Best Campgrounds near Erwin, TN

Camping destinations in the Erwin, Tennessee area range from developed campgrounds to riverside cabin retreats. Nolichucky Gorge Campground and USA Raft Adventure Resort provide sites directly on the Nolichucky River with tent, RV, and cabin options. Rock Creek Recreation Area, located in the Cherokee National Forest approximately 6 miles from downtown Erwin, offers campsites with electric hookups under tall trees. Several campgrounds provide riverside access, particularly along the Nolichucky River where visitors can watch kayakers and rafters navigate the rapids.

The camping season generally runs year-round at many locations near Erwin, though facilities and amenities vary by season. Riverpark Campground and Woodsmoke Campground maintain year-round operations, while higher elevation sites may have seasonal closures. Many campgrounds offer full hookups including water, electric, and sewer connections for RVs, while others provide more primitive accommodations. Cell phone reception can be spotty in mountainous areas, particularly at campgrounds tucked into valleys or surrounded by ridges. Water sources are available at most established campgrounds, though some camping areas have limited water spigots. A camper noted, "The campground is located on an exciting section of the Nolichucky River about 10 minutes from Erwin, TN. During our stay we enjoyed watching kayakers, rafters, and swimmers take on the river."

Riverside camping proves particularly popular among visitors to the Erwin area, with multiple reviews highlighting the soothing sounds of flowing water. Several campgrounds feature sites positioned directly on the Nolichucky River, offering campers constant views of water activities and wildlife. The terrain around Erwin includes both riverside flat areas and more mountainous settings with potential temperature variations. Campers seeking more seclusion might prefer sites in the Cherokee National Forest, where tall trees provide ample shade. One reviewer described Rock Creek Recreation Area as having "tall trees, nice views and cool temps," noting that "the temperature is cooler than in Erwin." Travelers should be aware that sites closest to highways may experience road noise, though this typically diminishes later in the evening.

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Best Camping Sites Near Erwin, Tennessee (328)

    1. Roan Mountain State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Roan Mountain, TN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 547-3906

    $14 - $54 / 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."

    2. Nolichucky Gorge Campground

    12 Reviews
    Erwin, TN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 743-8876

    "Nolichucky Gorge is right next to USA Raft, same road, same entrance to the left. Veteran owned and well maintained. The staff is friendly and professional. River view sites, other sites and cabins."

    "This is a great spot located right next to USA Raft. There are a handful of tent only riverside camping spots with RV sites set back from the river."

    3. Rock Creek Recreation Area

    10 Reviews
    Erwin, TN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 638-4109

    $20 - $50 / night

    "The temperature is cooler than in Erwin. Water hookups are scarce, there are three per loop. The camp host and rangers were very helpful and nice."

    "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)."

    4. Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Chuckey, TN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 257-2167

    $14 - $32 / night

    "Large swimming pool, TONS of historical events around, hiking & river walks. Super clean and new bath houses as well. Honors Tennessee state discounts. If possible make reservations online."

    "The drive in follows the TN “Sunnyside Early Country Trail” through picturesque farmland with mountains in the near distance. Do your shopping before arrival, there’s nothing close to the park."

    5. Riverpark Campground

    4 Reviews
    Erwin, TN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 753-5359

    $51 - $73 / night

    "The campground is located on an exciting section of the Nolichucky River about 10 minutes from Erwin, TN. During our stay we enjoyed watching kayakers, rafters, and swimmers take on the river."

    "The riverfront spaces are amazing and just inches away from the Nolichucky River. If you love to fish or kayak this is a great location.

    The bathhouses are super clean."

    6. Woodsmoke Campground

    4 Reviews
    Unicoi, TN
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 743-2116

    7. Katy Branch

    4 Reviews
    Erwin, TN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 638-4109

    $75 / night

    "Very close to many trails. Clean showers and bathrooms. Loved it."

    "Came to stay at this campground because we wanted to do some hiking nearby that we haven't done in FOREVER!"

    8. Spacious Skies Bear Den

    65 Reviews
    Spruce Pine, NC
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 765-2888

    $24 - $999 / night

    "Bear den was a perfect location for the Blue ridge parkway. We stayed at a two cabin lot that had a hot tub. Bear den has everything from RV camp sites to a game room."

    "The campsite was flat, shaded and distanced well enough from our neighbors for privacy but still an easy walk to the bathhouse or camp store for extra firewood or ice."

    9. USA Raft Adventure Resort

    3 Reviews
    Erwin, TN
    3 miles
    +1 (423) 743-7111

    10. Cardens Bluff Campground

    17 Reviews
    Hampton, TN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 735-1500

    $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."

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Recent Reviews near Erwin, TN

1454 Reviews of 328 Erwin Campgrounds


  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC

    Good spot!

    Spent two nights here at a site right next to the creek, which was awesome listening to the running water as you fall asleep. Easy to get to, just a forest service road. A 4x4 makes it easy but there were minivans and junkyard beaters driving by. There are multiple sites along the service road and not too close to each other.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    Great spot!

    This is a great spot along a mountain ridge. The dirt road goes for about 13 miles. Would recommend a 4x4, but I’ve seen all kinds of vehicles travel the entire road from minivans to Honda accords. There are plenty of spots to choose from. Some have great views of the valley and table top mountain and others are just nooks in the woods. The sites are pretty spread out but there are a few within shouting distance (which could be annoying if the site next to you decides to bring a battery powered Sawzall to cut firewood at 2am). Some sites are right off of the road which could get annoying from all the traffic of people going to the hiking trails nearby. And there are spots tucked away a bit off of the road where you really don’t notice trucks and cars driving by. Awesome place for a weekend getaway! Definitely going to visit again.

    P.S. only 4 stars because there are only about 3-5 sites with a great view!

