Best Campgrounds near Bristol, TN

The Bristol area in eastern Tennessee features a mix of established campgrounds and lakeside recreation areas, with several options for RV, tent, and cabin camping within a 30-mile radius. Little Oak Campground on Watauga Lake provides secluded waterfront sites about 7 miles from the main road, while Shadrack Campground offers year-round accessibility closer to Bristol Motor Speedway. The region includes both Tennessee state parks like Warriors' Path and privately operated facilities such as Cherokee Trails Campground, which provides tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals approximately 20 minutes from downtown Bristol.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with some campgrounds requiring navigation along winding mountain roads. "Quiet, secluded little gem in the woods! Sites and facilities are well kept and clean. Long way from Bristol, so don't forget anything," noted one camper about Little Oak Campground. Most established campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through October, though several remain open year-round. Cell service can be limited at more remote locations, particularly those nestled in valleys or surrounded by higher terrain. Travelers should check reservation requirements, as many campgrounds fill quickly during NASCAR race weekends and summer holidays.

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, with several campgrounds offering direct lake or river access. Observation Knob Park and Little Oak provide boat-in camping options on Watauga Lake, while Warriors' Path State Park sits along Fort Patrick Henry Lake. Campers frequently mention the peaceful settings and clean facilities at these locations. The proximity to outdoor recreation opportunities represents another highlight, with easy access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and water activities. For those seeking more amenities, campgrounds like Roan Mountain State Park feature full hookups, camp stores, and organized activities. Noise levels vary significantly, with sites closer to Bristol experiencing more traffic sounds, while more distant locations offer greater tranquility but require longer drives to access services and attractions.

Best Camping Sites Near Bristol, Tennessee (236)

    1. Little Oak Campground

    23 Reviews
    Shady Valley, TN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 735-1500

    $12 / night

    "Long way from Bristol, so don't forget anything."

    "This campground is located about an hour or so from our home but it feels like a million miles away — in a good way!"

    2. Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground — Warriors' Path State Park

    26 Reviews
    Kingsport, TN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 867-2757

    "We had a change of plans and made reservations at Warrior Path State Park on a whim - and are VERY glad we did."

    "This beautiful 970 acre Tennessee State Park is located on the shores of the 900 acre Patrick Henry Reservoir on the Holston River in Sullivan County."

    3. Sugar Hollow Campground

    9 Reviews
    Bristol, VA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 645-7275

    $20 / night

    "Trails right off the campground to walk around the park, not huge but nice. Close off the highway but no road noise."

    "From the road you wouldn’t guess there’s a giant park beyond the entrance. The rangers at the entrance were super friendly, but they patrol a lot, so often no one is actually at the gate house."

    4. Cardens Bluff Campground

    17 Reviews
    Hampton, TN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 735-1500

    $12 / night

    "Situated on a peninsula, Cardens Bluff has great views and access to the lake for the outer campsites."

    "Booked site 13 online for the last weekend before the season ended in October 2021, but the hosts caught us at check-in and moved us to site 32, which was right next to the water."

    5. Roan Mountain State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Roan Mountain, TN
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 547-3906

    $14 - $54 / night

    "It is located in Roan Mountain Tennessee. The campground has clean bathhouses with hot showers."

    "Fire pits you had to walk up to but were away from tents, which I liked. Bathhouse was clean, well lit, pretty warm showers. Campground was very clean and has a lot of amenities."

    6. Shadrack Campground

    3 Reviews
    Bristol, TN
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 217-1181

    $28 - $40 / night

    "Close to Bristol Speedway, immaculate bath house and laundry, office staff is very friendly and helpful,well kept sights and maintenance and camp host during race time are superb"

    7. Observation Knob Park

    4 Reviews
    Shady Valley, TN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 878-1881

    $25 - $35 / night

    "We do lots of walking, so this campground has many drives to walk. Takes no time at all to walk a mile plus without going the same drive. Many shaded sites, lots seem to be seasonal."

    "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."

    8. Lakeview RV Resort

    3 Reviews
    Bluff City, TN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 538-5600

    "It is one of the best campgrounds around. Priced right, clean, fantastic scenery, ideally located. Make a reservation you won't regret it"

    9. Cherokee Trails Campground and Stables

    2 Reviews
    Bristol, TN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 391-0118

    $15 - $45 / night

    "Campground consist of a fire ring in the middle with benches and tables surrounded by back-in camp sites. There was a nice clean bathhouse with showers. Free firewood."

