Watauga Point Recreation Area

National Forests in North Carolina

Tucked into the Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River Corridor just south of Grandfather Mountain, Mortimer Campground offers 17 intimate sites where history whispers through the trees. This former Civilian Conservation Corps camp now serves as your gateway to a forested paradise along Thorps Creek, where towering hemlocks shade your path to swimming holes, fishing spots, and miles of scenic exploration.

5564 Meat Camp Road, Todd, North Carolina, 28684, United States

Perched high in the North Carolina mountains at 4,000 feet, Elk Knob State Park's remote backcountry campsite offers adventurous souls a true wilderness experience. This primitive group camping area beckons those seeking solitude and simplicity, where modern conveniences give way to essential amenities—a centrally located pit privy and a sturdy bear box to protect your provisions from curious wildlife. Here, camping returns to its roots, offering an authentic connection with the natural world far from the crowds and comforts of traditional campgrounds.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Escape into true backcountry solitude at Old John's River Road, where two primitive campsites await along the legendary Mountains to Sea Trail near Blowing Rock, NC. Accessible via the scenic Boone Fork Trail or directly from Old John's River Road between mileposts 296-297 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, each site accommodates up to 6 campers for a maximum of 3 nights and features a fire ring for evening gatherings under the stars.

Cherokee National Forest

Nestled in the heart of Cherokee National Forest, Katy Branch offers a unique piece of conservation history transformed into your perfect group gathering spot. This former Youth Conservation Corps camp now serves as a well-appointed private pavilion, featuring both indoor and outdoor spaces connected by a scenic half-mile gravel road that builds anticipation as you arrive.

Camp Tom Howard Rd, Sullivan County, Tennessee, USA

Nestled on a picturesque peninsula where the Cherokee National Forest meets the sparkling waters of South Holston Lake, Little Oak Campground invites you to experience nature's perfect balance of forest and water. This treasured retreat features 70 thoughtfully designed, universally accessible sites spread across five distinctive loops—Lone Pine, Big Oak, Hemlock, and the twin Poplar loops—each offering its own character and charm. Whether you wake to sunrise reflections dancing across the lake from your waterfront site or enjoy the dappled sunlight filtering through ancient hardwoods, you'll discover why generations of families return to this lakeside sanctuary year after year.

Milepost 297 Blue Ridge Parkway

Nestled along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, Julian Price Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of accessibility and wilderness charm. This sprawling mountain retreat offers 190 campsites split between 75 reservable spots and 115 first-come-first-served sites, accommodating both tent campers and RV travelers. The jewel of the campground is its proximity to the serene Price Lake, where morning mist dances across the water and countless trails wind through the surrounding forest, creating endless opportunities for wildlife encounters and mountain adventures.

PO Box 9, Linville, North Carolina, 28646, United States

Deep within the rugged wilderness of Grandfather Mountain State Park, thirteen secluded backcountry campsites await the adventurous soul. These primitive havens, accessible only by foot along challenging mountain trails, are scattered across dramatic elevations from 3,800 to nearly 6,000 feet, offering an authentic escape into North Carolina's most breathtaking high country.

20993 Beartree Gap Road, Damascus, VA

Tucked away in the heart of Jefferson National Forest, Beartree Recreation Area beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its enchanting blend of mountain serenity and natural splendor. Here, where Beartree Lake mirrors the surrounding peaks, you'll discover a campground that feels like a secret garden in the clouds. Choose your perfect basecamp in either Chipmunk Circle or Beaver Flat, where each thoughtfully designed site nestles beneath a canopy of ancient trees and flowering rhododendron tunnels. Whether you're pitching a tent on soft forest floor or parking your RV in a spacious pull-through, you'll find yourself immersed in a world where privacy meets paradise.

Cherokee National Forest

Nestled beneath towering old-growth forests, Rock Creek Recreation Area offers an enchanting escape where nature's canopy provides natural air conditioning. Choose from traditional tent sites, RV spots with electric hookups, spacious double sites for group camping, or secluded walk-in tent sites for those seeking a more intimate wilderness experience. Modern bathhouses ensure comfort while you explore miles of hiking and biking trails, take refreshing dips in the historic swimming area, or gather around evening campfires during ranger-led programs that bring the forest's stories to life.

Jacobs Creek Recreation Area, Tennessee

Escape to Jacobs Creek Recreation Area, where 27 pristine campsites await on a stunning peninsula embraced by the sparkling waters of South Holston Lake. This hidden gem offers the perfect blend of modern convenience and natural beauty, with a well-maintained dump station, meandering lakeside trail, and inviting day-use areas featuring expansive grassy picnic grounds. Cool off at the designated swimming area where crystal-clear waters beckon on warm summer days.

Milepost 316.3 Blue Ridge Parkway

Nestled along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, Linville Falls Campground offers families the perfect basecamp for mountain adventures. Whether you're setting up a tent under towering pines or parking your RV with panoramic views, you'll find yourself just a short hike away from the thundering Linville Falls and the dramatic depths of Linville Gorge. This beloved campground combines the comfort of modern amenities with immediate access to some of North Carolina's most breathtaking natural wonders.

