Camping near Jonesborough, Tennessee centers around the Cherokee National Forest and the Nolichucky River watershed at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 feet. The region's campgrounds benefit from mountain breezes that moderate summer temperatures, typically 10-15 degrees cooler than nearby Johnson City. Most tent sites throughout the area feature gravel pads with dirt tent spots, allowing campers to avoid pitching directly on gravel.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Rock Creek Recreation Area offers access to Rock Creek Falls via a 4-mile round-trip trail directly from the campground. A camper noted, "There is a mountain stream running through the campground that has been dammed up to make a swimming hole that is quite large... and wonderful hiking trails abound."
Explore historical sites: Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park Campground features a museum and replica farm where visitors can learn about frontier history. "There is a heritage village and museum that you can walk or drive through with reinactors on site," explains one visitor who found it ideal for a "girl scout trip."
Water activities: Nolichucky Gorge Campground provides tubes for floating down the river and access to whitewater rafting. A camper shared, "The water levels are perfect for floating around and playing in the river. There's even a little path you can take a tube up and float back down."
What campers like
River access: Many campsites at Riverpark Campground sit directly on the Nolichucky River. A camper observed, "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."
Peaceful wooded sites: At Woodsmoke Campground, campers appreciate the natural setting. A visitor mentioned, "Quiet, wooded sites with full RV hook up. Nice large sites and private."
Swimming opportunities: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas. At Rock Creek Recreation Area, "there is a mountain stream running through the campground that has been dammed up to make a swimming hole," while Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park has "a large swimming pool" that underwent recent renovations.
What you should know
Campsite selection matters: At Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground, site placement varies greatly. A camper advised, "There are a lot of uneven campsites, so bring your leveling blocks... pay attention to the site size as some RVs had issues getting their larger RVs in their sites with the road/site layout."
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the region operate year-round, but with varying amenities. A winter visitor to Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park noted, "We were there in December when the weather was chilly and practically had the place to ourselves. The bathhouse was exceptionally nice and there was also laundry and wifi available."
Reservation systems: Many area campgrounds use self-service check-in systems. If arriving late, call ahead, as one camper at Woodsmoke Campground found there was "No late check-in available. Not accommodating... super discouraged."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park offers family-friendly amenities. A visitor mentioned, "Playground is great and was perfect for our girl scout trip. There's also a sweet man who gives tours of the replica farm of David Crockett in character and costume."
Educational opportunities: Roan Mountain State Park Campground provides scheduled events and activities. One camper noted, "The park also has events scheduled. They had a cloggers dance group when we were there, which was very nice."
Water play options: Beyond swimming holes and rivers, some campgrounds offer additional water features. At Nolichucky Gorge Campground, "They had a lily pad for general use and a little pond if you wanted something contained," perfect for families with children of different swimming abilities.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campgrounds in the region feature sloped sites. A visitor to Warriors' Path State Park warned, "Really nice facility near town. There are a lot of uneven campsites, so bring your leveling blocks."
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging entry roads. A camper at Rock Creek Recreation Area noted, "The road in is a little narrow, but well maintained and easily navigable. Sites are heavily wooded, fairly well spaced, and most sites have a level area, but you have to back all the way in to get level on some."
Seasonal RV amenities: For off-season camping, check which facilities remain open. A winter visitor to Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park mentioned they "had nice trails for hiking. There is river access for fishing or launching a water craft. We were there in December when the weather was chilly and practically had the place to ourselves."
