Camping near Bristol with swimming
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95% (1089 reviews)
- Bristol
95% (1089 reviews)
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12 top campgrounds near Bristol with swimming
99%
(71)
Stormbrew Farm
18 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents18 acres · Abingdon, VA
Nestled in the breathtaking Appalachian Mountains of Southwest Virginia, , hens, ducks, bees, Great Pyrenees, and cats pastorally roam over 18 acres of rolling farmland and forest. Experience our favorite parts of Stormbrew Farm through a primitive camping experience. Learn more about this land:An agrarian dream- a literal field of possibility. With 18 acres to choose from you may find yourself sleeping along the lazy Fifteenmile Creek, atop a hill under Virginia stars, or even set up with pastoral views of hens and Great Pyrenees dogs.
The roadfront side of our property offers level terrain for pull-behind trailers, while vehicles (preferably 4WD) and tent campers can travel all the way back to the creek. Feeling froggy? Ford the stream and camp in the large field on the other side. Be sure to mind the animals and fields, as this is a working farm.
One mile down the road from the farm is the Virginia Creeper Trail, renowned for biking, but as a multi-use trail, you can also enjoy walking, running, horseback riding, fishing, cross country skiing, and geocaching.
South Holston Lake is only minutes away by vehicle, with two public access boating ramps 10 to 20 minutes away.
For a drink by the water, head to Abingdon Vineyards- only 10 minutes away.
Access to the Appalachian Trail is only 20 minutes away in Damascus.
We became caretakers of this lovely property in June of 2021, moving from our existing farm, 45 minutes away. When we got it, it was a blank slate of a hayfield, and we have spent the summer laying infrastructure so that we may grow our cut-flower, honey, and vegetable business.
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$30
/ night
99%
(103)
Waterdog Campground
18 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Crumpler, NC
Spend the night under the stars…
On our quaint 12 acre river bottom tucked away behind the mountains. The campsite is on the edge of the New River, overlooking its clear waters and abundance of wildlife. Listen to the sounds of nature as you fish right off the bank. Enjoy tubing/kayaking/canoeing 5 miles to Zaloo’s or 4 miles to New River Outfitters or take a 1 mile “kid’s trip” from a secluded access to J E Gentry bridge. Our family-friendly site is an economical way to have fun and get in touch with nature. And yes! we are dog-friendly as well!
Please note that cell service is very limited and WiFi is not provided. Prolonged rainy conditions in the river bottom may get muddy, so please be prepared for your stay!
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$35
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100%
(12)
Holler Camping
8 sites · Tents28 acres · Johnson City, TN
Learn more about this land:
Enjoy nature, hug a tree, walk, hike, read a book by the spring fed pond, cool your feet in the creek. We are in a wooded area and a great place to Hammock Camp. This property offers privacy with secluded areas for you to explore.
Fire wood, burn pit, charcoal grills and tables at each site, fresh spigot water can be carried and port-a-potty available.
Venture out to close by attractions, Bristol Motor Speedway, 2 miles to North Roan Street and State of Franklin where you will find many Restaurants, Johnson City Mall and Franklin Woods Hospital and a Wal-Mart, we are only 1.5 miles from historic Rocky Mount Museum, 35 min to VA, 40 to NC and 96 miles to Dollywood & Gatlinburg, a little further you will be at the Casino in Cherokee NC and this is just a few things in our area.
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$20.50
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97%
(30)
Black Bear Resort
47 sites · RVs, Tents23 acres · Hampton, TN
A secluded place nestled in the Pond Mountain Wilderness area of the Cherokee National Forest. Near streams, creeks, hiking trails, 3+ waterfalls, rivers, and Watauga lake.
One tent per site, up to 2 adults and up to 4 children are included. Additional persons / tents will require additional charges.
