Best Campgrounds near Jonesborough, TN

Jonesborough, Tennessee provides a gateway to diverse camping experiences in the eastern Tennessee mountains and river valleys. The area includes both established campgrounds and natural settings, with options ranging from tent-only sites to full-hookup RV facilities. Riverpark Campground in Jonesborough offers year-round camping with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals along the water. Within driving distance, Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park Campground and Nolichucky Gorge Campground provide additional options for mixed-use camping with varied amenities and natural settings.

Roads throughout the region are generally well-maintained, though some campgrounds require navigation through winding mountain roads. Most developed sites offer water and electric hookups, with several providing full sewer connections for RVs. Several campgrounds in the area feature bathroom facilities and showers, though quality varies by location. A visitor noted, "The campground is in a good area with restaurants, grocery stores and anything you might need close by," highlighting the accessible nature of many sites despite their natural settings. The camping season generally runs year-round in lower elevations, though some locations have limited winter facilities or seasonal closures.

The Nolichucky River serves as a focal point for many camping experiences in the area, with multiple campgrounds situated along its banks. Waterfront sites are particularly popular and tend to book quickly during summer months. Campers report enjoying the mountain views and river access that characterize many of the region's camping areas. A camper described one riverside location as "peaceful and dark," noting the easy "access to the Appalachian Trail." Most campgrounds near Jonesborough balance natural surroundings with proximity to amenities, making them suitable for both weekend getaways and longer stays. Many sites accommodate both tent and RV camping with designated areas for each, though tent campers should note that some tent pads may be uneven due to the region's varied terrain.

Best Camping Sites Near Jonesborough, Tennessee (274)

    1. Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Chuckey, TN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 257-2167

    $14 - $32 / night

    "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."

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

    26 Reviews
    Kingsport, TN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 867-2757

    "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."

    3. Roan Mountain State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Roan Mountain, TN
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 547-3906

    $14 - $54 / night

    "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."

    4. Rock Creek Recreation Area

    10 Reviews
    Erwin, TN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 638-4109

    $20 - $50 / night

    "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."

    5. Nolichucky Gorge Campground

    12 Reviews
    Erwin, TN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 743-8876

    "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."

    6. Riverpark Campground

    4 Reviews
    Erwin, TN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 753-5359

    $51 - $73 / night

    "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.

    The bathhouses are super clean."

    "Riverpark is a privately owned campground situated at the classic Big Rocks rapid on the Nolichucky river. "

    7. Katy Branch

    4 Reviews
    Erwin, TN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 638-4109

    $75 / night

    "Very close to many trails. Clean showers and bathrooms. Loved it."

    "Came to stay at this campground because we wanted to do some hiking nearby that we haven't done in FOREVER!"

    8. Woodsmoke Campground

    4 Reviews
    Unicoi, TN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 743-2116

    9. Camp Stonefly

    5 Reviews
    Elizabethton, TN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 301-4080

    "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."

    "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."

    10. Cardens Bluff Campground

    17 Reviews
    Hampton, TN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 735-1500

    $12 / night

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Jonesborough, TN

1239 Reviews of 274 Jonesborough Campgrounds


  • Theresa S.
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Lake Haven Family Campground

    Stayed for the location, Left because of the owners

    As a retired Air Force couple with over five years of experience as full-time RVers, we have stayed at countless campgrounds across the country. We selected Lake Haven for an extended stay this past July while searching for a permanent home in the Lake Watauga area, drawn by its advertisement for year-round availability. The location is excellent, and our site was level with full hookups, a nice picnic table, and a fire pit. Maneuvering into the spot was also straightforward, despite some large boulders. Two concerns: no owners or host(s) onsite and the entrance/exits can be quite dangerous- each located on a curve. We really wanted to love this campground, but the positive aspects were completely overshadowed by the unprofessional behavior of the owners. The tone was set when we received a campground-wide text message asking“Please, for our sake, when away from your camper, set your AC temp to something reasonable(75 is what I use at my house when not home), to help us save on electricity”. While we understand the concern for costs, the request felt invasive. Then it got personal. In the first week of August, our daughter and her family were renting the on-site(3 bed/3 bath) Airbnb, and after she inquired about more toilet paper, one of the owners came to our RV site to confront us about it. We were shocked that a necessity for a rental guest was treated as a major issue, and the confrontational approach was completely uncalled for and made us feel extremely uncomfortable. To make matters worse, we later learned from other campers that the owners had been gossiping about our family and our stay. This was a major violation of our privacy and fostered a deeply unwelcoming atmosphere. While the physical campground has potential, we cannot recommend it. Feeling safe and respected is essential when you are camping, and due to the owners’ intrusive and unprofessional behavior, we decided to seek out another campground.

