RVezyRV rental marketplace
List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Pine Crest, TN
117 campgrounds and RV Parks near Pine Crest, TN. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
117 campgrounds
5423 campsites
79 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Best campgrounds near Pine Crest, TN
Woodsmoke Campground
Unicoi, TN (6 miles away)
$$$$$
(33 sites)
+5
Watauga Dam Campground
Elizabethton, TN (11 miles away)
Jonesborough / Cherokee NF KOA Journey
Jonesborough, TN (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(41 sites)
+5
Black Bear Resort
Hampton, TN (11 miles away)
+4
Riverview Campground
Jonesborough, TN (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(25 sites)
+7
Lakeview RV Resort
Bluff City, TN (12 miles away)
$$$$$
(152 sites)
+14
Doe River Campground
Roan Mountain, TN (12 miles away)
$$$$$
(6 sites)
+9
Doe River Landing
Roan Mountain, TN (12 miles away)
Peaceful Valley Campground
Bluff City, TN (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(200 sites)
+3
Lake Haven Family Campground
Hampton, TN (14 miles away)
Fish Springs at Little Pond Mountain Campground
Hampton, TN (14 miles away)
+5
Roan Mountain State Park
Roan Mountain, TN (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(106 sites)
+10
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Toilets Showers Internet Tables Grills Laundry General store Firewood Dump station
Camping near Pine Crest, Tennessee
Pine Crest sits in the northeast Tennessee mountains near Johnson City, Jonesborough, and Elizabethton, within easy reach of the northern half of the Cherokee National Forest. The area is defined by the Watauga River, Watauga Lake, and the ridgelines of the Southern Appalachians, with the Appalachian Trail running through the surrounding highlands.
RV travelers have a mix of options within a short drive. Woodsmoke Campground and Lakeview RV Resort offer private-park amenities close to town, while Jonesborough / Cherokee NF KOA Journey sits near the Nolichucky River with full-hookup pull-thrus. For a more rustic stay on the water, Watauga Dam Campground is a Vista Recreation site on the Watauga River below the dam, and Riverview Campground provides another river-adjacent base.
The location works well as a hub for day trips. Watauga Lake, whitewater on the Nolichucky, and the historic town of Jonesborough are all within about a half-hour drive, and Asheville, North Carolina is roughly an hour and a half southeast.
Things to do near Pine Crest
Water recreation dominates the area. Watauga Lake is a 6,400-acre reservoir surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest, with public launches at Rat Branch and other access points, designated swim areas at Shook Branch and Watauga Point, and fishing for trout, bluegill, walleye, and bass. The Nolichucky and Watauga rivers add trout fishing, kayaking, and guided whitewater rafting to the mix.
Hiking is the other main draw. About 150 miles of the Appalachian Trail winds through the Cherokee National Forest, passing high ridges, grassy balds, and scenic valleys with access to Iron Mountain, Roan Mountain, and Unaka Mountain. Shorter options include waterfall hikes to Laurel Falls and Jones Falls off Dennis Cove Road.
For a break from the outdoors, historic Jonesborough, Tennessee's oldest town, offers walkable shops, restaurants, and the International Storytelling Center.
Camping spots and RV parks near Pine Crest, TN
Seasonal patterns and closures
- spring
March - May
64° / 43°F 100 mmWettest season; thunderstorms and stocked trout
- summer
June - August
82° / 61°F 100 mmWarm and humid; lake and river at peak use
- fall
September - November
66° / 45°F 70 mmCool nights; October color fills sites fast
- winter
December - February
46° / 28°F 85 mmCold; forest and TVA campgrounds closed
Peak season runs late spring through early fall. TVA campgrounds, including Watauga Dam Campground, operate from March 15 to November 15, and Forest Service campgrounds around Watauga Lake follow a similar late-April through October window, with Cardens Bluff typically opening in late April. Private parks like Jonesborough / Cherokee NF KOA Journey run a longer season into December.
Summer weekends and fall-color weekends in October fill fastest. Riverside sites at Watauga Dam Campground and the KOA book out weeks in advance for holiday weekends, and Watauga Lake gets busy with boat traffic from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Spring brings frequent rain, thunderstorms, and stocked-trout fishing, while fall delivers cooler nights and strong color across the Appalachians.
Winter is quieter. National Forest developed campgrounds and TVA sites close, and higher-elevation roads through the forest can see snow and ice. RV travelers who stay through winter typically use private, year-round parks with full hookups closer to Johnson City.
How to book
All six TVA dam-reservoir campgrounds are managed by Vista Recreation under a concessionaire agreement with TVA, so sites at Watauga Dam Campground are booked through the Vista Recreation online system rather than Recreation.gov. Cherokee National Forest campgrounds and day-use pavilions in the Watauga Lake area, including Cardens Bluff and Watauga Point, are reserved through Recreation.gov.