8410 Edgemont Rd, Collettsville, NC, 28611, USA

Tucked away in the heart of the Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River Corridor, Mortimer Campground offers an intimate escape where history meets wilderness. This charming small campground occupies the grounds of a former Civilian Conservation Corps camp, where echoes of the past blend seamlessly with the natural beauty of North Carolina's pristine backcountry.

4400 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi, TN, 37692, USA

Tucked away in the heart of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, Dennis Cove Campground offers a refreshing mountain retreat where Laurel Fork Creek whispers through a canopy of ancient trees. At 2,650 feet elevation, this rustic hideaway provides a natural air-conditioned escape from summer's heat, where campers wake to misty mornings and fall asleep to the symphony of rushing water and rustling leaves.

9941 Hwy 133, Shady Valley, TN, 37688

Tucked away in the heart of the Southern Appalachians, Backbone Rock Campground offers an intimate escape with just 10 campsites, including two spacious double sites perfect for families camping together. At 2,100 feet elevation, this hidden gem sits alongside the babbling waters of Beaverdam Creek, where modern conveniences like flush toilets blend seamlessly with the raw beauty of the mountain wilderness. The legendary Backbone Rock Trail beckons adventurers just steps from your tent, promising unforgettable explorations through ancient forests.

300 Jacob's Creek Rd

Discover your perfect lakeside escape at Jacobs Creek Campground, where the pristine waters of South Holston Lake meet the forested slopes of Sullivan County, Tennessee. Perched at 1,730 feet elevation, this well-appointed retreat features 27 thoughtfully arranged campsites spread across three intimate loops, each offering its own unique character—from coveted waterfront spots to peaceful wooded hideaways. Modern amenities including flush toilets and hot showers ensure comfort without sacrificing the authentic outdoor experience. Steps away from your site, the adjacent day-use area beckons with its inviting beach, while the lake itself serves as your playground for fishing expeditions, leisurely boat rides, refreshing swims, and scenic bike rides along the shoreline trails.

4400 Unicoi Drive

Perched on a scenic peninsula that juts into the pristine waters of Watauga Lake, Cardens Bluff Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape in the heart of Cherokee National Forest. This thoughtfully designed campground features 43 intimate sites crafted specifically for tent camping enthusiasts who crave a genuine connection with nature. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with the natural environment, including clean flush toilets, a well-maintained bathhouse with hot showers, and fresh potable water throughout the grounds. True to its back-to-nature ethos, the campground intentionally forgoes electrical hookups, encouraging visitors to unplug and immerse themselves in the tranquil mountain setting.

4900 Asheville Highway, Greeneville, TN, 37743, USA

Nestled alongside the gentle babbling of Rock Creek, this enchanting recreation area invites families into a world where time slows down. Picture yourself cooling off in a pristine, creek-fed swimming pond while admiring the craftsmanship of 1930s-era bathhouses that still stand sentinel over this peaceful retreat. Wander through a network of winding trails that beckon explorers of all ages, then return to your spacious, private campsite tucked beneath the protective canopy of Cherokee National Forest. Here, the only sounds breaking the tranquil silence are birdsong and the whisper of wind through ancient trees.

4400 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi, Tennessee 37692, United States

Nestled along the pristine shores of South Holston Lake, Little Oak Campground invites you to experience the perfect blend of comfort and wilderness. With 69 thoughtfully designed, universally accessible campsites spread across four scenic loops, this family-friendly retreat ensures everyone can enjoy the great outdoors. Each site offers easy access to modern amenities including vault toilets and an accessible shower house, while the exclusive camper-only boat launch puts you just moments away from adventure on the water. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, exploring nearby trails, or simply watching wildlife from your campsite, Little Oak provides an alcohol-free environment where families can create lasting memories together.

Cherokee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest

4400 Unicoi Drive

Camp Tom Howard Rd, Sullivan County, Tennessee, USA

4400 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi, Tennessee 37692, United States

300 Jacob's Creek Rd

Milepost 297 Blue Ridge Parkway

4400 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi, TN, 37692, USA

9941 Hwy 133, Shady Valley, TN, 37688

Jacobs Creek Recreation Area, Tennessee

4900 Asheville Highway, Greeneville, TN, 37743, USA

Cherokee National Forest

5564 Meat Camp Road, Todd, North Carolina, 28684, United States

PO Box 9, Linville, North Carolina, 28646, United States

Blue Ridge Parkway

Cherokee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest

4400 Unicoi Drive

Perched on a scenic peninsula that juts into the pristine waters of Watauga Lake, Cardens Bluff Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape in the heart of Cherokee National Forest. This thoughtfully designed campground features 43 intimate sites crafted specifically for tent camping enthusiasts who crave a genuine connection with nature. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with the natural environment, including clean flush toilets, a well-maintained bathhouse with hot showers, and fresh potable water throughout the grounds. True to its back-to-nature ethos, the campground intentionally forgoes electrical hookups, encouraging visitors to unplug and immerse themselves in the tranquil mountain setting.

Cherokee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest

Nestled in the heart of Cherokee National Forest, Katy Branch offers a unique piece of conservation history transformed into your perfect group gathering spot. This former Youth Conservation Corps camp now serves as a well-appointed private pavilion, featuring both indoor and outdoor spaces connected by a scenic half-mile gravel road that builds anticipation as you arrive.