The best cave campgrounds near Bristol, Tennessee

Welcome to Hipcamp! Looking for a unique camping experience near Bristol, Tennessee? We've got you covered with over 140 options specifically tailored to your cave preferences. Whether you're a seasoned spelunker or just looking to add some adventure to your camping trip, our campsites near Bristol offer the perfect opportunity to explore the underground wonders. Check out top-rated campsites like Dark Ridge Hide Out (422 reviews), The River Life (138 reviews), and The Waldhaus Resort (103 reviews). With prices starting as low as $20 per night and an average price of $34 per night, you'll find affordable options that fit your budget. Popular amenities such as pet-friendly accommodations, potable water, and trash disposal make your stay comfortable and convenient. Plus, you can enjoy activities like biking, swimming, and off-roading (OHV) to make your camping trip even more exciting. Start planning your cave camping adventure with Hipcamp today!

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Top-rated campgrounds near Bristol

Welcome to Hipcamp! Looking for a unique camping experience near Bristol, Tennessee? We've got you covered with over 140 options specifically tailored to your cave preferences. Whether you're a seasoned spelunker or just looking to add some adventure to your camping trip, our campsites near Bristol offer the perfect opportunity to explore the underground wonders. Check out top-rated campsites like Dark Ridge Hide Out (422 reviews), The River Life (138 reviews), and The Waldhaus Resort (103 reviews). With prices starting as low as $20 per night and an average price of $34 per night, you'll find affordable options that fit your budget. Popular amenities such as pet-friendly accommodations, potable water, and trash disposal make your stay comfortable and convenient. Plus, you can enjoy activities like biking, swimming, and off-roading (OHV) to make your camping trip even more exciting. Start planning your cave camping adventure with Hipcamp today!

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Top-rated campgrounds near Bristol

1. Kennedy Historic Appalachian Farm

98%

(25)

29mi from Bristol · 9 sites · Tents, RVs

This camping experience takes place on a 200+ year old farm. We currently offer multiple camping options, most of which are only accessible by either all-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive vehicles.  The first location (along the main road) is solely for RVs or travel trailers (TT). The other camping locations are for tent camping, and much smaller/narrower and rugged RV/TT with a 4-wheel drive towing vehicle. Daniel and Cherith Kennedy purchased this 164-acre farm in 2014, and Daniel's parents, Brent Rita Kennedy, purchased the 1800's era farmhouse from Daniel and Cherith a couple years later. Together, we have transformed this farm back into a working farm with hay fields, cattle, donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens and any other critters we buy or rescue. We are currently rehabilitating the 1700's era one room schoolhouse at the front corner of our land as well. This farm is full of memories, hard work, and is absolutely stunning. Your hosts on-site are Brent and Rita Kennedy, and they are famous for spoiling our guests rotten. They can give you tours of the farm, some in-season eggs and veggies as they have available, and even throw in some petting opportunities. They love having visitors and are sure to make your trip memorable. If you're interested in using our farm as a launching camp to see all the wonderful places that SW Virginia has to offer, we are very well located to many sites within an hour drive. - Pinnacle Area Reserve (https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/natural-area-preserves/pinnacle) - Barren Fall/Tank Hollow Falls of Cleveland(https://www.virginia.org/listing/tank-hollow-falls-of-cleveland/7223/) - The Channels (https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/natural-area-preserves/thechannels) - Virginia Creeper Trail (https://www.vacreepertrail.org/) - Explore Damascus (https://www.damascus.org/) - Explore St. Paul (https://www.stpaulva.org/community/page/playing-st-paul) and stop by our favorite, Mamaw's Cafe. Let her know we sent you!!! - Explore Abingdon (https://visitabingdonvirginia.com/). - Scenic Driving...seriously, this region has some amazing scenic roads that are off the beaten path and will WOW you. Ask our hosts for their suggestions and they'll point you in the right directions after gauging your interests.

