Best Camping in and near Roan Mountain State Park

100% (11 reviews)

A forested setting for hiking and wildlife watching, Roan Mountain is a Tennessee gem.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Roan Mountain State Park

Book externally

Public campgrounds in the park
Book externally

Stay at a public campground in Roan Mountain State Park

Hiking down Roan mountain on foggy morning.

100%

(11)

Roan Mountain Campground

141 sites · RVs, Tents In Roan Mountain State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Roan Mountain State Park

99%

(1251)

Dark Ridge Hide Out (Adults Only)

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Elk Park, NC

"Adults only" doesn't mean anything other than just "no children", so as to preserve the natural peace and quiet, and assurance that there won't be loud and unruly children on the property. Inquiries and booking requests received after 9: pm may not be answered until the next morning. Dark Ridge Hide Out, is a 20 acre parcel in the Blue Ridge Mountain's on the back side of the Beech Mt Ski Resort in a secluded quiet and safe community with less than a dozen homes in a one mile radius. Away from light and sound pollution. Except for an occasional passing vehicle "and often none at all from 10pm to 6am" all you will hear is the sound of the creek which runs through the lower section by the RV sites, cricket's and frogs at the nearby fish pond and only the light from the moon and star's in the clear mountain sky and fire flies. It is my home place with a tobacco barn and a big combination cattle/tobacco barn built almost entirely just by my Mom and Dad in early 1940"s. My parents and grand parents lived off of the land here and raised cash crops like cabbage, corn and tobacco, we also raised sugar cane and made molasses, we had free range chickens, as many as 50 honey bee hives and over 50 head of cattle, two or three hog's and of course a horse. There was four main fields; two for cow pasture, one meadow to grow hay "now Christmas trees" and the main one on my part where all crops were grown is where the camp sites are. I grew up helping with the crops and other farm chores, one was to go to the pasture and bring the milk cows in and do the milking every day before and after school, feed the hogs and chickens, gather the egg's, let the chickens out in the morning and close the chicken house in the evening to protect them from critters like opossums, raccoons and wildcats. This is where I grew up, my dad grew up and, near where my mother and both of my grandparents grew up. My house was built in 1905 the same year my dad was born. The campsites are on my 20 acre section section of the original 82 acres with the house and barns, the remainder went to my brother but now is out of the family. The section of Elk River with the Compression Falls "45 ft high" and Twisting Falls which is part of Pisgah National Forest is less than two miles from here, and an old logging road going around the mountain above the river for about three miles to another Falls "Elk River Falls, 65 ft high" is a great place to hike or mountain bike. You will be free to explore and hike any part of my property except the house and out building's. The pond's are full of Trout and Blue Gill fish that are like pet's they love little pieces of bread. You can feed the fish but no fishing.

99%

(249)

TangleWood Creekside Campsites

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents170 acres · Marion, NC

A rocky creek winds through the woods at the base of several hikable peaks hidden just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Wildlife enthusiasts are encouraged to explore, on foot or mountain-bike, anywhere within our 170 acres (or the adjoining 250 acres owned by the US Forestry Service off our Western border) and are likely to catch glimpses of turkey, beaver, deer, fox, eastern box turtle and the many species of songbird and raptor. The location is convenient to tons of local attractions for sightseeing and outdoor activities as well as shopping, dining, even wine tasting. We would be happy to supply a comprehensive list of the various local attractions upon request but the following are a few of our favorite things to do within a short drive: visit Linville Falls, Caverns, Gorge and/or Winery; drive the Blue Ridge parkway; tube/kayak down the Catawba river; hike beautiful Crabtree Falls; cross Grandfather Mountains mile high bridge and explore the nearby towns of Spruce Pines or Little Switzerland. The scenic drives to Asheville, Blowing Rock or Banner Elk make them each wonderful day-trip destinations.