    10. Friendship Rd

    3 Reviews
    Shady Valley, TN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 735-1500

    $30 - $95 / night

    "I came here on a couple of break days while working at a nearby summer camp and it was such a fun experience. The lake surrounded by mountains was breathtakingly beautiful."

    "Nestled next to the.Holly River. Prices were good."

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Recent Reviews near Bristol, TN

1057 Reviews of 236 Bristol Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Old NC 105 Dispersed

    Amazing views and Free camping

    This place is amazing, Free and clean campsites.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC

    Good spot!

    Spent two nights here at a site right next to the creek, which was awesome listening to the running water as you fall asleep. Easy to get to, just a forest service road. A 4x4 makes it easy but there were minivans and junkyard beaters driving by. There are multiple sites along the service road and not too close to each other.

  • xGYABx L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

    Great Getaway and stay

    We spent 1 night out here on a Saturday Night it is very secluded away from everything only downside was had 2 drive at least 10 miles 2 get cell service and the site is close 2 the road so we can hear a lot of traffic

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Baileyton KOA Holiday

    Nice overnight stop

    We are headed from Atlanta to Fredericksburg VA for a wedding. This is a very nice place for an overnight stop, probably one of the nicest for a KOA. Very clean and tidy campground. Mostly level, gravel sites. But some grass between sites! Some shade. Full hookups. Clean bathroom & shower. Pool, playground, driving range, big water slide. The internet is VERY slow. Also lots of road noise from I-81. Gift shop & convenient store in office. We’ve taken our travel trailer to 48 states, and have found KOAs generally convenient, but not much more. This place is definitely above average

  • Katrin M.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Royal Oak Campground — Hungry Mother State Park

    Beautiful campground in the woods

    We camped here over the weekend with our dogs. The campground was fantastic. All campsites are on platforms, which makes it very nice to set up your stuff. The sites have the usual amenities like a picnic bench and table, a firepit, and a lantern pole. The bathhouse was very clean and taken care of. There are several spigots with drinking water through the campground. The bathhouse also has a dishwasher station. There are multiple trails within walking distance. The park is very well maintained and clean. You can hike, swim, or rent a canoe.
    We would camp here anytime again.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Around Pond RV Park

    Very nice stop over campground

    Stayed for one night as a stop over on our trip home. Easiest check in we have ever had. Pulled up to the staging area near the office and didn’t even have to get out of the truck. Guy came up on a golf cart and confirmed my name. Took us right to our spot which was a full hook up pull through. Site was gravel and completely level. A lot of full time campers here but that doesn’t bother us at all. Nice little pond to walk the dogs around or just sit and relax. There is no store or pool but we never use those anyway. There is a laundry on site and a good size area with grills and picnic tables to use if you want. Sure it’s not a KOA with all the amenities but for a stop over or even a few day stay it’s fine. And ONLY $39 a night ! Btw KOA right down the road wouldn’t accept our reservation because they require a 2 night minimum.

  • Josh G.
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Rock Creek Recreation Area

    Tall trees, nice views and cool temps.

    We stayed in campsite #31. It's more than partially shaded. Cellular reception is fair. The sight is level. It was hard for me to back into with a 21' bumper pull. There is a campsite marker directly in front of the driveway that obstructs the backing angle. The temperature is cooler than in Erwin. Water hookups are scarce, there are three per loop. The camp host and rangers were very helpful and nice.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Rock Creek Recreation Area

    Nice family campgroung

    Convenient location in the Cherokee National Forest that is close to the Appalachian Trail and the Nolichucky River. Campground is popular with families and busy on weekends. Sites are levelish, semi-private, and wooded. Loop B has power poles at each site (didn't check the other loops) and a nice bathhouse. Host was particularly helpful.

  • Cassondra P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Mountain River Family Campground

    Beautiful clean campground

    We absolutely loved our stay here! This campground was destroyed by Hurricane Helene in 2024 and they have already built back a beautiful fully functioning campground

    The sites are so clean with flowers planted around electric and water boxes, easy to access sites

    I loved sitting along riverbanks having fire, reading my book while family fished

    Owners were so nice and welcoming, gave us directions to access falls/overlooks

    If we are ever in the area again we Will definitely be back!


