Anna M.
Scout
ScoutOld NC 105 - Dispersed Camping
great spot
got lucky and found a great spot right across the road from beautiful viewpoint. road was busier during the day but calmed down at night. enjoyed our visit
Camping near Roan Mountain, TN
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping areas near Roan Mountain span across Tennessee and North Carolina, with a range of established campgrounds and primitive sites throughout the region. Roan Mountain State Park Campground serves as a central option with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins available year-round. The surrounding area includes both developed facilities like Spacious Skies Bear Den and Grandfather Campground offering glamping options, as well as backcountry experiences such as Grassy Ridge Bald for dispersed camping along the Appalachian Trail. Most campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities including picnic tables, drinking water, and fire pits, while the RV sites typically feature electric and water hookups.
Weather conditions vary significantly with elevation changes throughout the Roan Mountain region. The higher elevation areas maintain cooler temperatures even during summer months, making them popular destinations during hot weather. Many campgrounds like Julian Price Park and Linville Falls operate seasonally from April through October due to winter conditions at elevation. Reservations are strongly recommended for established campgrounds, particularly during peak rhododendron blooming season in June and fall foliage periods when visitation increases substantially. Cell service remains limited or non-existent at most camping areas, especially in more remote locations. "The campground has a creek between some of the sites. It is not easily accessible, but sounds great from inside your tent," notes one camper describing the natural ambiance at Roan Mountain State Park.
The camping experience in this region centers around access to remarkable mountain scenery and hiking trails. Carver's Gap provides a gateway to spectacular balds along the Appalachian Trail, frequently mentioned in camper reviews as offering "fantastic views" with "amazing 360 views" without requiring extensive hiking. Campgrounds near water features receive particularly positive feedback, with streams and creeks enhancing the camping atmosphere. Most established campgrounds maintain clean facilities with hot showers, though some sites may present leveling challenges due to the mountainous terrain. Several reviews mention the peaceful nature of the area, with respectful quiet hours and natural sounds dominating the experience. Mixed-use campground options typically include both secluded tent sites with more separation between neighbors and more closely arranged RV sections with better access to amenities.
Best Campgrounds near Roan Mountain (325)
1. Roan Mountain State Park Campground
"Roan Mountain is a beautiful campground with wooded sites, some with water views and access! Next time we’d definitely try for a water site."
"First time to stay at Roan Mountain. Trout fishing and good hiking and mountain drives. Campground is modern with water, 50 amp for rv’s and very clean showers."
2. Cardens Bluff 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 Availability3. Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
"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 Availability4. Spacious Skies Bear Den
"Bear den was a perfect location for the Blue ridge parkway. We stayed at a two cabin lot that had a hot tub. Bear den has everything from RV camp sites to a game room."
"The campsite was flat, shaded and distanced well enough from our neighbors for privacy but still an easy walk to the bathhouse or camp store for extra firewood or ice."
from $24 - $999 / night
Check Availability5. Grandfather Campground
"The positives: Location: very close to Grandfather Mountain entrance and BRP. There are plenty of stores, restaurants, antiques nearby too."
"We were next to the stream near the entrance. The facilities were very nice and you can hike right around the campground.
The campground is very close to Grandfather Mountain entrance."
from $35 - $42 / night
Check Availability6. Linville Falls Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
"Another lovely campground along the BRP, close to Linville Falls and gorge, picnic area and visitor center."
"There are cabins, RV spots and tent sites all with access to newly renovated restrooms and coin operated laundry."
from $30 - $45 / night
Check Availability7. Dennis Cove Campground
"Water fill up spots are well positioned and each site has a fire ring. We stayed in spot #2 which is very close to the road, but it felt secluded and traffic is light."
"Really nice, small campground situated near several trails."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability8. Mountain River Family Campground
"Love this family owned campground tucked away by the Toe River near Spruce Pine NC and the BRP. Linville Falls. Eat at Famous Louise’s."
"This is the kind of campground we would feel good about our kids biking around in the evening as they chase fire flies and meet new friends! "
9. Grandfather Mountain State Park Campsites
"Check your tour cd to verify it works before driving away from the gate. It is helpful as you drive through and not all function correctly."
"This is the most beautiful hiking trails in the world! A lot of climbing rock slopes and ladders with scenic views from 6000 ft plus elevation."
from $17 - $37 / night
Check Availability10. Doe River Landing
"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."
"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…."
from $49 - $79 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 32 min from Johnson City, TN
- 49 min from Kingsport, TN
- 1 hr 20 min from Asheville, NC
Recent Camping Photos near Roan Mountain, TN
607 Photos of 325 Roan Mountain Campgrounds
Shana D.
Roan Mountain State Park Campground
Doe River Landing
Doe River Landing
David M.
Roan Mountain Glamping
Jenni O.
Dennis Cove Campground
Kirsten J.
Black Bear Resort
Carissa D.
Grassy Ridge Bald - Dispersed BackCountry
Darren C.
Camp Faith - Temporarily Closed
Raul G.
Dark Ridge HideOut (Adults Only)
The Dyrt
The Barlow RV
Luke W.
Boots Off Hostel & Campground
Shari G.
Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area
Bailey R.
Cardens Bluff Campground
Recent Reviews near Roan Mountain, TN
1519 Reviews of 325 Roan Mountain Campgrounds
- AArlene E.Scout
Campfire Lodgings
Beautiful views
Full hookups. Campground has several sites with million dollar views and a viewing point for the non view campsites to use. We would recommend it for Asheville area rv camping.
