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.
What to do
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."
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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!"
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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."
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