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86 campgrounds and RV Parks near Bristol, TN. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
86 campgrounds
4131 campsites
70 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Best campgrounds near Bristol, TN
Shadrack Campground
Bristol, TN (6 miles away)
$$$$$
(75 sites)
+4
Copperhead Ridge Glamping & RV Park
Bristol, TN (6 miles away)
Peaceful Valley Campground
Bluff City, TN (9 miles away)
$$$$$
(200 sites)
+3
Cherokee Trails Campground and Stables
Bluff City, TN (9 miles away)
$$$$$
(25 sites)
+7
Appalachian Caverns Campground
Blountville, TN (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(12 sites)
Lakeview RV Resort
Bluff City, TN (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(152 sites)
+14
Rocky Top Campground and RV Park
Blountville, TN (15 miles away)
$$$$$
(34 sites)
+5
Bristol / Kingsport KOA Holiday
Blountville, TN (15 miles away)
$$$$$
(72 sites)
+10
Switchback Creek Campground
Tennessee (16 miles away)
$$$$$
Warriors' Path State Park
Kingsport, TN (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(94 sites)
+7
Watauga Dam Campground
Elizabethton, TN (18 miles away)
Cove Ridge Marina & Resort
Hunter, TN (19 miles away)
Most common amenities
Toilets Pet friendly Showers Tables Grills Internet Dump station Laundry General store Firewood
Campgrounds near Bristol
Bristol sits on the Tennessee-Virginia state line in the Tri-Cities region, tucked against the Blue Ridge foothills of the southern Appalachians. It is a compact base for RV travel: the city is best known for Bristol Motor Speedway, the half-mile concrete short track that draws large NASCAR crowds twice a year, and for its role as the birthplace of commercial country music recording.
Campground options fall into two clear groups. Race-oriented RV parks cluster within a few minutes of the speedway, led by Shadrack Campground and Copperhead Ridge Glamping & RV Park, with Peaceful Valley Campground offering a quieter alternative nearby. South and east of town, closer to South Holston Lake and the Cherokee National Forest, Cherokee Trails Campground and Stables and Appalachian Caverns Campground trade proximity to the track for water access, trails, and horse facilities.
Most renters use Bristol as either a race-week destination or a two- to three-night stop along I-81 while touring the southern mountains.
Things to do around Bristol
The speedway anchors most itineraries. Even outside race weekends, guests can tour the facility and visit the adjacent Bristol Dragway in Thunder Valley. Downtown, State Street straddles the state line and hosts the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, live music venues, and family-friendly restaurants.
Outdoor options are close at hand. South Holston Lake, a TVA reservoir surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest, offers boating, fishing, and a concrete boat ramp at the Little Oak recreation area. Holston Mountain and the Appalachian Trail lie within a short drive, and the Virginia Creeper Trail in nearby Abingdon is a popular family bike route on a converted rail line.
Appalachian Caverns Campground doubles as the trailhead for guided cave tours, from easy walking loops to muddy crawl tours for older kids and teens.
Camping spots and RV parks near Bristol, TN
Seasonal patterns in Bristol
- spring
March - May
64° / 43°F 95 mmMild; spring Cup race fills every nearby site.
- summer
June - August
82° / 63°F 100 mmWarm and humid; peak lake and cavern season.
- fall
September - November
68° / 45°F 75 mmDriest season; night race weekend books out early.
- winter
December - February
46° / 27°F 85 mmCold nights and occasional snow; forest campgrounds closed.
Bristol has a humid subtropical climate moderated by elevation, so summers are warm rather than hot and winters bring real cold snaps and occasional snow. The RV calendar is driven less by weather than by the speedway schedule. The spring NASCAR Cup weekend, the Food City 500, and the fall Bass Pro Shops Night Race both fill every campground within roughly ten miles of the track, with rates and minimum stays set accordingly.
Late spring through early fall is the sweet spot for lake, cavern, and mountain trips. Cherokee National Forest campgrounds around South Holston Lake, including Little Oak and Jacobs Creek, typically operate from April into October, with showerhouses and hydrants winterized outside that window. Cherokee Trails Campground and Stables also runs on a seasonal schedule tied to spring through late fall.
Winter is the quietest stretch. Shadrack Campground and Appalachian Caverns Campground remain open year-round for travelers passing through on I-81, but expect reduced services and cold nights.
