How much does camping cost at Round Mountain Campground?

Camping fees at Round Mountain Campground range from $7/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Round Mountain Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Round Mountain Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Round Mountain Campground?

Round Mountain Campground is open June 02 to October 26. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Round Mountain Campground?

Round Mountain Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Round Mountain Campground have?

Round Mountain Campground has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Round Mountain Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Round Mountain Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Round Mountain Campground?

Round Mountain Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Round Mountain Campground

3.88

47 reviews

Peace & QuietStargazing

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,173 ft

Price

$7/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Opens Jun 2, 2025; F...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Cherokee National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,173 ft

Price

$7/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Opens Jun 2, 2025; F...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Cherokee National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Round Mountain Campground

$7.00 - $7.00 / night

Campsite Fees

ScanPay 1: $7.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Round Mountain Campground

35.8386, -82.9538

Weather at Round Mountain Campground

Best Time to Camp at Round Mountain Campground

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit because Round Mountain becomes a cool mountain retreat (daytime highs generally in the mid 60s to low 70s °F, nights in the mid 50s) when lower valleys are sweltering — perfect for long hikes, mountain biking, wildlife viewing and evening stargazing. Trails, creek crossings and backcountry access are fully snow‑free and the campground is open for the entire summer season (note: first‑come, first‑served access begins June 20). Expect moderate weekend crowds but a— Peak months: July, August, September, October Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

High-elevation refuge with cool summer temps and fewer crowds during peak season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 02 to October 26. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Opens Jun 2, 2025; First-come, first-served starts Jun 20, 2025; Closes Oct 26, 2025.

About Round Mountain Campground

Round Mountain Campground sits in the Cherokee National Forest foothills of Tennessee, offering a handful of primitive sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Managed by the Forest Service and open seasonally during peak months, this very small campground attracts visitors seeking solitude, cool summer temperatures, and access to hiking and mountain biking trails. Reviewers praise the peaceful setting and well-spaced sites, though vault toilet upkeep can be inconsistent.

Round Mountain Campground provides options for primitive, car/tent camping. It is not suited for RVs or glamping enthusiasts.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit because Round Mountain becomes a cool mountain retreat (daytime highs generally in the mid 60s to low 70s °F, nights in the mid 50s) when lower valleys are sweltering — perfect for long hikes, mountain biking, wildlife viewing and evening stargazing. Trails, creek crossings and backcountry access are fully snow‑free and the campground is open for the entire summer season (note: first‑come, first‑served access begins June 20). Expect moderate weekend crowds but a— Peak months: July, August, September, October Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation3173 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMountain streams flow through the campground, clear enough that some campers filter directly from them. Tall trees provide a thick canopy overhead, and the elevation keeps things noticeably cooler than the valleys below. The spacing between areas creates a sense of remoteness even though you're still in a managed campground. Moss-covered rocks line the creek beds. The forest feels dense and old.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available, as this is a primitive campground focused on tent and car camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are reported.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Information not available

Guests Allowed Per Site

Information not available

Groups

Group camping sites are not mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsPhysical on-site registration only.

AccessibilityInformation on specific accessibility features is not available.

Site SizeSites are described as well-spaced, providing privacy and a serene environment.

PrivacyThe campsites offer a good level of privacy, with multiple reviewers emphasizing the spacious nature of the sites. One user noted, "Campsites are well spaced out and clean.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose campsites such as those close to streams for convenient water filtration.

Best CampsitesWith only one site listed, your choice is made for you. Reviews describe well-spaced camping areas that feel private and clean, so the single-site designation may refer to a dispersed zone rather than one literal pad. Trash cans sit conveniently near the camping areas.

Need help booking Round Mountain Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Round Mountain Campground offers a primitive camping experience in a secluded, remote environment. It is ideal for visitors seeking tranquility and a connection with nature. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and payments can sometimes be made using the Recreation.gov mobile app through a QR code. However, cellular service is limited, so downloading the app in advance is recommended.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Round Mountain Campground offers limited activities, emphasizing its appeal as a peaceful and remote retreat. Hiking opportunities are present but are not a primary highlight.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not present; instead, vault toilets are provided.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.9

47 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Round Mountain Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Round Mountain Campground is highly praised for its peaceful and secluded nature. Reviewers emphasize the spaciousness, cleanliness, and lack of cell service, making it ideal for those seeking a retreat from technology and urban life. However, some reviewers noted a lack of water facilities and occasional maintenance issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 47 reviews

What Campers Love

1. "Very peaceful and secluded." 2. "Clean camping sites and vault toilets." 3. "Campsites are well spaced out." 4. "Trash cans conveniently located near sites." 5. "Great for getting away from it...

Based on 47 reviews

Common Concerns

1. Lack of running water on-site. 2. Vault toilets, while clean, may not appeal to everyone. 3. "Not kept up well," mentioned by one reviewer. 4. Poorly maintained hiking trail (#135 Walnut Mtn).

Based on 47 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews are limited, but comments point to the consistently clean and spacious nature of the campsites.

Based on 47 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

1. Bring your own water or a filtering system, as noted by one user: "I filter my water from the campground streams through a charcoal filter." 2. Be prepared for a curvy and rocky drive to the site....

Based on 47 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is praised for being less crowded even during peak seasons. However, visitors should prepare for the lack of facilities regardless of the time of year.

Based on 47 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "This is my new favorite campground." 2. "Very peaceful and best part no cell service!" 3. "Great tent camping spot if you want to get away. Totally off grid."

Based on 47 reviews