Guide to Bristol

Camping near Bristol, Tennessee offers varied terrain with elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,200 feet across the region's foothills and mountain areas. The Cherokee National Forest encompasses much of the area, providing accessible camping with water features that remain suitable for recreation from mid-April through mid-October. Water levels at South Holston and Watauga lakes fluctuate seasonally, affecting some waterfront camping access.

What to do

Kayaking on South Holston Lake: Little Oak Campground provides direct water access for paddlers. "There are few places that I've been to that top this location. Super easy camp ground to get to with excellent paved roads in very close to each of the Tri-Cities. The camp ground is well organized with many amenities including super easy access to the water on all sides," notes Nathan F.

Horse riding opportunities: Located 20 minutes from Bristol, Cherokee Trails Campground and Stables offers equestrian facilities alongside camping. "Way up the road! It's a nice place once you get here on the narrow country road. Nice clean bathhouse. Cabins, RV spots mostly level, paddocks for horses. Lots of exploration in the woods potential," explains reviewer Mimi.

Fishing access: Multiple sites offer bank fishing or boat launch facilities. "Great place to camp and fish," reports Bill T. about Cardens Bluff Campground. Experienced anglers recommend early morning hours for best catches, particularly for bass and trout in the mountain lakes.

What campers like

Waterfront campsites: Little Oak Campground receives consistent praise for its lake setting. "Very kid-friendly super spacious campsites every site is right on the lake with amazing sunsets every night. Only wish they had electricity," writes Tiffany G. Sites closest to the water typically book 3-4 months in advance during summer.

Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention well-maintained bathhouses at several parks. "The bath houses were very clean... Nestled next to the Holly River. Prices were good," notes Doug S. about the Watauga Lake area. This contrasts with more remote sites where facilities may be more rustic.

Swimming opportunities: Natural water access provides cooling options during hot summer months. "Swim at sunset when the boats go quiet. Spacious sites; peaceful campground; clean showers," recommends Van M. about Little Oak Campground. Swimming areas without lifeguards operate under swim-at-your-own-risk policies.

What you should know

Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the region operate from April through October. "Most sites have a view of South Holston Lake and trail access to the water. Shower house were clean. All sites are primitive," explains Hank M. about Cardens Bluff Campground.

Campsite spacing varies significantly: Some areas offer more privacy than others. "Sites were right on top of one another and extremely crowded—felt like a tailgating party in a parking lot," reports Karin P. about Warriors' Path State Park. Sites numbered 50-75 at Warriors' Path typically offer more separation between neighbors.

Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies throughout the region. "The only thing keeping me from giving this park a 5* review was the bath houses. While they are most definitely adequate there were few out of order making it difficult to get in to shower," writes Jedidiah J. about Warriors' Path State Park.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Warriors' Path State Park offers dedicated play areas for children. "This amazing 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!" shares Natalie A.

Educational opportunities: Some parks offer ranger-led programs. "This is an enjoyable State Park with a lot to offer. The rangers and staff may be the nicest we've encountered. They have a full docket of activities, ranger-led hikes, games, crafts and wildlife lectures offered throughout the day," notes Sara M. about Warriors' Path State Park.

Kid-friendly hiking: Several shorter trails accommodate younger hikers. "Brought our family here for the end of spring break and had a blast. The kids loved riding thir bikes and scooters on the paved road through the park. My son and I enjoyed a round of disk golf while my wife and daughters made use of their awesome playground," explains Jedidiah J.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling requirements: Sugar Hollow Campground requires preparation for uneven terrain. "Best suited for smaller RVs but there are a couple of spots for larger ones," advises Kevin E. RVers recommend carrying extra leveling blocks for most sites in the region.

Reservation timing: For Roan Mountain State Park, booking well in advance is essential. "The upper numbered sites on the hillside are very private compared to most campgrounds. We have really enjoyed our stay in this beautiful place," shares Brian D. Sites with electrical hookups typically book 6-8 weeks in advance during peak season.

Power management: Electrical reliability varies between campgrounds. "Recommend a surge protector on your camper as there are no breakers on the electric hook up at the site (clustered elsewhere)," advises Eleanor about Observation Knob Park. 30-amp service is standard at most facilities, with limited 50-amp availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Bristol, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Bristol, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 236 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 Little Oak Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 23 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 Cherokee National Forest and John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir.