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114 campgrounds and RV Parks near Hampton, TN. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
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5366 campsites
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From $15/night
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Best campgrounds near Hampton, TN
Black Bear Resort
Hampton, TN (3 miles away)
+4
Watauga Dam Campground
Elizabethton, TN (5 miles away)
Doe River Campground
Roan Mountain, TN (6 miles away)
$$$$$
(6 sites)
+9
Doe River Landing
Roan Mountain, TN (6 miles away)
Lake Haven Family Campground
Hampton, TN (7 miles away)
Fish Springs at Little Pond Mountain Campground
Hampton, TN (7 miles away)
+5
Roan Mountain State Park
Roan Mountain, TN (8 miles away)
$$$$$
(106 sites)
+10
Cove Ridge Marina & Resort
Hunter, TN (9 miles away)
Mountain View RV Park - Roan Mountain
Roan Mountain, TN (9 miles away)
Sugar Hollow RV Park and Campground LLC
Roan Mountain, TN (9 miles away)
Woodsmoke Campground
Unicoi, TN (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(33 sites)
+5
Cherokee Trails Campground and Stables
Bluff City, TN (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(25 sites)
+7
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Toilets Showers Grills Internet Tables Laundry General store Dump station Firewood
Campgrounds near Hampton, Tennessee
Hampton sits in Carter County in northeastern Tennessee, on the western end of Watauga Lake and inside the Cherokee National Forest. The town is a common base for RV travelers heading to the lake, the Watauga River tailwaters below the dam, and the surrounding Appalachian ridges. Elizabethton is a short drive west, and Johnson City, Tennessee, and Boone, North Carolina, are within easy reach for supplies and fuel.
Campground options near Hampton mix private RV parks with U.S. Forest Service and Tennessee Valley Authority sites. Lake Haven Family Campground and Black Bear Resort cater to RVs with full hookups, while Watauga Dam Campground is a TVA-managed site near the dam reservation. Doe River Campground and Doe River Landing sit along the Doe River near town and lean toward riverside stays.
Most lakefront and river sites are within a short drive of U.S. Highway 321, which connects Hampton to Elizabethton, Butler, and the trailheads scattered along the lake.
Things to do near Hampton
Watauga Lake is the main draw. The lake is a 6,430-acre TVA reservoir surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest, and it supports swimming, boating, paddling, and fishing for smallmouth bass, walleye, and trout. Shook Branch Swim Area and Rat Branch Boat Launch are common day-use stops for campers based near town, and Rat Branch has an accessible fishing pier.
Hiking is close at hand. The Appalachian Trail crosses the ridges above the lake and traverses Watauga Dam itself. Laurel Fork Falls, reached from the Dennis Cove area south of Hampton, is a popular half-day hike. The Big Laurel Branch and Pond Mountain Wilderness areas sit near the lake and offer more rugged backcountry hiking.
The Watauga River tailwaters below the dam hold stocked trout, and outfitters in Elizabethton run guided float trips.
Camping spots and RV parks near Hampton, TN
When to visit Hampton
- spring
March - May
68° / 43°F 92 mmMild; TVA and forest campgrounds reopen March 15.
- summer
June - August
84° / 63°F 93 mmPeak season; lakefront sites fill weeks out.
- fall
September - November
68° / 46°F 75 mmDrier and cool; leaf color peaks mid to late October.
- winter
December - February
46° / 27°F 84 mmCold; most public campgrounds closed for the season.
Peak season runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Watauga Lake sits at nearly 2,000 feet, so summer highs are roughly 10 degrees cooler than lower-elevation Tennessee cities, and swimming is most comfortable from late June through August. Lakeside sites at TVA and Forest Service campgrounds fill weeks ahead on weekends and holidays, and private RV parks near the lake see similar demand.
Spring and fall are quieter but require planning around access. TVA dam reservoir campgrounds, including Watauga Dam Campground, operate from March 15 to November 15, and several Cherokee National Forest lakeshore campgrounds follow a similar seasonal window. Fall brings color to the surrounding ridges from mid-October into early November, and availability is usually easier midweek.
Winter camping options narrow sharply. Most public campgrounds close, some private RV parks with full hookups stay open year round, and roads at higher elevations in the Cherokee National Forest can hold snow and ice into early spring.
How to book a site near Hampton
TVA dam reservoir campgrounds, including Watauga Dam Campground, are managed by Vista Recreation and booked through the Vista Recreation online reservation system or by phone. Cherokee National Forest campgrounds near the lake, such as Cardens Bluff, are reserved through Recreation.gov, where the standard booking window opens six months ahead on a rolling daily basis. Lakefront loops sell out quickly for summer weekends, so setting up an account and using cancellation alerts helps.
