Camping options near Elizabethton, Tennessee range from developed state parks to riverside campgrounds in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Roan Mountain State Park Campground, located about 20 miles south of Elizabethton, provides tent and RV sites with electric hookups, showers, and cabin accommodations. The Watauga Dam Campground operated by Tennessee Valley Authority sits directly in Elizabethton, offering full-hookup sites for both tent and RV camping. Several campgrounds in the area feature access to water recreation on Watauga Lake and the Nolichucky River, with most facilities concentrated along Highway 143 and the mountain valleys surrounding the city.
Seasonal considerations affect campground availability throughout the region, with many facilities operating on limited schedules. Cardens Bluff Campground near Hampton operates from April through early November, while Little Oak Campground runs a similar season from April to October. Several campgrounds provide year-round access, including Roan Mountain State Park. Cell service can be limited or non-existent at many locations, particularly those in mountain valleys or remote areas. One camper noted about Roan Mountain State Park: "Probably the most beautiful and peaceful state park in the country! Plenty of things to do to keep you busy here. Just take plenty of time to do research on this one."
Campers consistently highlight the natural beauty and water access as primary draws to the area. The Nolichucky River and Watauga Lake provide opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and swimming at several campgrounds. Many sites feature proximity to hiking trails, including access points to the Appalachian Trail from locations like Dennis Cove Campground and Boots Off Hostel & Campground. According to one visitor at Little Oak Campground, "This campground is located about an hour or so from our home but it feels like a million miles away — in a good way!" Visitors should note that some campgrounds have limited amenities, with several primitive sites offering vault toilets but no showers. The more developed facilities typically provide electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities, though site sizes and levelness vary considerably across the region. Elizabethton camping offers diverse options for outdoor recreation, with campgrounds strategically located to access both mountain trails and water activities.
$14 - $54 / night
"We woke up and everything we had outside was covered in mud. Also you may want to make sure you have everything before you leave."
"It is located in Roan Mountain Tennessee. The campground has clean bathhouses with hot showers."
$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."
$12 / night
"This campground is located about an hour or so from our home but it feels like a million miles away — in a good way!"
"**Holston Lake is absolutely beautiful. The campground is deep in the national forest, out on a series of peninsulas, making all the campsites quite close to the water."
"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."
"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."
"Perfect distance to Johnson City. We had a beer at Yee Haw and even brought back tasty Mediterranean dinner from Red Meze to the camp site. Do yourself a favor and book a night here."
$10 - $20 / night
"Water fill up spots are well positioned and each site has a fire ring. We stayed in spot #2 which is very close to the road, but it felt secluded and traffic is light."
"Really nice, small campground situated near several trails."
$20 - $50 / night
"There isn’t too much of any one activity in/near the campground but lots more in the greater area. Cons: just plan to drive to another area if you’re staying for a few days (not really a con though)."
"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."
$24 - $55 / night
"The camp store seems small on the outside but every time you look around, you find more stuff. Great for a peaceful getaway."
"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!"
$10 - $50 / night
"Stopped for a night on a cross country road trip. 12$/person gets you a shower, breakfast, access to supplies and some quality time with awesome people coming on and off the Appalachian Trail."
"Right by the AT and Watauga Lake with Kayak, Canoe, and Stand-up Paddleboard rentals available."
"Beautiful spots along Little Wilbur Lake! The campsite has firewood to purchase and canoes to rent. The bathhouse is very clean and well maintained."
GuideJust $20 for a spacious site in the woods with hook ups and Wi-Fi! It’s first come first serve, but on a June weekend there were many sites available when I arrived in the early evening not every site has water, so if that matters to you look carefully before you park your trailer or vehicle
ScoutGreat amenities for kids, clean restrooms and showers, several spots with easy access to lake
Scouttent site 32 is a gorgeous site that is beautiful maintained and sits right on Doe River. The Doe is so beautiful and the water cascades of small rock ledges. Perfect for cooking off and safe enough for children to splash around. We had our campervan so they allowed us in the tent area.
TravelerSuper simple. Big space and only 3 camping families tops. We had only one other - Yes please! Creek was so clear. BYO water and food. Fished, grilled, relaxed, kids went full feral for 24 hours. Everyone slept like logs and woke up to the creek. 5 stars always.
TravelerJust book. You will survive a night or two without electricity. Just plan accordingly. This was our third camping experience, we are learning as we go! This is the spot we wished we camped our first try. No cars on property is the bonus. Waking up to the creek is in fast the payoff! We had a waterfall to ourselves most of the time. Fishing was good (nothing too big, but plentiful). Walk up and down the creek through the neighbor's properties on both sides (which is legal), what amazing land! EB JEFFRESS is like 15 minutes away for hiking and a waterfall.
GuideStoping here for one night for a road trip. People were very curious about our set up. One of the workers was our neighbor and helped more than we needed, however he was great and we were very thankful. Pulled in kinda late. Helped us start a fire and kept it going with some fun tools. We do a lot of dispersed camping in RMNP and like to take our time with things. He was great to speed up our set up so we could relax. Talked with him about an hour. The grounds kept well. No issue. Bath house was good. Only improvement would be AC(if you care about that) But not needed. Fun activities to do aswell; driving range. Basket ball. Pool. Big slide(Saturday 11-noon). Super friendly staff.
ScoutThis place has an amazing view there's one more campsite earlier up on the road it has an even better view but this is still an 8 out of 10, it's perfect for a hammock setup it might be a little bit harder if you're trying to put a tent up in here. Clean site.
ScoutWe stayed for 5 nights and loved it! Someone was watching over us because the fire ban had been lifted the day we go there. Enjoyed the site by the creek and as promised, it was very peaceful and quiet. Showers and restrooms were very clean! Highly recommend this place!