- kkathy U.Scout
Buck Creek
Amazing
I’m thrilled to give this campground my highest recommendation! The owners and staff couldn’t have been more accommodating, helpful and kind! We called that morning because the campground we were booked at turned out to be awful. They fit us in and then we ended up extending our stay. We had to keep moving sites because they had other campers coming in, but it was worth it! Our favorite sites was 54 and 27. Some sites are close, but all are on the creek so you don’t notice it at all! Nothing better than waking up to the sound of water! The campground location is perfect, 20-30 minutes from things to do like hiking and wineries.
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.
- SSherry S.Traveler
Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC
Very nice!
I 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.
- 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!
Guide to Roan Mountain
Camping sites near Roan Mountain, Tennessee range from established campgrounds to dispersed wilderness areas across elevations from 2,500 to 6,200 feet. The seasonal temperature variations between campgrounds can exceed 15°F due to elevation differences, with higher sites like Grassy Ridge Bald experiencing nighttime temperatures below 50°F even in summer. Summer thunderstorms frequently develop in late afternoons, particularly along exposed ridges and balds.
What to do
Waterfall exploring: 5-mile round trip to Laurel Falls from Dennis Cove Campground provides access to a 40-foot cascade. "Very pretty sight with a lot of nice hiking trails all around. Fairly close to the Appalachian Trail. There is also a stop-n-go near the road coming into the site," notes Emily Grace M.
Fishing opportunities: Rainbow trout in the Doe River accessible directly from Roan Mountain State Park Campground. "Lovely camp, 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," reports Tracy D.
Backcountry camping: Grassy Ridge Bald offers primitive tent sites at 6,000+ feet elevation with panoramic views. "It's a short hike up from Carver Gap. There are several spots on the bald to pitch your tent. There are not too many spots to gather firewood. A few sites already have rock pits made for you. Super windy so dress appropriately!" advises Carissa D.
What campers like
Lakeside camping: Waterfront sites at Cardens Bluff Campground on Watauga Lake provide direct water access. "Situated on a peninsula, Cardens Bluff has great views and access to the lake for the outer campsites. The interior campsites are nice as well, with vegetation giving enough privacy between campsites," explains Blake E.
Mountain accessibility: Blue Ridge Parkway locations like Julian Price Park Campground offer direct trail access. "Julian Price Park is a beautiful campground just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. The campsites are separated into several loops. One loop is closer to the lake, the other loop has more availability and quite a range of campsites," shares Kirsten J.
Stream sounds: Creekside sites available at several campgrounds provide natural white noise. "The tent site we got, we could hear the running water from the stream. Bathroom and shower are clean and has heated water," notes Vic B. from Grandfather Campground.
What you should know
Weather unpredictability: Mountain elevations experience rapid changes and temperature drops of 20°F from valleys. "After a glorious hike up Roan Mountain and back down I crossed the road and hiked out along the three balds and found a few lonely trees to hang a hammock between. There was an evening thunderstorm over an adjacent mountain," recalls Kelly G. from Grassy Ridge Bald.
Seasonal closures: Most primitive sites and many established campgrounds close during winter months. "Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway operates from Apr 01 to Oct 29," according to park information.
Facility limitations: Many sites have basic or no amenities. "The bathroom (I think there is just one) is clean. The sites are clean! Lots of exploring around and the short hike is great for kids," explains Jenni O. about Dennis Cove Campground.
Reservation requirements: During peak seasons, advance bookings essential for established sites. "We were in campsite 62. Our loop was very private and shaded. The only negative point was the street light right across from us. It was pretty bright at night," reports Katrin M. about Roan Mountain State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Sites with recreation areas provide entertainment for children. "This campground is clean and beautiful. The hosts were very friendly. We brought our puppy on his first camping trip and it was close to Roan Mountain and lots of great hiking!" reports Natalie M. about Roan Mountain State Park.
Cabin options: Alternative accommodations for mixed comfort levels at Spacious Skies Bear Den for families not ready for tent camping. "My two teenage boys and I stayed in a 'Cozy Cabin'. They are bigger than they look in the picture. There is a countertop next to the front door and plenty of room for all of our gear," shares Timothy H.
Accessible trails: Shorter hikes suitable for children under 10. "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. One of the hiking trails leads to a waterfall," writes Emily B.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring additional equipment. "The site was quite un-level side to side, and we couldn't get our trailer completely level side to side. The site was a bit tough to maneuver into (doable, though!)," reports Tracy H. about Grandfather Campground.
Access road constraints: Mountain roads present challenges for larger vehicles. "The road up is good but extremely tight and windy at points so beware a wide trailer if you aren't used to this type of mountain driving," warns Nathan F. about Dennis Cove.
Electric/water availability: Limited full hookup sites means early reservations essential. "We stayed at C13 which was right across from the large playground in November. No noise issues, but it was dark by 6:30pm. May be different in the Summer," notes Charles S. about Spacious Skies Bear Den.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Roan Mountain, TN?
What camping is available near Roan Mountain, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Roan Mountain, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 325 campgrounds and RV parks near Roan Mountain, TN and 24 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Roan Mountain, TN?
Which is the most popular campground near Roan Mountain, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Roan Mountain, TN is Roan Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 50 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Roan Mountain, TN?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Roan Mountain, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 free dispersed camping spots near Roan Mountain, TN.
What parks are near Roan Mountain, TN?
What parks are near Roan Mountain, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 31 parks near Roan Mountain, TN that allow camping, notably Pisgah National Forest and Cherokee National Forest.
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