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Best Tent Camping near Limestone, TN

1,188 Reviews

National forests and state parks surrounding Limestone, Tennessee provide diverse tent camping options within the Appalachian Mountains. Big Creek Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a dedicated tent-only experience with 12 walk-in sites situated along a creek. Cosby Campground, located about 30 miles from Limestone, features over 100 tent campsites with most available on a first-come, first-served basis. Rocky Fork State Park provides primitive backcountry tent camping with trail access but no developed facilities. For those seeking more seclusion, dispersed tent camping can be found in Cherokee National Forest, where established sites often include basic fire rings.

Tent sites throughout the region vary considerably in terrain and amenities. Most established campgrounds provide level tent pads, picnic tables, and fire rings, while primitive areas require self-sufficiency. At Big Creek, campers must carry gear approximately 100 feet from the parking area to reach the tent sites. Cosby Campground features tent pads positioned on sloped terrain, often accessed by stairs from parking areas. Vault toilets are available at most developed sites, but showers are notably absent from national park campgrounds. Bear activity is common throughout the region, requiring proper food storage in all tent camping areas. The camping season typically runs from mid-April through October, with limited winter access due to park closures and weather conditions.

In early fall, tent campers experience cooler temperatures and fewer crowds at most sites. According to reviews, Cosby Campground "stays fairly quiet so you can really enjoy being in nature," with sites spaced to provide reasonable privacy despite being visible to neighbors. One visitor noted that Big Creek's tent-only designation creates a more peaceful atmosphere than mixed-use campgrounds. The proximity to hiking trails is a significant advantage, with many tent campsites offering direct access to trailheads. Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for day hikes to waterfalls and mountain summits. Most sites feature dense tree cover, providing ample shade during summer months and opportunities for hammock camping alongside traditional tent setups.

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Best Tent Sites Near Limestone, Tennessee (71)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Limestone, TN

126 Photos of 71 Limestone Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Limestone, TN

1188 Reviews of 71 Limestone Campgrounds

  • Dave V.
    Aug. 29, 2017

    Mount Mitchell State Park Campground

    Lofty Blue Ridge Experience

    Mount Mitchell State Park, highest peak east of the Mississippi...6,684ft elevation... is located on The Blue Ridge Parkway, but it is still a bit of a climb (for foot or vehicle traffic) to get to the summit. https://www.ncparks.gov/mount-mitchell-state-park

    Getting here the day after the solar eclipse, it was still pretty busy...and if you are traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway...speed is only 45 mph, so do your calculations. There are only nine, yes, count them...nine tent camping sites. So reservations are a must if you want a site! The campground is open from May 1 to Oct 31...but if you walk-in to the sites, as in via the trails, you can rent a site amost all year.

    Tent sites are small, but nice. You get a timber lined tent pad, a crushed limestone area with picnic table, wooden lantern post, and a fire ring with flip grate...and a bear secure food storage bin. There are flush toilets between sites 3 and 7... and two water spigots nearby.

    If campsites are full and you desire to hike the trails, you can register your vehicle with office, leave it there in the parking lot and locate a place to make camp along the trails. There are also several free roadside sites marked with a brown plastic post with a small tent emblem on them. Ordinarily these are along a stream where you can gather water (filter it!)...but it is primitive (LNT!).

    The park has a restaurant, a museum, gift shop and an observation tower at the summit. Pretty cool that the observation tower is ADA...but steep.

    Check weather reports. These mountains make their own weather. And remember, for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, temperature decreases by 3 degrees (roughly...there is constant debate). So pack wisely. Surprisingly, though reports called for rain...we saw none.

    Great hiking and long mountain views are one of the draws. The walk up the Observation trail is paved but steep, so give yourself some time if you are wanting to capture the sunset. If hiking, there are a myriad of sites that offer maps, levels of difficulty and recommendations. Did I mention that if you are planning to hike for the day...plan and pack for weather?