How to book
For race weekends, book as far ahead as possible. Speedway-adjacent parks such as Shadrack Campground, Copperhead Ridge Glamping & RV Park, and Peaceful Valley Campground release race-weekend inventory months in advance, often with package pricing tied to the event rather than a per-night rate. Most take reservations directly by phone or through their own websites.
For a non-race trip, private parks around Bristol can usually be booked one to three weeks out, with more availability midweek. National Forest sites at Little Oak on South Holston Lake are reserved through Recreation.gov on a rolling six-month window, released daily at 10 a.m. Eastern, and lakeside sites fill fastest for summer weekends and holidays.
RV renters should confirm site length, hookup type, and big-rig access before arrival, especially on the narrow approach roads near the lake.
What to expect on the ground
Speedway-area parks are functional rather than scenic. Sites tend to be gravel, close together, and geared toward big rigs, with bathhouses, laundry, camp stores, and, during race weeks, shuttle service to the track. Shadrack Campground is a typical example: full hookups, level pull-throughs, a dog park, and a short drive to the speedway gates.
Away from town, expect a different setting. Cherokee Trails Campground and Stables sits on a country road at the foot of Holston Mountain, with horse paddocks and forest access rather than pools or playgrounds. Appalachian Caverns Campground pairs basic RV sites with the caverns, a gem mine, and a picnic area.
Black bears are active in the Cherokee National Forest, so food storage rules apply at Forest Service sites. Cell coverage is spotty in the mountain hollows south and east of Bristol.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Bristol, TN
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Bristol, TN?
RV rental in Bristol is more affordable than you might expect compared to big-city markets. On RVezy, travel trailers typically start around $80 to $150 per night, Class C motorhomes run roughly $175 to $300 per night, and larger Class A rigs go higher. Hosts set their own pricing, so you'll see real options at every budget. To find a cheap RV rental Bristol travelers love, book midweek, travel in shoulder months like April or October, and consider a trailer if you already have a capable tow vehicle. Pro tip: avoid the two NASCAR race weekends at Bristol Motor Speedway (spring and fall), when local rates spike. Booking 60+ days out for race weekends helps lock in better pricing.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Bristol,%20TennesseeWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Bristol, Tennessee?
Good news: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Bristol, Tennessee. Tennessee does not require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or any special endorsement for personal-use motorhomes or trailers under standard weight limits, which covers every RV on RVezy. You'll need to be 25 or older with a valid driver's license, and RVezy verifies your ID right in the platform during booking, so there's no extra paperwork at pickup. Visiting from abroad? Grab an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country's auto association before you fly in. Most first-time renters are surprised how simple the process is, and your host walks you through the rig at pickup.
tn.gov/driver-services/driver-license-classes.htmlIs insurance and roadside assistance included with my Bristol RV rental?
Yes, every RV rental in Bristol booked through RVezy includes a protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can hit the Blue Ridge backroads with peace of mind. The protection plan covers eligible damage to the RV without the hassle of arranging your own commercial RV policy. During checkout, you'll choose from different protection levels to match your trip and comfort level. If you get a flat heading up to South Holston Lake or have a hookup question at your campsite, roadside help is one call away around the clock. That built-in safety net is part of why first-time renters feel confident booking on RVezy.
rvezy.com/insurance-and-protectionWhat if I need to cancel my Bristol RV trip?
Booking is low-risk: RVezy sets the cancellation policy (not individual hosts), so you don't have to compare fine print between owners. Depending on how far in advance you cancel, you may be eligible for partial or full refunds, and a money-back grace period applies right after booking on eligible reservations. If a host cancels on you, RVezy helps with a refund or rebooking credit. Holding dates around a NASCAR weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway or the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion? Lock in your rig early and contact RVezy support if plans change. You've got real flexibility built into every booking.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Bristol RV rental?
Yes, pet-friendly RV rental Bristol options are easy to find on RVezy. Just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter and you'll see rigs whose hosts welcome dogs (and sometimes cats). Bristol and the surrounding Tri-Cities area are dog-friendly: Steele Creek Park has miles of leashed trails along its lake, South Holston Lake has dog-friendly shoreline areas, and many downtown breweries have outdoor patios that welcome pups. Most area campgrounds, including Bristol/Kingsport KOA Holiday and Shadrack Campground, allow leashed dogs. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm any pet fees, and pack a tie-out, water bowl, and proof of vaccination for campground check-in.
bristoltn.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Steele-Creek-Park-4Can the RV be delivered to my campground or vacation rental in Bristol?
