Map showing campground location near Hampton, Tennessee

Camper submitted image from Watauga Dam Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

Watauga Dam Campground — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Paddlers and anglers have direct access to Little Wilbur Lake at this TVA-managed campground outside Elizabethton, where canoes are available to rent on-site and firewood is sold at the camp. Sites accommodate RVs up to 40 feet with full hookups including electric, water, and sewer. The bathhouse is reported to be well maintained. Reservations are available and fill quickly, so booking ahead is recommended. Cardens Bluff Campground is one of several nearby options for those who want to compare sites in the area. The season runs March 15 through November 15, and pets are welcome.

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Map & DirectionsWatauga Dam Campground is located in Tennessee near Hampton

Public Campground

Directions

From Elizabethton, TN. on 19E go north to highway 91, take highway 91 three miles turn right on Siam Road, go to the fork in the road and bare right on to Wilbur Dam Road, follow signs to Wataguga Dam Campground.

Coordinates

36.33352298 N
82.12608827 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented by

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

T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 3 users
Last on 7/22/26
AT&T
No Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

Market
ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites
30 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

28 min from Johnson City, TN
44 min from Kingsport, TN
1 hr 19 min from Asheville, NC
1 hr 20 min from Morristown, TN

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Watauga Dam Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

5.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Amanda E.

Traveler

Reviewed Jan. 15, 2022

Beautiful campground

Love this campground. This is one of our favorite places. Book early it books up fast!

Site5

Month of VisitOctober

Carissa D.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 28, 2020

Great Riverfront Spot!

Beautiful spots along Little Wilbur Lake! The campsite has firewood to purchase and canoes to rent. The bathhouse is very clean and well maintained.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there RV hookups at Watauga Dam Campground?

While Watauga Dam Campground is a popular camping destination situated along Little Wilbur Lake, specific information about RV hookups is limited in available data. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding electrical, water, or sewer connections, it's advisable to contact the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) directly before planning your trip. This will ensure you arrive prepared with appropriate expectations for your RV camping experience.

What amenities are available at Watauga Dam Campground?

Watauga Dam Campground offers several amenities for a comfortable outdoor experience. The campground features a clean, well-maintained bathhouse with restroom facilities. Firewood is available for purchase on-site, eliminating the need to bring your own or forage. Canoe rentals are also available for those wanting to explore Little Wilbur Lake. The beautiful waterfront setting provides scenic views and recreational opportunities right from your campsite. Given its popularity, early reservations are highly recommended as the campground tends to fill up quickly, especially during peak camping season.

What do visitor reviews say about Watauga Dam Campground?

Watauga Dam Campground consistently receives high praise for its beautiful setting along Little Wilbur Lake. Campers particularly appreciate the clean, well-maintained bathhouse facilities. The campground offers convenient amenities like on-site firewood for purchase and canoe rentals for exploring the lake. Many consider it a favorite destination that merits return visits. The popularity of this TVA campground means it books up quickly, so advance reservations are essential to secure a spot, especially during peak seasons. The overall atmosphere and waterfront locations make it a highly recommended destination for camping in Tennessee.

How do I get to Watauga Dam Campground from Elizabethton, TN?

To reach Watauga Dam Campground from Elizabethton, TN, you'll want to head east from Elizabethton toward the Watauga Dam area. The campground is located along Little Wilbur Lake. For turn-by-turn directions with current road conditions, it's recommended to use a GPS navigation system or contact the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) directly. The drive is relatively short, typically taking about 15-20 minutes depending on your starting point within Elizabethton.

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