Johnson City in northeastern Tennessee sits within the Blue Ridge Mountains at elevations ranging from 1,600 to 2,000 feet, creating moderate temperature fluctuations between seasons. The area's landscape features a mix of hardwood forests and river valleys, with the Nolichucky River offering seasonal water levels that vary dramatically from spring to fall. Most glamping accommodations remain accessible year-round despite seasonal changes in surrounding recreation options.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Warriors' Path State Park offers excellent shoreline fishing along its lake, with multiple accessible spots. "Really nice facility near town. There are a lot of uneven campsites, so bring your leveling blocks. No real hiking but there was boat access to the lake. It's a good spot to just be outside, light a fire and toast a marshmallow," notes Michelle I. from Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground.
Historical exploration: Learn about frontier history at Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park, which includes educational exhibits and period demonstrations. "There is river access for fishing or launching a water craft. The bathhouse was exceptionally nice and there was also laundry and wifi available," explains Gregg G. from Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park Campground.
Kayaking and rafting: The Nolichucky River provides multiple sections for water recreation ranging from calm stretches to more challenging rapids. "During our stay we enjoyed watching kayakers, rafters, and swimmers take on the river," mentions Scott T. when describing activities near Riverpark Campground.
Disc golf: The area offers several courses for disc golf enthusiasts. "My son and I enjoyed a round of disc golf while my wife and daughters made use of their awesome playground," shares Jedidiah J. about Warriors' Path State Park.
What campers like
Private shower facilities: Many campgrounds offer updated bathroom facilities with individual shower rooms. "Each bathroom is a private toilet and shower, very clean, nicely tiled and plenty of hot water," reports Karen about Crossville KOA.
Level concrete sites: Premium sites with solid pads provide stability for various camping setups. "We stayed in our 23 ft RV but pay attention to the site size as some RVs had issues getting their larger RVs in their sites with the road/site layout," Jennifer H. advises about Warriors' Path State Park.
Ranger-led activities: Educational programs enhance the camping experience with structured learning opportunities. "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," recounts Travis R. about Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park.
Family-friendly amenities: Many campsites include playgrounds and recreational areas for children. "The kids loved riding their bikes and scooters on the paved road through the park. My son and I enjoyed a round of disc golf while my wife and daughters made use of their awesome playground," shares Jedidiah J. about Warriors' Path.
What you should know
Site selection considerations: Many campgrounds have varied terrain with potential leveling challenges. "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!!" warns Sara M. from Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground.
Seasonal flooding risk: Some riverside locations experience periodic flooding. "Do check the output of the river because this campground will flood. That's the only reason I give it a 4 star instead of 5," cautions Carissa D. about Riverpark Campground.
Road access challenges: Some locations have steep approach roads that require experienced driving. "The camp on the west side is dangerous to drive up in a motorhome. I personally drove my 36' up the most curvy incline I wouldn't recommend anyone to give this a second thought if you're not a seasoned driver," warns Debbie O. about Rocky Top Campground.
Noise considerations: Train sounds and highway noise affect some camping areas. "It is so LOUD. There's also a freight train that goes by every couple hours. It's a cool experience but much like most state parks, it's not necessarily peace and quiet," notes Justin C. about Cedar Ridge Hammock Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select sites near playground facilities for convenient supervision. "The playground is away from most camp sites and has a tire swing and small set up. They have activities planned lots on the weekend," recommends D.S. from Baileyton KOA Holiday.
Pool availability: Several campgrounds feature swimming pools, especially valuable during summer months. "Enjoy the pool and weekend activities for the kids. You won't want to miss out on the outdoor movie nights either!" suggests Ken G. about Baileyton KOA Holiday.
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds offer structured programming on weekends. "Nice pool, very clean park, lots of things for the kids. They have activities on the weekends," notes Beth H. about Baileyton KOA.
Educational opportunities: Several parks provide historical learning experiences. "There is a heritage village and museum that you can walk or drive through with reenactors on site," mentions Anna R. about Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site length verification: Confirm your RV length against site specifications before booking. "Some RVs had issues getting their larger RVs in their sites with the road/site layout," cautions Jennifer H. about Warriors' Path State Park.
Leveling requirements: Many sites require significant leveling equipment. "We stayed in a pull through site and it was not very level (we had planned to not even unhook from the truck but had to because of this)," reports Beth H. from Baileyton KOA Holiday.
Full hookup availability: While glamping in Johnson City, Tennessee offers comfort, hookup options vary by location. "The main camping section was laid out long ago, with older style short sites and water/electric only. The newly updated section, Moody Bluff, has FHU and a number of pull-through sites," explains Sara M. about Warriors' Path State Park.
Wi-Fi considerations: Internet access varies significantly between locations. "Base Wi-Fi is available as part of your site fee, but if you plan to stream videos or need faster internet, it is available for an additional fee," mentions Gregg G. about Riverpark Campground.
