Lake Camping in Bristol, Tennessee, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2024

United States
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Tennessee
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Bristol

94% (892 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Bristol

Under $50

11 top lakeside campgrounds near Bristol

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(1343)

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.

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Greener Acres

3 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Roan Mountain, TN

Greener Acres minutes from Roan Mountain State Park and the Appalachian Trail. Use Greener Acres campsite as your jumping-off point for fun nearby activities or relax on our 40 acre mountainside property and watch for meteor showers in the clear night sky! Within 5 minutes, you can be at Roan Mountain State Park or drive 5-10 minutes to hike the Appalachian Trail. Head up to Carvers Gap just below Roan Mountain High Knob where you can hop out and enjoy a short walk to a scenic view of both the TN and NC mountains or visit the famous Rhododendron Gardens in season. Campsite also boasts energizing, private hike up to Heaton Ridge. Want to spend the day kayaking or canoeing? Head to Wilbur Lake, about a 30 minute drive away from our campsite. Exploring Laura Falls is only a 20 minute drive away. Blue Ridge Parkway, Blowing Rock, and Grandfather Mountain in N.C. are about 30-45 minutes away. The Smokey Mountains, Gatlinburg, and Dollywood are about a 2 hour drive through amazing mountain views. The annual Rhododendron Festival takes place minutes away. Supplies can be found at the state park camp store or in town at Redi-Mart or Dollar General. Water and showers are down by barn. A Gator is available for the duration of your stay. Please arrive before sundown so we can meet you the first time you stay to show you the way and make sure you are comfortable driving Gator. We will have you follow us up to the campsite and from there you can come and go and just leave the Gator by your car near the barn when you are out and about and when checking out. A small Bluetti power charging station will be available in the tent (for light charging of cell phones, other) which can be recharged by the barn if used heavily. A Coleman stove with a small propane tank, pots, a frying pan and utensils is also included in the site. Another small propane tank is provided for the radiator in the tent.

88%

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Spacious Skies Bear Den

127 sites · Lodging10 acres · Spruce Pine, NC

Set right off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 324.8, among the breathtaking Blue Ridge and Black Mountains and nestled in the Pisgah National Forest, Spacious Skies Bear Den is your mountain adventure destination! While most of our sites are full hook-up, we have water/electric spots for a more rustic camping experience or for our tent campers. We also offer cabins in an array of sizes and with varied amenities, ensuring we have the perfect spot that meets each family or group’s needs. When you arrive at your site or cabin, breathe in the serene beauty of the Pisgah National Forest, of which Spacious Skies Bear Den is a part. Leave your stress behind as you explore 13 miles of wooded hiking trails, some leading to waterfalls on the park grounds. Playgrounds, a rec hall, arcade, basketball, jumping pillow, and a swimming lake with a separate fishing area will keep campers of all ages occupied. A camp store stocked with necessities and treats alike, bathhouses, and laundry on-site all bring the comforts of home to your campsite.

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Plumtree Campground Tents & Cabins

20 sites · Lodging, 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

Wiley's Last Resort

18 sites · Tents90 acres · Whitesburg, KY

Wiley's Last Resort is about a hundred acres on top of Pine Mountain in Letcher County, KY. Jim Webb aka "Wiley Quixote" purchased the property in 1996 and began restoring, developing, and naming all the nooks and crannies that make up this wonderful place.

Blue Ridge Horse Adventures

10 sites · RVs, Tents300 acres · Spruce Pine, NC

HELENE UPDATE: ACCESS IS LIMITED TO 4WD TRUCKS ONLY AND ADULTS ONLY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. Get away from the crowds. On 300 beautiful acres once operated as a children's summer adventure camp, this property has a house with a dormitory style bathroom for camper use. There are 3 primitive campsites, 2 cottages, and a horse sanctuary. The campsites are spaced out around the property for privacy. A short walk gets you to the bathroom reserved for campers only which has 2 toilets, 2 showers, and 2 sinks. 4WD or AWD is recommended for all sites due to 1/2 mile gravel road and then completely off road for a short distance. Or, if you are bringing 2WD, there is plenty of parking and then walk to your campsite. We don't recommend trying to bring large RV's due to the access. Winter camping is encouraged with free firewood. However, you will probably need to park near the bathroom and walk to your campsite to limit soil erosion of the off-road trail. Pets are welcome only at some sites, but please please let us know you are bringing them and they will need to be leashed due to other animals. A large part of the property is forest with hiking trails, creeks, and wildlife. You can see wildflowers and lightning bugs in season along with deer, turkey, and horses. And all of our spots have a great view of the sky! We're not far from the Bare Dark Sky Observatory. The grass horse arena and the pond were originally built for the summer camp. The pond is stocked with bass and bluegill and has a chorus of bullfrogs in summer. The arena is flat and has a long range mountain view all the way to Mt. Mitchell (highest peak east of the Mississippi). There are also a meadow spot encircled by trees.