    A worthwhile place to pitch your tent, but there are also several other campgrounds at lower elevations that also have great trails and more amenities.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 30, 2020

    Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area

    Beautiful & Free but Lots of Road Noise

    Just on the edge of Watauga Lake sits this free dispersed camping area that is perfect for tent camping only. This is a park outside the gate and walk your gear in type of place, some bring your IKEA bags or a wagon. Opportunities for fishing and boating are abundant. Most of campsites are large, very shaded, and have at least one fire ring. A handful of sites have direct water access, and are more private. 

    There is no drinking water, picnic tables, or even pit toilet, so come prepared. The only major problem is that folks tend to leave a ton of trash around, so we spent about an hour cleaning the entire campground. Please Leave No Trace! Also, we would not recommend camping here on a busy weekend because the road is very close and the trucks are very loud! 

    The nearest town is Butler, which is small but offers the basics such as groceries and gas.

  • Katrin M.
    Aug. 14, 2023

    Mount Mitchell State Park Campground

    Absolutely stunning

    First of all... it is very hard to reserve a campsite for the weekend. And I completely understand why. It is simply beautiful. The campground has just 9 walk in sites. We stayed at site number 1 which is the closest to the parking lot. It was very private ( I think the most private of all) but number 5 and 6 have the best views. All campsites come with a firepit, picnic table, and a lantern pole.
    The bathhouse is very clean but had no showers or hot water. A very nice ranger sold us some firewood which was available in the parking lot. There are several ways to go up to the summit. You can hike 0.6 miles, which starts on top of the campground, or you drive up. On top of the mountain is a observation tower, a gift shop, a little museum, and a drink and snack bar. The fact I loved the most, was the the nice cool temperature. It was in the lower 70's during the day and about 50 at night. Be careful with the weather. It can change very quickly. A ranger came by and warned us about a coming thunderstorm. We found shelter on the porch of the bathhouse. It was very nice to watch the rain and the wind. We would camp here anytime again. It is really worth it.

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2021

    Appalachian Pond Campground

    Back to Nature Campground to Get Away from it All

    For tent campers, I would rate this campground with five stars. For RV campers, I would rate it with one star. There are no hookups for RV campers, but there is a place to park a small RV camper that is self-contained. I loved this campground. It is everything you need for tent camping. It is remote in the mountains of western North Carolina and has lots of shade. It has a small pond, it is quiet, and the owners are very nice. One of the owners apologized for the grass being so high, but I assured him it was all right(and it wasn’t really that high). 

    There are several tent sites back in the woods, but they are spacious and not on top of each other. Some of them have access to running water, and at least one has electricity.  There is also a small cottage by the pond, and a camper that can be rented.   At night, all you will hear are crickets, the wind through the trees, birds, and frogs—just the way I like it. This campground truly is off the beaten path. 

    As far as facilities, it has a shower. There is a portable toilet across the path. Although it sounds primitive, which it is, the quaintness of the shower house and the fact that it has both a shower and a portable toilet is good enough unless you are looking for luxury accommodations. This campground may be remote, but it is not far from many hiking trails and sites, including but not limited to Purchase Knob, Hemphill Bald, the old Ferguson Cabin, Cataloochee Valley, the Great Smoky Mountains, and much more. 

    An additional feature is the old barn owned by the same people, which can accommodate special events, such as weddings and other venues in a beautiful rural setting. Would I recommend this campground? Absolutely!!!!… especially for tent campers.

  • Mandi M.
    Jul. 15, 2018

    Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    Beautiful and Basic

    A no-frills campground inside GSMNP. Cosby is a small town about a 45 minute easy drive from Gatlinburg. Heavily wooded, lends itself nicely to hammock camping. Campsites are clean and bath houses are interspersed nicely throughout the campground. Bath houses are very basic: flush toilet (paper provided) and stainless steel sinks- no soap or dryers and are very clean. Campground is quiet and one can listen to the sounds of the creek from your tent.

    No cell service.

    Several hiking trails are accessible within the campground.

    No store, though several small stores/gas stations outside the campground sell approved firewood and ice. One or two small sandwich shops are open in the small town.

    Parking for tent camping really is limited to one car per campsite. Small parking spaces.

    Many sites are on an incline and accessed by stairs. Tent pads, picnic tables and fire rings are mostly level. There are grates attached to the fire rings that can be laid back if not in use.

