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Best Tent Camping near Ducktown, TN

827 Reviews

Tent campsites near Ducktown, Tennessee range from established campgrounds to primitive backcountry areas in the surrounding mountains and forests. The region offers several options, including tent camping at Rocky Fork State Park and Blackberry Blossom Farm & Campground, where sites accommodate traditional tent setups with varying levels of amenities and accessibility in the Cherokee National Forest and nearby wilderness areas.

Most primitive tent camping locations near Ducktown provide basic amenities like fire rings and tent pads, though facilities vary significantly between sites. Rocky Fork State Park offers hiking-accessible tent sites with trash service but lacks drinking water, showers, or toilets. Access to many tent-only sites requires preparation, as one review noted, "There is no drinking water, picnic tables, or even pit toilet, so come prepared." High-clearance vehicles may be necessary for reaching some dispersed camping areas, particularly after rain when forest roads become difficult to navigate.

The surrounding mountains provide excellent opportunities for secluded tent camping experiences away from RV traffic. Tent-only areas typically offer more privacy and natural settings than developed campgrounds. A recent review mentioned that "each site has a firepit, picnic table, lantern pole, and a very large tent pad. There are no RV's allowed." Many primitive tent campsites are situated near water sources like creeks and rivers, offering both scenic beauty and practical access to water for filtering. Backpackers often use these tent sites as starting points for longer trail adventures, with the Appalachian Trail accessible from several nearby camping areas. Fall and spring typically provide the most comfortable tent camping conditions, with moderate temperatures and fewer insects than the humid summer months when preparing for afternoon thunderstorms becomes essential.

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Best Tent Sites Near Ducktown, Tennessee (60)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Ducktown, TN

76 Photos of 60 Ducktown Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Ducktown, TN

827 Reviews of 60 Ducktown Campgrounds

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 30, 2020

    Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area

    Beautiful & Free but Lots of Road Noise

    Just on the edge of Watauga Lake sits this free dispersed camping area that is perfect for tent camping only. This is a park outside the gate and walk your gear in type of place, some bring your IKEA bags or a wagon. Opportunities for fishing and boating are abundant. Most of campsites are large, very shaded, and have at least one fire ring. A handful of sites have direct water access, and are more private. 

    There is no drinking water, picnic tables, or even pit toilet, so come prepared. The only major problem is that folks tend to leave a ton of trash around, so we spent about an hour cleaning the entire campground. Please Leave No Trace! Also, we would not recommend camping here on a busy weekend because the road is very close and the trucks are very loud! 

    The nearest town is Butler, which is small but offers the basics such as groceries and gas.

  • Dave V.
    Aug. 29, 2017

    Mount Mitchell State Park Campground

    Lofty Blue Ridge Experience

    Mount Mitchell State Park, highest peak east of the Mississippi...6,684ft elevation... is located on The Blue Ridge Parkway, but it is still a bit of a climb (for foot or vehicle traffic) to get to the summit. https://www.ncparks.gov/mount-mitchell-state-park

    Getting here the day after the solar eclipse, it was still pretty busy...and if you are traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway...speed is only 45 mph, so do your calculations. There are only nine, yes, count them...nine tent camping sites. So reservations are a must if you want a site! The campground is open from May 1 to Oct 31...but if you walk-in to the sites, as in via the trails, you can rent a site amost all year.

    Tent sites are small, but nice. You get a timber lined tent pad, a crushed limestone area with picnic table, wooden lantern post, and a fire ring with flip grate...and a bear secure food storage bin. There are flush toilets between sites 3 and 7... and two water spigots nearby.

    If campsites are full and you desire to hike the trails, you can register your vehicle with office, leave it there in the parking lot and locate a place to make camp along the trails. There are also several free roadside sites marked with a brown plastic post with a small tent emblem on them. Ordinarily these are along a stream where you can gather water (filter it!)...but it is primitive (LNT!).

    The park has a restaurant, a museum, gift shop and an observation tower at the summit. Pretty cool that the observation tower is ADA...but steep.

    Check weather reports. These mountains make their own weather. And remember, for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, temperature decreases by 3 degrees (roughly...there is constant debate). So pack wisely. Surprisingly, though reports called for rain...we saw none.

    Great hiking and long mountain views are one of the draws. The walk up the Observation trail is paved but steep, so give yourself some time if you are wanting to capture the sunset. If hiking, there are a myriad of sites that offer maps, levels of difficulty and recommendations. Did I mention that if you are planning to hike for the day...plan and pack for weather?

