A
Alice W.
Scout
ScoutFS 289 Pull Off
Tranquil but out there!
Great spots out by a creek but be prepared to lose cell service driving through the park
Camping near Afton, TN
371 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Afton, Tennessee and its surrounding areas provide multiple campground options ranging from developed facilities to riverside sites. Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park Campground offers full hookup sites for both tents and RVs along the Nolichucky River, with access to hiking trails, a swimming pool, and historical attractions. Other notable facilities include Horse Creek Recreation Area, which provides more primitive camping experiences, and Lazy Llama Campground, situated on a working llama farm with 42 sites. For those seeking cabin accommodations, Big Oak Family Farm and Nolichucky Gorge Campground provide options beyond traditional tent and RV camping.
Camping in this region is generally available year-round at facilities like Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park, though some sites like Horse Creek Recreation Area operate seasonally from May to October. Many campgrounds provide amenities including bathhouses, electric hookups, and water access, though availability varies by location. Road access to some areas requires careful navigation through the rolling East Tennessee countryside with hills and turns. As one visitor noted, "The drive to the site is off the main road with hills and turns but with the scenery along the way, you won't mind."
Riverside camping represents a significant draw for visitors to the Afton area. The Nolichucky River provides both scenic views and recreational opportunities, with multiple campgrounds situated along its banks. Campers frequently mention the peaceful atmosphere as a highlight of their experience. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "We had an excellent time at Davy Crockett Birthplace. Very clean facilities. Friendly staff and quick check-in." While some campgrounds like Lazy Llama are described as "small, cozy" with good Wi-Fi connections, others offer more natural settings with fewer amenities. For families, several reviewers note that Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park provides kid-friendly activities including playgrounds, historical demonstrations, and access to the river, though swimming is not recommended in the Nolichucky due to dangerous conditions.
Best Campgrounds near Afton (371)
1. Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park Campground
"Large swimming pool, TONS of historical events around, hiking & river walks. Super clean and new bath houses as well. Honors Tennessee state discounts. If possible make reservations online."
"The drive in follows the TN “Sunnyside Early Country Trail” through picturesque farmland with mountains in the near distance. Do your shopping before arrival, there’s nothing close to the park."
from $14 - $32 / night
Check Availability2. Baileyton KOA Holiday
"Conveniently located close to highway 81 and town!"
"Even though it's very close to the interstate, it was very quiet. We had a full hook up site, relatively level. It had a picnic table and fire ring."
3. Hot Springs Campground
"With mountains in the distance and the constant rush of the French Broad River, the setting is awesome. Even the occasional train whistle gives me a feeling of nostalgia and of simple days."
"The bathhouse (clean private showers and private bathrooms) was a 1/4 mile walk from our spot, but a Porta John was close by. Our particular spot had a lot of shade and easy access to the river."
4. Horse Creek Recreation Area
"Having both RV and tent campgrounds, each with large fire pits and lantern stands, this peaceful creekside setting lies just beyond low mountain farms in the northern part of Greene County Tennessee."
"Nice trails."
from $10 / night
Check Availability5. Around Pond RV Park
"Did a couple of days at Around the Pond Campground in Greenville Tennessee.( mtns.) It was a awesome trip with our friends Ronni Herold& Dean."
"Close to highway."
6. Katy Branch
"Very close to many trails. Clean showers and bathrooms. Loved it."
"Came to stay at this campground because we wanted to do some hiking nearby that we haven't done in FOREVER!"
from $75 / night
Check Availability7. Lazy Llama Campground
from $48 - $52 / night
Check Availability8. Nolichucky Gorge Campground
"Nolichucky Gorge is right next to USA Raft, same road, same entrance to the left. Veteran owned and well maintained. The staff is friendly and professional. River view sites, other sites and cabins."
"This is a great spot located right next to USA Raft. There are a handful of tent only riverside camping spots with RV sites set back from the river."