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$20
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93%
(270)
Rusty's Roost River Glamping
16 sites · Lodging63 acres · Green Mountain, NC
Rustys Roost River Camp with great views on the Cane and Toe River. Surrounded 360 degrees by the Great Smokey Mountains as far as you can see. Short Drive to Downtown Burnsville (20min) and 3 minute drive to Petersons General store. Primitive tent sites right on the Toe River next to our popular Glamping tents! Rusty’s Roost property rentals is the ultimate glamping escape destination in western North Carolina. Located in Green Mountain, about 40 min. outside Asheville, N.C., Rusty’s Roost offers camping options for couples, families, large groups, retreats and more. Veteran owned and operated, Rusty’s Roost was built with two goals in mind: encouraging people to connect with each other and with the outdoors. Step away from the day to day and escape to Rusty’s Roost River Camp- you’ll be glad you did. All of our Canvas Wall Tents are 16'x20' that offer PLENTY of room! Great for individuals, couples, groups, weddings, or events. Quiet, remote, and a more kid friendly river access. All sites have access to hot water showers in Men and Womens bathhouses.Picnic table and fire ring provided. Firewood available for purchase on site or bring your own.
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$115
/ night
100%
(15)
Mystic Pass
1 site · RV, Tent27 acres · Green Mountain, NC
Ultimate privacy. Gorgeous, long range views and incredible sunsets in the Blue Ridge mountains!
Located one hour from Asheville, NC and Johnson City, TN. Twenty-five minutes from Burnsville, Bakersville and Spruce Pine.
Enjoy the serenity of nature with an unobstructed, ever-changing view of clouds, beautiful mountains and the most incredible sunset in 5 counties! Take a walk along the ridge, with 360-degree long-range mountain views.
Many unique art galleries nearby, plus river tubing, hiking, biking, kayaking etc. The South Toe River has put-ins within five minutes drive. Restaurants, breweries and shops within 25 minutes.
Campsite includes a large, smokeless Solo Stove fire pit to cozy up to, as the stars fill the evening sky!
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$45
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83%
(6)
Red Banks Campground
31 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · TN
Our unique property encompasses two acres of primitive camping with riverfront beach access. You will find naturally crafted landscaping from driftwood, native plant species and rocks. Enjoy activities like beach volleyball, rafting, caving, rock climbing and more. Camping guests have access to a community bathhouse with showers and restroom.
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$45
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100%
(35)
Hidden River Experience
6 sites · Tents250 acres · West Jefferson, NC
Welcome to the secluded campsite nestled on the banks of the New River! This primitive haven offers a tranquil retreat, allowing you to disconnect from the modern world and immerse yourself in the wonders of nature. Surrounded by untouched wilderness, this campsite provides the perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts.
As you settle into this serene paradise, you'll find yourself captivated by the abundance of activities available. Begin your day with a peaceful morning of fishing, casting your line into the pristine waters of the New River in pursuit of the perfect catch. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, this river teems with various species, promising an exciting and rewarding experience.
Embark on scenic hikes that lead you through dense forests, revealing stunning vistas and hidden waterfalls. The well-marked trails cater to all skill levels, ensuring everyone can partake in the joys of exploration. You'll have ample opportunities to capture breathtaking photos and make lasting memories along the way.
For the more adventurous, hop on a bike and pedal along the winding paths that meander through the wilderness. Feel the rush of wind against your face as you navigate the undulating terrain, taking in the natural beauty that surrounds you. With each turn, new discoveries await, making every bike ride an exhilarating adventure.
To fully immerse yourself in the river's splendor, embark on a kayaking journey. Glide along the gentle currents, as the river guides you through stunning landscapes and quiet coves. The New River's calm waters provide an ideal setting for both beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
As you explore this campsite's pristine environment, keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife that calls this area home. From graceful deer grazing in the distance to vibrant birds soaring overhead, nature enthusiasts will delight in the opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures up close.
Safety is of utmost importance in this secluded sanctuary. The campsite is well-maintained and offers designated areas for camping, ensuring a comfortable and secure experience. Whether you're setting up your tent or gathering around a crackling campfire, you can rest assured knowing that you are surrounded by a tranquil and safe environment.
Prepare to unwind, reconnect with nature, and embrace the simple pleasures of outdoor life at this primitive, secluded campsite on the New River. It's a haven for fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, and wildlife enthusiasts, providing an unforgettable retreat into the heart of nature.
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$60
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(16)
10 acres on the Clinch River,
5 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Duffield, VA
Learn more about this land:Camp on the beautiful Clinch River in front of the famous Copper Creek Viaduct Bridge with picnic table and fire pit.