    We enjoyed our stay here very much, though check the weather forecast: it rained at the campground while we were out and had no idea it had rained. :)

  • Ashley M.
    Sep. 17, 2019

    Table Rock Campsites (Linville Gorge Wilderness)

    Linville Gorge is Gorgeous

    We’ve primitive camped in the Linville Gorge Wilderness for many years and absolutely love it. It’s peaceful and secluded and the views are absolutely gorgeous. My photos are from the Linville Falls side of the old highway that goes past the falls parking lot. Spaces are first come, first served dispersed camping. Leave no trace! We clean up after folks every time we camp up here and it’s just too sad that people will leave their trash. This area used to be the best kept secret in the NC mountains but is quickly gaining popularity.

  • Melissa W.
    May. 30, 2019

    Linville Falls Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    BRP Mile Marker 316

    Another lovely campground along the BRP, close to Linville Falls and gorge, picnic area and visitor center.

    Erwin’s View Trail: Moderate Linville Gorge Trail: Strenuous {amazing view of falls}

    Get a map at the visitor’s center.. redundant: the gorge is rather crowded on the weekends.

    Check online for road closures when visiting the parkway.

    $20 per night

    There are 70 sites, some reservable sites and walk ins -and an RV loop {dump station} All sites non electric, generators permitted before quiet hours.

    Lovely rangers and camp host that I found to be pleasant and helpful.

    Open field sites, with decent sized pads, fire pits & picnic tables. Some of the sites are more secluded, the ones nearest to the parkway road.

    Dog friendly for leashed puppers 🐾 Kid Friendly

    There are bear lockers, keep food and supplies in the locker and in car at night.

    Alcohol is prohibited

    No showers but access to clean water and flush toilets.

    You may collect dead wood or bring in HEAT TREATED firewood that is certified with a federal seal.

    Local stores that sell wood and/or other supplies: Linville Falls Visitor Center/Park store Linville Falls General Store {8896 NC-183, Linville Falls, NC 28647- trinkets, camp supplies, cold drinks, non perishable food, Hunt Brothers Pizza etc} Walmart Supercenter, Spruce Pine, Ingles Food Store, Newland

    Nearby Attractions

    Linville Falls Linville Gorge “Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians”

    Falls Trail - 1.6 mi RT/easy The Gorge Trail - 1.4 mi RT/ strenuous. The Plunge Basin Trail- 1mi RT/ moderate. Leashed dogs permitted 🐾

    BRP Linville Canverns Crabtree Falls, Burnsville Grassy Creek Falls NC Gem Museum

    The campground is laid out well, spacious, clean and located near awesome trails, falls, look outs and shops and restaurants.

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 2, 2021

    Cataloochee Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    Remote Camping Near Smoky Mountain History

    Full Video With Drive Through Of The Campground CLICK HERE

    When visiting the smoky mountains you might be tempted to try something a little bit more off the beaten path. Sometimes the path being rocky and windy makes the campsite all the more worth it. As is the case with the Cataloochee campground. 

    I took a trip to this campground in hopes of finding something spectacular I had heard that the elk in this area around freely and that on a crisp day you could hear the water which runs along side the camp even at the furthest campsite. As I drove down the winding road I noticed that the twist interns grew narrow the bumps grew frequent and then encountering a motorist was a hairy experience. I had been told that large RVs we're not permitted however I saw one precariously going down the mountain side. 

    The roads suddenly turned from dirt and gravel to a paved section of highway and I was slightly confused. 

    Just a short distance after this occurred I found the Cataloochee campground jetting off to the left-hand side of the road. It welcomed me with open arms and tall trees casting gorgeous shade that seem to be dancing in the sunlight. I pulled in to speak to the Ranger on duty and then quickly found my campsite. It was something unlike any other campground I had found in the area completely removed from the comforts of community and distanced intentionally from the creature comforts. 

    This campground is one for making memories and enjoying truly the outdoors. Hiking trails depart from this campground and lead to some of the most historic areas of the great Smoky Mountain National Park including several structures which ones were the homes of some of the first residents of the Smoky Mountains. 