    A worthwhile place to pitch your tent, but there are also several other campgrounds at lower elevations that also have great trails and more amenities.

  • Katrin M.
    Aug. 14, 2023

    Mount Mitchell State Park Campground

    Absolutely stunning

    First of all... it is very hard to reserve a campsite for the weekend. And I completely understand why. It is simply beautiful. The campground has just 9 walk in sites. We stayed at site number 1 which is the closest to the parking lot. It was very private ( I think the most private of all) but number 5 and 6 have the best views. All campsites come with a firepit, picnic table, and a lantern pole.
    The bathhouse is very clean but had no showers or hot water. A very nice ranger sold us some firewood which was available in the parking lot. There are several ways to go up to the summit. You can hike 0.6 miles, which starts on top of the campground, or you drive up. On top of the mountain is a observation tower, a gift shop, a little museum, and a drink and snack bar. The fact I loved the most, was the the nice cool temperature. It was in the lower 70's during the day and about 50 at night. Be careful with the weather. It can change very quickly. A ranger came by and warned us about a coming thunderstorm. We found shelter on the porch of the bathhouse. It was very nice to watch the rain and the wind. We would camp here anytime again. It is really worth it.

  • P
    Jul. 13, 2021

    Kingdom Come State Park Campground

    Quiet, beautiful views

    This campground in the Kingdom Come State Park has about 6 or 7 sites, and they are primitive with no running water, but good pads, picnic tables, food hangers, shade from trees, and fire rings. There are men's and women's bathrooms, with running water in the sinks, but no water faucets as in other camps, and no showers. I've camped there twice and only saw one other camper. It is very quiet and remote. The views from the outlooks at the top of the road are amazing. There is a lake for swimming, and plenty of trails. Bugs are minimal.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 2, 2021

    Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions and Campground

    Easy Access, Close to Town

    Just across the Virginia state line, this national forest offers multiple dispersed camping areas along Beaver Dam Creek. Opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, and paddling are abundant. Most of campsites are large, very shaded, along a beautiful treelined road, and surrounded by mountains. 

    There is no drinking water, picnic tables, or even pit toilet, so come prepared. The only major problem is that folks tend to leave a ton of trash around, so we often spend about 20-30 minutes cleaning these sites upon arrival. Please Leave No Trace! Our site had a good fire ring, and was on the edge of a creek that we could filter water from with ease.  Would not recommend for any vehicle larger than 20 feet as the potholed road and the tight turns to get up to the camp from the road would be tough.  4WD highly recommended, especially in mud season or winter.

    We stayed at this camp for 10 days during the pandemic shutdown and it was a lovely place to ride out this crazy storm.  Some road noise from the motorcycles that cruise the road, but only occasionally. The closest town is Damascus, VA, about 5 miles away. The town is small, but draws thousands of tourists each year who are either hiking the Appalachian Trail or cycling the famous Virginia Creeper bike path. It is equipped with a decent sized grocery store, gas, and couple of restaurants, and a cute downtown area. There is absolutely no cell service at this camp, you have to go into town or hike a local mountain to get service up high.

  • S
    Oct. 12, 2020

    Kingdom Come State Park Campground

    Lovely quiet, small tent campground

    Kingdom Come State Park is a little jewel in southeastern Kentucky! There are 6 tent sites (7 if they allow you to reserve the one next to the duck pond), each with a gravel drive, mulch tent pad big enough for two smallish tents, fire ring, and picnic table. The nearby shelter house provides restrooms and trash cans. The local ranger was most helpful in providing firewood (free!) and offering to bring us water to wash up with or for drinking (there is a water fountain across from the CG, but it wasn't turned on and there is running water in the restrooms). The area is known for bear activity, but we saw none. The surrounding mountains provide many short hikes that can be easily strung together to make for a longer trek if desired. We look forward to camping there again!

  • Melissa W.
    May. 30, 2019

    Linville Falls Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    BRP Mile Marker 316

    Another lovely campground along the BRP, close to Linville Falls and gorge, picnic area and visitor center.

    Erwin’s View Trail: Moderate Linville Gorge Trail: Strenuous {amazing view of falls}

    Get a map at the visitor’s center.. redundant: the gorge is rather crowded on the weekends.

    Check online for road closures when visiting the parkway.

    $20 per night

    There are 70 sites, some reservable sites and walk ins -and an RV loop {dump station} All sites non electric, generators permitted before quiet hours.

    Lovely rangers and camp host that I found to be pleasant and helpful.

    Open field sites, with decent sized pads, fire pits & picnic tables. Some of the sites are more secluded, the ones nearest to the parkway road.