9. Big Oak Family Farm
from $95 - $129 / night
Check Availability10. Old Forge Recreation Area
"Good trails along the rolling hills and creeks. Very simple rustic site with very little facilities. Pros: very wooded and private large campsites, babbling creek, outhouses."
from $7 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 27 min from Johnson City, TN
- 36 min from Morristown, TN
- 39 min from Kingsport, TN
- 1 hr 29 min from Asheville, NC
Recent Camping Photos near Afton, TN
644 Photos of 371 Afton Campgrounds
Lazy L.
Lazy Llama Campground
Robert L.
Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park Campground
Greg B.
Sunny Hills Farm & Camp
John D.
Gnome Hollow at Dixon Hill Farms, LLC
The Dyrt
Pebble Mountain Family Campground
Nathan F.
Horse Creek Recreation Area
janie B.
Around Pond RV Park
Rosemary B.
Baileyton KOA Holiday
sandy S.
The Wandering Llamas
Scott T.
Riverpark Campground
Mark H.
Old Farm Campground
Shelly S.
Nolichucky Gorge Campground
Recent Reviews near Afton, TN
1615 Reviews of 371 Afton Campgrounds
- kkathy U.Scout
Buck Creek
Amazing
I’m thrilled to give this campground my highest recommendation! The owners and staff couldn’t have been more accommodating, helpful and kind! We called that morning because the campground we were booked at turned out to be awful. They fit us in and then we ended up extending our stay. We had to keep moving sites because they had other campers coming in, but it was worth it! Our favorite sites was 54 and 27. Some sites are close, but all are on the creek so you don’t notice it at all! Nothing better than waking up to the sound of water! The campground location is perfect, 20-30 minutes from things to do like hiking and wineries.
Kelly W.ScoutPanther Creek State Park Campground
Panther Creek State Park
Lovely camping site employees are courteous and helpful the area is super neat and clean. Very pretty and borders a lake
Colin R.
GuideBalsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Nice and cool in the summer
A very nice and clean campsite. The toilets are clean, and they have a dish washing station. No showers or hot water. If using the toilet after dark, take a flash light, there's no electricity here.
The best part is because of the high elevation, it's about 20 degrees cooler up here than the surrounding areas. Also, it's very quiet too.
However, because of the small winding roads, you won't get a RV or Travel Trailer up here over 20 ft in length. Mainly tent and teardrop campers. Only one 18ft long travel trailer here during my visit.
Mike F.ScoutDoe River Landing
Ahhh-mazing
We arrived and easily got to our spot. There’s a river just behind our spot and only a handful of RVs and cabins. Our GPS wanted us to pass the turn to the campground, we had to make a U turn to get in…. Of course, on the second approach we saw the entrance signs (my bad). It looks like it is best to approach from the west (Hampton?), it was a sharp turn entering from the east (Roan Mountain). We settled in and got to relaxing quickly.
- EEric W.Guide
Sugar Hollow Campground
Arrive with 1/2 tank of fuel!
It was a long day of travel for me anyways. I arrived around 17:15 and the ranger was nowhere to be seen. Honor system was full out the form and pay cash before you go find your site.
This place is better for tent campers and those with rigs 20ft and under. Our 30ft bumper-pull was no match for the narrow sites due to trees. Most sites were not level either. As advertised, no sewer hook-up, and bring at least a 50ft hose for water…better yet, bring a 100ft hose and an additional splitter. The birds were nice to hear. It was quiet throughout the night also, mainly because there were only about 10 campers in the whole park (it holds about 78).
The bathhouses were clean and bright; but only shower curtains for doors on the toilets—reminded me of my deployment to Afghanistan.
Fuel…the hill to get in and out of the park is very steep! And if you spend time trying to fit your rig into any site you might think you can fit into but can’t, you’re going to need enough fuel to make it to the next gas station! If your rig is longer than 30ft and it’s not a 5th wheel, look elsewhere.
Personally, I won’t be stopping here again. The overall park was nice; but for $20/night, it wasn’t worth the stress.