Fish, Swim, Tubing, and Tanning
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$25
/ night
Cripple Creek Meadows
2 sites · Tents50 acres · Watauga, TN
Cripple Creek Meadows offers rustic camping with a vision to add campsites with electric and water in the future. The property has a small creek running the length and many deer that call it home.
Our property is approximately 60 acres to explore or enjoy many of the surrounding activities within the Tricities area (Johnson City, Bristol, Kingsport). Also, the Appalachian Trail is a short 15-20 minute drive, Bristol Motor Speed way is within a 10 minute drive, and three lakes for water lovers are all within 20 minutes of the property.
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$30
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100%
(8)
Vintage Appalachian Airstream
1 site · Lodging7 acres · Elizabethton, TN
This Airstream has been to Alaska twice and all over the country. We bought it in 2017 and have lovingly restored it. It is mostly original. The only big change we made was to remove the "gaucho" couch in front and replace it with a homemade four-person dinette that makes into a queen size bed. Trail maps are embedded into the tabletop so you can plan your next hike.Learn more about this land:Come and stay in our vintage Airstream in the beautiful East Tennessee mountains. Experience a wonderful slice of mid-century Americana located near historic Elizabethton, Watauga Lake, and literally across the street from the Cherokee National Forest. Swimming, hiking, golf, NASCAR, boating, ziplines, paddle boarding, mountain biking/bike paths, fishing, kayaking, antiquing, classic cars, country music... you name it, we got it.We deliberately kept intact the wacky/vintage features of this 1967 Airstream Trade Wind trailer. It was in remarkable shape when we found it and we wanted to keep it as original as possible. The only major change we did was to remove the "gaucho" couch/bed in the front and built a four person dinette that makes into a queen size bed. The other two original bed spaces are only twin size. There is a folding privacy screen between the twin bed area and the front where the queen bed/dinette is. The dinette table has local trail maps embedded into it so you can see where you are and plan your next hike. This is the last year that Airstream used real wood cabinetry(either cherry or mahogany) in their trailers and it is still in very good shape. Please do watch your head in the doorways if you are tall. Historic Elizabethton: Must see the covered bridge! The cute old downtown has many shops and restaurants. On Saturday evenings you can get up close and personal with classic cars at the Cruise In (Carter County Car Club) from 5pm to 9pm. At 7pm on the same evenings catch a free concert at the covered bridge. Two gorgeous trout rivers run through Elizabethton.Area must see/do: This area offers a wealth of outdoor activities. Here is just a sample. The Tweetsie Trail bike/walk path (5 min drive). Tannery Knobs mountain bike park (15 min drive). Sycamore Shoals state park (15 min drive). The Creeper Trail bike/walk (1 hr drive). The wolf pack at Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium (1 hr drive). Zipline, tower jump and giant swing at Off The Grid Mountain Adventures (15 min drive). Boat/kayak/paddle board rentals at Lakeshore Marina (15 min drive). Country music at the Down Home in Johnson City (30 min drive), and the Carter Fold (1 hr drive). Bristol Motor Speedway (30 min drive). Mt. Mitchell State Park (highest point East of the Rockies) near Burnsville NC (2 hr drive). Roan Mountain state park (20 min drive). Appalachian Trail (10 min drive). Historic Jonesborough, Tennessee's Oldest Town with its Int'l Storytelling Center (30 min drive). Dollywood amusement park & Gatlinburg (2 hr drive). AAA Baseball games at the Elizabethton Twins (10 min drive). Vintage drive-in movie theatre Stateline Drive-In (5 min drive). Beds: Two twins with traditional mattresses, the dinette makes into a queen bed which is 6" memory foam.TV: A 22 inch TV is mounted on a swing arm so it is viewable from any of the beds and dining area inside. Has a Roku streaming stick on it with Netflix, Amazon Prime, Acorn, PBS, BritBox and all the free channels. There is good cell phone signal since we are up high. Fast reliable Wifi is included.Bathroom: The original mint green and turquoise bathroom is in the back behind a sliding door. There is a small closet for hanging clothes and a short shower with crazy vintage folding shower curtain. The "tub" is also tiny but kids would probably get a kick out of it. First aid items, towels, wash cloths, shampoo, shower gel, and hand soap is provided. We added an outdoor shower for those who don't like to crouch while they get clean. :)Clotheslines: There is