Over the past year, through a partnership, the Town of Cleveland has successfully expanded by establishing a new access point for the Clinch River at the Riverbend Campground, completed in December 2023. The project includes:
• Newly planted native trees
• A new Clinch River access point for hand-launch vessels
• A gravel, easy-access walking path to the launch
• Directional signage and expanded gravel for day-use parking.
• A new picnic pavilion with full electric service and trash cans
• A new playground with ADA swings
• A portable pressure washing system to help maintain the wooden boardwalk connecting the campground to the town bridge.
To celebrate this achievement, we will be hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 26th at 10:00 AM at the Riverbend Campground, 504 Artrip Rd, Cleveland, VA 24225. This event aims to recognize all the partners and collaborators involved in the project, highlighting the significant impact it will have on the Town of Cleveland and Russell County. With outdoor recreation at the forefront of the tourism industry in southwestern Virginia, accessibility is key. The Riverbend Campground and the newly established access point are ideal for outdoor recreation, adventure, and Clinch River enthusiasts.
We extend our gratitude to the many collaborators who made this project possible, including Cumberland Forest LP, the Town of Cleveland, Russell County, The Nature Conservancy, and the Russell County PSA. Funding was provided by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the Cumberland Plateau Regional Opportunity Program (CPROP), and the Cumberland Forest Community Fund, The Nature Conservancy.