Camping
Four relatively mild seasons and beautiful countryside make Carter County ideal for any kind of camping. Everything from fully developed areas with weekend campground programs to primitive sites are available. Except where otherwise designated, dispersed camping is allowed along the Appalachian Trail and on most U.S. Forest Service property. Campgrounds located in Carter County do not take reservations and are available on a first-come first-serve basis. Occupying a site is limited to a 14-day period.

Cherokee National Forest
Carden's Bluff Campground
Campground is on a bluff with some sites overlooking Watauga Lake; 42 tent sites with tables and grills, flush toilets and 6 water spigots. A boat ramp is located a half mile west of campground on Highway 321.

Directions- Take Hwy 19E/321 South from Elizabethton to Hampton, turn left on Hwy 321/67 South, and drive east 4.1 miles to Carden's Bluff sign.

Dennis Cove Campground
Campground is located on a densely forested site about 1.5 miles from the Appalachian Trail and near Laurel Fork Creek. Limited supplies are available at Laurel Creek Lodge and Campground. 16 tent sites, 15 picnic tables and 14 grills, along with flush toilets are available.

Directions-Take Hwy 19E/321 South from Elizabethton to Hampton, then turn left onto Hwy 321 South at Hampton, then turn right at Citizens Bank onto Dennis Cove Rd. for 5 miles.

Other Campground Sites

Misty Waters Bait and Camping
Wilbur Dam Rd. (423)543-1702; Tent and RV sites, water, electrical hook-ups, dump station, fishing supplies.

Roan Mountain State Park Campground
From Elizabethton, take Hwy 19E South 15 miles to Roan Mountain. Turn right onto Hwy 143 and follow the signs for the park. (423) 772-4178

Wilbur Lake
Primitive campsites can be found along the shores of this 72-acre lake. Sites include picnic tables, grills and bathhouse. The area is patrolled by TVA officers and offers excellent fishing and a boat ramp suitable for kayaks, canoes and small watercraft.