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Baileyton KOA Holiday

    Nice overnight stop

    We are headed from Atlanta to Fredericksburg VA for a wedding. This is a very nice place for an overnight stop, probably one of the nicest for a KOA. Very clean and tidy campground. Mostly level, gravel sites. But some grass between sites! Some shade. Full hookups. Clean bathroom & shower. Pool, playground, driving range, big water slide. The internet is VERY slow. Also lots of road noise from I-81. Gift shop & convenient store in office. We’ve taken our travel trailer to 48 states, and have found KOAs generally convenient, but not much more. This place is definitely above average

  • Robert B.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Black Mountain Campground - CLOSED INDEFINITELY

    FR472 & Black Mountain Campground Closed

    FR 472 is closed at the Golf Course and there are hefty fines if you are caught walking beyond the gate.  Black Mountain Campground was destroyed by flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.  The bridge across the S. Toe River was broken and washed out.  The water system is also destroyed as well as the road network in the campground.  There have been no announcements by the Forest Service about plans to repair the facility and, after a year, my guess is that there never will be.

  • A
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Triple Creek Campground

    Would recommend!

    It got only for stars because I can hear traffic from my campsite.
    I was next to a brook, under a paw paw tree. It was safe, very friendly. The bath and shower house were clean and very nice for tent camping! Laundry room, firewood delivery.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Around Pond RV Park

    Very nice stop over campground

    Stayed for one night as a stop over on our trip home. Easiest check in we have ever had. Pulled up to the staging area near the office and didn’t even have to get out of the truck. Guy came up on a golf cart and confirmed my name. Took us right to our spot which was a full hook up pull through. Site was gravel and completely level. A lot of full time campers here but that doesn’t bother us at all. Nice little pond to walk the dogs around or just sit and relax. There is no store or pool but we never use those anyway. There is a laundry on site and a good size area with grills and picnic tables to use if you want. Sure it’s not a KOA with all the amenities but for a stop over or even a few day stay it’s fine. And ONLY $39 a night ! Btw KOA right down the road wouldn’t accept our reservation because they require a 2 night minimum.

  • Cassondra P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Rutledge Lake RV Resort

    Mixed Feelings

    This campground was decent

    Fishing pond has a lot of ducks and seaweed

    Laundry room was nice and large - easy and quick to get 3 loads done

    Waterfront site was fairly level and loved being able to walk down stairs to lake area

    Pool was clean

    Bathrooms had a gross smell to them

    During our walk there was definitely a strong chemical smell around park - it was strange

    There is a lot of airplane noise as it is close to airport

    Overall it was clean and friendly staff

  • Josh G.
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Rock Creek Recreation Area

    Tall trees, nice views and cool temps.

    We stayed in campsite #31. It's more than partially shaded. Cellular reception is fair. The sight is level. It was hard for me to back into with a 21' bumper pull. There is a campsite marker directly in front of the driveway that obstructs the backing angle. The temperature is cooler than in Erwin. Water hookups are scarce, there are three per loop. The camp host and rangers were very helpful and nice.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Rock Creek Recreation Area

    Nice family campgroung

    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. Sites are levelish, semi-private, and wooded. Loop B has power poles at each site (didn't check the other loops) and a nice bathhouse. Host was particularly helpful.


Guide to Erwin

Camping near Erwin, Tennessee, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and beautiful scenery. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area, especially the Art Loeb Trail. One camper mentioned, "Davidson River Campground is perfectly situated for outdoor activities, plenty of hiking... available all within a stone's throw from camp."
  • Fishing: Enjoy some fishing in the nearby rivers and lakes. A reviewer at Cosby Campground noted, "Surrounded by lush forests and scenic trails, it provides access to popular hikes like the Hen Wallow Falls and Mount Cammerer."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at Cataloochee Campground shared, "We saw elk and turkeys during our stay. A young bull even ran through our campsite!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Lake Powhatan said, "The bathrooms were some of the cleanest we've seen."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of the campgrounds. A reviewer at Hickory Ridge Campground mentioned, "Sites were a little close, but peaceful and the trails made up for the close sites."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground hosts. One camper at Roan Mountain State Park noted, "Park rangers were courteous and provided good local knowledge for anglers."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Cataloochee Campground advised, "There isn’t cell service, so be sure to plan your next move before you head in for the evening."
  • Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Mount Pisgah Campground mentioned, "The only thing I didn't care for was how close the campsites are, virtually no privacy."
  • Bear Encounters: Be aware of wildlife, especially bears. One camper at Lake Powhatan shared, "I did have a bear encounter on my way to the bathroom during the night."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. A parent at Asheville East KOA said, "There is a pool, playground, gaga ball pit, and fishing."
  • Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A camper at Bear Den Family Campground noted, "Great campground. Big private sites, lots of activities for teens."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Make sure to have downtime for the kids. A visitor at Julian Price Park Campground mentioned, "Quiet campground despite the number of sites."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify the size of the sites before booking. A reviewer at Asheville East KOA said, "Section A was extremely tight for navigating, parking, and camping."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads or train tracks. A camper at Mount Pisgah Campground noted, "You do get some road noise and can hear people walking the road."
  • Utilize Dump Stations: Look for campgrounds with dump stations for convenience. A visitor at Roan Mountain State Park mentioned, "The campground has laundry facilities, playgrounds, a small store with wood for sale on site."

Camping near Erwin, Tennessee, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With beautiful landscapes and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Erwin, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Erwin, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 328 campgrounds and RV parks near Erwin, TN and 21 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Erwin, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Erwin, TN is Roan Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 47 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Erwin, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 free dispersed camping spots near Erwin, TN.

What parks are near Erwin, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 32 parks near Erwin, TN that allow camping, notably Cherokee National Forest and Pisgah National Forest.