  • Shane N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Camp Stonefly

    Great small peacefully time

    Me and wife passing through. Stayed over weekend loved it

  • Gary S.
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Lake Haven Family Campground

    Stayed for the Location, Left because of the Owners

    As a retired Air Force couple with over five years of experience as full-time RVers, we have stayed at countless campgrounds across the country. We selected Lake Haven for an extended stay this past July while searching for a permanent home in the Lake Watauga area, drawn by its advertisement for year-round availability. The location is excellent, and our site was level with full hookups, a nice picnic table, and a fire pit. Maneuvering into the spot was also straightforward, despite some large boulders. Two concerns: no owners or host(s) onsite and the entrance/exits can be quite dangerous- each located on a curve. We really wanted to love this campground, but the positive aspects were completely overshadowed by the unprofessional behavior of the owners. The tone was set when we received a campground-wide text message asking“Please, for our sake, when away from your camper, set your AC temp to something reasonable(75 is what I use at my house when not home), to help us save on electricity”. While we understand the concern for costs, the request felt invasive. Then it got personal. In the first week of August, our daughter and her family were renting the on-site(3 bed/3 bath) Airbnb, and after she inquired about more toilet paper, one of the owners came to our RV site to confront us about it. We were shocked that a necessity for a rental guest was treated as a major issue, and the confrontational approach was completely uncalled for and made us feel extremely uncomfortable. To make matters worse, we later learned from other campers that the owners had been gossiping about our family and our stay. This was a major violation of our privacy and fostered a deeply unwelcoming atmosphere. While the physical campground has potential, we cannot recommend it. Feeling safe and respected is essential when you are camping, and due to the owners’ intrusive and unprofessional behavior, we decided to seek out another campground.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Old NC 105 Dispersed

    Amazing views and Free camping

    This place is amazing, Free and clean campsites.

  • Robert N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Campfire Lodgings

    Tent camping

    Tent camping sites are walk in, down hill, obviously thar means hauling your stuff out uphill when you leave. RVers have a great view from the ridge top. But a difficult day camping is far better than any day at work.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC

    Good spot!

    Spent two nights here at a site right next to the creek, which was awesome listening to the running water as you fall asleep. Easy to get to, just a forest service road. A 4x4 makes it easy but there were minivans and junkyard beaters driving by. There are multiple sites along the service road and not too close to each other.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    Great spot!

    This is a great spot along a mountain ridge. The dirt road goes for about 13 miles. Would recommend a 4x4, but I’ve seen all kinds of vehicles travel the entire road from minivans to Honda accords. There are plenty of spots to choose from. Some have great views of the valley and table top mountain and others are just nooks in the woods. The sites are pretty spread out but there are a few within shouting distance (which could be annoying if the site next to you decides to bring a battery powered Sawzall to cut firewood at 2am). Some sites are right off of the road which could get annoying from all the traffic of people going to the hiking trails nearby. And there are spots tucked away a bit off of the road where you really don’t notice trucks and cars driving by. Awesome place for a weekend getaway! Definitely going to visit again.

    P.S. only 4 stars because there are only about 3-5 sites with a great view!

  • xGYABx L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

    Great Getaway and stay

    We spent 1 night out here on a Saturday Night it is very secluded away from everything only downside was had 2 drive at least 10 miles 2 get cell service and the site is close 2 the road so we can hear a lot of traffic

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Baileyton KOA Holiday

    Nice overnight stop

    We are headed from Atlanta to Fredericksburg VA for a wedding. This is a very nice place for an overnight stop, probably one of the nicest for a KOA. Very clean and tidy campground. Mostly level, gravel sites. But some grass between sites! Some shade. Full hookups. Clean bathroom & shower. Pool, playground, driving range, big water slide. The internet is VERY slow. Also lots of road noise from I-81. Gift shop & convenient store in office. We’ve taken our travel trailer to 48 states, and have found KOAs generally convenient, but not much more. This place is definitely above average