2. Cherokee National Forest

96%

(48)

625 sites · Mountain City, Tennessee

Follow us to Tennessee and dive into the grandeur of the Cherokee National Forest! It’s filled to the brim with scenic forested trails, rushing rivers, and rainbow trout. During the day you can go rafting, and at night you can bask yourself in moonshine (of various sorts) and brush up on your constellations. If you are in pursuit of some Appalachian Mountain bliss, this is the right place to start. Don’t forget your camera, you're going to want to show these vistas off!

3. Natural Tunnel State Park

100%

(2)

12 sites · Clinchport, Virginia

As tall as a city high rise, this natural cave has been attracting sightseers for over 100 years.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

4. Grandfather Mountain State Park

100%

(7)

1 site · Seven Devils, North Carolina

This park has sweeping views, challenging trails, and a mile-high swinging bridge.

Pets

Campfires

Potable water

5. Pisgah National Forest

97%

(156)

251 sites · Burnsville, North Carolina

One of Pisgah's gems is Richland Balsam, the highest peak on the Blue Ridge Parkway at 6,410 feet.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds near Bristol

100%

(1)

Little Oak Campground

9.1mi from Bristol · 42 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cherokee National Forest

Jacobs Creek Recreation Area

12mi from Bristol · 27 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cherokee National Forest

The view from Wautuga Dam, looking towards Carden Bluff Campground.

100%

(2)

Cardens Bluff Campground

18mi from Bristol · 28 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cherokee National Forest

Dennis Cove Campground

22mi from Bristol · 1 site · in Cherokee National Forest

100%

(2)

Backbone Rock Campground

22mi from Bristol · 1 site · in Cherokee National Forest

Rock Creek Recreation Area and Campground

30mi from Bristol · 37 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cherokee National Forest

100%

(2)

Natural Tunnel Campground

31mi from Bristol · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · in Natural Tunnel State Park

100%

(7)

Grandfather Mountain Campground

38mi from Bristol · 1 site · in Grandfather Mountain State Park

Horse Creek, which runs through the area, offers a nice, soothing background.

Horse Creek Recreation Area

40mi from Bristol · 15 sites · in Cherokee National Forest

100%

(3)

Old Forge Recreation Area

41mi from Bristol · 10 sites · in Cherokee National Forest

100%

(5)

Mortimer Campground

46mi from Bristol · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pisgah National Forest

67%

(4)

Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River Area

47mi from Bristol · 1 site · in Pisgah National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Javier

May 2025

19 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Kennedy Historic Appalachian Farm

Our stay at Kennedy Farm was nothing short of magical. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed like family by the sweetest hosts. They went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed. The farm itself is stunning with gorgeous rolling hills and natural beauty. We loved having coffee by the fire and stargazing at night! The animals were an absolute treat- cows, goats, chickens, and donkeys added so much charm and the kids had the best time loving on them! Don’t let the 45 minute drive to The Channels or other trails deter you. Staying here is so worth it! We will definitely be back to Kennedy Farm!

Catesby

May 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Kennedy Historic Appalachian Farm

Beautiful spot tucked way in the SWVA mountains! Def need awd/4wd. Hosts were very attentive.

R

Ridgley

March 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Kennedy Historic Appalachian Farm

What a wonderful find in the heart of Appalachia! The Kennedys made sure I knew how to navigate to their property beforehand because they were worried I wouldn’t have service. When I arrived, they had already started a fire at my site and helped me unload car and set up camp. Their hospitality was off the charts and their property is a hidden gem. There even was a baby calf born while I was there. The views, farm fresh eggs, and hot shower next to my campsite easily made this the best hipcamp I have stayed at—the Kennedy Farm is a must visit and a site to see all in itself!

j

juniper

December 2024

15 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Kennedy Historic Appalachian Farm

Daniel's farm is charming & full of fascinating history! We originally booked site #6, but our late arrival time meant that site #1 was the best option for his parents, Rita & Britt, to recieve us. They had the fire ring set up with dry wood, but snow kept us from making a morning fire so Britt & Rita made us a warm breakfast 💜 The tour of the farm was lovely (definitely would not have taken my 2 wheel drive to site 6 after going up in a 4-wheel drive with her, though). I will absolutely stay here again in the summer for stargazing and the welcoming hosts who know and care about the land they steward.