Private campgrounds handle their own reservations. Jonesborough / Cherokee NF KOA Journey books directly through the KOA site or reservation line, and Woodsmoke Campground, Lakeview RV Resort, and Riverview Campground typically take reservations by phone or through their own websites. For any option, book six to twelve weeks ahead for summer weekends and holiday periods.
What to expect on the ground
Sites vary widely. The KOA and private resorts near Jonesborough and Johnson City offer full hookups, level pads, and pull-thrus that handle larger rigs, along with laundry and camp stores. Watauga Dam Campground sits on the Watauga River with 29 RV sites offering electric and water service, three of which also have sewer, and tent camping is not currently allowed.
Cell service is inconsistent in the mountains. Coverage is limited at Watauga Dam Campground and around the lake, which makes it best for relaxing off the grid. Reception improves closer to Johnson City and Jonesborough.
This is bear country, and campers should follow Cherokee National Forest food and refuse storage requirements, keeping food, trash, and scented items secured in a hard-sided vehicle or trailer or suspended well off the ground.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Pine Crest, TN
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Pine Crest, TN?
RV rental in Pine Crest is one of the most affordable ways to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains of East Tennessee. Expect roughly $90 to $175 per night for travel trailers and campervans, while larger Class A and Class C motorhomes typically run $200 to $350 per night. Because Pine Crest sits in the Johnson City metro area with a lower cost of living than major tourism hubs, your overall trip budget stretches further. For a cheap RV rental in Pine Crest, book midweek, target shoulder months like April or October, and filter by smaller travel trailers. Pro tip: bundling host delivery often costs less than the fuel to reposition a big rig yourself.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Pine%20Crest,%20TennesseeWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Pine Crest?
Good news: your everyday Tennessee Class D driver's license (or any valid US or Canadian license) is all you need to rent an RV in Pine Crest. Tennessee does not require a commercial or special RV endorsement for personal motorhomes or travel trailers. To book on RVezy you generally need to be 25 or older, and ID verification happens quickly inside the platform during checkout. Visiting from overseas? Pick up an International Driving Permit from your home auto club before you fly in. Most first-time renters are surprised how simple it is, leaving more time to plan your Smoky Mountain itinerary.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsIs insurance and roadside assistance included with my Pine Crest RV rental?
Yes, every RVezy booking in Pine Crest includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can hit I-26 with peace of mind. The protection plan covers damage to the RV during your trip, and you select the coverage level that fits your comfort at checkout (the guest chooses, not the host). Roadside assistance covers flat tires, lockouts, battery jumps, fuel delivery, and towing if something unexpected happens on the way to Cherokee National Forest or Roan Mountain. Book confidently knowing support is one tap away on your phone.
rvezy.com/insurance-and-protectionWhat if I need to cancel my Pine Crest RV trip?
Booking is low risk because RVezy sets the cancellation policy for every reservation, not the host. The exact refund depends on how far out your trip start date is, and RVezy also reviews unusual situations like severe weather or natural disasters, which matters here in East Tennessee where the occasional tropical remnant can roll through the Appalachians. If a host cancels on you, RVezy refunds your booking or provides travel credit. You can review the full cancellation policy directly on RVezy's site before finalizing. Lock in your dates with confidence, then start mapping out that Nolichucky River weekend.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Pine Crest RV rental?
Absolutely, pet-friendly RV rental in Pine Crest is easy to find. Toggle the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy to see hosts who welcome dogs (and sometimes cats) along for the adventure. Cherokee National Forest, just minutes from Pine Crest, is very dog-friendly: leashed pups are welcome on Appalachian Trail sections at Indian Grave Gap, around Beauty Spot, and along Rock Creek. Roan Mountain State Park also allows leashed dogs in the campground and on most trails. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm pet fees and any size notes, and pack a tie-out cable since shaded campsites in Carter and Unicoi counties can be uneven.
fs.usda.gov/cherokeeCan the RV be delivered to my campsite in Pine Crest?
Yes, RV delivery in Pine Crest is one of the most popular options, especially for first-timers. Many local hosts will drop the RV at your campground, level it, hook up water and power, and walk you through every system before they leave. That means you can fly into Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI), grab a rideshare, and meet your fully set-up motorhome at Rocky Fork RV Park or Nolichucky Gorge Campground without ever towing or driving it yourself. Delivery fees typically scale with distance, so destinations within 30 miles of Pine Crest are the most affordable. Filter listings by Delivery on RVezy to instantly see who offers it, then message your host to confirm timing.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Pine%20Crest,%20TennesseeHow far can I drive on a Pine Crest RV trip, and how does mileage work?