    Each site was large enough to spread out in with a small camper or a tent. Tent pads are large and size allowing for even the largest of tents. Each pull in was large enough for a large vehicle, though I could see an RV being an issue. Campsites came standard with lantern hooks and picnic tables in addition to a fire ring. 

    Centralized restrooms and trash receptacles were available in addition to a spigot. These restrooms are very basic however do have a wash sink area in a common area as well to avoid restroom clean up for dishes. There are no showers at this facility. 

    Since this area is widely regarded for bear sightings in addition to other wild animals, you can find bear safety at the kiosk and locking trash bins. I would advise brushing up on your bear safety before a trip to the Smoky Mountains for a camping trip in general. 

    Sure enough after settling in this campground was a peaceful and idyllic setting. At$25 per night the waterfront sites more than justify the price point. However, I will say reservations are required for this campground as it is more remote and also more limited on availability. 

    This campground is frequently effected by weather so planning in advance is a must!!

  • Stephanie J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 15, 2019

    Greenheart Forest

    Forest Bathing and Beauty at Greenheart Forest

    (As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I am occasionally given the opportunity to stay at campgrounds to help expand the listings on the site. I was given the chance to stay at Greenheart Forest through this program.)

    Located in Pisgah National Forest, Greenheart Forest labels itself as a place of healing, and that description could not be more accurate. David and Jeannette, the owners, are both incredibly nice. From our initial phone call, to meeting them, to when we said goodbye, they were so kind and conversational in all of our interactions.I spent a lot of time talking to David about his passion—and the mission of Greenheart Forest—of forest bathing and terra psychology. 

    The campground itself is both small and large. There are only five sites available for booking, but they are considerably spaced out, and the sites themselves are very large. While the sites are technically“drive-in,” the road to get to them is very difficult to navigate unless you have 4-wheel drive, so when planning the trip, plan to either hike-in(about 200 yards or so), or to pay$5 each direction for David or his wife to provide portage of your gear. When we went it was raining pretty heavily and my front-wheel drive RAV-4 could not make it, so we took advantage of David’s truck. 

    Site 1 is the closest to the lodge/parking lot, with a covered picnic table. Site 2 is the“glamping” site, available at an upcharge; David has a 10-person tent, 2-room tent set up that includes two cots in one“room,” and a rug and chairs in the other. This site is huge, with a large fire ring, and ample room to set up other tents. We stayed here and were able to set up a second tent and a screen shelter with room to spare. Site 3 is also very large, with wooden benches around the fire ring, a gravel tent pad, and plenty of ground space for additional tents. This is also the site closest to the“privy;” a pop up tent set up around a bucket with toilet paper and a bucket of leaves to aide in decomposition.(There is a bathroom with running water in the lodge as well.) Sites 4 and 5 are the furthest from the lodge, with site 5 being the most private and slightly downhill from the others. This site was occupied when we went so I could not get a good look at it, but the privacy it had was incredible. 

    These are tent sites only; they will not accommodate RVs, and sites 3 and 5 are not accessible by vehicle, but by short trails past the other campsites. There is no electricity at the sites, and water is available at the lodge but must be carried the rest of the way. 

    The road that takes you to sites 1 and 2 stretches towards the edge of David’s property, and ends in a trail that takes you to the Max Patch summit via the Buckeye Ridge Trail, about 3 miles round trip from the campground to the summit. We did not get to explore the trail, but have been to Max Patch and it is incredible and well worth the walk if your trip allows time for it. 

    Even better than the wide and open campsites though, is the overall atmosphere David has created. He has a zen garden for walking and meditation, flowers everywhere, and community places set up both inside and outside the the lodge for talking to other campers. His background in Forest Bathing has led to building a place of love and healing, and it shows in everything from the moment you first turn into the driveway. We came with kids, and while everything was very child-friendly, this would be a wonderful place to come alone if you needed to get into the forest and clear your head, or with a retreat looking for a place to facilitate deeper healing or meditations.

Guide to Limestone

Cherokee National Forest offers multiple dispersed camping options near Limestone, Tennessee at elevations between 1,600-4,600 feet. Sites have varied terrain with some requiring high-clearance vehicles to access primitive areas. Winter camping is possible at lower elevations when higher campgrounds close from November through March.

