Roan Mountain Camping
Notification Alert
Upper Campground Closed
The upper campground remains closed due to significant damage to the bridge leading to the campsites from Hurricane Helene. TDOT is currently developing a plan to rebuild the bridge. If you have any questions about your upcoming reservation, please call 1 (888) 867-2757.
We deeply regret the inconvenience and disappointment this may cause our visitors and are working as quickly as possible to reopen the upper campground for everyone to enjoy.
In the meantime, all access to the upper loops, playgrounds, and trails across the river will be restricted. Hikers, campers, and day visitors are prohibited from entering these areas. Rangers will be enforcing park regulations, and anyone found crossing the barriers will be in violation of the rules and are subject to citation for entering a closed area. This is to ensure the safety of all visitors.
Camping at Roan Mountain
Roan Mountain State Park is located at the base of the 6,285-foot Roan Mountain in Northeast Tennessee, within the southern Appalachian Highlands. The park offers a scenic mountain setting known for cool mountain streams, rhododendron forests, and access to high-elevation balds and overlooks. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and exploring historic features such as the Miller Farmstead.
Camping options include riverside and wooded sites for tents and RVs offering water hookups, with electric hookups available at RV sites, as well as backcountry camping for visitors seeking a more remote experience.
Roan Mountain Campground
Roan Mountain has RV campsites spread between the Upper and Lower sections of the Main Campground. Each site has a grill and picnic table and is located near a bathhouse with hot showers.
Each RV site features water and electric hookups, and the tent sites have water. The tent camping area does not have electric hookups. There are no sewer hookups in the campground. A dump station is located at the campground check-in.
Roan Mountain Group Campsites
Four group sites, each accommodating approximately 25 people, are available. The group sites are located just south of the individual tent-only camping area of the Main Campground. They have large gravel tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and water spigots at each site.
There is no electricity, camping is only allowed on the gravel pads (not in the surrounding grassy areas), and it is approximately a 1/4-mile walk to the nearest bathrooms/shower houses. These four sites may be reserved up to 12 months in advance.
Please note: Only 6 vehicles are allowed per group campsite.
Roan Mountain Backcountry Camping
Roan Mountain State Park features three primitive backcountry campsites on our Rosebay Ridge Trail accessible from the Visitor Center area. Hikers can enjoy a scenic walk through lush hardwood forests and vibrant Rosebay rhododendron groves, with stunning views of the Roan Highlands and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Visitors looking to reserve these sites must call the park office. Please read below for key information about backcountry camping at Roan Mountain.
Backcountry Camping Details
- During your stay, camper vehicles must be parked at the Visitor Center Parking Lot.
- Each campsite accommodates a maximum of 4 people. If you have special circumstances (e.g., 3 children, 2 adults), please contact the park for arrangements.
- While there are no designated tent pads, tents and hammocks must be set up within the area behind each campsite sign.
- Each campsite includes animal-resistant lockers and a fire ring. Firewood may be collected from downed wood near the site.
- Campers must bring their own water or filter it from the creek located next to Backcountry Campsite C.
- Sites do not have a privy/outhouse. Campers are required to dig catholes for solid human waste, which should be 6 to 8 inches deep and at least 200 feet away from water, campsites, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished, and remember to pack out what you pack in.
- Your printed confirmation is your permit. Keep one copy with you and place another on your vehicle's dashboard.
- Make sure to allow enough time to reach your destination in daylight, as hiking is not permitted after dark. Access to the campsites is via a hike from the Visitor Center parking lot to your reserved campsite.
- Please remember to follow all park rules and be prepared for a rewarding backcountry experience.
- Reservations are required. Call the Park Office to reserve.
Please note: This is bear country. Bears have been seen in the area, so carrying bear spray is strongly recommended for your safety.
Details You Should Know
Firewood Policy
Tennessee State Parks asks that ALL campfires be made with heat-treated wood or downed wood collected inside the park, near the campsite. Please refrain from bringing untreated wood into the park.
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