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Camping near Johnson City, TN

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Campgrounds around Johnson City, Tennessee feature a mix of riverside and wooded settings across state parks and private facilities. Within 30 miles of downtown, developed campgrounds like Warriors' Path State Park, Roan Mountain State Park, and Camp Stonefly offer both tent and RV accommodations with varying amenity levels. The region includes multiple Tennessee state parks with established camping areas, privately operated campgrounds along waterways, and several facilities with cabin rentals. Most established campgrounds provide water and electric hookups, with many offering full RV services including sewer connections and dump stations.

    Seasonal operations vary significantly among local campgrounds, with some like Cardens Bluff Campground operating only from April through early November while others maintain year-round accessibility. During peak summer months, waterfront sites at popular destinations including Little Oak Campground and Nolichucky Gorge Campground typically require advance reservations. Most developed campgrounds provide basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to toilet facilities, though shower availability differs between locations. Many campgrounds in the area restrict alcohol consumption, so checking specific regulations before arrival is advisable. One camper noted: "Woodsmoke is a terrific campground with tons of very close great hiking."

    The Nolichucky River corridor represents a particular camping highlight, with multiple campgrounds offering riverside sites popular with paddlers and anglers. Campers frequently mention the peaceful setting and natural surroundings as major draws to the region. Camp Stonefly receives consistently high ratings for its creek-side sites, with reviews highlighting the trout fishing opportunities and proximity to Johnson City amenities. Several visitors appreciate the balance of natural settings with accessibility to urban conveniences. A recent review described Camp Stonefly as "a true gem" where they "parked with van doors opened to the bubbling creek and had the natural white noise as a backdrop all night." Most riverside campgrounds combine the appeal of water access with relatively easy road access, making them suitable for both tent campers and those with recreational vehicles.

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    Best Campgrounds near Johnson City (276)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground — Warriors' Path State Park

      3.9(26)11mi from Johnson CityRVs, Tents

      "We had a change of plans and made reservations at Warrior Path State Park on a whim - and are VERY glad we did."

      "This beautiful 970 acre Tennessee State Park is located on the shores of the 900 acre Patrick Henry Reservoir on the Holston River in Sullivan County."

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      2. Roan Mountain State Park Campground

      4.6(50)21mi from Johnson City108 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

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      3. Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park Campground

      4.5(20)17mi from Johnson CityRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $14 - $32 / night

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      4. Cardens Bluff Campground

      4.4(19)16mi from Johnson City43 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $12 / night

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      5. Camp Stonefly

      4.8(5)8mi from Johnson CityRVs, Tents

      "Perfect distance to Johnson City. We had a beer at Yee Haw and even brought back tasty Mediterranean dinner from Red Meze to the camp site. Do yourself a favor and book a night here."

      "Me and my wife were looking to get away from theater apartment for a couple of days during a remodel. Well we didn't Wana travel to mountains to camp."

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      6. Moody Bluff Campground — Warriors' Path State Park

      5.0(6)11mi from Johnson City136 sitesTents

      "All around wonderful place to camp"

      "updated bathhouses lots of shady sites sits on Patrick Henry Lake - no boat that’s ok rent paddle boats and kayaks at the Marina or just have lunch and watch the ducks on the water!"

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      7. Rock Creek Recreation Area

      4.4(10)15mi from Johnson City34 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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)."

      "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."

      from $20 - $50 / night

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      8. Little Oak Campground

      4.7(24)23mi from Johnson City66 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "This campground is located about an hour or so from our home but it feels like a million miles away — in a good way!"

