Are you in need of a campground near Bristol, TN? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Bristol camping trip.
All of the park’s 106 family campsites have a grill and picnic table and are located near a *bathhouse with hot showers. A dump station is located at the campground check-in. The campground has 86 RV sites with water and electric hookups and 20 tent sites, each with water. The tent camping area does not have electric hookups. There are no sewer hookups in the campground.
*Off-Season Bathhouse Closures: November 1st through April 15th Bathhouses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 will be closed during the off-season. The 94 Bath House located in the lower area around sites 10 and 11 will be the only bathhouse open during the off-season.
Dumpsters and recycling bins are also located at the campground check-in. Wi-Fi is available throughout the campground. A cell phone booster is also located at the campground check-in that Verizon Wireless customers may use to assist with cell service.
Four group sites, which will accommodate approximately 25 people each, are available. The group sites are located just south of the individual tent-only camping area of the Roan Mountain State Park campground. They have large gravel tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and water spigots at each site. There is no electricity, camping is only allowed on the gravel pads (not in the surrounding grassy areas), and it is approximately a 1/4 mile walk to the nearest bathrooms/shower houses. These four sites may be reserved up to 12 months in advance.
Located on TN Hwy 143 at the base of the majestic 6,285 Roan Mountain, Roan Mountain State Park encompasses more than 2,000 acres dominated by rich hardwood forest along rugged ridges. The cool, clear Doe River winds its way through the center of the park and supports a healthy population of trout. Wildflowers and wildlife inhabit the hollows and ridges of the Roan foothills in abundance.
There are 30 comfortable cabins, as well as RV and tent camping at the 106-site campgrounds. Each cabin has a front porch with rocking chairs, fully outfitted kitchen, full bath, wood burning stove and gas/electric heat. Each campsite has a grill and picnic table and is located near a bathhouse with hot showers.
Visitors can hike along the creeks and ridges, tour the century-old Miller Farmstead or enjoy cross-country skiing in the winter months. There are approximately 12 miles of hiking trails and 2.25 miles of mountain bike trails. Difficulty levels range from easy to strenuous.
$14 - $54 / night
LITTLE OAK CAMPGROUND IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO IMPENDING WEATHER FROM HELENE. CLOSURE IS ANTICIPATED THRU MONDAY, SEPT 30, BUT COULD BE LATER DEPENDING ON DAMAGE ASSESSMENT. Little Oak Campground hugs the shores and inlets of beautiful South Holston Lake in Sullivan County, Tennessee. With a view of the Holston Mountain ridgeline and lake islands, Little Oak campsites are a relaxing setting for your vacation. There are 69 universally accessible campsites improved in 2012 including warm showers and a paved access road. Campground hosts are available on site to answer your questions.
Fishing is a popular activity for campers at Little Oak, with a concrete boat launch within the campground. Numerous campsites have easy access to the lake shore for tying off your boat. There are nearby trails for hiking and horseback riding. Children and adults enjoy riding their bikes on the roads between camping loops. There is also a lakeside grassy area popular for swimming and picnicking. There is an array of wildflowers to enjoy throughout the season, resident deer and turkey and other natural wonders for the naturalist in your group.
South Holston Lake is a 7,580-acre hydroelectric reservoir managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority and surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest. Holston Mountain and nearby Iron Mountain provide habitat for an array of wildlife including a healthy population of black bear.
Little Oak Campground is within 30 minutes of Bristol, Tennessee, and nearby Bristol Motor Speedway. Backbone Rock Recreation Area is approximately 30 minutes away up beautiful Shadey Valley, and just five minutes past Backbone Rock is Damascus, Virginia. Jacobs Creek Campground and Swim Area is 25 minutes away for another view of South Holston Lake.
$10 / night
The Main Campground campsites are equipped with water and electric hookups. All campsites also include a grill and fire ring. Restrooms and heated showers are available.
For your convenience, you can purchase firewood at the camp store during your stay.
CARDENS BLUFF IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO IMPENDING WEATHER FROM HELENE. CLOSURE IS ANTICIPATED THRU MONDAY, SEPT 30, BUT COULD BE LATER DEPENDING ON DAMAGE ASSESSMENT. At nearly 2,000 feet elevation, Cardens Bluff Campground is located on a peninsula overlooking the 6,430-acre Watauga Lake in Carter County, TN. There are 43 sites, primarily for tent camping. There is a bathhouse with showers and flush toilets. No electrical hookups are provided. Day use areas are located nearby for those wanting to take advantage of swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities. Campground Hosts are on site to answer questions and assist with your visit.
