Hampton, Tennessee camping areas sit at elevations between 1,900-2,800 feet in the Cherokee National Forest. Many campsites open April through October due to winter temperatures that typically dip below freezing December through February. Most campgrounds have potable water available seasonally with vault or flush toilets depending on location.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Rock Creek Recreation Area offers multiple hiking paths including a 4-mile trail to Rock Creek Falls. According to a visitor, "There are so many great hiking trails here, plus some rock climbing/bouldering."
Fishing opportunities: Roan Mountain State Park Campground provides river fishing access with specific species available. One camper notes, "Doe River runs through so fly fishing is available. Husband did catch a rainbow trout near group tent sites. Several small brookies near the history center."
Water activities: Rent kayaks and paddleboards at lakeside locations for day use. A visitor to Julian Price Park Campground shares, "This park is right on a gorgeous lake. There is a spot within the park to rent kayaks which was great. There is a hiking trail that goes around the lake."
Appalachian Trail access: Several campgrounds provide direct or nearby connections to the AT. A camper at Boots Off Hostel notes it's "Right by the AT and Watauga Lake with Kayak, Canoe, and Stand-up Paddleboard rentals available."
What campers like
Creek-side camping: Several campsites in the Hampton area feature tent sites with water features. At Camp Stonefly, campers appreciate the "bubbling creek" with one noting they "parked with van doors opened to the bubbling creek and had the natural white noise as a backdrop all night."
Mountain views: From select campgrounds, visitors can see panoramic mountain vistas. At Blackberry Blossom Farm & Campground, a reviewer mentioned "From the fields there is a framed view of the gorgeous local mountain range, perfect for photo opportunities."
Swimming holes: Beyond lake swimming, some areas offer river swimming spots. Near Julian Price Campground, "There's also a trail that you can access from the park that leads to Hebron Rock Colony which is an incredible hiking trail. The trail follows a river with lots of great swimming holes."
Campsite privacy: Many campsites feature good separation between sites. At Rock Creek Recreation Area, a visitor noted, "Sites are heavily wooded, fairly well spaced, and most sites have a level area," while another mentioned "the upper numbered sites on the hillside are very private compared to most campgrounds."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. A Julian Price Campground visitor shared, "Many of the sites in the A loop are reservable, and they have been reserved for several weeks (maybe months) in advance."
Tent pad conditions: Some campsites have specific tent placement areas with varying conditions. One camper noted their site "had a picnic table, a fire ring, a lantern pole, and a tent pad. The tent pad needed some maintenance since the dirt had washed onto it and made it slightly sloped."
Payment methods: Be prepared with cash at self-registration areas. At Cardens Bluff Campground, a visitor advises, "Do bring cash as it's cash only if you pay the day you show up."
Bathroom facilities: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. One visitor to Rock Creek noted, "The bathrooms/showers were fairly clean and well maintained, but showing their age," while another mentioned "the first bathroom was super gross - tons of bugs, sink didn't work, wasn't clean. The bathroom near B loop was significantly nicer."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Some campsites offer direct playground access. At Spacious Skies Bear Den, a visitor shared, "We camped at C13 which was right across from the large playground in November. No noise issues, but it was dark by 6:30pm. May be different in the Summer. My daughter had a blast and we could keep an eye on her while we worked/played at the site."
Kid-friendly hiking: Shorter trails suitable for children exist near several campgrounds. At Roan Mountain, a visitor mentioned they "drove a bit further up the mountain to Carver's Gap and then went on a short little hike to Round Bald, right along the AT. As the pictures indicate, it was stunning."
Family-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds include additional activities beyond camping. Bear Den provides "a small lake on property to fish or swim. Has a pretty good market for the things you might have forgot. They have firewood and ice to purchase."
Security features: Ranger patrols provide additional safety at state park campgrounds. A Roan Mountain visitor felt "super safe thanks to the park ranger driving around on patrol, he drove by a few times making sure everything was all set. Much appreciated by two females camping in the off season!"
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: Some sites require specific positioning to achieve level setup. A Rock Creek camper advised that "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."
Generator rules: Check each campground's policies on generator usage. One Cardens Bluff visitor noted "Our neighbors had a generator going (which is posted that it's prohibited) which was on for the 1st day before someone finally told them to turn it off."
Electric hookup details: When electricity is available, check for specific amperage options. Rock Creek has varying electrical setups with one visitor noting "B Loop sites are 30A only. 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."
RV size limitations: Mountain roads can restrict larger vehicles. At Bear Den, a visitor advises "hint here if pulling a camper, don't follow the Bearden sign, go to Linville to get on the parkway and go left. This way you will avoid the steep curvy road going up a mountain."
