303 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Unicoi, Tennessee area encompasses several established campgrounds nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, including Woodsmoke Campground and Nolichucky Gorge Campground. Camping options range from developed sites with full hookups to more primitive tent camping areas. Roan Mountain State Park Campground, located approximately 15 miles northeast of Unicoi, provides tent sites, RV spaces, and cabin accommodations in a mountain setting. The region includes mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate various camping styles, with several facilities offering year-round availability. Nearby Rock Creek Recreation Area and Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park Campground expand the options for visitors seeking established campgrounds with amenities.
Seasonal considerations affect camping experiences throughout the area, with most campgrounds operating year-round but offering different amenities depending on the season. Many campgrounds near Unicoi provide electric hookups, drinking water, and toilet facilities, though shower availability varies by location. The terrain ranges from riverside settings to mountain views, with several campgrounds positioned along waterways like the Nolichucky River. Cell service can be limited in more remote areas, particularly in the higher elevations near Roan Mountain. Visitors should check road conditions when accessing campgrounds after heavy rainfall, as some access roads may become difficult to navigate. A visitor commented about Nolichucky Gorge Campground: "This is a small quaint Campground just off of I-26 near Erwin Tennessee right on the nolichucky river and off of the beaten path."
Campers report high satisfaction with riverside sites, particularly those along the Nolichucky River which offers scenic views and recreational opportunities. Several developed campgrounds in the area feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails, with proximity to natural attractions like waterfalls and mountain vistas. Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park receives positive reviews for its family-friendly amenities and historical significance. As one camper noted about the park: "Lots of pull through spaces for larger campers and small ones as well. Beautiful view of Nolichucky River. Large swimming pool, tons of historical events around, hiking and river walks." The camping areas near Unicoi provide good access points to explore the surrounding Cherokee National Forest and Appalachian Trail sections, making them popular bases for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
"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."
"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"There isn’t too much of any one activity in/near the campground but lots more in the greater area. Cons: just plan to drive to another area if you’re staying for a few days (not really a con though)."
"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."
from $20 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Nolichucky Gorge is right next to USA Raft, same road, same entrance to the left. Veteran owned and well maintained. The staff is friendly and professional. River view sites, other sites and cabins."
"This is a great spot located right next to USA Raft. There are a handful of tent only riverside camping spots with RV sites set back from the river."
"Large swimming pool, TONS of historical events around, hiking & river walks. Super clean and new bath houses as well. Honors Tennessee state discounts. If possible make reservations online."
"The drive in follows the TN “Sunnyside Early Country Trail” through picturesque farmland with mountains in the near distance. Do your shopping before arrival, there’s nothing close to the park."
from $14 - $32 / night
Check Availability"The camp store seems small on the outside but every time you look around, you find more stuff. Great for a peaceful getaway."
"We stayed at one of the drive up spots that are near the bathhouse and a small babbling creek. Woke up to the awesome sounds of nature!"
from $24 - $55 / night
Check Availability"Me and my wife were looking to get away from theater apartment for a couple of days during a remodel. Well we didn't Wana travel to mountains to camp."
"Perfect distance to Johnson City. We had a beer at Yee Haw and even brought back tasty Mediterranean dinner from Red Meze to the camp site. Do yourself a favor and book a night here."
"The riverfront spaces are amazing and just inches away from the Nolichucky River. If you love to fish or kayak this is a great location. The bathhouses are super clean."
"Riverpark is a privately owned campground situated at the classic Big Rocks rapid on the Nolichucky river. "
from $51 - $73 / night
Check Availability"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."
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.
TravelerOverall, 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.
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!
TravelerThis is the best place to park your travel trailer for a few days! Tons of space it’s not to crowded and everyone is so nice
Camping near Unicoi, Tennessee offers access to the Cherokee National Forest with elevations ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 feet. The region experiences distinct seasons with warm summers reaching the 80s and winter nights that can drop below freezing. Fall camping tends to book quickly due to peak foliage viewing from mid-October through early November.
Hike to waterfalls: Rock Creek Recreation Area offers accessible trail options to local waterfalls. "The rock creek falls trail is great! This is a nice campground overall but the swimming area is a little rough and often crowded with a lot of locals. But the trails are beautiful and the campground is nice," notes Lauren M.