Yes, RV delivery Bristol is one of the most popular options on RVezy, especially for first-time renters. Many hosts will tow or drive the motorhome rental Bristol guests book straight to your campsite at Bristol/Kingsport KOA Holiday, Shadrack Campground, Observation Knob Park on South Holston Lake, or even a friend's driveway. They'll level it, hook up water, sewer, and shore power, and walk you through every system before they leave. Use the Delivery filter when you search, then message the host with your destination so they can confirm distance and any delivery fee. It's the easiest way to skip the stress of driving a big rig.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Bristol,%20TennesseeHow far can I drive on an RV rental from Bristol, TN?
You've got serious road-trip range when you rent an RV in Bristol. The city sits on the I-81 corridor, putting some of the South's best destinations within easy reach: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is about 130 miles southwest, Asheville, NC is roughly 110 miles south, Nashville is about 290 miles west, the Blue Ridge Parkway entry near Boone, NC is about 75 miles east, and Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg sit around 140 miles southwest. Each host sets their own mileage policy, and some offer RV rental with unlimited mileage, which is a big win for a longer Bristol RV trip. Filter by mileage allowance or message the host directly to confirm what's included for your route.
nps.gov/grsm/index.htmWhere are the best campgrounds near Bristol, TN?
You're spoiled for choice with some of the best campgrounds near Bristol, TN within a 30-minute drive. Bristol/Kingsport KOA Holiday in Blountville is family-friendly with a pool, dog park, and KOA Cafe. Shadrack Campground on Volunteer Parkway is open year-round and just minutes from Bristol Motor Speedway. Observation Knob Park sits right on South Holston Lake with electric and water sites, a boat ramp, and stunning sunset views. Little Oak Campground in the Cherokee National Forest gives you forested lakeside sites at South Holston. For a quieter option, Jacobs Creek Recreation Area in the Cherokee National Forest offers waterfront camping on Watauga Lake. Pro tip: South Holston and Watauga lake sites book up fast for summer weekends, so reserve 3 to 6 months ahead.
fs.usda.gov/recarea/cherokee/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=34972When is the best time of year for an RV trip from Bristol, TN?
Bristol's humid subtropical climate gives you a long, beautiful RV season. The sweet spots are late April through June, when temperatures average 70 to 82°F and the Appalachian wildflowers are in full bloom, and mid-September through late October, when fall foliage in the surrounding mountains is world-class and highs sit in the comfortable 65 to 75°F range. July and August are warm and humid (mid-80s with afternoon thunderstorms) but great for lake camping at South Holston. Winter is mild compared to the Northeast (highs in the 40s to low 50s), so RV camping Bristol is doable year-round with a properly winterized rig. Insider tip: visit during Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion in mid-September for a downtown music festival you won't forget.
weather.gov/mrx/I've never rented an RV before. Will I be okay driving one around Bristol?
You'll do great, and you're far from alone. First time renting an RV in Bristol is a common starting point, and every RVezy host does a hands-on orientation at pickup, walking you through driving, leveling, hookups, the generator, slide-outs, and the propane system. Bristol's roads are RV-friendly: I-81 and I-26 are wide and well-maintained, downtown State Street is easy to navigate, and most campgrounds have pull-through sites. If mountain driving feels intimidating, ask your host for tips on the grades heading toward Cherokee National Forest or Boone, NC, where you'll want to use lower gears on descents. Nervous about driving at all? Book a host who offers delivery and setup, and your RV will be waiting for you at the campsite.
tn.gov/tdot.htmlWhat happens if something breaks down during my Bristol RV trip?
You're covered: every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection plan, so help is one phone call away whether you're on I-81 near Bristol or deep in the Cherokee National Forest. Roadside assistance handles common issues like flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, fuel delivery, and towing to the nearest qualified service center. Your host is your first-line support for RV-specific quirks like slide-out switches or water pump questions, and most respond fast by message. RVezy's customer support team is also available before, during, and after your trip. Pro tip: save the roadside number in your phone before you leave and snap photos of the RV at pickup.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Bristol RV rental across state lines or into Canada?