Boating is popular for visitors to Cardens Bluff. Numerous campsites provide easy water access for kayaks, canoes and motorized boats. Swimming and fishing are also very popular activities at Cardens Bluff. Watauga Lake provides notably clean water for recreating.
Watauga Lake is a 6,430-acre hydroelectric reservoir managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority and surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest. Directly across the lake from the campground is the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness area, a rugged, undeveloped mountain range with only the Appalachian National Scenic Trail within its boundaries.
The nearby Rat Branch Boat Launch is an easy quick drive from the campground for campers with motor boats. Shook Branch Swim Area is also nearby on the shores of Watauga Lake. Big Laurel Branch and Pond Mountain Wilderness areas are located north and south of the campground for more rugged, backcountry hiking.
$12 / night
Late Cabin/Lodge/Yurt/Camping Cabin/Bunkhouse Arrivals:
A sealed packet of information with your last name will be left for you. This packet will be at one of the following places: contact station, visitor center or park office. Claytor Lake and First Landing will leave your packet at the cabin. Your last 4 digits of your confirmation number will be your access code. Please take your confirmation letter with you.
Late Camping Arrivals:
A sealed packet of information with your name will be left for you. This packet will be at one of the following places: contact station, visitor center, park office or the campground camp host site. Please take your confirmation letter with you. If you have a site specific reservation please look for your site highlighted by the yellow post along with your site number. If you have a non-site specific reservation please look for your site type to set up your equipment.
$25 - $40 / night
Located along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway in the lush green expanses of North Carolina, Julian Price Campground is a top destination for boating, hiking, fishing and more. Whether it's for a family camping excursion or a peaceful getaway, this campground has something for everyone. Some campsites at this facility are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Status of these sites is not available online.
Canoe rentals are available at Price Lake, and other types of non-motorized boats are permitted. Fishing is also available at the lake, with a dock provided.Price Lake Trail offers a refreshing hike around the edge of the water, and the Boone Fork, Green Knob and Tanawha Trails are just a few of the trails that are conveniently accessed through the campground. Hebron Falls: A small waterfall accessed from the Boone Fork Trail. The Cascades: A beautiful waterfall accessed by the easy 1-mile loop Cascades Trail. A great hike for children. Moses Cone Flat Top Manor: A historic estate house (currently undergoing restoration) once owned by the Cone family. The grounds offer 25 miles of carriage roads to hike. Tours of the home are available. Currently houses the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Wildlife viewing is also popular as campers have a good chance of spotting bears, grouse, turkeys, owls, hawks and more.
Julian Price Campground is adjacent to Price Lake, a pristine body of water that sparkles against the backdrop of rolling Carolina hills. The surrounding forest offers hemlock, white pine, oak, hickory and birch trees, along with a colorful assortment of wildflowers in the spring and an array of vivid orange and red foliage displays in autumn. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic byway that follows the high crests of the central and southern Appalachians for 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.
The beautiful town of Blowing Rock, located just 20 minutes away on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offers fine dining, shopping and more.
$30 / night
Escape to Spacious Skies Bear Den, your gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains, located within the stunning Pisgah National Forest. Choose from fully equipped RV sites, rustic tent spots, or cozy cabins for your perfect stay. Hike scenic trails to hidden waterfalls, explore playgrounds, the rec hall, or relax by the swimming lake. Conveniently located near Milepost 324.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Bear Den offers easy access to breathtaking views at the Bear Den Overlook and endless mountain adventures. With full hook-up sites, water/electric options, and cabin rentals, we cater to every camper. Enjoy modern comforts like a camp store, bathhouses, and laundry facilities, ensuring a perfect blend of nature and convenience. Book now and experience your unforgettable Blue Ridge Mountain adventure!