Fish in mountain waters: Roan Mountain State Park Campground provides fly fishing opportunities along the Doe River. Tracy D. shares, "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."
Experience lake activities: Lakeside camping at Cardens Bluff Campground offers water recreation options. "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," says Blake E.
Explore mountain biking trails: Warriors' Path State Park features dedicated mountain biking routes. Tom B. notes, "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."
Streamside sites: Many campers value riverside camping locations in the area. At Nolichucky Gorge Campground, Emma T. reports, "Loved this campground right along the river. It was awesome when we kayaked and took out at our site. Definitly will return."
Privacy between sites: Blackberry Blossom Farm & Campground provides well-spaced camping areas. Bird H. explains, "The campsites are far enough apart that I don't feel like I'm on top of other campers. There are less concerns about privacy than other places I've been. Each site has a picnic table and a clearly designated firepit."
Clean facilities: Riverpark Campground receives high marks for maintenance. According to Scott T., "We really enjoyed this campground. Its not a huge place which adds to the allure. The campground is located on an exciting section of the Nolichucky River about 10 minutes from Erwin, TN."
Access to the Appalachian Trail: Proximity to the AT draws hikers to the region. Ashley B. points out that Rock Creek Recreation Area offers a "Convenient location in the Cherokee National Forest that is close to the Appalachian Trail and the Nolichucky River."
Limited water hookups: Some campgrounds have restricted water access points. Josh G. from Rock Creek Recreation Area warns, "Water hookups are scarce, there are three per loop. The camp host and rangers were very helpful and nice."
Variable cell service: Connectivity differs throughout the area. Ray & Terri F. mention at Rock Creek Recreation Area, "There is no WiFi. AT&T had 1 bar and 0.8 MB/s w/o a booster, 2 bars and 2.4 MB/s with it."
Temperature variations: The higher elevation means cooler temperatures than surrounding areas. Josh G. notes, "The temperature is cooler than in Erwin."
Self-service check-in: Some campgrounds require self-registration. Catherine F. explains, "As far as campgrounds go, it wasn't bad. Just something is it's a self service check in which I didn't know."
Look for playgrounds: Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground provides recreational facilities for children. Jedidiah J. shares, "Brought our family here for the end of spring break and had a blast. The kids loved riding thir bikes and scooters on the paved road through the park. My son and I enjoyed a round of disk golf while my wife and daughters made use of their awesome playground."
Consider swimming options: Several campgrounds offer natural swimming areas during summer months. According to Robert L., "There is a mountain stream running through the campground that has been dammed up to make a swimming hole that is quite large, not sure on depth as we didn't get in, but water is very chilly even in late July."
Look for historical attractions: Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park Campground combines camping with educational opportunities. Rebecca M. recounts, "There's also a sweet man who gives tours of the replica farm of David Crocket.. in character and costume. Clean bathrooms. Overall a great place to camp, particularly with kids."
Pack for temperature changes: The mountains can experience significant day-to-night temperature swings. Alisha M. advises, "I drove up with no reservation and feared I wouldn't get a spot. But I lucked up. The grounds are very clean and the sites are nicely spaced out. If you can grab a spot by the little creek, I would."
Check site length carefully: Many campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. At Woodsmoke Campground, Matt F. notes, "Quiet, wooded sites with full RV hook up. Nice large sites and private. This is a privately ran campground."
Bring leveling blocks: Uneven terrain is common throughout the region. Michelle I. from Warriors' Path State Park advises, "Really nice facility near town. There are a lot of uneven campsites, so bring your leveling blocks."
Look for pull-through availability: Some campgrounds offer easier access sites. Robert L. describes, "Tight turns, but manageable with our 40' Fifth Wheel. Relatively level parking. Spacious sites. 20-30-50 amp hookups available."
Check road conditions: Access roads can be challenging, especially after rain. Sara M. explains, "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!!"
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Unicoi, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Unicoi, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 303 campgrounds and RV parks near Unicoi, TN and 23 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Unicoi, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Unicoi, TN is Roan Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 50 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Unicoi, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 free dispersed camping spots near Unicoi, TN.
What parks are near Unicoi, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 32 parks near Unicoi, TN that allow camping, notably Cherokee National Forest and Pisgah National Forest.
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