Cranesnest Campground (VA)

John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir

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.

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.

Need to Know

No more than 2 vehicles per site. All other visitors must park in the overflow parking areas.
Reservations must be made in advance by utilizing either recreation.gov or by calling +1 (877) 444-6777.
No parking is allowed in the grass. If there is not room at your site, please utilize the overflow lots at various locations within the campground.
No person(s) shall camp at one or more campsite for more than 14-days in a 30-day consecutive period at Cranesnest Campground.
Any person utilizing a Federal Pass (i.e. Golden Access or any America the Beautiful) must be the primary occupant of the campsite for the duration of the reservation. Passholder must be able to present pass upon request.
Visitors may only be registered as the primary occupant of one campsite during a consecutive time period.
Campers are responsible for disposing of waste. There is a complimentary dumpster placed near the campground entrance for your convenience. Campers must NOT leave garbage at campsite for contractor staff or USACE staff to remove nor shall it be left in their firepit. Any prohibited items must be placed in the silver bin adjacent to the green dumpster.
All motorized recreational vehicles (including but not limited to motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV), utility-terrain vehicles (UTV), mopeds, scooters, golfcarts, etc..) that are not licensed for use on public roadways are prohibited for use in campgrounds. This does not apply to mobility scooters.
All occupants at a campsite must adhere to the above posted restrictions and all rules and regulations posted in 36 CFR Part 327. Failure to adhere to these rules may result in a citation issued and/or being asked to vacate the facility.

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.

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.

Contact Information

Physical

2689 Cranesnest River Campground Rd Clintwood VA 24228

Mailing

2207 Flannagan Dam Road Haysi VA 24256

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 276-835-9544

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

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.

Available Campsites

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