campground. A visitor stated, 'Didn't see any hiking trails or activities besides the boaters on the lake at these campgrounds.'Fishing
Fishing is a highlight at the John W. Flannagan Dam, with deep and clean waters well-stocked with bass, walleye, and trout. The area is described as a 'fisherman's paradise.'Biking
Biking is listed as an activity available near the campground, though no specific trails or paths are described.Boating
Boating is a popular activity due to access to the expansive lake formed by the John W. Flannagan Dam. One review noted 'traffic into early morning hours as campers will drive their boats from boat slip at the end of the campground road.'Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is mentioned as an activity. Specific species or ideal viewing times are not detailed, but users frequently appreciate the natural settings.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking are enjoyed at the campground, as noted in a user review: 'Honestly, it was a great week of camping and kayaking.'Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Firewood is not sold at the campground and must be brought by visitors.
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews mention trash as a recurring issue and note the need for visitors to bring their own supplies. No explicit wildlife or terrain hazards are described.
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are not explicitly stated; the nearest city Haysi may offer basic services, and Breaks Interstate Park (30 miles away) has visitor facilities.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 - September 2, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash should be removed upon departure. Reviews provide conflicting information on cleanliness; one user mentioned 'trash everywhere,' while another highlighted daily trash pickup.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is situated near a dam-created lake with 40 miles of shoreline and secluded coves.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include trash accumulation, lack of full hookups, remote location requiring careful planning, and occasional noise from boats.
HostUser reviews frequently praise campground host Wilson for his friendliness and helpfulness.
Campground Map
2207 Flannagan Dam Road
Driving directionsFrom John W. Flannagan Dam & Reservoir continue on RT. 739. Turn left on Rt. 611, travel 2 miles, turn left on to Corps Lower Twin Rd. Campground is .25 miles.
The campground is accessible via paved roads but reviews note that surrounding roads are remote and lacking nearby businesses, requiring careful planning for supplies. The campsite is located along a creek and is accessible from Corps Lower Twin Rd.Nearby places
Haysi (approximately 5 miles), Breaks Interstate Park (approximately 30 miles)
Nearby supplies
'BRING YOUR OWN FIREWOOD!!!' per user reviews as no retail businesses or supplies exist within a 30-minute drive. Supplies may be found at Breaks Interstate Park, 30 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.2
8 reviews
Lower Twin Campground (Va) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's clean facilities and accessibility to boating and fishing but emphasize limited privacy, remote location, and absence of full hookups.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean bathrooms and shower facilities, friendly campground host, great kayaking and fishing opportunities.
Based on 8 reviewsCommon Concerns
Lack of privacy at campsites, absence of a camp store or nearby retail options, limited hiking activities within the campground, and disappointing cleanliness in some areas regarding trash management.
Based on 8 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own firewood and supplies, as there are no nearby businesses to purchase items. Visit Breaks Interstate Park for additional hiking and scenic views.
Based on 8 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Peak season tends to attract boating and fishing enthusiasts, but some users wish the campground offered a longer season to accommodate winter recreation.
Based on 8 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Bathrooms were clean and trash picked up daily.' - Melissa P.
2. 'Campsites offered power but very little privacy and consists of the majority of sites along one long row along the side of a...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 010 received positive comments regarding the host's helpfulness. Site 020 was noted for boat traffic noise during late hours. Site 013 received praise for overall quality.
Based on 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific mentions of accessibility experiences are available, but accessible facilities are implied.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies and pet-friendly experiences are not explicitly mentioned in user reviews or authoritative sources.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025