The best family-friendly glamping near Bristol, Tennessee

Looking for the perfect camping experience near Bristol, Tennessee? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 1300 options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect campsite that suits your accommodation preference, activity/terrain preference, and budget. Whether you're looking for a secluded spot like the Dark Ridge Hide Out with 422 reviews, or want to stay at the Smoky Mountain Mangalitsa Farm (388 reviews) or Rivers Edge Trail Camp (267 reviews), Hipcamp has got you covered. Plus, you can enjoy popular amenities like campfires, potable water, and bring your furry friends along. Get ready for exciting activities like off-roading (OHV), wind sports, and even surfing. Don't wait, book your dream camping experience now!

99% (576)

Top-rated campgrounds

The Star Gazer Dome is an extraordinary outdoor structure situated in a picturesque, sun-soaked open field. This dome-shaped observatory offers a stunning view of the clear blue skies during the day and the starry night sky once the sun sets. Its clear, weather-resistant materials allow for unobstructed views of the heavens above, providing a one-of-a-kind stargazing experience. The dome is designed to blend seamlessly into the natural landscape, and its location in an open field ensures ample space and light for a truly unforgettable outdoor adventure. Whether you're an avid astronomer or just looking to appreciate the beauty of the cosmos, the Star Gazer Dome is the ideal place to explore the wonders of the universe.

Looking for the perfect camping experience near Bristol, Tennessee? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 1300 options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect campsite that suits your accommodation preference, activity/terrain preference, and budget. Whether you're looking for a secluded spot like the Dark Ridge Hide Out with 422 reviews, or want to stay at the Smoky Mountain Mangalitsa Farm (388 reviews) or Rivers Edge Trail Camp (267 reviews), Hipcamp has got you covered. Plus, you can enjoy popular amenities like campfires, potable water, and bring your furry friends along. Get ready for exciting activities like off-roading (OHV), wind sports, and even surfing. Don't wait, book your dream camping experience now!

99% (576)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Blue Bear Mountain Camp

98%

(192)

36mi from Bristol · 46 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Boone, NC

Blue Bear Mountain Camp offers year-round camping experiences for every type of outdoor enthusiast. Car-accessible tent and RV sites in a natural setting. Hike-in sites for those looking for a little more adventure and privacy. Stargazer Domes and Cabin rentals for guests wanting a rustic, mountain getaway while staying in comfort. Located just 8 miles north of Boone, NC on over 150 acres of pristine mountain land, miles of hiking trails, a trout pond, and spacious low-density sites allow the guest to get away from it all in a rustic, remote setting. In the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. At 4,000 feet elevation, come enjoy cool mountain breezes and mild temperatures. Blue Bear Mountain is a scenic location for large events such as weddings, corporate events, and family reunions. Come Get away from it all at Blue Bear Mountain! Blue Bear Mountain offers spacious, Low-Density RV camping, spacious, private, rustic car-accessible tent camping, and spacious, private remote tent camping. Blue Bear Mountain also offers luxury Stargazer Domes and Cabin rentals to provide you with more choices of how to experience your mountain getaway. In a beautiful mountain setting with incredible views, the Stargazer Domes are a great way to enjoy the camping experience without really roughing it. Great for a romantic getaway or bringing the family. Furnished with a queen size bed, complete with high-quality linens, a bistro table, and chairs, you will stay in complete comfort. Conveniently located near the bathhouse with private bathrooms, a Laundry room, and a dishwashing station. You can drive right up to the handcrafted stargazer dome. Relax and take in the views while sitting around your stone fire ring. A park grill, picnic table, and free bundle of firewood are also provided to complete your glamping getaway.

