Kelly W.
Scout
ScoutPanther Creek State Park Campground
Panther Creek State Park
Lovely camping site employees are courteous and helpful the area is super neat and clean. Very pretty and borders a lake
Camping near Mount Carmel, TN
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The northeastern Tennessee landscape surrounding Mount Carmel features several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, with Warriors' Path State Park serving as a central camping destination. This 970-acre park sits on Fort Patrick Henry Lake, offering ridge-top camping with water and electric hookups for both tent and RV campers. Natural Tunnel State Park, just across the Virginia border, provides year-round camping options including primitive sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Several KOA locations, including Bristol-Kingsport KOA and Baileyton KOA Holiday, supplement the state park options with additional amenities like full hookups, cabins, and glamping accommodations.
Reservations are strongly recommended for most established campgrounds in the region, particularly during summer weekends and fall color season. As one camper noted about Warriors' Path State Park, "Carefully choose your site to accommodate your RV/trailer and tow vehicle as some sites are just big enough for the RV if it's too long." Navigation can be challenging in some areas, with several campgrounds warning against following standard GPS directions. The terrain varies from ridge-top settings to riverside locations, with many campgrounds positioned near water bodies. Weather patterns follow typical Appalachian seasonal variations, with humid summers, colorful falls, and occasionally snowy winters that may affect campground operations.
Water access represents a significant draw for many campgrounds in the area, with sites along Fort Patrick Henry Lake, the Holston River, and Cherokee Lake receiving consistently positive reviews. Campers frequently mention the peaceful settings and natural sounds as highlights of their stays. According to one visitor to a nearby creek-side campground, "Even though it is within view of the road, the running water sound of the creek behind us lulled us to sleep." Facility quality varies considerably across the region, with state parks generally maintaining well-kept bathhouses and amenities, while some private campgrounds receive mixed reviews regarding maintenance. Most campgrounds offer standard amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and access to potable water, with varying levels of hookups depending on the location.
Best Campgrounds near Mount Carmel (191)
1. Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground — Warriors' Path State Park
"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."
2. Natural Tunnel State Park Campground
"However, the temperatures were in the lower 90s outside, and once we walked inside the yurt, it was like walking into an oven. The temperature had to be somewhere around 110 degrees inside."
"Site 10 is a great site with plenty of distance between adjacent sites and a huge yard area, probably the best site in the two loops (Lover's Leap& Cove View)."
3. Moody Bluff Campground — Warriors' Path State Park
"All around wonderful place to camp"
"updated bathhouses lots of shady sites sits on Patrick Henry Lake - no boat that’s ok rent paddle boats and kayaks at the Marina or just have lunch and watch the ducks on the water!"
4. Baileyton KOA Holiday
"Conveniently located close to highway 81 and town!"
"Even though it's very close to the interstate, it was very quiet. We had a full hook up site, relatively level. It had a picnic table and fire ring."
5. Clinch River Family Campground
"A few friends and I visited this campground in June of 2018 so we could visit the Natural Tunnel and the Devil's Fork Loop Trail."
"What a great experience for the whole family and kids and enjoyed the privacy water was a little cold this time of year but I had a great fire next to the river Under the Stars roasting s'mores"
6. Natural Tunnel State Park Primitive Camping — Natural Tunnel State Park
"Water spigot at top, a little walk, uphill, for water."
"Just happened to be the one day a year the tunnel is open to walk through (it’s an active railroad and closed otherwise)."
from $16 / night
Check Availability7. Lover's Leap Campground — Natural Tunnel State Park
"The cabins look fantastic from the outside. For more adventures you can also rent a yurt. There is also a little campstore that has firewood and some essentials. The area is very scenic."
from $37 / night
Check Availability8. Cedar Ridge Hammock Campground — Warriors' Path State Park
"Absolutely love camping here at warriors path State Park it's beyond one of my favorite places to camp"
9. Cove View Campground — Natural Tunnel State Park
"Also the crows - smarter than normal haha they WILL wake you up earlier than the other birds demanding you make breakfast and leave so they can then hop around your camp."