      "**Holston Lake is absolutely beautiful. The campground is deep in the national forest, out on a series of peninsulas, making all the campsites quite close to the water."

      from $12 / night

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      9. Woodsmoke Campground

      4.3(4)10mi from Johnson CityRVs, Tents
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      10. Nolichucky Gorge Campground

      3.7(12)17mi from Johnson CityRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

      Check Availability
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    Recent Camping Photos near Johnson City, TN

    506 Photos of 276 Johnson City Campgrounds

    Recent Reviews near Johnson City, TN

    1201 Reviews of 276 Johnson City Campgrounds

    • rThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 6, 2026

      Boone N.C. KOA Holiday

      Great stay clean and friendly atmosphere

      Nice quiet campground about 1.9 miles out of boone NC. Lots to do here family friendly and pets freindly. Worth the stop.

    • Anna M.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 3, 2026

      Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

      great spot

      got lucky and found a great spot right across the road from beautiful viewpoint. road was busier during the day but calmed down at night. enjoyed our visit

    • AThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 3, 2026

      Campfire Lodgings

      Beautiful views

      Full hookups. Campground has several sites with million dollar views and a viewing point for the non view campsites to use. We would recommend it for Asheville area rv camping.

    • kThe Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 30, 2026

      Buck Creek

      Amazing

      I’m thrilled to give this campground my highest recommendation! The owners and staff couldn’t have been more accommodating, helpful and kind! We called that morning because the campground we were booked at turned out to be awful. They fit us in and then we ended up extending our stay. We had to keep moving sites because they had other campers coming in, but it was worth it! Our favorite sites was 54 and 27. Some sites are close, but all are on the creek so you don’t notice it at all! Nothing better than waking up to the sound of water! The campground location is perfect, 20-30 minutes from things to do like hiking and wineries.

    • Mike F.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 27, 2026

      Doe River Landing

      Ahhh-mazing

      We arrived and easily got to our spot. There’s a river just behind our spot and only a handful of RVs and cabins. Our GPS wanted us to pass the turn to the campground, we had to make a U turn to get in…. Of course, on the second approach we saw the entrance signs (my bad). It looks like it is best to approach from the west (Hampton?), it was a sharp turn entering from the east (Roan Mountain). We settled in and got to relaxing quickly.

    • E
      Jul. 19, 2026

      Sugar Hollow Campground

      Arrive with 1/2 tank of fuel!

      It was a long day of travel for me anyways. I arrived around 17:15 and the ranger was nowhere to be seen. Honor system was full out the form and pay cash before you go find your site.

      This place is better for tent campers and those with rigs 20ft and under. Our 30ft bumper-pull was no match for the narrow sites due to trees. Most sites were not level either. As advertised, no sewer hook-up, and bring at least a 50ft hose for water…better yet, bring a 100ft hose and an additional splitter. The birds were nice to hear. It was quiet throughout the night also, mainly because there were only about 10 campers in the whole park (it holds about 78).

      The bathhouses were clean and bright; but only shower curtains for doors on the toilets—reminded me of my deployment to Afghanistan.

      Fuel…the hill to get in and out of the park is very steep! And if you spend time trying to fit your rig into any site you might think you can fit into but can’t, you’re going to need enough fuel to make it to the next gas station! If your rig is longer than 30ft and it’s not a 5th wheel, look elsewhere.

      Personally, I won’t be stopping here again. The overall park was nice; but for $20/night, it wasn’t worth the stress.

    • SThe Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 18, 2026

      Doe River Landing

      What a fantastic find - small, family-owned campground in mountain heaven

      Doe River Landing is a small, delightful RV and cabin camping park that sits on the banks of the Doe River in the Roan Mountain valley of TN. We enjoyed our stay enough that we extended a few extra days. Five shaded, landscaped RV sites offering water/electric are located about 20 yards from the river’s edge. An additional site offers a fully-outfitted rental RV. Sites are pea gravel and mostly level. Luxury rental cabins(5) are available along with a truly awesome rental pavilion outfitted for larger group gatherings. The friendly hosts live in a home nearby and were around daily during our stay. 

      For a small family campground the amenities are super nice. The top-notch children’s playground and toy shed obviously delighted guest’s children. Wi-Fi signal is strong enough for streaming. Nice, clean bathhouse. Public grills are available. Hiking trails meander along the river and up through their woods. 