Private parks near Hampton, including Lake Haven Family Campground, Black Bear Resort, Doe River Campground, and Doe River Landing, book directly through their own websites or by phone. For holiday weekends, reserving eight to twelve weeks out is a reasonable target.
What to expect on the ground
The terrain around Hampton is mountainous. Roads into lakeshore and forest campgrounds include grades, switchbacks, and narrow shoulders, so larger rigs should check length limits before booking. U.S. Highway 321 along the north shore of Watauga Lake is the main artery and is manageable for most RVs, while side roads into forest sites can be tight.
Hookup availability varies by campground. Private parks such as Lake Haven Family Campground and Black Bear Resort offer full hookups, while Watauga Dam Campground provides mostly electric and water sites with a dump station and bathhouse. Forest Service sites lean toward electric-only or no hookups.
Cell service is spotty in the coves and along the ridges. Groceries, fuel, and propane are easiest to find in Elizabethton, a short drive west.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Hampton, TN
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Hampton, TN?
RV rental in Hampton, TN is one of the most affordable ways to experience Watauga Lake and the Cherokee National Forest. On RVezy, travel trailers typically start around $80 to $130 per night, Class C motorhomes run roughly $150 to $250 per night, and larger Class A rigs land between $200 and $350 per night. Weekday bookings and shoulder-season trips (late April or October) consistently bring the best value. For a cheap RV rental Hampton travelers love, filter by travel trailers with delivery so you skip towing costs entirely. Pro tip: many hosts offer multi-night discounts, so a 4-night Watauga Lake getaway often costs less per night than a single weekend.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Hampton%2C%20TennesseeDo I need a special license to rent an RV in Hampton, TN?
Great news: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Hampton, TN. Tennessee does not require a commercial driver's license (CDL) or any special endorsement for personal-use motorhomes or travel trailers, even larger Class A coaches. You'll need to be 25 or older, and RVezy verifies your ID right through the platform during booking, so there's no paperwork shuffle at pickup. Visiting from abroad? Bring your home-country license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) and you're set. Most first-time renters are surprised how smooth the process is, especially with the host walkthrough included at every Hampton pickup.
tn.gov/safety/driver-services.htmlWhat protection is included with my Hampton RV rental?
Every RV rental in Hampton booked through RVezy comes with a built-in renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can head into the Cherokee National Forest with real peace of mind. You choose your coverage level during checkout (not the host), which lets you select the protection that fits your trip. The plan covers eligible physical damage to the RV during your trip plus dedicated support if anything happens on your Watauga Lake adventure. Pro tip: review the coverage options at checkout, picking a higher tier is often just a few dollars more per night for noticeably more confidence.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat is the cancellation policy if my plans change?
Booking is low-risk: RVezy sets and manages every cancellation policy directly (not individual hosts), and there is a money-back grace period right after booking so you can lock in your Hampton dates without stress. Refund amounts beyond that grace period depend on how far in advance you cancel. If a host cancels, RVezy refunds you or provides credit, and the support team is available before, during, and after the trip. Pro tip: book early to lock in the best Watauga Lake RVs, knowing the cancellation cushion has your back.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on an RV trip from Hampton, TN?
Absolutely, pet-friendly RV rental Hampton TN options are plentiful. Just use the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy and you'll see listings where dogs (and often cats) are welcome. Hampton sits next to the Cherokee National Forest, where pets are allowed on most trails including the Laurel Fork Falls trail off Dennis Cove Road, provided they're leashed. Lake Haven Family Campground on Highway 321 is pet-friendly with a dog park on site, and Cardens Bluff Campground allows pets on a 6-foot leash. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm any pet fee and ask about their favorite local dog-friendly swim spots along Watauga Lake.
fs.usda.gov/cherokeeCan the RV be delivered to my campsite in Hampton?
Yes, RV delivery in Hampton is one of the most popular options on RVezy, especially for first-timers who would rather skip driving a big rig through the curvy mountain roads of Highway 321. Many local hosts will deliver and set up your motorhome or travel trailer directly at Lake Haven Family Campground, Cardens Bluff Campground, or a private property near Watauga Lake. They will level the RV, connect hookups, and walk you through every system before leaving. Use the Delivery filter when browsing listings to see distance-based pricing. Pro tip: delivery is a game-changer for travel trailers, you do not need a tow vehicle, just show up and start the campfire.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Hampton%2C%20TennesseeHow many miles can I drive on my Hampton RV rental?