99%

(100)

Plumtree Campground Tent Loop

15 sites · RVs, Tents78 acres · Newland, NC

Plumtree Campground and Retreat is an off-the-beaten-path property for hikers, bikers (both pedal and motor), campers, adventurers, parkway goers, mountain lovers, fisherman, and skiers/snowboarders.Learn more about this land:Plumtree Campground and Retreat is an off-the-beaten-path property for hikers, bikers (both pedal and motor), campers, adventurers, parkway goers, mountain lovers, fisherman, and skiers/snowboarders.The property is the former Blind Squirrel Campground which included a zip line recreation area. Relics remain, with zip lines and bridges still running through the tree canopy and an old climbing wall. These aren’t currently in use, and cannot be explored, but they add a wonderland-like quality to the land. Other features also remain that can be used: a sliding rock waterfall which is a short hike within the campground property, moderate trails for hiking, and mountain biking running from the waterfall through the back of the property (these trails are mountainous, so please enter at your own risk), fruit trees, blueberry bushes, small trout pond, a playground, an open meadow for star gazing, and our friendly neighborhood duck, Howard. (He hangs by the pond and accepts treats!) You are welcome to explore all these features, but please be mindful and respectful of residents and guests, do not enter or explore the greenhouses or gardens, and remain aware that this is mountainous terrain with inherent risks.This is a rustic property in the forest, centrally located to all the area has to offer. Privately run, we offer a variety of lodging options:- Seasonal and daily camping with full hook up RV sites- Popup sites, tent sites with water and electric- Group tent site with pavilion- Primitive tent sites- Primitive cabins (no electricity/water)- Lodge with four bedrooms/bath- Cabin with a two-bedroom/bath among the trees- Cabin with a one-bedroom/bath pond side- Studio apartments. Four available. Includes one bedroom/bath Campsites include a fire pit, picnic table, and electric/water/sewer depending on the site. There are 5 tent sites boasting elevated tent platforms nestled against the mountain. Sites are generally mossy, treed (think hammocks!), and have gravel parking. There are 3 his and her bathhouses on the property with the largest within walking distance of the tent loop, with 2 toilets and 3 stall showers each.This corner of the world has so much to offer and we are close, but just far away enough from it all. The scenic drives alone are worth venturing out:- Blue Ridge Parkway- Linville Falls- Linville Caverns- Grandfather Mountain- Beech Mt Ski Slope/Rec area- Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing Park- Sugar Mt Ski Slope/Rec area- Roan Mt State Park- Appalachian Trail- Yellow Mountain Gap Trail Head- North Toe River- Banner Elk- Little Switzerland- Mayland Dark Sky Observatory- Brown Mountain OHV Trail SystemAll these adventures within a 20-40-minute drive. Boone is only 50 minutes away, and Asheville 1 hr. 20 minutes.Off HWY 19-E is Spears Country Store, about 5 minutes from here, where you can get basic supplies, propane, and gas. We can also provide firewood for a fee. Ingles grocery stores in both Newland and Spruce Pine are just 20 minutes away. In Spruce Pine you will also find a Walmart, historic downtown with many shops and restaurants. Be aware cell service can be spotty in the area depending on your carrier. WIFI is offered, but not guaranteed due to the mountainous terrain. One of the joys of being deep in the mountains, true disconnection from the everyday!3 night minimum required for holiday weekends.Plumtree Campground & Retreat913 Big Plumtree Creek RoadNewland, NC 28657

Booked 2 times

Mountain View RV Park

24 sites · RVs10 acres · Roan Mountain, TN

Mountain View RV Park is in Roan Mountain, TN. Campers can look forward to a relaxing time with breathtaking views of the mountains & the Doe River. We are a small full hook up RV park with water, sewer, electric and WIFI for self-contained units. Offering 24 sites.

Booked 2 times

Fish Springs at Little Pond Mountain Campground

25 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Hunter, TN

Little Pond Mountain Campground, named after a nearby hiking trail, is located near the Appalachian Mountains in Butler, Tennessee. The property contains 19 camping sites with RV hookups, with one small cabin that acts as the business's twentieth unit. The campground is owned by a family that also runs the nearby restaurant, Shirley's Home Cooking, and the two enterprises often work together to create a wider range of guest experiences. Though the campground is designed to cater to overnight campers, there are a handful of long-term tenants. Some of the amenities offered at the camp include a bathhouse, coin-operated laundry machines, and Wi-Fi.