"Amazing trails, well maintained with breathtaking views. Camp site was clean. Accessible. Camp store had all the needed supplies and then some. Friendly staff. Well monitored for safety."
from $37 - $80 / night
Check Availability10. Bristol-Kingsport KOA
"I’d never used a KOA before but was tremendously impressed with the serene beauty of this place situated well away from traffic in a bucolic setting."
"The park is also near Warriors Path State Park, which is fun to go hike and see. They have several large pull through sites, as well as back in smaller sites."
Drive Time
- 12 min from Kingsport, TN
- 21 min from Johnson City, TN
- 56 min from Morristown, TN
- 1 hr 25 min from Asheville, NC
Recent Camping Photos near Mount Carmel, TN
191 Photos of 191 Mount Carmel Campgrounds
Stephanie J.
Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground — Warriors' Path State Park
Roland R.
Natural Tunnel State Park Primitive Camping — Natural Tunnel State Park
Myron C.
Natural Tunnel State Park Campground
Roland R.
Cove View Campground — Natural Tunnel State Park
N I.
Baileyton KOA Holiday
Maria K.
French Broad River Campground - Permanently Closed
janie B.
Around Pond RV Park
The Dyrt
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Tentrr Signature Site - Southern Belle "Hotel" at The Stickley Farm
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Field of Dreams at The Stickley Farm
Lauren J.
Jessie Lea RV Park and Campground
Lazy L.
Lazy Llama Campground
Recent Reviews near Mount Carmel, TN
564 Reviews of 191 Mount Carmel Campgrounds
Mike F.ScoutDoe River Landing
Ahhh-mazing
We arrived and easily got to our spot. There’s a river just behind our spot and only a handful of RVs and cabins. Our GPS wanted us to pass the turn to the campground, we had to make a U turn to get in…. Of course, on the second approach we saw the entrance signs (my bad). It looks like it is best to approach from the west (Hampton?), it was a sharp turn entering from the east (Roan Mountain). We settled in and got to relaxing quickly.
- EEric W.
GuideSugar Hollow Campground
Arrive with 1/2 tank of fuel!
It was a long day of travel for me anyways. I arrived around 17:15 and the ranger was nowhere to be seen. Honor system was full out the form and pay cash before you go find your site.
This place is better for tent campers and those with rigs 20ft and under. Our 30ft bumper-pull was no match for the narrow sites due to trees. Most sites were not level either. As advertised, no sewer hook-up, and bring at least a 50ft hose for water…better yet, bring a 100ft hose and an additional splitter. The birds were nice to hear. It was quiet throughout the night also, mainly because there were only about 10 campers in the whole park (it holds about 78).
The bathhouses were clean and bright; but only shower curtains for doors on the toilets—reminded me of my deployment to Afghanistan.
Fuel…the hill to get in and out of the park is very steep! And if you spend time trying to fit your rig into any site you might think you can fit into but can’t, you’re going to need enough fuel to make it to the next gas station! If your rig is longer than 30ft and it’s not a 5th wheel, look elsewhere.
Personally, I won’t be stopping here again. The overall park was nice; but for $20/night, it wasn’t worth the stress.
- SSara M.Guide
Doe River Landing
What a fantastic find - small, family-owned campground in mountain heaven
Doe River Landing is a small, delightful RV and cabin camping park that sits on the banks of the Doe River in the Roan Mountain valley of TN. We enjoyed our stay enough that we extended a few extra days. Five shaded, landscaped RV sites offering water/electric are located about 20 yards from the river’s edge. An additional site offers a fully-outfitted rental RV. Sites are pea gravel and mostly level. Luxury rental cabins(5) are available along with a truly awesome rental pavilion outfitted for larger group gatherings. The friendly hosts live in a home nearby and were around daily during our stay.
For a small family campground the amenities are super nice. The top-notch children’s playground and toy shed obviously delighted guest’s children. Wi-Fi signal is strong enough for streaming. Nice, clean bathhouse. Public grills are available. Hiking trails meander along the river and up through their woods.
There are few places we enjoy more than the Roan Mountain area for camping. The location is fantastic and even peak summer temperatures are usually comfortable. Roan Mountain State Park is minutes away for hiking and a slew of activities, while the top of Roan Mountain houses the famous wild Rhododendron Gardens. The AT and multiple hiking trails run along the top of the mountain.