You've got plenty of range for a great Pine Crest RV trip. Hosts set their own mileage policies, with many including 100 to 150 free miles per night and additional miles available at roughly $0.30 to $0.50 each. Some hosts offer RV rental with unlimited mileage, which is gold for longer road trips. From Pine Crest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is about 110 miles southwest, Asheville NC is roughly 65 miles south on I-26, Pisgah National Forest is around 80 miles, and Nashville sits about 300 miles west. Pro tip: before booking, message your host with your rough itinerary and ask about an unlimited-mileage add-on for any cross-state adventure.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Pine%20Crest,%20TennesseeWhere are the best campgrounds near Pine Crest, TN?
You're spoiled for choice with campgrounds near Pine Crest. Rocky Fork State Park and nearby private RV parks in Erwin offer hookups, mountain views, and Appalachian Trail access right off I-26. Nolichucky Gorge Campground sits riverside and is popular with whitewater rafters. Rock Creek Recreation Area in Cherokee National Forest offers cool, shaded sites with electric hookups, perfect for hot summer escapes. Cardens Bluff Campground on Watauga Lake (about 20 miles east) offers lakefront sites. Roan Mountain State Park, roughly 30 miles south, has a year-round campground with full hookups. Book Rock Creek and Roan Mountain early through Recreation.gov and TNStateParks.com, as they fill fast in summer.
recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234561When is the best time to take an RV trip from Pine Crest?
The sweet spot for an RV road trip from Pine Crest is mid-April through late October, with a special bonus window in mid-June for rhododendron blooms on Roan Mountain and mid-October for fall foliage in the Blue Ridge. Summer highs hover around 82 to 87 degrees Fahrenheit in the valleys but drop into the 70s at higher campgrounds like Rock Creek. Spring brings dogwoods and wildflowers with daytime highs in the 60s and 70s. Winters are mild compared to the northern US, with January lows around 25 degrees, so cold-weather camping is doable in a properly equipped rig. Insider tip: locals love early October, when crowds thin but the leaves go neon.
weather.gov/mrx/I've never rented an RV before. Will I be okay driving in Pine Crest?
You're going to do great, and the Pine Crest area is one of the friendlier places in Tennessee to learn. Every RVezy host gives you a thorough orientation at pickup, walking through driving, leveling, water, propane, and the dump process before you leave. Roads around Pine Crest are mostly two-lane state routes and the well-maintained I-26 corridor, which has gentle grades compared to the steep passes farther south. For first time renting an RV, choose a smaller Class C motorhome or travel trailer under 25 feet, take your first hour slow, and use pull-through campsites. Your host's number stays in your pocket, and RVezy support is available if you have questions.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat happens if I have a breakdown or problem on the road?
You're never alone out there. Every RVezy booking in Pine Crest includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection plan, covering flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, fuel delivery, and towing. If you're climbing Sam's Gap on I-26 or exploring a forest road in Cherokee National Forest and something goes sideways, one phone call gets help dispatched to your location. Your host is typically a call or text away to troubleshoot quirks specific to their RV. Pro tip: before you pull out of the driveway, save the roadside number, your host's number, and the nearest hospital (Unicoi County Hospital in Erwin is closest) in your phone.
rvezy.com/insurance-and-protectionWhat are the best road trip routes from Pine Crest?
An RV road trip from Pine Crest gives you access to some of the best scenery in the eastern US. A classic route heads south on I-26 to Asheville (about 65 miles), then onto the Blue Ridge Parkway for overlooks toward Mount Mitchell. Another favorite is the roughly 110-mile drive southwest to Great Smoky Mountains National Park via Gatlinburg. For a quieter option, take US-321 east toward Roan Mountain State Park (about 30 miles) and continue into the Watauga Lake region. Cross-border travel into North Carolina and Virginia is covered by your RVezy protection, but travel into Mexico is not permitted. Insider tip: avoid the Tail of the Dragon (US-129) in anything over 25 feet, those 318 curves are no joke.
nps.gov/blri/index.htmWhat's the fuel budget for an RV trip around Pine Crest?
Fuel is one of the easier parts of budgeting for a motorhome rental in Pine Crest. Tennessee gas prices typically run below the national average. Class B campervans get roughly 18 to 22 MPG, Class C motorhomes average 8 to 12 MPG, and big Class A rigs land around 7 to 10 MPG. Travel trailer fuel use depends on your tow vehicle. For a typical 300-mile weekend loop through Cherokee National Forest, plan roughly $100 to $175 in fuel for a Class C at current pump prices. Pro tip: fill up in Erwin or Johnson City before heading into the mountains, prices climb noticeably at smaller stations in Roan Mountain and Hot Springs.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Pine Crest?
