The Nolichucky River Valley near Limestone, Tennessee offers glamping options at elevations between 1,200-2,000 feet. This area experiences mild winters and warm summers with fall temperatures averaging 55-75°F through October. The region combines historical significance with access to mountain ranges, providing campers with diverse recreational opportunities spanning both Tennessee and nearby North Carolina.
What to do
Hiking access to Appalachian Trail: At Riverpark Campground, visitors can explore sections of the Appalachian Trail that pass nearby. "The AT meanders along the River and is easily accessible from the campground," notes a camper who enjoyed multiple accommodation types at the property.
Fishing opportunities: Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park offers excellent fishing access along the Nolichucky River. One visitor shared a special memory: "I have seen this place change from the small little campground & Swimming Pool, with the little Cabin starting in the mid 80's... This has included some of my best Fishing Memories, catching a Monster of CatFish in the back honey Hole!"
Historical exploration: Beyond just camping, the historical significance of the area adds another dimension to your visit. "We appreciated the fact that there are a few trails right there on the property and that there is also a museum on the property where you can learn lots about the history of this famous Tennessean for which the campsite and park were named," explains one camper at Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park.
Swimming options: During warm months, several campgrounds offer swimming. At Bear Den Family Campground, one reviewer noted, "The campground is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains...so beautiful! Quiet campground with hiking trails, small fishing lake, playgrounds, an arcade room, and camp store."
What campers like
Riverside camping locations: Campers consistently mention the appeal of sites positioned along the Nolichucky. At Hot Springs Campground, visitors appreciate "Beautiful sites on the river. Walk into town for restaurants and brews! Walk to spa for soak in hot tub!!" This accessibility to water features makes glamping close to Limestone, Tennessee particularly appealing.
Clean facilities: Travelers frequently note the cleanliness of campground bathhouses. One visitor to Baileyton KOA Holiday mentioned it was "the best KOA we've camped" and specifically praised it as "Super Clean," while another detailed: "The bathrooms and showers were so clean! As clean as any hotel."
Natural pools and water features: Rock Creek Campground in Cherokee National Forest offers unique water experiences. "They have 1 bathhouse at the front gate where you drop your camping fees & up there is a huge natural mtn stream feed pool with a concrete bottom & yes the water is ice cold straight out of the stream with even trout swimming in the pool," shares one long-time visitor.
Proximity to nature and town amenities: Many campers value Spacious Skies Bear Den for its balance of natural setting with conveniences: "Being right on the Parkway was awesome and provided some great driving and hiking close by. The staff were very helpful."
What you should know
Seasonal flooding concerns: Some riverside campgrounds experience periodic flooding. One visitor to Riverpark Campground noted: "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... Do check the output of the river because this campground will flood."
Site size limitations: At Warriors' Path State Park, pay close attention to site dimensions. A camper warns: "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."
Variable water conditions: River activities depend heavily on current water levels. "Depending when you visit the water maybe suitable for swimming, other times not so much," explains a Riverpark Campground reviewer discussing the Nolichucky River conditions.
Crowding during peak seasons: Some campgrounds become very busy during summer months. One candid review of Warriors' Path State Park described: "Sites were right on top of one another and extremely crowded—felt like a tailgating party in a parking lot."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park offers excellent facilities for children. "Playground is great and was perfect for our girl scout trip. There's also a sweet man who gives tours of the replica farm of David Crocket.. in character and costume," shares one visitor who appreciated the family-friendly amenities.
Water recreation options: Multiple campgrounds feature swimming areas for kids. Warriors' Path State Park includes "a beautiful lake for kayaking and fishing, and a Marina where rentals are available! Park also has a Boundless Playground!"
Educational opportunities: The historical context provides learning experiences for children. One parent noted that at Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park, there is "hiking & river walks. Super clean and new bath houses as well... If possible make reservations online."
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds offer scheduled events for families. At Bear Den Family Campground, visitors find "plenty of sites. This campground is nestled off the Blue Ridge Parkway... There is a nice hiking trail up the mountain. Several cabins as well and plenty of bathhouses and a small camp store!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling preparation: Many RVers recommend bringing leveling equipment. At Warriors' Path State Park, one RVer shared: "Really nice facility near town. There are a lot of uneven campsites, so bring your leveling blocks."
Hookup availability: For luxury glamping close to Limestone, Tennessee, check hookup specifications before booking. At Riverpark Campground, "all sites have full hookups including premium cable television. 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."
Size restrictions awareness: Pay careful attention to maximum RV lengths at older campgrounds. A Warriors' Path visitor warned: "The main camping section was laid out long ago, with older style short sites and water/electric only. 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!!"