- SSara M.Guide
Doe River Landing
What a fantastic find - small, family-owned campground in mountain heaven
Doe River Landing is a small, delightful RV and cabin camping park that sits on the banks of the Doe River in the Roan Mountain valley of TN. We enjoyed our stay enough that we extended a few extra days. Five shaded, landscaped RV sites offering water/electric are located about 20 yards from the river’s edge. An additional site offers a fully-outfitted rental RV. Sites are pea gravel and mostly level. Luxury rental cabins(5) are available along with a truly awesome rental pavilion outfitted for larger group gatherings. The friendly hosts live in a home nearby and were around daily during our stay.
For a small family campground the amenities are super nice. The top-notch children’s playground and toy shed obviously delighted guest’s children. Wi-Fi signal is strong enough for streaming. Nice, clean bathhouse. Public grills are available. Hiking trails meander along the river and up through their woods.
There are few places we enjoy more than the Roan Mountain area for camping. The location is fantastic and even peak summer temperatures are usually comfortable. Roan Mountain State Park is minutes away for hiking and a slew of activities, while the top of Roan Mountain houses the famous wild Rhododendron Gardens. The AT and multiple hiking trails run along the top of the mountain.
There were only a few considerations with this venue.
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The sites are mostly level although we needed two OxBlocks in each of the sites we stayed in. One needed leveling front-to-back, the other side-to-side. When Hurricane Helene scoured the area it likely left some dips in the parking pads.
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The bathhouse contains one toilet and shower, both housed in the same room which can tie them up for long periods.
3) There may be some day and night traffic noise as large trucks involved in repairs from Hurricane Helene are still active.
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The approach is rather challenging. New lighted signage helps identify where their single-lane entrance road takes a HARD fork off US-19E. Be sure to check the Directions tab on their website. If you are arriving from the north (through Elizabethton) you will be able to pull directly onto Bob Ray Rd.(entrance to the right of the little Bible church). Approaching from the south on US-19E is more difficult. Bob Ray Rd basically runs parallel to US-19E which requires essentially a U-turn across 2-3 lanes to accomplish. The host suggests turning through the closed fruit stand parking lot(on the left within sight of the entrance) but we weren’t sure about it given on-coming traffic. We elected to drive~ 2 miles further down 19E and U-turn across the left shoulder.
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Bob Ray Rd is a single-lane road. Based on timing for check-in/check-out you are unlikely to meet another RV coming at you(thankfully!)
Multiple choices for food in the area. The Whiteway Grill– less than 5 minutes away- offers fabulous breakfasts. Smoky Mountain Bakers is beyond awesome! Wood-fired pizza for dinner and breakfast plates from simple sandwiches to breakfast burritos, pancakes and French toast. We find excuses to eat here during the week. Every meal we’ve had at Puerto Escondido Mexican restaurant was huge(as in leftovers) and tasty.
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C.J. C.GuideDouglas Tailwater Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Clean and right on the river
Everything is new after Helene came through. I liked the park, and the staff was very helpful. Sometimes vehicles on the bridge near the dam could be noisy. After exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park each day, I was too tired to care. It's conveniently located and I'd stay here again when I'm in the area. There were Canadian geese, otters, and nesting bald eagles in the area.
- KKane G.
TravelerWeaver Bend Road
Great riverside spot
Overall, a decent dispersed camping spot. I saw and heard no one my entire time at this spot. It’s right on the river which is great. The drive in is mostly paved, but a little narrow. Please pack your trash out though. It seems like no matter the state I camp in, people leave their trash. This site was particularly bad. It’s good to go now, but bring a bag and leave it nicer than you found it.
Guide to Afton
The Afton area sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation in the rolling hills of East Tennessee, where Cherokee National Forest borders agricultural land along the Nolichucky River watershed. Campsite options near Afton, Tennessee range from primitive forest settings to working farms, with most locations experiencing mild spring and fall temperatures but humid summer conditions. Winter camping remains viable at lower elevations though nighttime temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: Access the Appalachian Trail from Hot Springs Campground, located about 30 miles from Afton. "Walking distance to trails and town. Spa with hot spring hot tubs across the street," notes Karen P. The campground provides an excellent base for day hiking sections of the AT.
Fishing access: Cast a line at Around Pond RV Park, which maintains a two-acre stocked fishing pond. "Cute pond with swans and ducks," reports Ben P. The small water body offers easy access fishing without requiring a boat or specialized equipment.
Historical exploration: Discover frontier history at Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park Campground, where interpretive programs run regularly. "There is a museum on the property where you can learn lots about the history of this famous Tennessean for which the campsite and park were named," shares Richard W. The park includes cabin replicas and historical demonstrations during peak season.
What campers like
Riverside relaxation: Sites along the French Broad River at Hot Springs Campground offer direct water access. "We have spent many great times at Hot Springs camp grounds! Can play on the French broad river and then take a soak in the hot mineral tubs," says Grant D.
Private wooded sites: Old Forge Recreation Area provides secluded tent camping in a forest setting. "Very wooded and private large campsites, babbling creek, outhouses," reports Justin S. The primitive campground lacks hookups but compensates with natural isolation.
Water recreation: The Nolichucky River at Nolichucky Gorge Campground supports multiple water activities. "The water levels are perfect for floating around and playing in the river. There's even a little path you can take a tube up and float back down," explains Kara P. The campground provides tubes for river floating, and a rafting center operates nearby.
What you should know
Terrain challenges: Some campsites require carrying gear from parking areas. At Horse Creek Recreation Area, "When it says the sites are 'walk-in', it does not mean you can drive near your site and walk over into it. It means you have to park in a parking lot and haul your stuff up to 200 or 300 yards away along a trail over bridge," cautions Jeff B.
Seasonal operation: While Davy Crockett remains open year-round, Horse Creek Recreation Area operates only from May to October. Old Forge Recreation Area follows a similar seasonal schedule, opening in April and closing in October.
Size limitations: RV length restrictions apply at several campgrounds near Afton. Nolichucky Gorge Campground has "Nice gravel pads that will not accommodate anything much longer than 35'," according to Andrew W.
Tips for camping with families
Educational activities: Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park offers historical programming ideal for children. "There's also a sweet man who gives tours of the replica farm of David Crocket.. in character and costume," shares Rebecca M.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds provide water recreation for children. "Nice camp grounds with full amenities. Have stayed here at least 2 X per year the last several years. Restrooms/Bathhouses are always clean. This is a small Park, but they always have something going on in season," Robert L. says about Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park.
Kid-friendly layouts: Baileyton KOA offers designated play areas. "This place is very kid-friendly yet quiet! Pool is salt-water so no chlorine smell. Playground is away from most camp sites and has a tire swing and small set up," notes D.S.
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: Prepare for uneven sites at several campgrounds. At Baileyton KOA, visitors note: "We stayed in a pull through site and it was not very level (we had planned to not even unhook from the truck but had too bc of this)," shares Beth H.
Hookup availability: Full service options vary significantly between campgrounds. Around Pond RV Park provides "Full hook up pull through. Site was gravel and completely level," according to Peter K., who paid $39 per night.
Off-season access: RVers seeking winter camping options should focus on Baileyton KOA Holiday and Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park, both operating year-round. "We were there in December when the weather was chilly and practically had the place to ourselves," reports Gregg G. about Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Afton, TN?
What camping is available near Afton, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Afton, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 371 campgrounds and RV parks near Afton, TN and 15 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Afton, TN?
Which is the most popular campground near Afton, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Afton, TN is Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 20 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Afton, TN?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Afton, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 free dispersed camping spots near Afton, TN.
What parks are near Afton, TN?
What parks are near Afton, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 33 parks near Afton, TN that allow camping, notably Cherokee National Forest and Pisgah National Forest.
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