2. Romantic, hot tub, pet friendly

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(95)

38mi from Bristol · 5 sites · Lodging · Bakersville, NC

Our pods (arched cabins) are tiny homes, well situated for both spectacular views as well as romantic privacy. Each home has an arched cabin style, cozy, yet well-appointed with a bedroom (queen bed), full bathroom, full kitchenette and living area with sofa and Roku TV. Homes are located close enough to enjoy a campfire with neighbors, but separated enough to enjoy that special romantic evening on your own large deck with spectacular views, or late at night enjoying the stars above. Each cabin has its very own fire pit. All cabins are outfitted with an outdoor hottub. Property is over 60 acres of onsite hiking trails, or find your special spot to sit and enjoy the view. We are just up the road from the Toe River. The famous Appalachian Trail is just minutes away, as are the Gem mines that made Mitchell County famous. Our property is historic and once a famous location for moonshine production, detailed in the book "Red Hill" available on Amazon. Or Google the "Bakersville Riots". Truly a place to enjoy hiking, or just relaxing on the beautiful large decks.

3. Farmhouse Gallery & Gardens

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(159)

23mi from Bristol · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Unicoi, TN

Learn more about this land:You’ll cross the covered bridge (clearance 11’6” ) as you enter our farm, a 73 acre small family farm, nestled in the Buffalo Valley of Northeast TN, and featuring a down home country atmosphere. What makes our farm special are all of the unique extras: a working log cabin blacksmith shop, log cabin art gallery, certified commercial kitchen, lots of watchable wildlife, and walking trails. We have a one acre wildlife pond and a smaller pond fed by springs and Buffalo Creek, which runs through the farm. Our small buffalo herd is pastured not far from the campsites and our friendly peacocks and chickens roam the grounds. We also offer classes in blacksmithing, art, foraging and cooking periodically. We are rural but not remote and are minutes away from state parks, fishing, hiking, rafting and other recreational activities as well as downtown Johnson City and Historic Jonesborough with breweries, shops, and many restaurants. As purveyors of Appalachian culture and cuisine, we invite you to stay a day , or longer, to share our friendly and relaxing small farm atmosphere in the mountains.

4. joyville, camping site on elk creek

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(124)

47mi from Bristol · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Deep Gap, NC

Learn more about this land: camping sites on elk creek or smaller creek that feeds elk creek. trout fishing on stocked stream. mountain biking, hiking. 20 min. to Boone. n.c. Hiking trails can be fairly easy or as steep as your goat would like. there are dirt bike trails near by that can be ridden from camp site. come pan for gold in elk creek. Nice swimming hole at site, motorcycle campers welcome.

5. NEW RIVER REDEMPTION

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(126)

47mi from Bristol · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Jefferson, NC

If you are looking for a secluded campsite deep in the woods, you may want to keep looking. But if you want the ease and peace of a campsite RIGHT ON THE NEW RIVER with everything just steps from your tent, then come out and claim your site! Redemption: To repair or restore. To make good. This campground represents redemption and healing in so many ways. Our hope is that you will find much peace, joy, and adventure here and we promise to do our best to make it everything you expected and more! Numerous large manicured campsites in an open space DIRECTLY ON THE NEW RIVER where adventures abound! Up to 4 guests and 2 tents per site. Newly constructed tiny home provides GLAMPING at its finest! The Liberty cabin shares a space with a few tent sites along the river. With the addition of Liberty, I have limited the number of campers to 4. (Exceptions may be made for holiday weekends). There is plenty of space for everyone and the cabin sits above the tent sites for amazing views and privacy. While HWY 16 can be a bit noisy during busy times, step into the campsites and let the peaceful noise-canceling river serenity whisk you away. Forest views across the river with endless fireflies and stars that light up the night! Zaloo's Canoes, Kayak, and Tubes is within eyesight and will set you up with an amazing float or paddle down river. Plentiful small mouth bass and trout fishing just steps from your site. Outhouse w/washing station. Fire pits at each site as well as a large communal fire pit and picnic tables. Downtown West Jefferson is just 15 minutes away with local breweries, quaint restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, shopping, music, art, and a wonderful farmer's market from May - October. The quaint little town of Lansing, NC is quickly becoming a favorite stop of mine. Check out the Old Orchard Creek General Store, Pie on the Mountain Pizza, the Old Orchard Creek Blueberry Farm, and Molly Chomper for a perfect day in Ashe County. The New River State Park is an easy walk, float, paddle or drive away. This park is absolutely GORGEOUS and impeccably maintained, including hiking trails, public facilities, showers, boat launch and pick up, etc. Just a short drive to multiple Blue Ridge Parkway entry points for ease of access to Boone, Appalachian State University, Blowing Rock, Grandfather Mountain, Banner Elk, and the Linville Gorge. Mount Jefferson and Grayson Highlands are also just a short drive away for unlimited hiking and incredible mountain views. My personal favorite is hiking with the wild ponies at Grayson Highlands! We have Firewood available for a nominal fee. Just let us know and we will make arrangements to have it ready for you upon arrival. Please respect quiet hours between 10 PM and 8 AM each evening.

