Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground offers 94 sites with water and electric hookups in an area experiencing mild winters and warm summers, with average July temperatures around 77°F. The park sits at approximately 1,350 feet elevation with the campground positioned along Fort Patrick Henry Lake. Sites accommodate both tent campers and RVs with most providing shade from mature hardwood trees.
What to do
Mountain biking options: The award-winning mountain bike trail system at Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground extends beyond the standard paths with diverse terrain suitable for various skill levels. "This is an enjoyable State Park with a lot to offer. They have a full docket of activities, ranger-led hikes, games, crafts and wildlife lectures offered throughout the day," notes Sara M.
Water recreation access: South Holston Lake provides calm waters for paddling and fishing at Little Oak Campground, located 25 minutes from Kingsport. "There are few places that I've been to that top this location. Super easy camp ground to get to with excellent paved roads in very close to each of the Tri-Cities. After the boat noise dies down the lake is extremely peaceful and placid," reports Nathan F.
Historical exploration: Visit the museum and replica homestead at Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park Campground approximately 40 minutes southwest of Kingsport. "There is a heritage village and museum that you can walk or drive through with reinactors on site," explains Anna R. The park features a small museum focused on frontier history and offers interpretive programs during summer months.
What campers like
Accessible lake views: Many sites at Little Oak Campground provide direct sightlines to South Holston Lake. "Little oak offered a great place to stay for a week. With south Holston lake at your finger tips it offers a great area to fish, boat, kayak, paddle board and swim," shares Jayme G. The campground features sites along three peninsulas, creating multiple water-access points.
Modern facilities: The Natural Tunnel State Park Campground maintains exceptionally clean restrooms and bathing facilities. "New super clean showerhouse with plenty of pressure and hot water. We had great cell and hot spot service (ATT & Verizon)," Gary P. comments. The campground offers two separate loops with different site configurations and recently renovated bathroom facilities.
Family programming: Regularly scheduled ranger-led activities enhance the camping experience for children. "They have a full marina with canoe, kayak and paddle board rentals. It houses an acclaimed mountain bike trail area. Nearby you can golf and ride horses," notes Sara M. about Warriors' Path State Park. During summer months, the park typically schedules daily nature programs focused on local wildlife and ecology.
What you should know
Site sizing limitations: Several campgrounds have tight size restrictions that must be followed carefully. "Pay attention to the site size as some RVs had issues getting their larger RVs in their sites with the road/site layout," warns Jennifer H. about Warriors' Path. Similarly, Kate S. notes, "The only issues we had were several of the sites were too small for even our pop up camper, no way an RV can fit. You really need to scout the sites beforehand."
Seasonal crowding: Summer weekends bring high visitor numbers, particularly at Warriors' Path State Park. "Sites were right on top of one another and extremely crowded—felt like a tailgating party in a parking lot," reports Karin P. The main campground area experiences heaviest use between Memorial Day and Labor Day, especially during weekends.
Terrain considerations: Uneven terrain affects site selection at Baileyton KOA Holiday, located 40 minutes from Kingsport. "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 too bc of this)," Beth H. explains. Bringing leveling blocks is recommended for most area campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Families with young children can take advantage of dedicated play areas. "The campground is deep in the national forest, out on a series of peninsulas, making all the campsites quite close to the water," Lynn G. shares about Little Oak Campground. At Warriors' Path, the "Boundless Playground" provides accessible play equipment for children of all abilities.
Educational opportunities: Schedule visits around ranger programs for enhanced learning experiences. "There's a sweet man who gives tours of the replica farm of David Crockett... in character and costume," Rebecca M. mentions about Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park. The historical interpretation adds educational value to family camping trips.
Swimming options: Multiple swimming areas provide alternatives to lake swimming. "This amazing campground has spots for tent and rv camping, hiking trails, a beautiful lake for kayaking and fishing, and a Marina where rentals are available! Park also has a Boundless Playground!" exclaims Natalie A. about Warriors' Path State Park. The park's swimming pool offers lifeguarded swimming during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Most pet friendly camping near Kingsport, Tennessee offers water and electric connections, but sewer hookups are less common. "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," Michelle I. notes about Warriors' Path. Campers requiring full hookups should consider the Moody Bluff section at Warriors' Path which offers recently updated full-hookup sites.
Accessibility information: Bristol-Kingsport KOA provides easily navigable sites for larger rigs. "Kingsport/Bristol has easy access from Interstate 81 and the campground is easily navigated with a large 5th wheel," Laura H. confirms. The campground features several large pull-through sites with 50-amp service and full hookups approximately 15 minutes from downtown Kingsport.
Cell service considerations: Digital connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. "Campground sites are a bit close together but it is well maintained and has friendly staff. Wifi works well," mentions Doreen M. about Lakeview RV Resort. Most campgrounds near Kingsport offer at least basic cell service, though signal strength may decrease in more remote areas.
