26 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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.
"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!"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $10 / night
"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."
"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."
from $20 / 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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $12 / night
"Great amenities for kids, clean restrooms and showers, several spots with easy access to lake"
"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."
from $25 - $35 / 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."
Available this weekend
"It is one of the best campgrounds around. Priced right, clean, fantastic scenery, ideally located. Make a reservation you won't regret it"
"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"
from $28 - $40 / 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."
from $15 - $45 / 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."
from $30 - $95 / night
GuideThis is an amazing campsite in Norton, VA. It’s really well maintained and the views are beautiful. It was empty on the late fall weekend that we were there. There are electrical hookups and bathhouses
Take a quick drive up and check out Flag Rock, the Woodbooger statue and High Knob while you’re there!
FYI - The campground is closed from 10/31/26 until 5/15/2027.
GuideWe have a lovely evening camping off Forest Service Road 982. The road was gravel and windy, narrow and steep embankments, we went a few miles up before turning around to choose a spot. No supernatural activity to report sleeping in the Appalachian Mountains. Also saw no ginseng. It was a great spot, slept to the sound of the babbling brook and one single cricket nearby. Would recommend if you’re in the area looking for primitive dispersed camping. Finding dry downed firewood was difficult. If you have a hard time w your fire starting skills-I’d recommend bringing your own wood. I got it started eventually-but was definitely effort, skill and time consuming!
Short drive to Brown Mountain overlook was good view of mountains.
GuideMother nature is amazing and helps relieve stress from the ones who never deserved to be around you to take and cover it up. So I'll run to God's beauty, and enjoy my fire at the same time. Come on baby light my fire! ;)
TravelerEasy to get to, cheap, good bathrooms.
ScoutNobody was here on Sat. Had gard time finding site. Site reserved did not have 30 amp and could not reach staff. Moved to other site hoping it would not be a problem. We were able to finally reach staff on Mon. Also no pcknick tables or fire rings.
ScoutNice camp and staff friendly. We drive the Blue Ridge Pkwy which was a bit of drive but the ride up to Mt Mitchell was beautiful. Only negative was the laundry rooms were small for a large camp like this but I made it work. Probably a bit more challenging during busy season but all that said this is a nice campground
ScoutGreat camping spot! Road isn’t horrible going up but there are some rougher areas toward the end of the road. Gorgeous sunset and sunrise spot! Fire rings seemed fairly abundant at the pull offs.
TravelerAbsolutely one of the most beautiful campgrounds that we have visited, and super clean. Such a great location for hiking and viewing the Blue Ridge Pkwy!
ScoutLet me first start by saying that this campground is absolutely beautiful. I have lived in this area my entire life and the Doe is one of my favorites. I am a avid camper and have camped all over this area. I decided to give this place a try, I own a small pop-up camper and knew it was going to get cold 10/20/2026-10/22/2026, so me and my sister rented the RV at Doe River. #1 check in is not until 3pm, I always order a load of wood from a local guy who delivers to camp sites, I do all my cooking in a Dutch oven over the fire or burgers and dogs in the fire, what is a camping trip without a nice warm fire. The owner came over to my campsite and asked if I had ordered this wood and I replied yes, she then asked what I was going to do with it all, I replied I am going to burn it. So, I told Carl (the wood guy) where to stack it, the owner then said that I need to leave it in my truck bc if I didn't use it all I would have to put it back on my truck and take it home with me, I said really? It's just a unspoken rule that if you don't use all your wood that you pay it forward and leave it for the next camper?? She said absolutely not, So we moved the wood from his truck and into mine. She then asked again why I needed so much wood and that most ppl just buy small bundles from her. And just like that I understood! Carl the wood man and his wife also made a comment about how rude she was about the wood. It does not end there, Not only does she have camaras on some of the out blds which I get, but I don't get why they are pointing directly at camp sites, We felt like we were in a fish bowl the entire time. Every single time we went to the bathroom she showed up abt 5 mins later, There is a camara right above the bathroom door, One on the pavilion, and one on each side of the bathhouse, at the entrances and who know where else. So much for privacy in the great outdoors. I didn't even feel comfortable hiking, we felt like we were being watched constantly. She was constantly there, walking her dog which was not friendly and so big she could hardly control him on the leash which was really scary, she also was driving through several times throughout the day. Then came the kicker, about 1 o'clock in the morning we were freezing, I had turned the heat on in the camper before going to bed and heard it come on, Well the propane ran out between 11pm and 1am, I called her at least 10 times we had every blanket and was still freezing, We decided we would go to the bath house bc it had a mini split hanging on the wall, Out of luck there, it was set on air conditioning with no way to change it, so we found a blow dryer trying to get warm, still the entire time trying to call the owners, We finally ended up in our car until the husband arrived. He acted so annoyed at us and said all u have to do is fip the switch on the propane tanks outside! We had never stayed in a travel trailer before and according to them all we had to do was show up and start glamping!! So, I was supposed to know to go outside at 1 am and switch over propane tanks?? No, It should have been FULL when I got there!!! With attitude he said,"Its Basic Camping" No sir it's not, what I do is basic camping, I was told on the phone that I was glamping, She, the owner also said we should have called 911 when we could not get hold of them so that Carter County police officers could come and wake them up!!! Not sure if that is putting our tax dollars to good use?? Like I said it is truly a beautiful place and has great potential, we left that second night at 11pm because again the heat was not working, we have not asked for any refund we just took the loss. it would be to much of a hassle. We just know better next time. With owners like that they can keep it. Windy Wells/Debra Price
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 255 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 24 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.
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