The mountains surrounding Kingsport, Tennessee create a distinct camping environment with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 1,700 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F during day and cool to 60-70°F at night, making evening campfires comfortable even in summer months. Fall camping season extends through mid-November with colorful foliage displays throughout the region.
What to do
Hiking at multiple difficulty levels: Warriors' Path State Park offers extensive trail systems ranging from beginner-friendly paths to more challenging terrain. "The park is well kept and the train whistles were far enough away that they didn't interrupt your sleep! No real hiking but there was boat access to the lake," notes Michelle I. about Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Fort Patrick Henry Lake provides year-round fishing with bass, crappie, and catfish populations. "I tent camped with a group here and the sites are very rugged and pretty far from water/bathrooms but there is a pool and the staff is very friendly and helpful," shares Erin R. about camping at Bristol-Kingsport KOA.
Historical exploration: Visit the replica homestead at Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park, about 40 minutes from Kingsport. "There's also a sweet man who gives tours of the replica farm of David Crockett... in character and costume. Clean bathrooms. Overall a great place to camp, particularly with kids," recommends Rebecca M.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campground bathhouses in the region are frequently maintained. "The bath houses were very clean and all the utilities were well maintained that we saw. Our site was on the outer loop (#24) and had plenty of space between ours and the next sites," notes Tom B. about Warriors' Path State Park.
Lake access: Multiple campgrounds offer direct water access. "We stayed at #86 which was off the main campground overlooking the lake. The site was perfect for our 23 ft RV but pay attention to the site size as some RVs had issues getting their larger RVs in their sites," advises Jennifer H.
Convenient location: Natural Tunnel State Park Campground provides both natural attractions and proximity to town amenities. "This place is absolutely breathtaking. A must go. Cabins, yurts, RV camping, primitive camping. Excellently maintained. There are so many activities for everyone of all ages," according to Teresa K.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds have varied site dimensions and terrain. "The main camping section was laid out long ago, with older style short sites and water/electric only. Many of the sites are narrow and some have challenging access. Be sure to read site descriptions and check the suggested trailer size- they seriously mean the max size!!" cautions Sara M. about Warriors' Path.
Seasonal considerations: Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) provide more campsite availability with milder temperatures. "We stayed in a yurt at Natural Tunnel, and it was definitely a learning experience. First of all, it is a cross between a tent and a cabin, and it has no electricity, bathroom, or running water. The temperature had to be somewhere around 110 degrees inside," reports Myron C. about summer glamping at Baileyton KOA Holiday.
Weekend crowding: Some campgrounds become particularly busy Friday-Sunday during peak season. "Sites were right on top of one another and extremely crowded—felt like a tailgating party in a parking lot. We ended up leaving when we found someone's car parked in our spot," warns Karin P. about a summer weekend at Warriors' Path.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated children's play areas. "Awesome campground has spots for tent and rv camping, hiking trails, a beautiful lake for kayaking and fishing, and a Marina where rentals are available! Park also has a Boundless Playground!" writes Natalie A. about Warriors' Path State Park.
Educational opportunities: Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park Campground offers historical programming ideal for school-age children. "There's a playground, sand boxes and paved semi level RV pads. I wouldn't come back but the place is very quiet. If you're into that..." notes Michael S.
Water activities: Multiple swimming options exist throughout summer months. "We spent a long weekend with several other RV couples. Nearby Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium provides engaging planetarium shows, a herpetarium, wildlife sections with bobcats, foxes, gray wolves, and raptors, as well as hiking trails," shares Sara M.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Many campsites in the region require leveling equipment. "There are a lot of uneven campsites, so bring your leveling blocks. That said, great campground. The facilities were clean, the park was well kept and the train whistles were far enough away that they didn't interrupt your sleep!" advises Michelle I.
Hookup variations: Crossville KOA offers full hookup sites with concrete pads. "KOA I-40/Crossville, TN - We stayed one night in October, full hook ups, 50 amp, good wifi until the evening but our cell service was good. Nicely maintained park with level concrete sites in the front with grass, fire rings and picnic tables that were in excellent condition," notes Karen.
Site spacing considerations: Some RV parks offer more privacy than others. "Overall we loved the campground and view of the water. The only negative about our site would be traffic noise from the nearby bridge," mentions Jennifer H. about her stay at Warriors' Path State Park.
