Map showing campground location near Hot Springs, Tennessee

Camper submitted image from Rich Mountain

Rich Mountain

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Sitting atop Rich Mountain in Cherokee National Forest, this dispersed-style area along NFR 31 has a handful of drive-in spots scattered near the fire tower. No water is available on site, so campers need to pack in everything they need. The road intersects the Appalachian Trail, and the fire tower itself provides 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. Campers traveling with dogs will find pet-friendly camping spots near Cherokee National Forest throughout the broader forest system. This site works best for self-sufficient campers comfortable with rustic conditions.

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Map & DirectionsRich Mountain is located in Tennessee near Hot Springs

Public Campground

Coordinates

35.92960632226194 N
82.80589650139524 W

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Connectivity

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T-Mobile5G
Good Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 5/28/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 2/4/26

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Good Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 5/28/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 2/4/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Dispersed

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Phone Service
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

42 min from Asheville, NC
1 hr from Morristown, TN
1 hr 10 min from Johnson City, TN
1 hr 27 min from Kingsport, TN

Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Rich Mountain

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5 Stars

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1 Star

4.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

This dispersed camping area offers scattered car camping spots along NFR 31 with easy access to the Appalachian Trail and Rich Mountain fire tower. Multiple campers highlighted the spectacular 360-degree mountain views and excellent sunset viewing from the tower. Visitors should note there's no water available and pack-it-in, pack-it-out principles apply.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Matthew F.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 31, 2022

Small site near watch tower

Drive up Rich mountain and you will find a spot just before the tower to camp. There is a decaying picnic table there. Views from the tower were amazing, pack it in… pack it out. No water either

Month of VisitAugust

Jaren E.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 25, 2022

Leave no trace

Good access and hand full of spots scattered around on NFR 31. Please pack in what you pack out.

Month of VisitAugust

katie

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 10, 2022

Very secluded

A handful of car camping spots are available. The road intersects with the Appalachian trail so you might meet up with some thru hikers. I recommend walking all the way up to rich mountain fire tower. Great 360 degree view of the e mountains and good sunset spot.

Month of VisitJune

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you hike to Rich Mountain Fire Tower from this campground?

Yes, you can hike to Rich Mountain Fire Tower from this campground. The fire tower is located near the camping area, and several campsites are actually positioned just before you reach the tower. Some visitors choose to drive up Rich Mountain and camp at a spot with a decaying picnic table located just before the tower. The tower is within walking distance from the camping areas, making it an easily accessible destination for campers staying at Rich Mountain.

What views can you see from Rich Mountain Fire Tower near the campground?

The Rich Mountain Fire Tower offers spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. It's an excellent vantage point for taking in the scenic Appalachian landscape and is particularly noted as a great spot to watch sunsets. The tower provides panoramic vistas of the rolling mountains, valleys, and forests that characterize this beautiful region of North Carolina. The elevation gives visitors an impressive perspective of the natural terrain, making the short journey from the campground to the tower well worth the effort.

How close is camping to the Hot Springs, NC area?

Rich Mountain is located very close to Hot Springs, NC. The campground is situated near the Appalachian Trail which passes through Hot Springs, making it a convenient camping option when visiting the area. The campsites are accessible via NFR 31 (National Forest Road) and are scattered along this route. While the exact mileage isn't specified, the proximity to the Appalachian Trail indicates it's within a reasonable distance for those planning to explore Hot Springs and its surrounding attractions.

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