    Dog friendly for leashed puppers 🐾 Kid Friendly

    There are bear lockers, keep food and supplies in the locker and in car at night.

    Alcohol is prohibited

    No showers but access to clean water and flush toilets.

    You may collect dead wood or bring in HEAT TREATED firewood that is certified with a federal seal.

    Local stores that sell wood and/or other supplies: Linville Falls Visitor Center/Park store Linville Falls General Store {8896 NC-183, Linville Falls, NC 28647- trinkets, camp supplies, cold drinks, non perishable food, Hunt Brothers Pizza etc} Walmart Supercenter, Spruce Pine, Ingles Food Store, Newland

    Nearby Attractions

    Linville Falls Linville Gorge “Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians”

    Falls Trail - 1.6 mi RT/easy The Gorge Trail - 1.4 mi RT/ strenuous. The Plunge Basin Trail- 1mi RT/ moderate. Leashed dogs permitted 🐾

    BRP Linville Canverns Crabtree Falls, Burnsville Grassy Creek Falls NC Gem Museum

    The campground is laid out well, spacious, clean and located near awesome trails, falls, look outs and shops and restaurants.

  • Stephanie J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 15, 2019

    Greenheart Forest

    Forest Bathing and Beauty at Greenheart Forest

    (As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I am occasionally given the opportunity to stay at campgrounds to help expand the listings on the site. I was given the chance to stay at Greenheart Forest through this program.)

    Located in Pisgah National Forest, Greenheart Forest labels itself as a place of healing, and that description could not be more accurate. David and Jeannette, the owners, are both incredibly nice. From our initial phone call, to meeting them, to when we said goodbye, they were so kind and conversational in all of our interactions.I spent a lot of time talking to David about his passion—and the mission of Greenheart Forest—of forest bathing and terra psychology. 

    The campground itself is both small and large. There are only five sites available for booking, but they are considerably spaced out, and the sites themselves are very large. While the sites are technically“drive-in,” the road to get to them is very difficult to navigate unless you have 4-wheel drive, so when planning the trip, plan to either hike-in(about 200 yards or so), or to pay$5 each direction for David or his wife to provide portage of your gear. When we went it was raining pretty heavily and my front-wheel drive RAV-4 could not make it, so we took advantage of David’s truck. 

    Site 1 is the closest to the lodge/parking lot, with a covered picnic table. Site 2 is the“glamping” site, available at an upcharge; David has a 10-person tent, 2-room tent set up that includes two cots in one“room,” and a rug and chairs in the other. This site is huge, with a large fire ring, and ample room to set up other tents. We stayed here and were able to set up a second tent and a screen shelter with room to spare. Site 3 is also very large, with wooden benches around the fire ring, a gravel tent pad, and plenty of ground space for additional tents. This is also the site closest to the“privy;” a pop up tent set up around a bucket with toilet paper and a bucket of leaves to aide in decomposition.(There is a bathroom with running water in the lodge as well.) Sites 4 and 5 are the furthest from the lodge, with site 5 being the most private and slightly downhill from the others. This site was occupied when we went so I could not get a good look at it, but the privacy it had was incredible. 

    These are tent sites only; they will not accommodate RVs, and sites 3 and 5 are not accessible by vehicle, but by short trails past the other campsites. There is no electricity at the sites, and water is available at the lodge but must be carried the rest of the way. 

    The road that takes you to sites 1 and 2 stretches towards the edge of David’s property, and ends in a trail that takes you to the Max Patch summit via the Buckeye Ridge Trail, about 3 miles round trip from the campground to the summit. We did not get to explore the trail, but have been to Max Patch and it is incredible and well worth the walk if your trip allows time for it. 

    Even better than the wide and open campsites though, is the overall atmosphere David has created. He has a zen garden for walking and meditation, flowers everywhere, and community places set up both inside and outside the the lodge for talking to other campers. His background in Forest Bathing has led to building a place of love and healing, and it shows in everything from the moment you first turn into the driveway. We came with kids, and while everything was very child-friendly, this would be a wonderful place to come alone if you needed to get into the forest and clear your head, or with a retreat looking for a place to facilitate deeper healing or meditations.