6. Plumtree Campground Tents & Cabins

98%

(172)

38mi from Bristol · 22 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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

Stories from the community

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Kasia and Devin

1 week ago

With pets

3 nights at Romantic, hot tub, pet friendly

We traveled as a family of 4 and two dogs and we had a wonderful time at Ocean Blue cabin. Exceptional host and cabin was amazing. We had everything and more to has such a great time. Hiking trail on the property was perfect for our young kids. We took it twice and met friendly cows on top of the hill. Hot tub was a perfect spot for after hike and evening watching the stars! We will definitely come back and bring friends with us!

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Kathryn

3 weeks ago

With pets

3 nights at NEW RIVER REDEMPTION

We stayed during a snow fall, so we did not get the full river experience- but even in November the view is beautiful. The little cabin was just enough for my young family of 4 and our dog. Host made it super simple and had everything we would need and made sure to check on us via messages to make sure the heater was sufficient (which it definitely was).

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nancy

3 weeks ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to joyville, camping site on elk creek

Such an amazing weekend at Joyville!! Gary and Dianne were just amazing. Our little cabin had 2 rooms, a deck overlooking the creek where we played games and had such a great time!!

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JEREMY

3 weeks ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to Romantic, hot tub, pet friendly

My wife and I loved staying in the Green cabin. The fire pit and hot tub were the best. The cabin was great. The bed was comfortable. The shower had good hot water. The first night we made steaks over a campfire with baked potatoes from the air fryer. The second night we made hot dogs and roasted marshmallows on the campfire. It was a beautiful drive from Knoxville. It was about as close to perfect as you can get. Thank you for the firewood, and thank you for having us.

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Kevin

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Blue Bear Mountain Camp

This is one of the best campgrounds we have stayed at. Mike was a great host, very friendly and easy to talk to. The bathhouse gets 5 stars from us. Heated water as well as heated room. We stayed in Dome #3 and it was clean and comfortable. The heated blanket was a very helpful for our cold evenings. We stayed 11/7-11/9 and have already started planning another trip to try the backpack sites. It is a beautiful property.

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Summer

November 2025

With pets

2 nights at Romantic, hot tub, pet friendly

Beautiful spot! Everything was there that you need. Loved the full size hot tub.

Judson

October 2025

With pets

3 nights at Romantic, hot tub, pet friendly

We loved staying at the sight. Enjoyed the privacy and the view, and the hot tub. This was in spite of Mother Nature giving us rain for 3 days. Kevin went out of his way to provide us with dry wood; we just couldn't use it. The facility was clean, great condition. It was high-end and we plan to return at another time. Thanks!

Justin

October 2025

4 nights at Romantic, hot tub, pet friendly

Kevin's cabins was well stocked with all the essentials, clean, well furnished, and cozy. Great for couples! The hot tub was clean and warm upon arrival. Fire pit ready for use or cooking food over with the supplied grilling grate and fresh firewood stacked close by. Ocean Blue is a wonderful place to get away from it all for a relaxing stay. Would absolutely recommend to others.

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Jordan

October 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to joyville, camping site on elk creek

The cabin was great! Beautiful view of the river and super easy to get to. We loved our stay and have already talked about plans for coming back!