$25 - $999 / night
$20 / night
Blue Bear Mountain Camp offers year round camping experiences for every type of outdoor enthusiast. Car accessible tent and RV sites in a natural setting. Hike in sites for those looking for a little more adventure and privacy. Stargazer Domes and Cabin rentals for guests wanting a rustic, mountain getaway while staying in comfort. Located just 8 miles north of Boone, NC on over 150 acres of pristine mountain land, miles of hiking trails, a trout pond and spacious low density sites allow the guest to get away from it all in a rustic, remote setting. In the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. At 4,000 feet elevation, come enjoy cool mountain breezes and mild temperatures. Blue Bear Mountain is a scenic location for large events such as weddings, corporate events and family reunions. Come Get away from it all at Blue Bear Mountain!
$25 - $136 / night
Scout
The little old lady that owns the place does her best to keep up with the place. Bought equipment and hires help to do the work around the place. Shes a little old school but if you give her the time and sit and talk with her youll know her intent. Been here a week and happy so far. The price is 600 a month, full hook up, the water is clean, cell service is 1-2 bars for att phone, enough to run my hotspot and stream movies and facetime, location is just outside yuppyville and close to everything. Id say give it a shot to someone looking
Guide
I have visited This little Gem in East Tenn. For the Best part of my life. I have seen this place change from the small little campground & Swimming Pool , with the little Cabin starting in the mid 80's. As a Family Reunion was always Scheduled there for the Nickles,Hicks,Dykes, Edwards clan.And the best memories of my Crazy Partying Parts & Aunts .But always respected the other Members
This has included some of my best Fishing Memories,catching a Monster of. CatFish in the back honey Hole! Made my Father so proud.
So of course as a Father of 3 sons,who now are having children of their own. I of course made sure they had there fill of this great place.
Guide
I visited in July 2024. This is a great older campground. It has been well taken care of over the years. The Rangers on staff are great. There are no showers on site, but there are flushable toilets. There are a couple of potable water sources on the property. There is easy access to multiple sightseeing areas. Great place to go and camp.
Scout
Spacious Skies Bear Den in North Carolina offers an ideal blend of relaxation and adventure for families. With clean facilities, friendly staff, and activities for all ages, it's perfect for camping enthusiasts. While roasting marshmallows, you might even envision levels from Geometry Dash as you unwind by the fire. Explore stunning hiking trails and nearby attractions, ensuring a memorable outdoor experience by the Blue Ridge Parkway.
GuideThe views were incredible!! Love the size of the sites and ease to get to them.
Guide
2 Stars but just for the view. I was looking for a dispersed campsite after trail riding in the area, so I thought I would give this place a shot because of everything I have heard about the sunset views from here. The sunset was amazing but unfortunately the areas around the established fire rings had trash and a lot broken glass scattered about. I had my dog with me so we just called it a day after the sunset and did not stay. This looks to be an area that kids use to party. I would have stayed in the beauty spot parking area however it was already occupied and wanted to give them their space.
Traveler
Older but absolutely beautiful park located right on the lake. The park is very well maintained and the staff are super friendly. The views of the mountains meeting the lake are absolutely stunning. Highly recommend!
Guide
My partner and I took our dog on a quick impromptu weekend trip, we drove about 2 hours. Once reaching the off road trail my partner got nervous, feeling as if our Forrester wouldn’t make it up. My advice… come prepared. I got. Flat on the way up and was able to make it to my campsite. The campground was well kept, well placed, not to mention the next morning part of the crew that maintains the area helped us fix our flat. Some of the other campers introduced themselves and were extremely friendly and helpful. Some had been camping there for 40yrs. The fire pits are well built and there is plenty of kindling and tinder to find right off the trails. If you’re comping at night time and want a fire bring a starter log. This time of year the wood was a little damp as we arrived late. Other than that bring plenty of water there are creeks and running water around but no running water at the sites, if you’re a must have shower person bring a shower bag. The sights were magical and the salt lick for the ponies wasn’t far so if you’re looking for a weekend getaway with great sites, a little adventure and a whole lot of beauty this campground is for you. This will definitely become a frequent for my partner and I
Guide
This spot is very nice, close to the water’s edge (although no camping allowed lakeside). There’s quite a few rings, bear bins, and a porta-loo. We had the place to ourselves which was really great. Camping is free, technically. (you need to purchase an Access pass from Virginia Wildlife for 4 dollars online, and add a camping authorisation to your account). The road was clear of Hurricane damage and very easy to get to. Would stay again!