What to do

Hike the Appalachian Trail: The AT passes near several campgrounds in the region, making tent camping a convenient basecamp for day hikes. At Hot Springs Campground, one camper noted it was "Walking distance to trails and town. Spa with hot spring hot tubs across the street," while another mentioned it was "A bucket list trip to step foot on the APP and spend time wandering Hot Springs NC."

River activities: The Nolichucky River offers paddling opportunities for various skill levels near tent campsites. At USA Raft Adventure Resort, "We whitewater rafted, the guides were excellent and it was an awesome trip. The AT meanders along the River and is easily accessible from the campground." Another visitor mentioned, "Launch your raft or theirs and enjoy the outdoors."

Soak in hot mineral springs: After hiking or paddling, visit the nearby hot springs in Hot Springs, NC. Campers consistently mention this as a highlight: "We have spent many great times at Hot Springs camp grounds! Can play on the French broad river and then take a soak in the hot mineral tubs!" Another reviewer noted, "the hot springs spa was the best. Can't wait for my next visit."

What campers like

Privacy and seclusion: Many campers appreciate finding quieter alternatives to the busier Smoky Mountain campgrounds. At Cosby Campground, "This location is a great choice for anyone who wants to visit GSMNP while avoiding some of the crowds. This campground rarely fills up, allowing for the opportunity to pick your site when you get there." Another visitor confirmed, "Much quieter than the other campgrounds in the park."

Trailhead access: Tent campsites near Limestone often provide direct trail access. A Cosby camper mentioned, "Several wonderful hikes right out of the campground," while another stated, "Trailheads conveniently located inside the campground. Peaceful trails." This direct access eliminates driving to trailheads.

Waterfront sites: Camping along waterways ranks high for tent campers. One review of USA Raft noted, "Great sites right by the river for tents," while another mentioned, "The tents sites along the river were great, once all of the travel trailers loaded up Sunday morning and pulled out it revealed beautiful grounds."

What you should know

Bathroom facilities vary: Toilet facilities differ significantly between established and primitive sites. At Blackberry Blossom Farm & Campground, "The bathhouse is spotless, and the campsites themselves are clear and well-maintained. I found the dishwashing station (with hot water!) to be especially convenient." Meanwhile, at Rocky Fork State Park, facilities are minimal with only "Portable toilet is maintained at the parking lot."

Reservation requirements: While some campgrounds require advance booking, others operate on first-come systems. At Cosby, "Most sites are walk up, so you don't need a reservation, and there are probably 100+ sites, so even during the busiest of times you can find a good site."

Cell service limitations: Many tent campsites near Limestone have limited or no cell coverage, particularly in forest and mountain locations. Some campgrounds like USA Raft offer "a great bar (beer, food, music) by the river with WIFI," but primitive sites typically have no connectivity.

Tips for camping with families

Water features for kids: Creeks and rivers provide natural entertainment for children. At Rocky Fork State Park, "There are connecting trails into Cherokee National Forest as well as excellent trout fishing in streams that are stocked weekly during summer," making it ideal for family fishing activities.

Accessible trails: Some areas offer trails suitable for families with young children. Rocky Fork features "The Fork River Trail offers one of the most picturesque locations in the Blue Ridge and is accessible (with assistance) for some jogging strollers and some wheelchairs."

Educational opportunities: Ranger programs provide learning experiences during summer months. One visitor noted, "The rangers have programs regularly," and at Rocky Fork, "There is an interpretive area where guides offer presentations in the summer."

Tips from RVers

Limited hookup availability: Full-service RV sites are scarce near Limestone. At Hot Springs Campground, one RVer noted, "Only 3 fifty amp full hook up sites. Lots of 30 amp and tent camping. Right on the river," indicating the need to book early for full-hookup sites.

Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in this mountainous region have uneven terrain. One camper mentioned, "Nice and quite and right by the river," but others note that leveling equipment is essential on sloped sites throughout the area.

Campground access roads: Some roads leading to tent campsites near Limestone are narrow with tight turns. RVers should research road conditions before arrival, as many forest roads are unpaved and may have clearance issues for larger rigs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Limestone, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Limestone, TN is Hot Springs Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.

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