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Britt

October 2025

Weekend Trip to joyville, camping site on elk creek

Awesome campsite right near boone, blowing rock, and banner elk. The owners are very nice and super attentive!

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Kayli

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Romantic, hot tub, pet friendly

We absolutely loved our stay here. All of the sites were filled during our stay, but everybody was quiet and respectful. Kevin was super helpful with anything we needed. Sitting in the hot tub at night while watching the stars was a highlight. The cabin was kept very clean, and it was stocked up with everything you’ll need. There was also tons of firewood for the fire pit. The land also had nature trails that you climb up to see a beautiful view. We’re really looking forward to coming here again!

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Marcus

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to joyville, camping site on elk creek

My Family of three stayed in a small cabin right by Elk Creek. We had breakfast on a little balcony overlooking the creek. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Got there during the dark, so not having to setup a tent was certainly a benefit. Dianne is a great host and so very friendly and helpful!

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Jody

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to joyville, camping site on elk creek

This is a great spot! The directions from the host were spot on, very easy to find. Hit or miss on the phone signal, bit it was great to disconnect and enjoy the area. Great sites and beautiful views!

Tim

October 2025

3 nights at Romantic, hot tub, pet friendly

Our second visit was just as awesome as the first. Everything was provided and in great condition. The view from the green cabin was spectacular! One of our favorite properties and we look forward to returning.

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Marcus

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to joyville, camping site on elk creek

This booking was actually an extension of the prior day’s stay at the cabin. My family of 3 loved it the same!

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Jerry

October 2025

3 nights at Romantic, hot tub, pet friendly

Blue Ocean was very clean, bathroom immaculate. Cozy place , very quiet, plenty of firewood. Hot tub was amazing under the stars. Bed was comfy, plenty of towels and bathrobes for hot tub was a nice touch. Highly recommend!

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SuJin

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to joyville, camping site on elk creek

Garry and Dianne were so kind to share their lovely log cabin with our family. Dianne was especially kind and sweet, and we truly appreciated their hospitality. The cabin was beautifully prepared for us, and there was plenty of space to pitch a tent right outside. Our kids especially loved fishing by the stream and roasting s’mores by the campfire. It was such a fun and relaxing getaway for all of us. We’ll definitely try to come back in the future!

The Star Gazer Dome is a unique outdoor structure located in a tranquil, wooded area. This dome-shaped observatory is designed to provide a spectacular view of the night sky and surrounding forest. The dome is made of clear, weather-resistant materials that allow for an unobstructed view of the stars above, and is nestled in a shaded area to provide a comfortable, cool environment for stargazing. Whether you're an astronomy enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, the Star Gazer Dome is the perfect place to marvel at the wonders of the universe.

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Chris

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Blue Bear Mountain Camp

We absolutely LOVED this place! We were worried when we were booking relatively late and had a hard time finding quality spots, then came across this place. It was AMAZING. We rented both a yurt and a tent site for 4 adults, 6 kids, and 1 dog. There was plenty of room for the kids to run around and play soccer or throw frisbee. We had big fires at night around the campfire. My wife and the other mom just LOVED their yurts (though the kids weren't as impressed when they found out they were sleeping in a tent, ha). Bathrooms were close and clean, and there was a sink to wash dishes. I also loved how though there were other campers there, we didn't feel "on top" of them and had plenty of room. Our dog was welcomed and we had a blast. Plus, we were only like 15 minutes from Boone. There's also lots of trails to explore and 150 acres, we when we (not if we) come back, we'll have a lot more exploring to do! We have written this place down as a favorite and will FOR SURE be coming back again.

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Sky

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to joyville, camping site on elk creek

We loved our stay. Garry & Dianne were great hosts, they went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. I wish we could have stayed longer.

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Chelsea

October 2025

Weekend Trip to joyville, camping site on elk creek

Dianne went above and beyond to ensure my boys and I had a comfortable stay. She made us feel safe and right at home. My boys felt so at ease with her that I had to go looking for them a couple of times bc they’d run off in search of her company! She was truly a joy and we would come back if we ever visited the area again.