The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Mountain City, TN

1,170 Reviews

Mountain City, Tennessee offers a variety of camping areas ranging from primitive tent sites to full-service campgrounds. Doe Valley Campground provides full hookups for RVs with high-speed WiFi in a peaceful setting about 5 miles from town, while Mountain City Campground features 30-amp and 50-amp service and tent camping near an accessible trout stream. The surrounding Cherokee National Forest and nearby Washington & Jefferson National Forest in Virginia offer dispersed camping options along creeks and forest roads for those seeking more remote experiences.

Access to camping locations varies seasonally, with many campgrounds operating from April or May through October. Little Oak Campground, located about an hour from Mountain City, operates from April to October, while Backbone Rock Recreation Area typically closes during winter months. Summer brings higher visitation, especially at waterfront sites, while spring and fall offer more solitude with cooler temperatures. Roads to some campgrounds like Dennis Cove can be challenging for larger RVs or trailers. One camper described the access to Dennis Cove as "good but extremely tight and windy at points so beware a wide trailer if you aren't used to this type of mountain driving."

Campground options in the region highlight the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. Sites along creeks and rivers are particularly popular, providing both scenic views and recreational opportunities. R&D Campground near Mountain City receives excellent reviews for its creek access and proximity to Doe Mountain trails. Many campgrounds in the area serve as convenient bases for exploring nearby attractions like the Appalachian Trail, Virginia Creeper Trail, and Cherokee National Forest. Several campers mention wildlife viewing opportunities, with one visitor to Doe Valley noting, "Wildlife in the campground and surrounding area was abound with a variety of birds wakening us each morning, and deer that came into camp regularly." The combination of mountain scenery, water features, and proximity to outdoor recreation makes the Mountain City area appealing to campers seeking natural experiences with varying levels of amenities.

Map showing campgrounds near Mountain City, TennesseeExplore the Map

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Mountain City Contest

Enter to Win

Best Camping Sites Near Mountain City, Tennessee (242)

    1. Blue Bear Mountain Camp

    27 Reviews
    Todd, NC
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 406-4226

    $25 - $136 / night

    "It offers RV, drive in and hike in tent sites and also teepee camping."

    "There is a place to wash dishes outside as well. Fantastic walking trails - some parts quite steep but we got a good workout through the woods on the property."

    2. Hickory Ridge Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park

    56 Reviews
    Troutdale, VA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 579-2374

    $25 - $40 / night

    "With camping just a moderate day hike away from Mount Rogers, the highest point in Virginia, this campground is a hiker's paradise."

    "Campground Review: There are two campgrounds in Grayson Highland SP which is located by The Mouth Of Wilson, VA, near the North Carolina border."

    3. Little Oak Campground

    23 Reviews
    Shady Valley, TN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 735-1500

    $12 / night

    "This campground is located about an hour or so from our home but it feels like a million miles away — in a good way!"

    "**Holston Lake is absolutely beautiful. The campground is deep in the national forest, out on a series of peninsulas, making all the campsites quite close to the water."

    4. R&D Campground

    7 Reviews
    Mountain City, TN
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 534-4785

    "Campground Review: R&D Campground in Mountain City, TN is located in the far north east corner of the state almost directly in between Boone, NC and Demascus, VA."

    "In the nearby area, there is a lot to do in natural beauty. There are a lot of trails here and many ways to enjoy them, including hiking and mountain biking."

    5. Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    47 Reviews
    Blowing Rock, NC
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 963-5911

    $30 / night

    "This campground is on a beautiful lake. There is no swimming on the lake(its pretty shallow) but awesome for kayaking and paddleboarding."

    "The campground is in an excellent location, just 5-10 minutes away from downtown Blowing Rock and of course it’s right on the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway!"

    6. Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions and Campground

    8 Reviews
    Damascus, TN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 735-1500

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Stayed in Campsite #1 Even though it is within view of the road, the running water sound of the creek behind us lulled us to sleep."

    "Beaver Dam Creek runs behind the campsite and is absolutely gorgeous with clear water, fish, and beautiful rhododendrons and trees that keep the area shaded."

    7. Honey Bear Campground

    20 Reviews
    Boone, NC
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 963-4586

    "The campground is tucked away outside of Boone, but not so far that if you really need something you cant get it."

    "Check-in was easy at the office at the entrance of the campground."

    8. Roan Mountain State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Roan Mountain, TN
    27 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."

    9. Boone KOA

    10 Reviews
    Boone, NC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 264-7250

    "I enjoyed the drive out to this site, it is far enough off of the beaten path but still close to town. The site is a very easy drive to Boone and Tweetsie Railroad."

    "The only down side is that the tent sites are road side…so when the campers pull in and out you hear them hitting the gas."