Scout
Quiet campground with a private pond for fishing.
Guide
We arrive very late, after all day travels from Florida. My phone had three bars, Verizon 5G ultra wide signal.
Guide
This is actually from 2 years ago I never realized I forgot to write my review. And unfortunately this is right after hurricane Helene now I'm scared the campground may not be there anymore. But if so this was such a nice little campground!! Everybody was nice and helpful still stayed the last weekend they were open that year since they were closing for the fall. End of October. I was able to get my site right on the river like literally feet from the river and even had a nice fire ring and they sold firewood. Coming during the fall leave change man was it beautiful there. Hope I get the chance to come again!! 🙏
Scout
Love tent camping here, awesome views and great prices
Guide
Absolutely stunning views! I was a little sketched out going up as it was my first time driving up a mountain like that, but it really wasn’t bad. Watching the sunset was spectacular, then being able to star gaze.
RangerLarge County campground with electric and water with two pump out stations. spacious, hilly sites with some tree coverage along lake with boat ramp and capacity to tie your boat up at your site.
Recommend a surge protector on your camper as there are no breakers on the electric hook up at the site (clustered elsewhere).
Stayed here for a National water dog competition and the beach area was perfect for our group.
GuideDispersed camping free permit with Va wildlife, fishing, or use permit up to 14 days. Porta Jon available at campground and boat dock. Plenty of dead wood for fires. Trash cans available. Rocks for fire pits and no tables.
Guide
Laurel bed lake at top is beautiful. Waterfalls on way up and good fishing along the way in tumbling creek. Flat field area for camping on way. Several spots by creek for van or tent camping.
Guide
Hosts were nice and helpful. Thanks to Robbi and Darell. Everything was very clean and well kept. Cell service was 3 bars. Lake was beautiful!!
Scout
Paid in full in 2023 for 2024. Checked in May 2024, all good on reservations, stated looking forward to seeing me in September. August 31, 2024, received an email stating they could not accommodate me for the agreed upon reservation. Tried to call, went straight to voicemail, mailbox full.
ScoutWe've been going to Scales for several years now, & it's one of the few places we keep revisiting! Yes, the road in is rocky (& not short...probly 45 mins from the road to the campground), but anything with Subaru Outback ground clearance will be fine.
The campground itself is great! It's right on the AT, so there are lots of through hikers that you'll see stop in for a night. That also means that there's lots of great hiking options! Our favorite parts are the beautiful views, wild ponies, & it's (usually) relatively quiet!
Additionally, there are a lot of fire pits& there are pit toilets.
ScoutMy site was B82. Plenty of shade, very private on one side and pretty level,-1 from front to back. Most sites will require at least some leveling in the back and on the right side. The site was gravel and clean. Water and electric(30 amp) were fine. I was there a Monday thru Friday and it was VERY quite, I was the only one in my loop. I don't know if it's always like that or if it was a result of the campground only opening the Friday before my arrival due to damage/high water in the lake caused by Hurricane Debbie. It must be really busy on the weekends because they have a separate gate for campers already registered. Based on shade, privacy and level, I would recommend the following sites in B loop 10, 79, 80, 81 and 82. All sites in B loop had more trees between the next site as compared to Loop C. The downside to loop B is there is a lot of tent camping which can cause a lot of people in the showers. Loop B has it own 2 stall dump station, which was clean. There is a 4 station dump on the main road for the other loops. There were a lot of mosquitoes. I don't know if this was a result of the high lake water. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The Rangers patrolled on a regular basis. Now to the bathrooms. I agree with all the other comments. I don't know if it's always this way but the"comfort" station(toilets only) was only open Friday-Sunday. It only has cold water at the sink and no soap. The toilet stalls at the shower house were covered in spider webs. The sinks were filled with mosquitos. The floor wasn't swept or mopped during my stay. The doors of the shower stalls were very short. So short that any other user of the shower area could see entirely into the shower. Your fellow campers would know you very well. I drove thru Loop C and here are my observations. Loop C seems to be the favorite loop of the locals. It's has more lakefront sites which allows for boat docking. The sites didn't appear to have as much gravel as B. The shower house is MUCH better the the one in loop B. It had been remodeled and was clean and the shower doors were of a height that offered privacy. The water turn on is motion sensor and is activated when you enter the shower so be prepared. The water temperature is preset. The other loops were closed due to lake levels and hurricane damage so I could not observe them. The beach is small and not much. To access the bathroom at the beach you have to go to the adjoining campground loop bathroom. Verizon was 2 bars in the entire park. No local TV channels but some like Me TV, etc. No WIFI
Guide
So this is the most unusual place we’ve ever camped. I would call it a‘community where there are campsites’ more than a campground. The majority of the sites are populated by beautifully-kept tiny houses with RVs sprinkled in. The grounds are beautifully planted and tended, evoking a feeling of being in a park. The bathhouse rooms are clean, individual rooms and decorated. The swimming pool is large and clubhouse lodge well provisioned. This is what a camping resort should be(but minus the huge fees)! WiFi is standard; we opted for the Pay version and had great connectivity. You will lose cell service~ 20 minutes from the campground.