Saved 17 times

Camp Stonefly

11 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Johnson City, TN

Situated on the Watuaga River, one of the most prolific trout rivers on the East coast. Our clean bathhouse is amazing with endless hot water. We have two Campers for rent, seven primitive camping sites, and two sites to bring your own RV/Travel Trailer. Our Camp Hosts are cordial and very helpful, plus you are minutes away from downtown Johnson City, Less than 400 yards away you many amenities such as Gas/Convenience and liquor store, and with 2 miles there is fast/casual food restaurants plus a Wal-Mart, but you'll never guess that when camped out at Camp Stonefly.

100%

(17)

Mystic Pass

1 site · RV, Tent27 acres · Green Mountain, NC

Ultimate privacy. Gorgeous, long range views and incredible sunsets in the Blue Ridge mountains! Located one hour from Asheville, NC and Johnson City, TN. Twenty-five minutes from Burnsville, Bakersville and Spruce Pine. Enjoy the serenity of nature with an unobstructed, ever-changing view of clouds, beautiful mountains and the most incredible sunset in 5 counties! Take a walk along the ridge, with 360-degree long-range mountain views. Many unique art galleries nearby, plus river tubing, hiking, biking, kayaking etc. The South Toe River has put-ins within five minutes drive. Restaurants, breweries and shops within 25 minutes. Campsite includes a large, smokeless Solo Stove fire pit to cozy up to, as the stars fill the evening sky!

100%

(15)

Buck Ridge Resort

1 site · Lodging14 acres · Butler, TN

We offer primitive tent sites and two glamping cabins, one with Queen size bed and the other with two twins and a 50 Amp RV concrete slab. Separate bath house with his/her toilets and showers. Surrounded by nature and hiking trails on the property along with a creek, come stay for a night or for a week. Waterfalls are close by, Lake Watuga, ATV trails, horseback riding trails, and very private, quiet and wild.

98%

(59)

Creag Creek Farm

4 sites · Lodging, Tents20 acres · Bakersville, NC

A high elevation working farm with a cabin (sleeps up to 8), barn with hayloft and tent sites for rent by individuals and small groups. Located at 3,500 feet in elevation on north flank of Roan Mountain.Three miles from the Appalachian Trail, five miles to Buladean, North Carolina and a 40-minute drive to Carvers Gap, our 18-acre, high elevation, wooded and meadowed Christmas tree farm is a wonderful jumping-off point for some of the best hiking, apple picking, and bird watching the Southeast has to offer. Unplug during your stay while you soak in the mountain views, peaceful sunsets, and local wildlife. Our guests love staying here: "Loved it. A thoroughly beautiful building in an equally beautiful location. It had everything we needed and more. We'd planned to use the cabin as a base to go hiking from but it was so beautiful there that we ended up not leaving for the entire time - we just stayed and watched the hummingbirds on the balcony. Will look forward to returning."

100%

(1)

Bear Creek Mountain Camping

5 sites · Tents14 acres · Bakersville, NC

Welcome to Bear Creek Mountain Camping, where the wonders of nature await at every turn. Nestled mountainside, our campground offers a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility alike. Embark on invigorating hikes through lush forest trails, where the air is crisp and the scenery breathtaking. For those craving aquatic excitement, tubing down the nearby Toe River promises an unforgettable rush, while anglers can cast their lines into pristine waters teeming with trout. As the day transitions to night, gather around the fire pit to roast marshmallows and share stories under the twinkling stars. The serene mountain backdrop sets the stage for moments of connection and relaxation with loved ones. But the adventure doesn't stop there. Venture into the surrounding area to uncover a treasure trove of experiences, from gem finding expeditions to exploring quaint art shops showcasing local talent. Saddle up for a scenic horseback ride through rolling hills, or simply bask in the beauty of nature's canvas. At Bear Creek, we take pride in offering an authentic mountain camping experience. Our property boasts its own spring-fed water source, providing crisp, refreshing hydration throughout your stay. And for a true connection with the outdoors, our outdoor shower offers a revitalizing experience from May to November. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the tranquility of Bear Creek Mountain Camping. Your next adventure awaits amidst the beauty of the mountainside.