There were only a few considerations with this venue.
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The sites are mostly level although we needed two OxBlocks in each of the sites we stayed in. One needed leveling front-to-back, the other side-to-side. When Hurricane Helene scoured the area it likely left some dips in the parking pads.
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The bathhouse contains one toilet and shower, both housed in the same room which can tie them up for long periods.
3) There may be some day and night traffic noise as large trucks involved in repairs from Hurricane Helene are still active.
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The approach is rather challenging. New lighted signage helps identify where their single-lane entrance road takes a HARD fork off US-19E. Be sure to check the Directions tab on their website. If you are arriving from the north (through Elizabethton) you will be able to pull directly onto Bob Ray Rd.(entrance to the right of the little Bible church). Approaching from the south on US-19E is more difficult. Bob Ray Rd basically runs parallel to US-19E which requires essentially a U-turn across 2-3 lanes to accomplish. The host suggests turning through the closed fruit stand parking lot(on the left within sight of the entrance) but we weren’t sure about it given on-coming traffic. We elected to drive~ 2 miles further down 19E and U-turn across the left shoulder.
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Bob Ray Rd is a single-lane road. Based on timing for check-in/check-out you are unlikely to meet another RV coming at you(thankfully!)
Multiple choices for food in the area. The Whiteway Grill– less than 5 minutes away- offers fabulous breakfasts. Smoky Mountain Bakers is beyond awesome! Wood-fired pizza for dinner and breakfast plates from simple sandwiches to breakfast burritos, pancakes and French toast. We find excuses to eat here during the week. Every meal we’ve had at Puerto Escondido Mexican restaurant was huge(as in leftovers) and tasty.
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- TTimothy S.
TravelerHidden Valley WMA
Ultimate Zen
The lake is so beautiful if you catch it at the right time of day it’s like l looking into a mirror dimension because it’s so clear.
- KKane G.Traveler
Weaver Bend Road
Great riverside spot
Overall, a decent dispersed camping spot. I saw and heard no one my entire time at this spot. It’s right on the river which is great. The drive in is mostly paved, but a little narrow. Please pack your trash out though. It seems like no matter the state I camp in, people leave their trash. This site was particularly bad. It’s good to go now, but bring a bag and leave it nicer than you found it.
- KKatie M.Scout
Dark Ridge HideOut (Adults Only)
Awesome private campground!
The owner was super nice and gave us all the info we needed! Very close to the falls to swim at and hike to (wear hiking shoes to get to the falls) over all great quiet little campground!
- MMichael N.Traveler
Thunder River Campground
The perfect getaway for the camping lovers
Beautiful scenery right next to the Russell Fork River! A solid 5 stars for the campground & staff. You don’t have to worry about the fun police monitoring your every action. Very budget friendly, they have the cheapest rates that I could find around the area. It’s really laidback & peaceful. You can sit at camp & relax while you drink your favorite beverage, enjoy your favorite smoke, just keep it to yourself & don’t raise hell. Or you could hit the Russell Fork for some awesome river activities such as fishing, swimming, kayaking, etc. At check-in you get the free Wi-Fi password & a bundle of wood for your fire pit. It’s a great getaway & I thoroughly enjoyed my stay & look forward to coming back. The only downside is that they need more shade options for the back tent sites to beat the summer heat. I highly recommend Thunder River Campground!!⛺️
- JJanet P.Scout
Roan Creek Campground
Constant harassment from owners
This campground is not 420 friendly! It’s Tn where MJ is illegal. We have RX but we were harassed non stop. One day the owner said to smoke by River, next day somewhere else! Owner also would snoop around my camper to upset my Belgian Mal. We spent a miserable summer here May-Nov. Never again! All was ok until we set up!
Guide to Mount Carmel
Mount Carmel area camping sites offer access to multiple watersheds with the Holston River, Cherokee Lake, and Fort Patrick Henry Lake all within a 20-mile radius. The region experiences high humidity during summer months with temperatures regularly reaching into the 90s, while winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing from December through February. Campgrounds in the area typically range from 1,200 to 1,500 feet in elevation, creating moderate temperature fluctuations between day and night.