Guide to Jonesborough

Camping near Jonesborough, Tennessee, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Hot Springs Campground mentioned, "Verizon signal very poor and the campground WiFi was borderline unusable."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Expect busier conditions during weekends. One visitor at Asheville East KOA noted, "It was comfortable during the weekdays, but started to get crowded during the weekend."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife interactions, especially at campgrounds like Cataloochee Campground. One camper shared, "This year’s trip was awesome... we were run out of our site by pushy elk."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly activities. At Lake Powhatan, one reviewer said, "The best thing about Lake Powhatan is the nice hike around the lake and the fun little lake beach."
  • Space to Play: Choose campgrounds with ample space for kids to roam. A family at Bear Den Family Campground enjoyed, "Kids loved the playground and there were a lot of other kids to make friends with."
  • Clean Facilities: Ensure the campground has clean restrooms and showers. A camper at Hickory Ridge Campground remarked, "The bathrooms were clean and easily accessible."

Tips from RVers:

  • Big Rig Friendly: Look for campgrounds that accommodate larger RVs. Asheville East KOA is noted for being "big rig friendly," making it easier for larger vehicles to navigate.
  • Space for Parking: Ensure there's enough room for parking and maneuvering. A reviewer at Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground mentioned, "The rock aggregate is fairly fresh and clean, so there is no issue with potholes or dirt when it rains."
  • Check for Amenities: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups and dump stations. Campers at Roan Mountain State Park Campground appreciated the "clean and modern restrooms" and other amenities available.

Camping around Jonesborough, Tennessee, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just enjoying nature, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Jonesborough, TN?

Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park Campground offers beautiful views of the Nolichucky River, pull-through spaces for various camper sizes, clean bath houses, and historical attractions. Little Oak Campground is another excellent option about an hour from Jonesborough, providing a secluded retreat with a peaceful atmosphere. For those seeking riverside camping, Warriors' Path State Park features sites positioned on a ridge surrounded by Fort Patrick Henry Lake with ample space for RVs. All these campgrounds provide a range of amenities while offering a quintessential East Tennessee camping experience.

Are there RV rentals available in Jonesborough, TN?

While Jonesborough itself has limited RV rental options, several nearby campgrounds work with rental services or offer on-site rental units. Grandfather Campground provides cabin rentals as an alternative to RVs, with convenient access to local attractions. Honey Bear Campground is another option with easy access that accommodates RVs. For dedicated RV rentals, check with regional providers in Johnson City or Kingsport who deliver to campgrounds in the Jonesborough area. Many campers find it more convenient to rent from larger markets like Knoxville or Asheville and drive to their preferred Jonesborough-area campground.

Is there a KOA campground in Jonesborough, Tennessee?

There is no KOA campground directly in Jonesborough, Tennessee. The closest KOA options would be in neighboring areas such as the Kingsport/Bristol KOA or the Cherokee/Great Smokies KOA. For Jonesborough visitors wanting campgrounds with similar amenities to KOA (such as full hookups, bathhouses, and family activities), Riverpark Campground offers comparable services. Alternatively, Woodsmoke Campground near Unicoi provides drive-in access with reservable sites, water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly spaces similar to what you might expect at a KOA facility.

Where can I find tent camping options around Jonesborough?

Fox Fire Riverside Campground offers tent sites right by the river where you can enjoy the soothing sounds of flowing water. Their riverside sites (like 14 and 15) provide an immersive natural experience in the Smoky Mountains region. Nolichucky Gorge Campground is another option located just off I-26 near Erwin, offering a quiet setting on the Nolichucky River. For tent campers seeking more primitive experiences, Rock Creek Recreation Area near Greeneville provides walk-in tent sites with basic amenities. Most of these campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons.

Are there natural swimming areas near Jonesborough campgrounds?

Yes, there are several natural swimming options near Jonesborough campgrounds. Warriors' Path State Park offers swimming access in Fort Patrick Henry Lake with designated beach areas. Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area, though a bit further out, features beautiful swimming holes along the South Toe River with spots to skip rocks and enjoy the water. The Nolichucky River provides swimming opportunities at various access points near campgrounds like Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park. For a more developed swimming experience, Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park also offers a large swimming pool. Always check current conditions as water levels and safety can vary seasonally.