Booked 3 times

Sugar Hollow RV Park and Campground LLC

11 sites · RVs10 acres · Roan Mountain, TN

We are a brand-new RV park located in Roan, TN, and look forward to meeting you! Campsites are gravel with 30 and 50 amp service with sewer, water, fire ring, picnic table and sanitation disposal. Camp fires are permitted, but please only use designated area. DO NOT burn or discard trash in fire pits. We also have WiFi. No animals are to be tied up for a period long enough to kill grass or trees. All droppings are to be picked up and disposed of properly, this includes cat litter. Droppings must be placed in bags and disposed of in the dumpster. Dogs or cats may not be allowed to run free. Your site must be kept clean and neat at all times. This includes the areas underneath your RV. RV or vehicle washing is not allowed. Display of fire arms is prohibited. No alcoholic beverages. No fireworks of any kind. Trash may be disposed of in our dumpster. No ropes, chains, wires, strings or lights etc may be tied to any campground items to include trees, rocks etc. For your safety & ours, PLEASE KEEP DRIVING SPEEDS TO 10MPH OR BELOW. QUIET TIME IS 10pm to 8am.

97%

(91)

Campgrounds at Little Switzerland

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · Spruce Pine, NC

Welcome to the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina! At approximately 3,455 feet elevation we enjoy mountain breezes all summer long, especially in the evening! We have a total of 11 tent sites available with a fire pit at almost each site. Raised bed style flat tent sites divert water during rain storms so there is no water or mud flowing into your tents. PLEASE DO NOT ‘photo book’! We ask guests to please read through the details BEFORE booking a site and do not book by photos alone. For example: not all tent sites are park at sites. Some of our more secluded sites in the woods are far from bathrooms etc. PLEASE Do your research!!! Sites near the winery/bathrooms are not secluded and you can see/hear ‘people’. The ‘wildlife’ sites require parking in guest parking lot and a 5 minute walk. During the summer months we often have free range chicken eggs and organic produce and herbs available for our campers. We are next to our own winery/cidery that features home brew wines and beer. We also offer coffee and sodas. We also have a few primitive sites in our woods for those who love more seclusion and places to hang hammocks. Again, PLEASE read through all the descriptions of each particular site to make certain you choose the right fit for your camping needs. Do not book by ‘photos’ alone! We cannot stress this enough and it has been problematic to many hipcamp hosts. We offer Hiking/jogging trails at the campground with more trails on the nearby blue ridge parkway. We are just around the corner from the famous Emerald Village Mines and only a 5 minute drive to downtown Little Switzerland. We are also only a 5 minutes drive to the famous Diamondback scenic mountain road. Approximately 20 minutes drive to Crabtree Falls on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Many weekends we have live music from local musicians. Our cantina next door at 539 blue ridge gem mine road is now open for the season and serving home brew beers and small batch ciders for ages 21 and older. Photo ID required. Sodas available for purchase as well. We now have a well lit covered porch area with free WiFi and available 24 hours to our campers. Note: absolutely no outside alcohol or underage alcohol consumption permitted on premises. Anyone not in compliance with North Carolina state laws and federal laws will be evicted from campgrounds without refunds. If the campgrounds happen to be under a burn ban please understand that we can’t and will not break the law for you! All campers must obey the burn ban if in effect or face possible penalties under state law! This is for your own safety as well. This is a family friendly campground and we do have neighbors, so no late check ins please. Latest check in permitted is 11:30 pm at night out of courtesy to our neighbors and other campers. Camp host can’t go to bed until all campers are checked in so no late night arrivals please! Thank you for your understanding. There are free 15 minute Lead line pony rides available for guests at our campground for children age 2 - 12 years old. Adult horseback trail rides are available at nearby Springmaid Mountain Resort. Maps provided to Springmaid Mountain Resort. Up to 2 dogs are allowed per campsite. Dogs Must remain on leash at all