Yes, interstate travel is welcome and one of the best parts of an RV road trip from Bristol. The city straddles the Tennessee/Virginia state line on State Street, so you'll cross into Virginia just by walking downtown, and many renters head into North Carolina (Asheville, Blue Ridge Parkway), Virginia (Shenandoah), or Kentucky on the same trip. Travel to Canada may be allowed depending on the host and insurance coverage, so message the host before booking if that's your plan. Travel to Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals. Popular routes include Bristol to Great Smoky Mountains National Park (about 130 miles) and Bristol to Shenandoah National Park (about 260 miles via the scenic I-81 corridor).
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityWhat kind of gas mileage should I budget for an RV around Bristol?
Budgeting is straightforward once you know the ballpark. Class B campervans get around 18 to 22 miles per gallon (MPG), Class C motorhomes average 8 to 12 MPG, larger Class A rigs run 6 to 10 MPG, and a truck towing a travel trailer typically gets 8 to 12 MPG. Gas in the Bristol/Tri-Cities area generally runs a bit below the national average thanks to Tennessee's lower fuel tax, and you'll find plenty of large-rig-friendly stations along I-81 and US-11W. For a 4-night trip with 400 total miles in a Class C, plan on roughly $150 to $200 in fuel. Pro tip: fill up in Tennessee before crossing into Virginia or North Carolina, where prices tend to climb a few cents per gallon.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Bristol?
For summer weekends and any race weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway, book your campsite 4 to 6 months ahead, because spots near the track sell out fast. For weekday or shoulder-season trips, 3 to 4 weeks is usually plenty. Cherokee National Forest campgrounds like Little Oak and Jacobs Creek are bookable through Recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance, and they're worth the early planning for lakeside sites. Private parks like Bristol/Kingsport KOA Holiday and Shadrack Campground use their own systems, and Tennessee State Parks like Warriors' Path (about 15 miles west) take reservations through tnstateparks.com. Insider tip: midweek arrivals (Sunday to Wednesday) often have last-minute openings even in peak summer.
recreation.gov/camping/gateways/254What are driving conditions like around Bristol, TN?
Driving around Bristol is RV-friendly with a few things to know. The main corridors, I-81 and I-26, are wide multi-lane interstates with gentle grades and plenty of truck-stop fuel options. State Street downtown runs right along the Tennessee/Virginia border and is fine for smaller rigs, though Class A drivers may prefer to park and walk. Heading east toward Boone or south into the Cherokee National Forest, you'll hit mountain roads with sharper curves and 6 to 8 percent grades, so downshift on descents and watch for fog in early mornings. Winter snow is rare but possible December through February, so check forecasts. Pro tip: avoid I-81 during NASCAR race weekend traffic surges and use US-11W or US-421 as scenic backroad alternatives.
smartway.tn.gov/trafficWhat hookups and amenities will I find at Bristol-area campgrounds?
Most campgrounds near Bristol offer the full package. Bristol/Kingsport KOA Holiday and Shadrack Campground offer full hookups (water, 30/50 amp electric, and sewer), Wi-Fi, hot showers, laundry, and dump stations. Cherokee National Forest sites like Little Oak and Jacobs Creek typically have electric and water at the site but no sewer, with a central dump station on-site. Warriors' Path State Park also offers a dump station and hookup sites. Potable water fills are easy to find at any campground office. Pro tip: if you're staying at a lakeside Cherokee NF site without sewer, schedule a dump-and-fill stop on your way out and you'll thank yourself later.
recreation.gov/camping/gateways/254What's actually inside the RVs available in Bristol?
More than you'd expect. Most RVs on RVezy in Bristol come fully equipped with a real bed (queen or king in the main bedroom, plus convertible dinette and sofa sleepers), a kitchen with fridge/freezer, stove, microwave, and sink, a bathroom with toilet and shower, air conditioning, furnace heat, and seatbelts for everyone riding. Larger Class A and Class C motorhome rental Bristol options often include a TV, generator, outdoor speakers, awning, and outdoor kitchen. Campervan rental Bristol options (Class B) are nimbler with compact kitchens and wet baths. Wi-Fi varies by host (many provide a hotspot), so check the listing's amenities list. Pro tip: use the amenities filter when searching to match the RV to your trip style.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Bristol,%20Tennessee