      There are few places we enjoy more than the Roan Mountain area for camping. The location is fantastic and even peak summer temperatures are usually comfortable. Roan Mountain State Park is minutes away for hiking and a slew of activities, while the top of Roan Mountain houses the famous wild Rhododendron Gardens. The AT and multiple hiking trails run along the top of the mountain. 

      There were only a few considerations with this venue. 

      1. The sites are mostly level although we needed two OxBlocks in each of the sites we stayed in. One needed leveling front-to-back, the other side-to-side. When Hurricane Helene scoured the area it likely left some dips in the parking pads. 

      2. The bathhouse contains one toilet and shower, both housed in the same room which can tie them up for long periods.

       3) There may be some day and night traffic noise as large trucks involved in repairs from Hurricane Helene are still active. 

      1. The approach is rather challenging. New lighted signage helps identify where their single-lane entrance road takes a HARD fork off US-19E. Be sure to check the Directions tab on their website. If you are arriving from the north (through Elizabethton) you will be able to pull directly onto Bob Ray Rd.(entrance to the right of the little Bible church). Approaching from the south on US-19E is more difficult. Bob Ray Rd basically runs parallel to US-19E which requires essentially a U-turn across 2-3 lanes to accomplish. The host suggests turning through the closed fruit stand parking lot(on the left within sight of the entrance) but we weren’t sure about it given on-coming traffic. We elected to drive~ 2 miles further down 19E and U-turn across the left shoulder. 

      2. Bob Ray Rd is a single-lane road. Based on timing for check-in/check-out you are unlikely to meet another RV coming at you(thankfully!) 

      Multiple choices for food in the area. The Whiteway Grill– less than 5 minutes away- offers fabulous breakfasts. Smoky Mountain Bakers is beyond awesome! Wood-fired pizza for dinner and breakfast plates from simple sandwiches to breakfast burritos, pancakes and French toast. We find excuses to eat here during the week. Every meal we’ve had at Puerto Escondido Mexican restaurant was huge(as in leftovers) and tasty.

    • T
      Jul. 15, 2026

      Hidden Valley WMA

      Ultimate Zen

      The lake is so beautiful if you catch it at the right time of day it’s like l looking into a mirror dimension because it’s so clear.

    • KThe Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 9, 2026

      Weaver Bend Road

      Great riverside spot

      Overall, a decent dispersed camping spot. I saw and heard no one my entire time at this spot. It’s right on the river which is great. The drive in is mostly paved, but a little narrow. Please pack your trash out though. It seems like no matter the state I camp in, people leave their trash. This site was particularly bad. It’s good to go now, but bring a bag and leave it nicer than you found it.

    Guide to Johnson City

    The Johnson City area offers camping options at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 5,700 feet, with climate variations that create a longer camping season than many mountain regions. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F, while spring and fall fluctuate between 35-75°F with lower humidity. Most campgrounds within 30 miles of Johnson City sit along waterways, with the Nolichucky River and Watauga Lake providing distinctive water-based camping experiences.

    What to do

    Trout fishing access: Several campsites near Johnson City provide direct access to stocked trout waters. At Camp Stonefly, guests can fish directly from their campsite. One visitor shared: "Watched the fly fisherman on the bank catch a few rainbow trout. Chatted with camp neighbors and yes—the bathrooms are thoughtfully curated and clean."

    Appalachian Trail hiking: Many campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring sections of the AT. Rock Creek Recreation Area offers "a nice, but fairly strenuous 4 mile up and back trail from the campground to Rock Creek Falls." The campground is also "close to the Appalachian Trail and the Nolichucky River," making it ideal for hikers wanting to access multiple trails.