GuideI have camped at this location multiple times. There used to be portable potties and trash cans. No longer. Pack in pack out now. Regularly patrolled by officers who are fantastic. I have a 23 dollar a year permit so camping is free. Beautiful lake and wildlife abundant.
Camping opportunities near Elizabethton, Tennessee range from stream-side tent sites to full-hookup RV accommodations within the Cherokee National Forest and along the Nolichucky River watershed. The area sits at elevations between 1,500-2,000 feet, offering cooler summer temperatures than nearby lowland regions. Winter camping remains available at select locations, though water systems are typically winterized from November through March.
Fly fishing opportunities: Roan Mountain State Park Campground provides access to rainbow trout fishing in Doe River. "Husband did catch a rainbow trout near group tent sites. Several small brookies near the history center," notes Tracy D. about the fishing options within the park.
Kayaking on Watauga Lake: Boots Off Hostel & Campground offers water recreation equipment rentals for lake exploration. One camper shares: "Right by the AT and Watauga Lake with Kayak, Canoe, and Stand-up Paddleboard rentals available."
Hiking to waterfalls: Rock Creek Recreation Area features a moderate 4-mile round-trip trail to Rock Creek Falls. A visitor describes the experience: "There is a nice, but fairly strenuous 4 mile up and back trail from the campground to Rock Creek Falls."
Quiet, secluded camping spots: Dennis Cove Campground offers peaceful sites within a forested setting. "The campground is in a nice secluded area that can be very silent and relaxing. The sites are well set-up and all are easy to access," explains Nathan F.
Convenient lake access: Cardens Bluff Campground features waterfront sites positioned on a peninsula. According to Blake E., "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."
Clean facilities: Camp Stonefly maintains well-kept bathroom facilities despite its small size. As one visitor notes: "Chatted with camp neighbors and yes—the bathrooms are thoughtfully curated and clean. No complaints. Perfect distance to Johnson City."
Campsite size limitations: Warriors' Path State Park has varied site dimensions that may not accommodate larger RVs. Jennifer H. advises: "The site was perfect for our 23 ft RV but pay attention to the site size as some RVs had issues getting their larger RVs in their sites with the road/site layout."
Limited water hookups: Rock Creek Recreation Area provides shared water access but with restrictions. One camper points out: "The website says there is shared water, which there is, but in B Loop, you can't hook a hose to it to fill your tank, as the spigot is not threaded. C Loop had at least some threaded spigots."
Seasonal campground closures: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules with Cardens Bluff open from April 13 to November 7 and Little Oak operating April through October. During peak seasons, many sites fill quickly, with one visitor noting about Watauga Dam Campground: "Book early it books up fast!"
Accessible playgrounds: Warriors' Path State Park features a specialized playground facility. A visitor mentions the park has "a Boundless Playground" that families appreciate for children of all abilities.
Swimming options: Rock Creek Recreation Area includes a natural swimming pool formed by damming a mountain stream. According to Robert L.: "There is a mountain stream running through the campground that has been dammed up to make a swimming hole that is quite large... water is very chilly even in late July."
Educational activities: Roan Mountain State Park offers ranger-led programs throughout the season. "The park also has events scheduled. They had a cloggers dance group when we were there, which was very nice," shares Katrin M.
Electric hookup availability: Little Oak Campground offers limited utility connections. As Tiffany G. notes: "Very kid-friendly super spacious campsites every site is right on the lake with amazing sunsets every night. Only wish they had electricity."
Leveling requirements: Many campgrounds in the area require leveling equipment due to terrain. One RVer at Warriors' Path State Park recommends: "There are a lot of uneven campsites, so bring your leveling blocks."
Dump station access: Most campgrounds with RV sites provide sanitary dump stations even when full hookups aren't available. At Roan Mountain State Park, facilities include "electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities, though site sizes and levelness vary considerably."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds in Elizabethton, TN?
Elizabethton offers several excellent camping options within a short drive. Roan Mountain State Park Campground is considered one of the most beautiful in the region, featuring an amphitheater, tennis court, pool, and the stunning Rhododendron Gardens. The Little Doe River runs through the park, offering peaceful water sounds and recreation opportunities. For those seeking a riverside experience, Watauga Dam Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) provides drive-in sites with water and toilet facilities that can accommodate larger RVs. Both locations offer reservable sites and serve as excellent bases for exploring the natural beauty surrounding Elizabethton.
Is tent camping available near Elizabethton, TN?
Yes, several campgrounds near Elizabethton welcome tent campers. Little Oak Campground offers a secluded tent camping experience about an hour from Elizabethton. This hidden gem requires a 7-mile trek off the main road but rewards campers with one of East Tennessee's loveliest settings. For a closer option, Cardens Bluff Campground near Hampton provides walk-in tent sites with water and toilet facilities. Many tent campers also enjoy Boots Off Hostel & Campground, which offers hike-in and walk-in options popular with Appalachian Trail hikers. Most tent sites in the region are available from spring through fall, with some closing during winter months.
What amenities do Camp Stonefly and other Elizabethton campgrounds offer?
Camp Stonefly provides basic amenities including reservable sites, water access, and toilet facilities with multiple access options including boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in sites. For those seeking more facilities, Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park Campground offers pull-through spaces accommodating various camper sizes, clean and updated bath houses, a large swimming pool, and beautiful views of the Nolichucky River. The park honors Tennessee state discounts and features historical attractions, hiking trails, and river walks. Most campgrounds in the area provide fire rings, picnic tables, and access to outdoor recreation, though amenities vary significantly between primitive and developed sites.
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