Breaks Interstate Park Campground in Kentucky on map
Breaks Interstate Park Campground
Both Kentucky and Virginia lay claim to this beautiful park.
It is no wonder that both Virginia and Kentucky claim this park—the beauty here is phenomenal. The Russell Fork River cuts a deep valley in the mountains that is dubbed the "Grand Canyon of the South." The mountain through which Russell Fork slices, Pine Mountain, forms the boundary dividing Kentucky and Virginia. This may also be part of why both states claim this park. All kidding aside, in 1954 the legislatures of Virginia and Kentucky dedicated this park, and ever since both states have managed this destination. Over the last half century, the Breaks' natural beauty has been made accessible with the improvement of tortuous mountain roads that now lead to fantastic hiking, kayaking, nature viewing, and some decent tent camping.
Be apprised, however, that the campground does not match the scenery. Few campgrounds could match the beauty this park holds, so I recommend coming here for your experiences at the park; the campground is not an attraction in and of itself. The campground is set on a heavily wooded ridge. Numerous spur roads and loops curve wherever there is a modicum of level ground. You really do need a map to figure your way around here. After a trip through the campground, you will come to the same conclusion that I have: too many campsites in too little an area. There are many unpleasant sites, but if you look hard enough you will manage to find a site to your liking. Further complicating your decision are the variety of sites and the way they are mixed in together. Some are purely tent sites, while others will have electricity, and still others will have both water and electricity. A few sites will have water, electricity, and sewer hookups. These different types of sites are mixed in together in many instances. After you come once, you will figure out the area you like, then return time and again, as most campers do once they have seen the sights and also enjoyed the varied experiences at Breaks. Just remember not to make your first visit on a major summer holiday. If you reserve a site over the phone, you may get one you don't want; if you just show up, you may not get a site at all. I recommend coming during the shoulder seasons of May or October. The crowds are down, and you can see the park in its spring finery or fall kaleidoscope of color.
So what else can you see here? On your way in, stop to view the Towers, a large rock prominence around which Russell Fork flows, from the Towers Trail. I stop here every time I come to the Breaks. You will see Russell Fork frothing and crashing in a foam of Whitewater 1,000 feet below. Then find your campsite—you will be less picky because you will want to tackle some of the park trails to find more beauty. Enjoy more views from Overlook Trail, or head down to Russell Fork itself via the River Trail. Numerous other short paths form a network of trails that course through the Breaks. You may see birders on the trails, as the park is also becoming known as a birder's destination. The Nature Drive is a one-way road through park beauty for those less inclined to walk. Water recreation is abundant too. Most park visitors will have to watch from the sidelines as kayakers and rafters tackle the Class II to V Whitewater that is Russell Fork. Rapids have names like El Horrendo and Triple Drop. The Garden Hole, a major put-in for river trips, is located inside the park. In October, major water releases from Flannagan Dam lure in thousands of Whitewater enthusiasts. Less-active aquatic activities occur on Laurel Lake. Here, campers can rent paddle boats or take their own johnboat or canoe onto the 15-acre impoundment to fool around or fish for bass and bream. The Beaver Pond has a trail around it and is good for wildlife viewing.
Getting to Breaks Interstate Park Campground
The park has nature programs to complement your own experiences and to enhance your appreciation of this place. Special events based on the music and history of the area also take place during the camping season. If you forgot the hot dogs, eat at the park lodge. If you remembered your swimming trunks, take a dip at the park pool. There is always something to do in this beautiful part of Kentucky— and Virginia.
From Elkhorn City, keep east on KY 80 into Virginia and then on VA 80 to reach the park entrance, on your right.
GPS COORDINATES N37° 17.127' W82° 17.365'
Key Information about Breaks Interstate Park Campground
ADDRESS: 627 Commission Circle, Breaks, VA 24607
OPERATED BY: Kentucky and Virginia state parks
CONTACT: 276-865-4413, breakspark . com
OPEN: March-November
SITES: 138
SITE AMENITIES: Picnic table, fire ring; some have water, electricity, and sewer
ASSIGNMENT: First come, first served and by reservation
REGISTRATION: At camp store
FACILITIES: Hot showers, flush toilets, laundry, camp store
PARKING: At campsites only
FEE: $15 primitive; $22 electricity and water; $24 electricity, water, and sewer
ELEVATION: 1,775 feet
RESTRICTIONS in Breaks Interstate Park Campground
¦ Pets: On leash only
¦ Fires: In fire rings only
¦ Alcohol: Prohibited
¦ Vehicles: No more than 2 per site
¦ Other: 14-day stay limit
