Camping in Natural Tunnel State Park

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Top-rated campgrounds near Natural Tunnel State Park

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Camp Faith

23 sites · Lodging, Tents81 acres · Butler, TN
Camp Faith is a new Faith-based campground located in Northeast Tennessee, in a small town called Butler. There are 81 acres to explore during your stay. So far, there are 5 primitive cabins as well as a 2 bedroom 1-1/2 bath cottage. We plan on building more as the campground grows. There will be 11 rv sites with full hook-ups very soon. There are several primitive tent sites thru out, most of which are creek side. Only 5 minutes from Sugar Hollow Retreat. Amenities include: Outdoor- Axe throwing, disc golf, tetherball, horseshoes, cornhole, darts, ring & hook games, board games, firepits (firewood included), walking trails, kayaks, and more... Bathhouse- Full-size bathrooms, fully stocked common kitchen, indoor/outdoor seating, coin operated laundry, ping pong, board games, stocked bookshelf, tv's w/dvd's, free ice (ice machine on bathhouse deck), event-sized grill, pizza oven, gas fireplace, and more... Free Starlink high speed internet
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$35
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Out On The Creek Campground & RV

4 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Sneedville, TN
Welcome to our creekside camping oasis, where nature's beauty surrounds you at every turn! Nestled on 4 acres of pristine land, our campground offers over a quarter-mile of creekfront access, providing the perfect setting for outdoor adventures and relaxation alike. Situated just 300 feet from the scenic Clinch River, outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, and kayaking. Simply float under the bridge to access the river and embark on a serene paddling adventure. For those seeking a peaceful retreat, our campground offers two distinct lots to choose from. Lot 1 features fire pits, picnic tables, covered swings with picnic tables for adults, and a swing set for the kids, making it an ideal spot for family fun and gatherings. Lot 2 offers a more private and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for unwinding and enjoying the soothing sounds of nature. Both lots are equipped with electric outlets for added convenience, and a port-o-potty is available on-site for your comfort. Whether you're roasting marshmallows around the fire pit, splashing in the creek, or simply soaking in the natural beauty that surrounds you, our creekside camping experience promises memories that will last a lifetime. Come join us and reconnect with the great outdoors!
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$27
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Fauna Forest Farm

2 sites · Lodging, RVs33 acres · Jonesborough, TN
Fauna Forest Farm is 33 acres of open fields, hardwood and pine forests, a spring and creek, and beautiful mountain views. The vision of the farm is to be a place of sanctuary for both people and the life of the land - the plants, animals, insects, and fungi that inhabit it. Core to that is the educational programs, workshops, and therapeutic experiences we host, as well as regenerative agriculture principles we practice. The farm is also a place where community is fed through sharing in the harvest of organically grown eggs, veggies, foraged foods, and eventually, meats, dairy, nuts, and fruits. The farm is currently home to chickens and two horses. In the past, the farm nurtured Dexter cows (a small breed from Ireland), as well as much wildlife. We have only been on the land since 2022, and are still expanding our farm offerings, but we have big dreams for the farm and are grateful to open this place of sanctuary to others who share a love of the natural world.
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Farmhouse Gallery & Gardens

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents73 acres · 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.
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$39
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Happy Camper at Floras Retreats

28 sites · Lodging, Tents25 acres · Jonesville, VA
About this space Enjoy amped up camping at this at this posh mountain escape! Here you can reconnect with nature outdoors while luxury furnishings and full amenities provide all the comforts of home inside a spacious, pet-friendly camper. Add in an epic outdoor entertaining area featuring a theater with 120” screen, hot tub, griddle, firepit, and deck and you have the ultimate camping adventure. Bonus – the site is located on 25 acres in the VA mountains with views of KY and TN! The space This pet-friendly, luxury camping experience is ideal for everything from weekend getaways to extended mountain sojourns. The camper’s interior is packed with all the necessities required for a comfortable stay: a full kitchen with Keurig coffee machine, hot and cold-water sink, microwave, refrigerator, stove, oven; large dining booth; comfy seating area; full bathroom with shower tub combo; 2 private bedrooms; A/C, heat; a flat screen Smart TV with streaming capabilities; and expansive windows that fill the interior with natural light. Outdoors is the ultimate entertainer’s paradise. Relax in the hot tub and enjoy theatre under the stars on the 120” elevated screen that can be seen from the entire site. Start mornings off with coffee and the smell of bacon sizzling on the outdoor griddle and end the days with a cold one from the kegerator. Every guest receives all the fixings needed for S’mores to roast on the firepit, and complimentary wood is provided that can also be used to cook up delicious meals on the classic campsite grill. With views for miles, wildlife sightings, and proximity to major area attractions, a stay here is without a doubt the best way to effortlessly experience the exciting world of “camping with benefits”! IMPORTANT: Once You have booked a reservation with us, immediately call our our receptionist Tammi at 812.381.4355 because our system does not integrate with our property management software. This is especially important if you are booking last minute or late in the evening. We may not get your reservation until the next morning and you will be locked out of the space. So immediately after booking a reservation, call Tammi so we can ensure it is accessible.
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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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Steele Haven