You've got flexibility: most Hampton hosts include a daily mileage allowance (commonly 100-150 miles per day), and some offer RV rental with unlimited mileage, which is ideal for a longer Hampton, TN RV trip. Every listing clearly displays its mileage policy before you book, so there are no surprises. To put it in perspective: Hampton to Asheville, NC is about 70 miles, Hampton to Pigeon Forge is roughly 110 miles, and Hampton to Boone, NC is just 45 miles. Pro tip: if you're planning a wider Blue Ridge loop, filter for unlimited-mileage listings or message the host to negotiate an add-on mileage package upfront.
tn.gov/tdot.htmlWhere are the best campgrounds near Hampton, TN?
You are spoiled for choice. The best campgrounds near Hampton sit right on Watauga Lake: Cardens Bluff Campground in the Cherokee National Forest sits on a bluff above the lake with 43 sites and vault/flush facilities (no electric hookups); Watauga Lakeshore Resort and Marina on US-321 offers lakeside RV sites plus marina access; Lake Haven Family Campground provides full-hookup RV sites with lake and mountain views. Boots Off Hostel and Campground caters to Appalachian Trail hikers and offers primitive sites. Pro tip: only a few Cardens Bluff sites fit RVs up to 30 feet, so reserve well ahead through Recreation.gov.
recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234561When is the best time of year for RV camping in Hampton, TN?
Hampton is a true four-season destination, but the sweet spot is mid-April through late October. Spring (April-May) brings wildflowers and 60-75°F days, perfect for hiking Laurel Fork Falls. Summer (June-August) averages 75-85°F with warm lake temps for swimming at Shook Branch Beach. Fall (mid-October) is legendary, the Cherokee National Forest erupts in reds and golds and nights cool to the 40s. Winter is quieter with daytime highs in the 40s-50s; some lakeside campgrounds close, but full-hookup Hampton RV rentals with furnaces work year-round. Pro tip: book the first two weeks of October at least two months ahead, leaf-peeper season fills Watauga Lake campgrounds fast.
weather.gov/mrx/I have never rented an RV before, is Hampton a good place to start?
Hampton is a fantastic spot for first time renting an RV. The pace is relaxed, campgrounds are close (Lake Haven is only minutes from town), and many RVezy hosts here specialize in delivery, meaning your motorhome rental in Hampton can arrive at the campsite fully set up so you never have to back into a site. Every booking includes a host walkthrough at pickup covering water, propane, slide-outs, the generator, and dump procedures. A renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance are included. Pro tip: choose a smaller Class C or a delivered travel trailer for your first trip, you will spend more time floating on Watauga Lake and less time learning systems.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat happens if I have a breakdown or issue on the road?
You are covered: every RV rental in Hampton booked through RVezy includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the renter protection plan, day or night, weekday or holiday. If you get a flat on US-321 between Hampton and Elizabethton, a dead battery at Cardens Bluff, or a propane issue lakeside, one phone call dispatches help. Your host is also reachable through the RVezy messaging system for quick questions like how to reset the GFCI. Pro tip: save the RVezy support number and the roadside number in your phone before you leave the driveway, cell signal can get patchy deep in the Cherokee National Forest along Dennis Cove Road.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Hampton, TN RV rental across state lines?
Yes, interstate travel is welcome and Hampton is perfectly positioned for it. From Hampton you're 45 minutes from Boone, NC, about 1.5 hours from Asheville, NC, 2 hours to Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains, and roughly 3 hours to Virginia's Mount Rogers area. A great RV road trip from Hampton runs the Blue Ridge Parkway south, perfect for a 4-7 day loop. Most hosts allow cross-country travel within the US; just confirm in the listing or via message. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals. Pro tip: ask your host about preferred routes, locals know which mountain passes to avoid in a tall rig.
nps.gov/blri/index.htmWhat should I budget for fuel on a Hampton RV trip?
Fuel is easier to budget than you'd think. Class B campervans average 18-22 mpg, Class C motorhomes 8-12 mpg, and Class A rigs 6-10 mpg; travel trailers depend on your tow vehicle. Tennessee gas prices typically run a bit below the national average, with stations in Elizabethton (7 miles from Hampton) being the most convenient fill-up before heading to Watauga Lake. For a typical 4-day, 300-mile family RV trip Hampton TN style, plan $150-$250 for a Class C. Pro tip: fuel up in Elizabethton rather than at small lakeside stations on Highway 321, you'll save 10-20 cents per gallon and avoid tight pump access.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Hampton?
For peak summer weekends and October leaf season, aim to book campgrounds 3-6 months ahead. Cardens Bluff Campground (Cherokee National Forest) opens reservations through Recreation.gov on a rolling 6-month window and fills quickly, especially the three sites (16, 28, 29) that fit a 30-foot RV. Lake Haven Family Campground and Watauga Lakeshore Resort take direct bookings and often have availability 2-4 weeks out for weekdays. Bayview Family Campground runs April 1 through November 1. Pro tip: if everything looks booked, ask your RVezy host about delivery to a private property or smaller TVA-area site, locals know overflow gems tourists miss.
recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/122390What are driving conditions like around Hampton, TN?