one inside (between the twin beds) and one outside. Please don't hang towels on the fence because it will leave rust marks. Please don't hang bath towels on the little rack meant for dish towels because it is not meant to support so much weight. Thank you!Cooking: The original four burner stove and oven still work. There is a microwave, small fridge, toaster, French Press coffee maker and percolator, cookware, utensils, plates, glasses, cups, bottle openers, etc... Outside is a cooler for more drinks, bottle opener mounted to an upright, charcoal bbq grill and grilling tools, fire pit where you can roast weenies and make s'mores. Firewood is provided ($10 fee) as well as basic supplies like oil, salt, pepper, spices, sugar and creamer.Lighting: Coming up the driveway we have several motion-activated solar lights. Additionally, the patio area has electric lights on a timer, but you can control those. Inside the vintage light fixtures still work and we have updated the bulbs to LED. Each bed has its own light and charging station.Children: Please supervise your children. Beyond the fence is a steep drop off (which is why we added the fence). The firepit and charcoal grill are obvious hazards. There are 3+ playgrounds in Elizabethton. We keep chickens and, in some seasons, we can provide you with fresh eggs. Your kids can toss food to the chickens at our log cabin next door. For rainy days check out the Hands On Discovery Center and Fossil Site in Gray (40 min drive).Pets: You are welcome to bring one well-behaved dog. Dogs are absolutely not permitted on the beds, cannot be left unattended, or outside alone at night. We've provided a tie-out. Wildlife: We've got lots of wildlife so please don't leave any food or fish guts outside, especially overnight. A garbage bin is provided but if you've got anything particularly stinky in there just let us know and we will remove it. You may see deer, turkeys, raccoons, rabbits, possums, skunks, snakes, eagles, vultures, herons, coyotes and even a rare bear. Our cats might come to visit you but please don't feed them since we don't want to encourage them to hang out at the Airstream. They have lots of food always available at our house next door.Appalachian Trail Shuttle: We can pick up and drop off two backpackers only, or three if small or don't mind being squished a bit. $5 per person, per trip from the trail in Hampton or to/from Elizabethton.Site: The Airstream is located next to a winding mountain road that is generally quiet. However, there are neighbors who might have to mow their lawns or weed whack so its not always perfectly quiet or private here. Sometimes the bull frogs and tree frogs make quite a racket. There is a pond below, behind the trees, and they hang out there. We've planted a row of fast-growing evergreens as a screen from the road but the trees are still small.Parking: There is plenty of room for two vehicles (or your boat). The entrance to the driveway is at a sharp angle to the road so you are recommended to turn your vehicle around by the Airstream so that when you head out again you are not backing into the road. We have one security camera facing the driveway.
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$85
/ night
100%
(4)
Pond Camp
4 sites · Tents203 acres · Abingdon, VA
Learn more about this land:
This private camping area flanks a spring-fed pond (~80' x 125') which is nestled at the edge of the forest. Catch and release fishing, hiking, star gazing, picnicking are all available. Don't want to fish? Ask the host about feeding the fish? Historic White's Mill is less than four miles away to the west. Historic Saltville and the "Salt Trail" (hiking and biking greenway) is about 20 minutes to the east. Historic Abingdon has great restaurants, the Virginia Creeper Trail, Barter Theater, and many other amenities, less than 20 minutes away.
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$40
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Camping near Bristol with swimming guide
Overview
Looking to go camping near Bristol, Tennessee and take a refreshing swim? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 2,600 options specifically tailored to your swimming preference, you're sure to find the perfect spot. Whether you're looking for a secluded lake, a peaceful river, or a sparkling swimming hole, we've got you covered. Plus, with popular campsites like Smoky Mountain Mangalitsa Farm (388 reviews), The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms (288 reviews), and Rivers Edge Trail Camp (267 reviews) to choose from, you can trust you'll have an amazing experience. And with popular amenities like campfires, potable water, and toilets, you'll have all the comforts you need. So dive into your camping adventure today!
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