6 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Johnson City, TN
Our scenic campground sits in a wooded area overlooking a meadow that slopes down to a small, year-round creek. Enjoy sunrise and sunset views for much of the year, along with frequent sightings of deer, turkeys, Canadian geese, and mallard ducks—despite being just minutes from the city. The campground borders an active railroad line. While trains pass only 1–2 times a day, they have no reason to sound their horns. Please do not approach the tracks as there are no fences, and trespassing is strictly prohibited. Each site includes a 12' x 12' raised tent deck with 1/4" board gaps for securing stakes. Parking for one vehicle is available at each site, with overflow parking just a few hundred feet away. A large fire ring with stump seating is provided at each site. Amenities include a portable toilet, a central water hydrant, safety lighting, and clearly marked parking and campsite areas to help with nighttime navigation. In May and June, fireflies light up the trees and meadow. On clear nights, the train embankment blocks city lights, revealing a brilliant night sky. A historic cemetery dating to before the American Revolution is also located on the property. We are in Tennessee, and poison ivy is present—please learn to identify and avoid it. Our family is allergic and actively working to remove it from the grounds. Dining and shopping are just a 10-minute walk away, with nearby options including Kickback Jacks, Aubrey’s, Maple Street Biscuit Company, Rendezvous Cafe, Buffalo Wild Wings, Ming’s Asian Cuisine, Wahaca Mexican Kitchen, Sully’s Steamers, and Rio De Brazil. You’ll also find camping gear and sporting goods at Academy Sports + Outdoors. Outdoor enthusiasts will find hiking, mountain biking, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and parks all within a 15–45 minute drive.
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Other options near Natural Tunnel State Park

Camping in Natural Tunnel State Park guide

Overview

About

This natural tunnel was called the Eighth Wonder of the World by William Jennings Bryan. Standing at 10 stories tall, the geological wonder formed over a million years ago. Groundwater bearing carbonic acid percolated up through the limestone, slowly dissolving it. A creek diverted into this underground chasm, further eroding the rock to form the tunnel you see today.

The natural cave is so large, it has served as an active railroad tunnel since 1894. On the 3rd Saturday of every July, the trains stop, allowing park visitors to walk through the 850-foot long tunnel. On other days, you can take a chair lift down to the viewing area at the bottom of the gorge.

The surrounding 900-acre park is great for hiking in solitude. For a stunning view, climb Lovers Leap Trail to the scenic overlook 300 feet above the gorge. Two campgrounds offer sites with electric hook-ups and access to the pool. But the large cabins are awfully tempting, as are the adorable yurts constructed in 2017.

Notable campgrounds

  • Cove View Campground - Offers shaded and sunny sites with electric and water hookups, perfect for tents or RVs up to 38 feet.
  • Lover's Leap Campground - Features back-in sites with electric and water hookups, accommodating tents, pop-ups, and RVs up to 50 feet.
  • Primitive Camping - Provides a rustic experience with tent pads and a common area with a fire ring, for those seeking a more traditional camping adventure.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early, as reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance, ensuring your spot in this sought-after natural haven.
  • Consider visiting during the off-peak season for greater availability and a chance to enjoy the park's tranquility.
  • Keep an eye on cancellation policies, as last-minute openings can provide unexpected opportunities for a stay.
  • Explore nearby camping options to maximize your chances of securing a site during busy times or if the park is fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Natural Tunnel State Park is from May through October, when the chairlift operates and full access to the tunnel is available. Winter offers a unique, serene beauty, but some facilities may be closed, and the chairlift is not operational.

Know before you go

  • Check the park's operating hours, which are from 8am to dusk, to plan your visit accordingly.
  • Be aware that the chairlift and some facilities have seasonal hours or may be closed for maintenance.
  • Accessibility is a priority, with features like an accessible chairlift and designated parking for guests with disabilities.
  • Remember to bring all necessary supplies, as cabins do not provide linens, and amenities vary.
  • Pets are welcome in certain areas, but be prepared to pay an additional fee and follow park regulations.
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  1. Natural Tunnel State Park