    10. Flintlock Campground

    15 Reviews
    Vilas, NC
    18 miles
    Website

    $31 - $63 / night

    "When I checked in, the host was very nice, and when I returned later to look at the camp store, another host was behind the desk, and he was friendly. "

    "The people running it are very nice and since it right outside boone nc its very close to shops, restaurants and hiking trails."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 242 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Mountain City Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Mountain City, TN

547 Photos of 242 Mountain City Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mountain City, TN

1170 Reviews of 242 Mountain City Campgrounds

  • 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

  • Katrin M.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Royal Oak Campground — Hungry Mother State Park

    Beautiful campground in the woods

    We camped here over the weekend with our dogs. The campground was fantastic. All campsites are on platforms, which makes it very nice to set up your stuff. The sites have the usual amenities like a picnic bench and table, a firepit, and a lantern pole. The bathhouse was very clean and taken care of. There are several spigots with drinking water through the campground. The bathhouse also has a dishwasher station. There are multiple trails within walking distance. The park is very well maintained and clean. You can hike, swim, or rent a canoe.
    We would camp here anytime again.

  • Josh G.
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Rock Creek Recreation Area

    Tall trees, nice views and cool temps.

    We stayed in campsite #31. It's more than partially shaded. Cellular reception is fair. The sight is level. It was hard for me to back into with a 21' bumper pull. There is a campsite marker directly in front of the driveway that obstructs the backing angle. The temperature is cooler than in Erwin. Water hookups are scarce, there are three per loop. The camp host and rangers were very helpful and nice.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Rock Creek Recreation Area

    Nice family campgroung

    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. Sites are levelish, semi-private, and wooded. Loop B has power poles at each site (didn't check the other loops) and a nice bathhouse. Host was particularly helpful.

  • Cassondra P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Mountain River Family Campground

    Beautiful clean campground

    We absolutely loved our stay here! This campground was destroyed by Hurricane Helene in 2024 and they have already built back a beautiful fully functioning campground

    The sites are so clean with flowers planted around electric and water boxes, easy to access sites

    I loved sitting along riverbanks having fire, reading my book while family fished

    Owners were so nice and welcoming, gave us directions to access falls/overlooks

    If we are ever in the area again we Will definitely be back!

  • Michelle J.
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Camp Burson Campground — Hungry Mother State Park

    Hungry Mother Trails & Lake

    Clean sites Stayed in Brunson Site 44 by creek Some shade Water and electricity on sites Main camping is Creekside / tent platforms at Royal Oak All facilities super clean , laundry and lake for a cool dip. Lots of hikes from moderate to 5 mi hard.

  • Kurt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Camp Stonefly

    Great location right beside roaring river

    Good location. Good size lots. All gravel with picknic size pads with table. Bathroom very clean very small campground 8 to 13 lots.

Guide to Mountain City

Camping near Mountain City, Tennessee, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for you.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities. A reviewer at Hungry Mother State Park said, "The bathroom facilities were very clean (heated, showers, flushable toilets)."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One camper at Bear Den Family Campground and Cabins mentioned, "Great campground. Big private sites, lots of activities for teens."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpful staff. A visitor at Warriors' Path State Park noted, "The rangers and staff may be the nicest we’ve encountered."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell coverage in some areas. A camper at Julian Price Park Campground mentioned, "Limited cell service for AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A reviewer at Linville Falls Campground advised, "Don’t miss Linville Falls, but especially don't miss the drive up to an amazing lookout."
  • Weather Variability: Be ready for changing weather conditions. One camper at Stone Mountain State Park Campground noted, "There was an unseasonable cold snap when we were there in October."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. A parent at Bear Den Family Campground and Cabins said, "Kids loved the playground and there were a lot of other kids to make friends with."
  • Safety First: Always keep a safe distance from wildlife. A visitor at Hickory Ridge Campground warned, "We witnessed a lady attempting to pet the stallion of the herd."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or check if the campground has a store. A camper at Hungry Mother State Park mentioned, "You can buy firewood at the Creekside Campground across the road."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to read site descriptions carefully. A reviewer at Warriors' Path State Park advised, "Be sure to read site descriptions and check the suggested trailer size."
  • Use Pull-Through Sites: If available, opt for pull-through sites for easier access. A camper at Wytheville KOA noted, "We had a nice pull through."
  • Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water, especially during summer months. A visitor at Roan Mountain State Park Campground mentioned, "The amenities here were well kept and the campsite was large enough."

Camping near Mountain City, Tennessee, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a memorable experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Mountain City, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Mountain City, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 242 campgrounds and RV parks near Mountain City, TN and 22 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Mountain City, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mountain City, TN is Blue Bear Mountain Camp with a 4.8-star rating from 27 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mountain City, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 free dispersed camping spots near Mountain City, TN.

What parks are near Mountain City, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 29 parks near Mountain City, TN that allow camping, notably Blue Ridge Parkway and W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir.

Keep Exploring