Book early and you'll have your pick. For federal sites like Rock Creek Recreation Area and Cardens Bluff Campground, reservations open six months ahead on Recreation.gov, and prime summer weekends fill within days. Tennessee State Parks like Roan Mountain take bookings up to 12 months in advance through TNStateParks.com, with peak rhododendron weekends in mid-June booking out fastest. Private parks like Nolichucky Gorge Campground are usually available with two to four weeks of notice except during fall foliage in October. Insider tip: if you strike out on Saturday nights, target a Sunday-to-Thursday stay, you'll often find availability and lower nightly rates at the same parks.
tnstateparks.com/parks/roan-mountainWhat are the driving conditions like around Pine Crest?
Driving conditions around Pine Crest are very RV-friendly, with I-26 acting as a smooth, modern four-lane corridor connecting Johnson City, Erwin, and Asheville. Grades are gentle by Appalachian standards, though the climb to Sam's Gap near the NC border tops out around 3,800 feet, so downshift on the descent. Local roads like US-19W and TN-107 are scenic but narrow with tight curves, better suited to rigs under 28 feet. Summer afternoon thunderstorms can pop up quickly, and winter can bring occasional snow above 3,000 feet from December through February. Pro tip: check TDOT's SmartWay live cameras before crossing any mountain pass, and avoid driving the Blue Ridge Parkway in heavy fog.
smartway.tn.gov/trafficWhat amenities can I expect at campgrounds near Pine Crest?
Campgrounds around Pine Crest range from full-service resorts to rustic forest sites, so you can match the vibe to your trip. Many private parks in Erwin offer full hookups (water, electric, sewer), laundry, and shower houses. Rock Creek Recreation Area has electric hookups at most sites plus shared water spigots and flush toilets, but no sewer, so plan a dump-station stop on the way out. Roan Mountain State Park has hookups, a camp store, and showers. Most parks have potable water fill stations and dump stations on-site or nearby. Pro tip: bring a 25-foot drinking-water hose and a basic surge protector for a smoother setup at any campground.
tnstateparks.com/parks/roan-mountainWhat's actually inside the RVs I can rent in Pine Crest?
You'll be surprised how loaded these rigs are. Most RVs available for RV camping in Pine Crest come with a fully equipped kitchen (fridge, stove, microwave, sink), an indoor bathroom with toilet and shower, sleeping for 2 to 8 people depending on size, climate control, and a dinette or living space. Many include a TV, Bluetooth stereo, outdoor awning, and seatbelted travel seats for kids. Some hosts add generators (great for boondocking in Cherokee National Forest), solar panels, WiFi hotspots, and outdoor kitchens. Campervan rental in Pine Crest is nimble and great for couples, while Class C and travel trailers suit family RV trips in Pine Crest. Check each listing's amenity list and message the host with any must-haves.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Pine%20Crest,%20TennesseeWhat add-ons and extras can I get with my Pine Crest RV rental?
Hosts in Pine Crest offer a strong menu of add-ons to make your trip plug-and-play. Common extras include camping chairs and tables, bedding and linen packages, kitchen kits with pots and dishes, bike racks, kayaks, generators, portable grills, and outdoor rugs. Many hosts also offer delivery and setup, propane refills, and dump-station service on return. Pickup is typically at the host's address in or near Pine Crest, Johnson City, or Erwin, with most rentals running on a 3 PM check-in and 11 AM check-out window. Pro tip: bundle bedding, kitchen kits, and chairs if you're flying in, it's far easier than packing duffels through TRI airport.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Pine%20Crest,%20TennesseeHow do payment and the security deposit work?
Payment is simple and secure: RVezy charges your credit or debit card at booking, and your funds are held until your trip begins, so the host doesn't get paid until you're on the road. The security deposit is a separate authorization (amount varies by RV) placed on your card before pickup and released after return, assuming no damage or major cleaning issues. To avoid any deposit hiccups on your RV rental in Tennessee, take date-stamped photos of the RV inside and out at pickup and dropoff, return it with the agreed fuel level, and empty the tanks if your host requires it. Then you're off to the mountains.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksCan I take my Pine Crest RV rental to North Carolina or Virginia?
Yes, your RV rental in Tennessee is cleared to cross into neighboring states, and most Pine Crest renters do exactly that. Asheville and the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina are just 65 miles south, and Damascus, Virginia (a famous Appalachian Trail town) is about 50 miles northeast. Your RVezy protection plan and roadside assistance follow you across state lines throughout the US. The hard rule: travel into Mexico is not permitted on any RVezy rental because insurance coverage does not extend there. Cross-border trips into Canada may be possible with specific host approval, so message the host before booking. Insider tip: a three-state loop through TN, NC, and VA is one of the most underrated RV road trips in the country.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityNearby 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