  • A
    Nov. 2, 2018

    Camp Driftwood Asheville

    Camp Driftwood

    I found this campground through airbnb. They have tent camping as well as two cottages. The cottages are titled "Paddlers Paradise- Camp Driftwood Cottage" and have cable TV, a laptop friendly work space, heating, air conditioning, and a private entrance. The tent camping sites are titled "Camp Site- Camp Driftwood" and have fire rings, picnic tables, and access to a shared bathhouse and common area. Both of these have free parking and are located right on the French Broad River. The water is easily accessible and tubing is frequently seen along the bank. The entrance to the area is directly off the road, but has a VERY steep decline immediately following. Be cautious in driving too far up the bank as the path becomes soft, especially after a good rain. Overall, a small and personable camping option that is worth a visit!

Guide to Ducktown

Tent campsites near Ducktown, Tennessee provide access to the Cherokee National Forest's 650,000 acres and elevations ranging from 1,500 to over 4,000 feet. The region receives approximately 60 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forests and numerous streams ideal for camping. The Tennessee-North Carolina border area offers primitive camping options with varying regulations depending on forest service jurisdiction.

What to do

Riverside relaxation: Hot Springs Campground sits directly on the French Broad River, offering easy access for water activities. "We have spent many great times at Hot Springs camp grounds! Can play on the French broad river and then take a soak in the hot mineral tubs," notes camper Grant D.

Whitewater adventures: USA Raft Adventure Resort provides guided rafting trips on the Nolichucky River. "We whitewater rafted, the guides were excellent and it was an awesome trip. The AT meanders along the River and is easily accessible from the campground," explains Shelly S.

Mountain hiking: The region offers access to significant portions of the Appalachian Trail. "A bucket list trip to step foot on the APP and spend time wandering Hot Springs NC," shares Kate M. about her stay at Hot Springs Campground.

What campers like

Natural water features: Hot Springs Campground combines camping with therapeutic options. "Nice and quite and right by the river. The AT is nearby and the hot springs spa is a must hit after a long weekend of hiking and canoeing," says Alex K.

Social atmosphere: USA Raft Adventure Resort offers a balance of nature and amenities. "Great sites right by the river for tents, various unique styles of 'cabin camping' along the river and off the river, great staff (brings wood to you!) and if you have family members who don't wanna rough it they have a great bar(beer, food, music)by the river with WIFI."

Farm experience: Blackberry Blossom Farm & Campground offers a unique agricultural setting. "I have never been to a cleaner, more beautiful campground in my life. The facilities are up to date, the bathhouse is spotless, and the campsites themselves are clear and well-maintained. I found the dishwashing station (with hot water!) to be especially convenient," reports Bird H.

What you should know

Facility limitations: Rocky Fork State Park Campground offers primitive camping only. "There are trails of wide variety in length and difficulty from nearly flat to very difficult. This state park opened in 2015 and is still under construction. Currently there are connecting trails into Cherokee National Forest as well as excellent trout fishing in streams that are stocked weekly during summer," explains Meridith M.

Site proximity: Some campgrounds place sites close together. At USA Raft Adventure Resort, "The only downside is that the campsites are on top of each other. If your looking for privacy, this isn't the place. Otherwise, friendly staff, riverfront, and a bar," reports Jay J.

Reservation reliability: Be prepared for flexibility at some locations. "Be flexible if you stay here, their reservation system leaves a lot to be desired, but it is a very layed back and enjoyable stay," notes a camper about USA Raft Adventure Resort.

Tips for camping with families

Creek-side sites: Blackberry Blossom Farm & Campground offers family-friendly options. "We stayed at one of the drive up spots that are near the bathhouse and a small babbling creek. Woke up to the awesome sounds of nature!" shares Angie A.

Multiple accommodation options: Some campgrounds offer alternatives for family members who prefer not to tent camp. "I van camped, a Bell Tent, Avion camper, Geodome, and mini house was rented. All pretty well maintained," notes a camper at USA Raft Adventure Resort.

Kid-friendly water access: The Laurels Picnic Area, while not for overnight camping, provides day-use options. "Great place to take kids for picnic and to play in the Creek," recommends Bill T.

Tips from RVers

Limited full hookup availability: Hot Springs Campground offers RV sites but with limitations. "Nice clean gated park. Nice big spots. Only 3 fifty amp full hook up sites. Lots of 30 amp and tent camping. Right on the river," advises Sonya A.

Site types and terrain: RV campers should check site specifications before booking. "Dirt site by the River all hook ups. They also have small cabins and tent sites. Walking distance to trails and town. Spa with hot spring hot tubs across the street," describes Karen P. about Hot Springs Campground.

Seasonal considerations: Fall and spring typically have milder temperatures, while summer can bring afternoon thunderstorms requiring adequate shelter and drainage considerations for RV campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ducktown, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ducktown, TN is Hot Springs Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.

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