Best Campgrounds near Hampton, TN
Hampton, Tennessee offers several established campgrounds in the Cherokee National Forest and around Watauga Lake. Cardens Bluff Campground, situated directly on Watauga Lake, provides tent and RV sites with lake access and proximity to the Appalachian Trail. Nearby Boots Off Hostel & Campground serves both hikers and road travelers with tent sites, cabins, and glamping options. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate tents, while some like Roan Mountain State Park also offer cabin rentals and full RV hookups.
Access to camping areas varies by season, with many campgrounds operating from April through October or early November. Cardens Bluff Campground typically opens from April 13 to November 7, while other facilities may have year-round availability. Most developed sites provide drinking water and toilet facilities, though amenities like showers and electric hookups are limited to certain campgrounds. Water access is a significant draw for campers at Watauga Lake. As one visitor noted, "Great place to camp and fish. Situated on a peninsula, Cardens Bluff has great views and access to the lake for the outer campsites."
Waterfront camping represents a primary attraction in the Hampton area, with several campgrounds offering direct lake access. Sites along the water tend to be the most sought-after, especially during summer months. The terrain features wooded campsites with varying degrees of privacy between sites. While some campgrounds like Boots Off provide amenities such as showers and breakfast, others maintain a more rustic atmosphere. A camper described Cardens Bluff as having "beautiful wooded campground with a few sites on the water. Perfect for canoeing." Proximity to hiking trails, particularly the Appalachian Trail, represents another significant draw for outdoor enthusiasts. Dennis Cove Campground provides easy access to nearby waterfalls and trail connections, with one visitor noting it is "in a nice secluded area that can be very silent and relaxing."