times and have proof of up to date rabies vaccination. A rabies tag or photo of certificate is fine. We have chickens and horses on our mini farm. So please keep dogs under control at all times. Also, please do not feed our chickens, horses or any of the wildlife on our property. As a working farm we have fresh eggs and seasonal organic raised produce all summer available to our campers. Campfires are permitted at the fire pits unless there is a burn ban. Some Firewood is provided. Better wood is available for sale. It is the responsibility of our campers to check the weather conditions, noting any burn bans for the area or rain etc, looking at all the rules and property details, before booking is the campers responsibility. Please do not blame the host! We have a very forgiving cancellation policy of 24 hours. Watch for our special events like ghost story campfire tales/walk with local guest authors, yoga, herbal remedies classes, trail treasure hunts with prizes, mushroom identification classes etc. Our next campfire ghost stories event is September 15th and 16th 2024. Additional parking is available for added cars in the guest parking lot area if campers have no more room at their campsite for visitors or extra cars. We have a hot/cold shower and modern style flush toilets available in large cargo container. We also now have WiFi in the Cantina area and some of the closer tent sites. Hot tub is for RV and RV space rentals only. If the RV spaces are not reserved we often invite tent campers to use the hot tub. Note: One quarter mile of gravel drive is steep but I drive my two wheel drive car up and down it every day. However, if you have a vehicle that chugs and struggles up hills (older RV etc) you may find it a challenge. We are working on getting that section paved to help out the older RVs and buses. Note: The gray building and pond area is NOT our property. Please be respectful of our neighbors and the family that lives there. Do not wander around our neighbors pond /barn area. Thank you! All campers are expected to read and follow the HipCamp guidelines. This is not just a ‘business’, it is also a family home that we are graciously sharing with you for a small fee so we expect campers to respectful of our land, our neighbors and your fellow campers. Anyone who can’t show some integrity, maturity and be responsible and respectful of this will be asked to leave and/or permanently banned from both the winery and our campgrounds. We are pretty mellow, yet take bad behavior and disrespect for others very seriously. Caught without a last minute hotel room and rather not park your family in Walmart lot? We offer car camping in our parking lot for $15.00 a night. You’ll have access to bathrooms and a hot shower! We also have tents, sleeping bags and camping mats for rent. This is our second year open and there have been many wonderful improvements! ❤️

The best camping near Roan Mountain State Park guide

Overview

About

At the base of Roan Mountain, this state park boasts more than 2,000 acres of mostly hardwood forest along rugged ridges where colorful wildflowers and wildlife, from black bears to osprey, make their home. Hikers can head out along the park’s 12 miles of hiking trails, mountain bikers can ride along the nearly three miles of biking trails, and anglers can fish for abundant brook, rainbow, and brown trout in the clear Doe River. The 106-site Roan Mountain Campground offers RV and tent camping, plus comfortable cabins.

Tips for snagging a campsite

As Roan Mountain is a popular camping destination, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially on weekends.
Booking can be easily done online or by phone and up to one year in advance.
Double-check your dates before booking: There is a non-refundable booking fee.

When to go

The summer season from Memorial Day to Labor Day is the park’s peak period, with many visitors arriving to enjoy the trails, warm weather, and blooming wildflowers. Roan Mountain is home to the largest natural Catawba rhododendron gardens in North America, which typically bloom in the third week of June, coinciding with the Rhododendron Festival. Though cool and often wet, winter promises cross-country skiing and birdwatching, as well as fewer crowds.

Know before you go

If you can’t find what you need in the park’s camp store, head just outside the park to Jack’s Petrol and Provisions.
Cell service is unreliable throughout the park, so download maps prior to arrival.
Only certified heat-treated firewood is allowed to enter the park.