Hampton's roads are scenic and very manageable with a little awareness. US-321 is the main artery hugging Watauga Lake, two-lane with gentle curves and lake views around every bend. The Cherokee National Forest side roads (like Dennis Cove Road) are narrower with switchbacks, which is fine in a Class B or smaller Class C but tight for big Class A coaches, those rigs do best staying on 321 and US-19E. Watch for elevation changes between Hampton (1,920 ft) and the Iron Mountains. Winter occasionally brings ice on shaded mountain curves. Pro tip: drive the Watauga Lake stretch around sunset, the light on the water is unforgettable, especially the overlook near Hampton Watershed.
tn.gov/tdot/driver-and-vehicle-services.htmlWhat hookups and amenities do Hampton-area campgrounds offer?
You'll find a full spectrum. Lake Haven Family Campground offers full hookups (electric, water, sewer) at every site plus free Starlink Wi-Fi, fire pits, and picnic tables. Watauga Lakeshore Resort and Marina provides lakeside RV sites with hookups plus marina access. Cardens Bluff is dry camping only (vault/flush toilets and showers, no electric), perfect if your RV has solid batteries or a generator. For dump stations and potable water fills, Lake Haven and Watauga Lakeshore both have on-site dump access, and Fish Springs Marina across Highway 321 is a longtime local fueling stop. Pro tip: if you're booking Cardens Bluff, top off fresh water and dump tanks at a full-hookup site the day before arrival.
fs.usda.gov/recarea/cherokee/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=34894What is typically included inside a Hampton RV rental?
Hampton listings come well equipped. Expect a full kitchen (fridge, stove, microwave, sink), a bathroom with shower and toilet, sleeping for 2-8 depending on size, dinette, heating and air conditioning, and seatbelts for travel passengers. Most include linens, cookware, and basic outdoor gear like camp chairs, perfect for evenings overlooking Watauga Lake. Many hosts add a generator (great for Cardens Bluff dry camping), an outdoor speaker, and starter packs of paper goods. Wi-Fi and TVs vary by listing, so check the amenities tab. Pro tip: message the host to ask about Watauga Lake-ready add-ons, many provide camp chairs, a fire ring grill, and even kayaks or paddleboards.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Hampton%2C%20TennesseeWhat add-ons and pickup options should I know about?
Hampton hosts offer plenty of helpful extras. Common add-ons include generators, bike racks, kayaks or stand-up paddleboards (perfect for Watauga Lake), linen packages, propane tank fills, and fire-starter kits. Pickup is typically at the host address in Hampton, Elizabethton, or Johnson City; many also offer delivery to Lake Haven, Cardens Bluff, or Watauga Lakeshore Resort for a flat fee. Mileage policies are listed transparently on each listing. Pro tip: bundle delivery, setup, and a generator if you are heading to Cardens Bluff, you will have a turnkey lakefront basecamp without towing or hooking up a thing.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Hampton%2C%20TennesseeHow do payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is straightforward and entirely handled through RVezy, never cash to the host. You will pay the rental total, taxes, any add-ons, and your chosen protection plan securely at checkout with a credit or debit card. A refundable security deposit is held separately from the booking payment before pickup; it is released after the trip assuming the RV is returned in the same condition with tanks handled per the host instructions. The amount varies by listing and is shown clearly before you book. Pro tip: do a quick walk-around video at pickup and dropoff in Hampton, it is the single best way to ensure your deposit comes back fast and avoids any surprise charges.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksCan I rent an RV in Hampton, TN during winter?
Yes, winter RV camping in Hampton is absolutely doable and gloriously quiet. Daytime highs typically run in the 40s Fahrenheit from December through February, with occasional snow dustings on the Iron Mountains, perfect for cozy evenings by the campfire after a brisk hike around Watauga Lake. Many RVezy hosts offer four-season rigs with furnaces, heated holding tanks, and shore-power capability. Lake Haven Family Campground stays open year-round, while Cardens Bluff closes seasonally. Use the Delivery filter to skip cold-weather towing entirely. Pro tip: ask the host for an extra propane tank, you will stay toasty even on the chilliest Cherokee National Forest nights, all while having the trails nearly to yourself.
weather.gov/mrx/Nearby cities with campgrounds
Charlotte, NCKnoxville, TNGreenville, SCLexington, KYBlairsville, GADunean, SCFarragut, TNFlowery Branch, GABuford, GAPenhook, VAHuntersville, NCFairmount, GATravelers Rest, SCElkin, NCMountain Park, GAYork, SCHolly Springs, GAOakwood, GAPacolet, SCAthens, TNBraselton, GASevierville, TNKarns, TNMauldin, SC