What to do
Fishing in multiple waterways: Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground provides boat access to Fort Patrick Henry Lake where various fish species can be caught. "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!" notes Natalie A.
Explore Natural Tunnel: Natural Tunnel State Park Campground features a 850-foot natural limestone tunnel that's been carved out over thousands of years. "Spent the night in a tent at Lovers Leap campground. Campground and park are clean, well maintained and up to date. Canoed Clinch River, caved in the park, and took a short guided hike through Stock Creek to backside of tunnel. Highly recommend!" says Rob J.
Mountain biking trails: The region offers numerous mountain biking paths for various skill levels. Tom B. from Warriors' Path State Park shares, "I have spent a lot of time at the Park golfing, mountain biking, swimming, running, kayaking and picnicking but have never been into the campground area."
What campers like
Private camping spaces: Many campers appreciate the seclusion at certain campgrounds despite their proximity to amenities. At Lover's Leap Campground, Katrin M. reports, "We reserved a spot at the Lovers Leap Campground. The sites are very spacious and private. It comes with the usual amenities like a fire ring, picnic table, and a lantern pole. There was even an extra little wooden table on every site."
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness is consistently mentioned in positive reviews. Jennifer H. from Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground describes, "We stayed at #86 which was off the main campground overlooking the lake. The site was perfect for 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."
Riverside camping: Clinch River Family Campground offers camping right alongside the water. Beth B. notes, "Campground is well maintained, lots of playground equipment for kids and a launch for tubes/kayaks. At main road there is a public launch if you want to put in there and then float to campground."
What you should know
Site accessibility: Many camping sites near Mount Carmel, Tennessee have accessibility challenges. At Warriors' Path State Park, Kate S. 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."
Off-grid locations: Some campgrounds have limited connectivity. For Natural Tunnel State Park Primitive Camping, Amethyst B. advises, "Your cell service will be spotty/non-existent on trails around the area... even when you see a road running parallel to your hike... plan accordingly."
Wildlife awareness: Bears and other wildlife are active in the area. "Take bear and coyote warnings SERIOUSLY my friends. I've seen plenty out there but never had a problem taking proper precautions," reports Amethyst B. about Natural Tunnel State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. At Baileyton KOA Holiday, D S. mentions, "This place is very kid-friendly yet quiet! Pool is salt-water so no chlorine smell. Playground is away from most camp sites and has a tire swing and small set up."
Ranger programs: Educational activities are available at many area campgrounds. Jedidiah J. from Warriors' Path State Park shares, "My son and I enjoyed a round of disk golf while my wife and daughters made use of their awesome playground. We only did one hike, however, there are multiple trails to make use of in the park."
Primitive camping options: For families wanting to teach outdoor skills, primitive sites are available. Sarah C. describes Natural Tunnel State Park Primitive Camping: "5 spots with tent pads, picnic tables, fire pit, hanging poles, and bear box. Then there is a very large, communal fire pit, and an open but covered shelter with picnic tables and an outlet to charge your tech things."
Tips from RVers
Site selection criteria: RV campers should carefully research site dimensions before booking. Sara M. from Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground advises, "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!!"
Leveling requirements: Many campsites in the area require leveling equipment. Michelle I. notes about Warriors' Path, "Really nice facility near town. There are a lot of uneven campsites, so bring your leveling blocks."
Remote access considerations: Some campgrounds require driving on unpaved roads. Beth B. from Clinch River Family Campground cautions, "Most of the final road to campground is paved with exception of last mile, it's wide enough but slow going. You will lose cellular pretty quickly when you turn on that road."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Mount Carmel, TN?
What camping is available near Mount Carmel, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Mount Carmel, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 191 campgrounds and RV parks near Mount Carmel, TN and 10 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Mount Carmel, TN?
Which is the most popular campground near Mount Carmel, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mount Carmel, TN is Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground — Warriors' Path State Park with a 3.9-star rating from 26 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mount Carmel, TN?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mount Carmel, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near Mount Carmel, TN.
What parks are near Mount Carmel, TN?
What parks are near Mount Carmel, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 32 parks near Mount Carmel, TN that allow camping, notably Cherokee National Forest and John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir.
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