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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.
"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."
from $25 - $136 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $27 - $98 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $12 / night
Check Availability"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!"
from $30 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"Situated on a peninsula, Cardens Bluff has great views and access to the lake for the outer campsites."
"Booked site 13 online for the last weekend before the season ended in October 2021, but the hosts caught us at check-in and moved us to site 32, which was right next to the water."
from $12 / night
Check Availability"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."
ScoutWe 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.
GuideIt 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.
GuideDoe 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
TravelerThe 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.
TravelerI camped on Forest Road 982. There were quite a few people camping along this road, but I found a really good spot by the large creek. The campsites are pretty far from each other so the privacy is good. I stayed one night. Will definitely go back.
ScoutThe 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!
ScoutThis 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!
ScoutThis is a beautiful park but be aware there is only ONE toilet for a loop of at least 23 tent sites!!! If it's a busy weekend, you'll be miserable.
ScoutBeautiful property right on the river. The host was amazing. Clean port o John- water- river, wonderful owner. Close to town yet quiet. This is my favorite
Camping spots near Mountain City, Tennessee offer distinct seasonal experiences, with elevations from 2,400 to over 5,000 feet creating temperature variations 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands. The Cherokee and Jefferson National Forests provide over 200 miles of creek-side camping locations with sites that can accommodate everything from small tents to mid-sized trailers. The region's creek access is particularly valued during summer months when water temperatures remain cool.
Hike to mountain fire towers: At Doe Mountain trails lead to excellent viewpoints. "Doe Mountain has a great fire tower that is well worth the hike and the trail to it is close to camp," notes one visitor to R&D Campground.
Explore Appalachian Trail sections: Roan Mountain State Park Campground provides easy access to the AT. "It's much easier to ascend Mt Rogers from here than down in the valley, but you won't likely travel alone. Come in in late spring when the rhododendron are in bloom! It's gorgeous," explains one camper.
Fish in mountain streams: The region offers excellent trout fishing opportunities. A visitor to Roan Mountain State Park noted, "Doe River runs through so fly fishing is available. Husband did catch a rainbow trout near group tent sites. Several small brookies near the history center."
Enjoy waterfall hiking: Many creekside campgrounds offer access to waterfall trails. At Backbone Rock Recreation Area, one visitor shared, "There's a cool rock formation falls that you can sit at or wade. Then there's the natural arch that's right over the road."
Creek-side camping spots: Backbone Rock Recreation Area offers prime waterfront sites. "Even though it is within view of the road, the running water sound of the creek behind us lulled us to sleep. We woke up around 9am, walked around and easily collected dead limbs for firewood for a hot breakfast," one camper reported.
Cooler mountain temperatures: The higher elevation locations provide relief from summer heat. A visitor to Blue Bear Mountain Camp noted, "The elevation is high so weather is nice for those trying to escape the summer heat. Bathhouse was nice and clean. The hike to the pond was a little more strenuous than we anticipated but once you get there, there is a nice creek."
Privacy between sites: Several campgrounds offer well-spaced sites. One camper at Blue Bear Mountain Camp commented, "The campsites are very spaced out. The elevation is high so weather is nice for those trying to escape the summer heat." Another at Roan Mountain State Park mentioned, "Our loop was very private and shaded."
Access to multiple trail systems: Many campgrounds connect directly to trail networks. A visitor to R&D Campground shared, "There is access to the Doe Mountain trails directly from the campground, they are multi-use with ATVs and dirt bikes using them but the riders were respectful and gave my dog and I plenty of room while hiking."
Seasonal operation limitations: Many campgrounds close during winter months. Little Oak Campground has specific operating dates: "Campground was nice and clean. Most sites have a view of South Holston Lake and trail access to the water. Shower house were clean. All sites are primitive," noted one visitor about this campground that operates April to October.
Cell service variability: Coverage can be spotty in mountain areas. One camper at Hickory Ridge Campground shared, "For cell phone coverage (Verizon), I had success at the viewpoint on the way up from the entrance. It was also where I watched the sunrise."
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult approach roads. At Blue Bear Mountain Camp, a camper warned, "The state maintained gravel road used to access campground was narrow and would be difficult to get a large camper up there, although there were lots of large ones there."
Weather unpredictability: Mountain elevations experience rapid weather changes. "I was very much hoping to take photos of the night sky, but there was a storm with wild winds and cold, so that didn't happen!" reported a visitor to Hickory Ridge Campground.
Choose campgrounds with creek access: Flintlock Campground offers water features perfect for children. "There's a beautiful mini river running through the campground with a lot of rocks to jump on. My children spent hours every day exploring," shared one family.
Look for campgrounds with recreation facilities: Some locations offer additional activities. "Flintlock is easy to get to but you'll still feel like you are camping. Staff is friendly and facilities are clean. There's a beautiful mini river running through the campground with a lot of rocks to jump on," noted a family camper.
Consider smaller campgrounds for quieter experiences: Less crowded options can be better for families. A visitor to Backbone Rock Recreation Area explained, "We have small children and enjoyed that this was a quiet site that felt very safe. We can't wait to return!"
Evaluate bathroom facilities: Clean, accessible facilities matter for family comfort. One Roan Mountain State Park visitor noted, "The campground is very well maintained, and the bathroom was spotless. The staff, rangers and volunteers, were super friendly."
Check site sizes carefully: Many mountain campgrounds have limited space. At Honey Bear Campground, an RVer shared, "After walking around, we noticed there were campsites that were more close together, while some more tucked away behind brush. I would recommend asking the check in desk about these different sites, so you can pick the one that fits your group most."
Plan for mountain road navigation: Roads to campgrounds can be challenging. "Good sites, drain well, a little close, but will definitely be back," noted a camper at Boone KOA, highlighting the importance of site selection.
Consider hookup limitations: Many sites offer partial hookups only. A visitor to Blue Bear Mountain Camp explained, "Some things to know before you go! They do not have water hookups- you fill your camper tank with water at the office area. They have spots with electric hookups. They have a dump station where you can empty your tanks on your way out."
Reserve well in advance for best sites: Prime spots book quickly. "The sites in the A loop are reservable, and they have been reserved for several weeks (maybe months) in advance. They are the best sites as far as seeing the lake and sometimes because they are larger," reported a Hickory Ridge Campground visitor.
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 260 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.
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