    Paddling opportunities: Local rivers and lakes offer kayaking and rafting with varying difficulty levels. One camper at Nolichucky Gorge Campground noted: "It was awesome when we kayaked and took out at our site. Definitely will return." The campground provides tubes for floating and connects to professional rafting services.

    What campers like

    Creek-side tent camping: Many campers prefer tent sites along moving water for natural white noise. A Roan Mountain State Park visitor explained: "Booked a tent campground right by the creek and couldn't have picked a better location. Quiet time starts at 9 and everyone there was very respectful of this. Enjoyed the sounds of the water running down the creek all night."

    Privacy between sites: Campers frequently mention site separation as a key factor in enjoyment. At Cardens Bluff Campground, "the interior campsites are nice as well, with vegetation giving enough privacy between campsites." Another reviewer stated their site "had a picnic table and a natural rock fire pit that was free of debris and trash. There was plenty of space for the hounds to roam on their long leads."

    Range of hiking difficulty levels: Campers appreciate having both challenging and easier trails accessible from campgrounds. A visitor to Warriors' Path State Park noted: "The rangers and staff may be the nicest we've encountered. They have a full docket of activities, ranger-led hikes, games, crafts and wildlife lectures offered throughout the day."

    What you should know

    Cell service variability: Coverage differs dramatically between campgrounds, even within short distances. At Rock Creek Recreation Area, "AT&T had 1 bar and 0.8 MB/s without a booster, 2 bars and 2.4 MB/s with it," while at Warriors' Path State Park "cell coverage varies from LTE to 5G all over the park."

    Seasonal operation limitations: Several campgrounds in the area close during winter months. Cardens Bluff Campground operates only "from April 13 to November 7," while others like Little Oak Campground run "from April to October," restricting cold-weather access.

    Water availability challenges: Some campgrounds have limited water access points. At Rock Creek Recreation Area, "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," requiring campers to plan water needs accordingly.

    Tips for camping with families

    Look for ranger programs: Several local campgrounds offer educational activities. A visitor to Warriors' Path State Park reported: "In the warm seasons they have a ranger that comes around and even little events for kids. I remember picking apart an owl pellet with the ranger. Very outdoor educational."

    Find dedicated kid spaces: Campgrounds with specific play areas improve the family experience. Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park was described as "a good kid friendly car camping spot. Lots of history and cabin replicas from Davy Crockett era. A joke along the banks of the Nolichucky River and even a pool on site."

    Consider bathroom proximity: With children, accessible facilities matter. At Roan Mountain State Park, "the campground is very well maintained, and the bathroom was spotless. The staff, rangers and volunteers, were super friendly. If you forgot something, there is a little camp store on the property."

    Tips from RVers

    Check site dimensions carefully: Many local campgrounds have shorter-than-standard sites. At Warriors' Path State Park, "many of the sites are narrow and some have challenging access. Be sure to read site descriptions and check the suggested trailer size- they seriously mean the max size!!" One camper added: "My 5th wheel is 43' and I got it in to one of their 40' sites."

    Be prepared for uneven terrain: Leveling blocks are essential for most area campgrounds. A visitor noted: "There are a lot of uneven campsites, so bring your leveling blocks. That said, great campground. The facilities were clean, the park was well kept."

    Verify hookup specifications: Water and electric connections vary widely between campgrounds. A Moody Bluff Campground camper commented: "We had water and electric and some sites have FHU. There is no cell service, but there is (slow) wifi throughout the campground. There is a Verizon hotspot to make calls, but I couldn't connect with US Cellular."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What camping is available near Johnson City, TN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Johnson City, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 276 campgrounds and RV parks near Johnson City, TN and 23 free dispersed camping spots.

    Which is the most popular campground near Johnson City, TN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Johnson City, TN is Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground — Warriors' Path State Park with a 3.9-star rating from 26 reviews.

    Where can I find free dispersed camping near Johnson City, TN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 free dispersed camping spots near Johnson City, TN.

    What parks are near Johnson City, TN?

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

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