Starlite is a long-term community that evolved into providing a safe and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ folks looking for a serene mountain experience and this is an exceptional place. If you come with open mind and heart you will feel entirely welcome. My husband and I enjoyed all the people, dogs and kitties we met. We felt so safe and in this setting that we never even locked the RV when we left. Our site(79) was one of two transient camping sites feet away from the creek and a short walk to the lake filled with water lilies. The gravel site has FHU but currently is not level; the hosts have plans to revamp the site and extend the pad.
Follow the websites directions! You do NOT want to venture onto just any road up here, some of the roads are rough. Print directions before leaving home. The shortcut back dirt road between here and Blowing Rock is an adventure for a truck (only); just plan on driving it slow and it’s fine. Shockingly, as we returned from Blowing Rock the long way on Rt 321 our RV GPS program (in RV mode) kept trying to get us to take these mountainous dirt road shortcuts back to the camp. We might well have been stranded if we hadn’t known better.
Main Street Blowing Rock is a boutique shop haven. Great for strolling. Kilwins ice cream and candy shop in Blowing Rock is awesome, as is the spice shop beside it.
From downtown Blowing Rock you can hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway in minutes. South on the BRP you’ll quickly reach Moses Cone and Julian Price parks, both are great places to hike and picnic.
Scout
My teen daughter and I had a last minute midweek opportunity to go tent camping and they were so accommodating and friendly here. Beautiful riverfront grassy tent sites are serene and peaceful. Highly recommended
Guide
Me and my wife were looking to get away from theater apartment for a couple of days during a remodel. Well we didn't Wana travel to mountains to camp. And by Luck,we found one right basicly in the city close to everything,with great spots and Really great fishing for Trout,as This stream has been on many different Fishing platforms and Program. Is my new favorite spot overtaking the Blue Ridge parkway even.
ScoutGreat campground. Big private sites, lots of activities for teens. Great hiking right from the campground.
Scout
Great place with lots of shade
Guide
Booked a 3 night stay over the weekend and had the primitive camping area to ourselves. 5 spots with tent pads, picnic tables, fire pit, hanging poles, and bear box. Then there is a very large, communal fire pit, and an open but covered shelter with picnic tables and an outlet to charge your tech things. Water spigot at top, a little walk, uphill, for water. The camp store people said they are unable to use spigot nearby common shelter because it’s no good. 🤷🏻♀️ Glad we brought our large bladder so we weren’t constantly going up and down the hill for water. Camp store with some basics at entrance, and person on golf cart drives around checking on things. Trash dumpster, up the hill just past water spigot. Couldn’t have asked for a more peaceful place, especially for the price, $15/night. Took advantage of some of the hiking trails, which were well maintained and marked. Also, went and checked out the natural tunnel via chairlift. The other two campgrounds looked nice, with big, fancy bathhouses. And the cabins, wow, fancy! Hooray for Virginia State Parks!!
Camping near Bristol, TN, offers a mix of beautiful scenery, fun activities, and family-friendly environments. Whether you're looking for a cozy tent site or a spacious RV spot, there are plenty of options to explore.
Camping near Bristol, TN, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Bristol, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Bristol, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 235 campgrounds and RV parks near Bristol, TN and 21 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Bristol, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bristol, TN is Roan Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 45 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bristol, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 free dispersed camping spots near Bristol, TN.
What parks are near Bristol, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 30 parks near Bristol, TN that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
Keep Exploring
