Camping sites near Roan Mountain, Tennessee range from established campgrounds to dispersed wilderness areas across elevations from 2,500 to 6,200 feet. The seasonal temperature variations between campgrounds can exceed 15°F due to elevation differences, with higher sites like Grassy Ridge Bald experiencing nighttime temperatures below 50°F even in summer. Summer thunderstorms frequently develop in late afternoons, particularly along exposed ridges and balds.
What to do
Waterfall exploring: 5-mile round trip to Laurel Falls from Dennis Cove Campground provides access to a 40-foot cascade. "Very pretty sight with a lot of nice hiking trails all around. Fairly close to the Appalachian Trail. There is also a stop-n-go near the road coming into the site," notes Emily Grace M.
Fishing opportunities: Rainbow trout in the Doe River accessible directly from Roan Mountain State Park Campground. "Lovely camp, Doe River runs through so fly fishing is available. Husband did catch a rainbow trout near group tent sites. Several small brookies near the history center," reports Tracy D.
Backcountry camping: Grassy Ridge Bald offers primitive tent sites at 6,000+ feet elevation with panoramic views. "It's a short hike up from Carver Gap. There are several spots on the bald to pitch your tent. There are not too many spots to gather firewood. A few sites already have rock pits made for you. Super windy so dress appropriately!" advises Carissa D.
What campers like
Lakeside camping: Waterfront sites at Cardens Bluff Campground on Watauga Lake provide direct water access. "Situated on a peninsula, Cardens Bluff has great views and access to the lake for the outer campsites. The interior campsites are nice as well, with vegetation giving enough privacy between campsites," explains Blake E.
Mountain accessibility: Blue Ridge Parkway locations like Julian Price Park Campground offer direct trail access. "Julian Price Park is a beautiful campground just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. The campsites are separated into several loops. One loop is closer to the lake, the other loop has more availability and quite a range of campsites," shares Kirsten J.
Stream sounds: Creekside sites available at several campgrounds provide natural white noise. "The tent site we got, we could hear the running water from the stream. Bathroom and shower are clean and has heated water," notes Vic B. from Grandfather Campground.
What you should know
Weather unpredictability: Mountain elevations experience rapid changes and temperature drops of 20°F from valleys. "After a glorious hike up Roan Mountain and back down I crossed the road and hiked out along the three balds and found a few lonely trees to hang a hammock between. There was an evening thunderstorm over an adjacent mountain," recalls Kelly G. from Grassy Ridge Bald.
Seasonal closures: Most primitive sites and many established campgrounds close during winter months. "Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway operates from Apr 01 to Oct 29," according to park information.
Facility limitations: Many sites have basic or no amenities. "The bathroom (I think there is just one) is clean. The sites are clean! Lots of exploring around and the short hike is great for kids," explains Jenni O. about Dennis Cove Campground.
Reservation requirements: During peak seasons, advance bookings essential for established sites. "We were in campsite 62. Our loop was very private and shaded. The only negative point was the street light right across from us. It was pretty bright at night," reports Katrin M. about Roan Mountain State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Sites with recreation areas provide entertainment for children. "This campground is clean and beautiful. The hosts were very friendly. We brought our puppy on his first camping trip and it was close to Roan Mountain and lots of great hiking!" reports Natalie M. about Roan Mountain State Park.
Cabin options: Alternative accommodations for mixed comfort levels at Spacious Skies Bear Den for families not ready for tent camping. "My two teenage boys and I stayed in a 'Cozy Cabin'. They are bigger than they look in the picture. There is a countertop next to the front door and plenty of room for all of our gear," shares Timothy H.
Accessible trails: Shorter hikes suitable for children under 10. "The campground is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains...so beautiful! Quiet campground with hiking trails, small fishing lake, playgrounds, an arcade room, and camp store. One of the hiking trails leads to a waterfall," writes Emily B.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring additional equipment. "The site was quite un-level side to side, and we couldn't get our trailer completely level side to side. The site was a bit tough to maneuver into (doable, though!)," reports Tracy H. about Grandfather Campground.
Access road constraints: Mountain roads present challenges for larger vehicles. "The road up is good but extremely tight and windy at points so beware a wide trailer if you aren't used to this type of mountain driving," warns Nathan F. about Dennis Cove.
Electric/water availability: Limited full hookup sites means early reservations essential. "We stayed at C13 which was right across from the large playground in November. No noise issues, but it was dark by 6:30pm. May be different in the Summer," notes Charles S. about Spacious Skies Bear Den.