Inner Wolf Retreat Space

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Mars Hill, NC

A Sound Healing Retreat Center for you to find renewal and unplug on 6 peaceful acres with a large creek running through the whole property, several ponds, and a large field of flowers. Our property is a healing space , complementing the sounds of nature and meditative sound healing instruments like gongs and crystal singing bowls to help you find your inner compass. Please ask us if you'd like to add a sound healing session to your camping experience. As you enter the property, flow downstream, leaving worries behind, pass the Sound Healing Pyramid Barn, set up for events and sound healing sessions, in addition to retreats. Under the eaves of the back of the barn you'll find a picnic table to enjoy in the shade while listening to the babbling large creek running along side you and leading you to your peaceful campsite in the field, under the trees, and under the stars. Van and small RV camping spots are located by the workshop and small cabin and the portajon.

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Linville Land Harbor

1 site · RV1 acre · Newland, NC

Linville Land Harbor Is a residential entrance that offers a 40-acre lake with a White Sandie Beach, fishing, pavilions, swimming pool, game room 18-hole golf course & patio grill, tennis & pickleball, fly fishing, basketball court, bocce ball, hiking trails and more. All within walking distance of a private drive thru lot with pavilion and fire pit. 50 amp & amp 30 amp hook up with water, sewer, TV, and internet. , laundry room & shower house is a short walk away. Just minutes away from Boone, ASU, Blowing Rock, Grand Farther Mt. Beach Mt. and Sugar Mt. Snow Skiing & BMX Mountain Biking, Linville Falls & Linville Caverns, Blue Ridge Parkway, Restaurants, Wineries & Breweries and so much more. http://linvillelandharbor.com check in 2:00 check out 12:00 Weekly And Monthly rates are available. Please respond to this email with the dates you are requesting.

Cook Property RV

3 sites · Lodging, RVs1 acre · Mountain City, TN

Learn more about this land: Come and park your RV and enjoy tons of activities in and around Mountain City and the surrounding area. On the property you can walk through the woods, sit by the stream and listen to the water rushing downstream or trickling if we haven’t had rain. We accommodate one RV at a time and provide water and hookups in a circle drive through on private property. The owner's house and two outbuildings are on the property. A future cabin and pottery shop are in the works. If you like the privacy and quiet away from other camper then you will enjoy your stay with us. Pets are welcome! WI-FI is available. Campfires allowed in designated area if permitted by Fire Dept. Between October 15 to May 15 a burn permit is required. Permits are free, Owner can obtain for you. Located 1/2 mile down the road is an entrance to Doe Mountain Recreation Area. ATV rentals available or bring your own. UTV and dirt bikes also allowed. ATV tours available at the entrance. Other nearby activities and amenities include: Red Tail Golf course Johnson County TN County Airport - 10 minutes away Enterprise car rental in Boone NC. 26 miles away Lake Watauga boat ramp 10 miles away rentals at Lake Shore Marina Damascus Virginia 20 mile scenic drive from our property following Laurel Creek where you can find bike rentals and a shuttle for the Virginia Creeper Trail. Damascus is also an Appalachian Trail destination for supplies. “The snake” motorcycle road trip Day trips to Gatlinburg, Dollywood, Asheville, and Bristol where country music began Blue Ridge Parkway is accessible from Blowing Rock NC. and pass Boone NC. which would make a nice Day trip Boone NC 24 miles away offers a Quaint downtown with Shops and restaurants Tweetsie Railroad Park between Boone and Blowing Rock NC. Grandfather Mountain State Park located an hour away featuring the Mile High Swinging Bridge located two miles north of Linville, North Carolina, and one mile south of the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 305. This year the Grandfather Mountains Scottish Highland Games will be July 7-10, 2022. Their website https://gmhg.org/ If you watched the “Outlander” series Grandfather’s Mountain is the area where Jamie and Claire settled in North Carolina Continue 15 minutes from Linville NC. To Linville Falls hiking trails with 4 overlooks for the falls and Duggers Creek Falls a smaller falls located in the same park. Other State Parks nearby: Roan Mountain State Park Elk Knob State Park Grayson Highlands State Park Hungry Mother State Park Warrior’s Path State Park Sycamore Shoals State Park Bristol Motor speedway NASCAR races April and September- 49 miles away Fall foliage peak mid October spectacular color 3 mountains to ski in nearby North Carolina Sugar Mountain, Appalachian Ski Mountain, and Beech Mountain Skiing, snowboarding, tubing Wine tour, for the wine enthusiast there are 10 wineries within 1 1/2 hours from Mountain City. Taste what Tennesee, North Carolina and Virginia have to offer. Watauga Winery 20 minutes away from our property Banner Elk Winery & Villa Grandfather Vineyard and Winery Linville Falls winery Corey Ippolito Winery Thistle Meadow Winery Abingdon Vineyards Vincent’s Vineyard MountainRose Vineyards Little Switzerland Orchard and Winery Hiking trails and waterfalls Kayak and canoeing Zip lines Antiquing, auctions, and flea markets Covered Bridges Civil war sites Restaurants in or nearby Mountain City. *Suba’s *La Cucina Italian Kitchen The Pickled Beet Monsoon Thai Poblanos Mexican Grill Panda Garden Teammates Pizza Farmers Barbecue and Grill Taco Bell KFC Little Caesar’s Burger King And many more *Reservation Required Family owned restaurants close for the winter from October through February and some longer but we have chain restaurants that stay open year round. Farmer’s Market on Saturday year round Site information: Asphalt driveway 15’ wide at entrance 11 1/2’ wide at exit Narrowest width of driveway 9 1/2’ To 10 1/2’ 2 1/2” or less drop from asphalt to grass Outer curve approximately 103’ Electrical box 38’ from drive but I have 50’ extension cords for 20, 30, and 50 amp Dump station nearby

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Rainbow Campground

2 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Saltville, VA

Beautiful Mountain Retreat next to Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area which offers over 25,000 acres to enjoy. Laurel Bed Lake is on top of the mountain and Big Tumbling Creek is across the road from campground. Premier trout fishing available year round. Big Tumbling Creek is stocked regularly year round with trout by the Vdgif.

Booked 1 time

Sweet mountain stream ag-camp

5 sites · Tents116 acres · Hampton, TN

Sweet mountain stream hipster-ag farm camp, is a great camping challenge. Forest area accessible only with 4x4 on logging roads, or packing in and out. Completely unspoiled, unimproved and natural.Learn more about this land:Sweet mountain stream hipster-ag farm camp, is a great camping challenge. Forest area accessible only with 4x4 on logging roads, or packing in and out. Completely unspoiled, unimproved and natural. Only 10 min from 3 Appalachian trailheads. Rides provided. Spring and spigot, or spicket water available but no facilities. Wonderful authentic Thai restaurant & drive in movie theater within 5 minutes. Local free fire wood available. Loads of Black berries for the picking. There is also mountain stream spearmint to pick.Watauga lake, elk River falls and the blue hole swim area are all very close. Roan mountain, Asheville and Boone NC are a short drive. There are bears on the property, be prepared with bear and wildlife repellent. Camp wherever you like on over 100 acres with access to national forest land. Stay $1 per day in exchange for farm work.Check in with owner for additional information.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

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Jefferson National Forest

Bluefield, Virginia

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(16)

Hungry Mother State Park

Marion, Virginia

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(46)

George Washington National Forest

Deerfield, Virginia

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Lakeside camping near Bristol guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for finding the perfect camping experience near Bristol, Tennessee. With over 350 options specifically tailored to your preference for a lake setting, you're sure to find the ideal spot for your outdoor adventure. Whether you're looking for a quiet lakeside retreat or a bustling campground with plenty of activities, we've got you covered. Check out our top-rated campsites like Dark Ridge Hide Out (422 reviews), Babbling Brook Campground (210 reviews), and Camping on Cloud 9 (181 reviews) for a memorable stay. And with popular amenities like showers, pet-friendly sites, and potable water, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable camping trip. Don't wait any longer, book your lakeside getaway today!