Roan Mountain State Park Tennessee (TN) RV Rentals

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Introduction

Roan Mountain State Park is an ideal destination for RV camping, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Located in the Appalachian Mountains, the park spans over 2,000 acres and boasts some of the most breathtaking views in the region.

The history of the park dates back to the late 19th century when the area was used for logging and mining. However, it wasn’t until the 1930s that the park was established, thanks to the efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Today, visitors can still see remnants of the area’s past, including old logging trails and a historic farmstead.

RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in Roan Mountain State Park. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Roan Mountain State Park.

Transportation

When it comes to transportation private vehicles are the most common way to access Roan Mountain State Park. There are several entrances to the park including the main entrance on Highway 143 and the Carver’s Gap entrance on Highway 261. Visitors should be aware that there are restrictions on rig sizes with a maximum length of 35 feet for RVs and trailers. Additionally some roads may be narrow and winding so it’s important to drive with caution.

When it comes to RV parking at the park there are designated areas for RVs. However overnight parking outside of designated campsites is not allowed. It’s recommended to camp with an RV and explore the park using alternative transportation methods.

As for getting around the park there are walking paths available for visitors. While there are no shuttle buses the park is easy to navigate on foot. The Rhododendron Gardens trail is a popular choice for those looking to take in the park’s natural beauty.

Top Campsites in Roan Mountain State Park

Roan Mountain Campground

This popular campground is located within the Roan Mountain State Park offering 107 sites for tents and RVs. The campground is open from mid-May to mid-October and can accommodate RVs up to 50 feet long. Amenities include picnic tables fire rings grills and restrooms with hot showers. There are plenty of activities to enjoy such as hiking fishing and wildlife viewing. Pets are welcome but they must be kept on a leash.

Tent City Campground

This family-friendly campground is located just a few miles away from the Roan Mountain State Park. It features 40 sites for tents and RVs with full hookups available. The campground is open from April to October and can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet long. Amenities include picnic tables fire rings grills and a laundry facility. Activities include fishing hiking and swimming in the nearby creek. Pets are welcome.

Cranberry Glades Campground

This rustic campground is located in the Pisgah National Forest about 20 miles away from the Roan Mountain State Park. It features 17 sites for tents and small RVs with no hookups available. The campground is open from May to October. Amenities include picnic tables fire rings and vault toilets. Activities include hiking fishing and birdwatching. Pets are welcome but they must be kept on a leash.

Chilhowee Campground

This campground is located in the Cherokee National Forest about 30 miles away from the Roan Mountain State Park. It features 77 sites for tents and RVs with electric and water hookups available. The campground is open from May to October and can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet long. Amenities include picnic tables fire rings grills and restrooms with hot showers. Activities include hiking fishing and swimming in the nearby lake. Pets are welcome.

Big Rock Creek Campground

This first-come-first-served campground is located within the Roan Mountain State Park offering 63 sites for tents and RVs. The campground is open from mid-May to mid-October. Amenities include picnic tables fire rings grills and restrooms with hot showers. There are plenty of activities to enjoy such as hiking fishing and wildlife viewing. Pets are welcome but they must be kept on a leash.

Raccoon Branch Campground

This first-come-first-served campground is located in the Cherokee National Forest about 15 miles away from the Roan Mountain State Park. It features 12 sites for tents and small RVs with no hookups available. The campground is open from May to October. Amenities include picnic tables fire rings and vault toilets. Activities include hiking fishing and birdwatching. Pets are welcome but they must be kept on a leash.

Dennis Cove Campground

This first-come-first-served campground is located in the Pisgah National Forest about 25 miles away from the Roan Mountain State Park. It features 15 sites for tents and small RVs with no hookups available. The campground is open from May to October. Amenities include picnic tables fire rings and vault toilets. Activities include hiking fishing and swimming in the nearby creek. Pets are welcome but they must be kept on a leash.

Private Campgrounds

There are several private campgrounds located near the Roan Mountain State Park such as the Roan Mountain KOA and the Laurel Falls Campground. These campgrounds offer amenities such as full hookups Wi-Fi laundry facilities and swimming pools. They are open year-round and can accommodate RVs of all sizes.

Backcountry Camping

For those who prefer a more rustic camping experience the Roan Mountain State Park offers backcountry camping in the Roan Highlands area. A permit is required and campers must follow Leave No Trace principles. There are several trails that lead to backcountry campsites including the Appalachian Trail and the Cloudland Trail.

Dispersed Camping

The Cherokee National Forest and the Pisgah National Forest offer dispersed camping options for RV renters. Dispersed camping is allowed in designated areas and campers must follow Leave No Trace principles. There are no amenities or facilities so campers must be self-sufficient.

The top recreational activities that attract outdoorsy RV campers to Roan Mountain State Park include

Hiking

With over 12 miles of trails Roan Mountain State Park offers a variety of hiking options for all skill levels. The most popular trail is the Rhododendron Gardens Trail which leads to a breathtaking view of the rhododendron gardens in full bloom. The trailhead is located near the park office.

Fishing

The Doe River which runs through the park is a popular spot for trout fishing. The river is stocked with rainbow and brown trout and fishing licenses are required. The best fishing spots can be found near the cabins and the picnic area.

Biking

The park has several miles of mountain biking trails that offer a challenging ride through the forest. The trails range from easy to difficult and helmets are required. The trailhead is located near the campground.

Cycling

The Roan Mountain Scenic Drive is a popular spot for road cycling. The 12-mile drive offers stunning views of the mountains and is a challenging ride with steep inclines and sharp curves. The drive begins at the park entrance.

Horseback Riding

The park has several miles of horseback riding trails that offer a peaceful ride through the forest. The trails are open year-round and riders must provide their own horses. The trailhead is located near the campground.

For those RV campers who prefer less strenuous activities Roan Mountain State Park still has plenty to offer. Here are some alternative recreational activities

Sightseeing

The park offers stunning views of the mountains and the rhododendron gardens. The best spots for sightseeing can be found at the Roan Mountain Balds which offer a 360-degree view of the surrounding area.

Nature Watching

The park is home to a variety of wildlife including black bears deer and wild turkeys. Visitors can spot these animals while hiking or driving through the park. The best spots for nature watching are near the Doe River and the rhododendron gardens.

Photography

The park offers plenty of opportunities for photography from the sweeping mountain views to the delicate wildflowers. Some of the best spots for photography include the Rhododendron Gardens Trail and the Roan Mountain Scenic Drive.

Picnicking

The park has several picnic areas with tables and grills making it the perfect spot for a relaxing lunch. The best picnic spots can be found near the Doe River and the cabins.

Bird Watching

The park is home to a variety of bird species including the northern saw-whet owl and the golden-winged warbler. Visitors can spot these birds while hiking or driving through the park. The best spots for bird watching are near the Doe River and the cabins.

Season-specific experiences in Roan Mountain State Park

Spring is a wonderful time to visit Roan Mountain State Park for RV campers. One popular activity is the Rhododendron Festival which takes place in June and celebrates the blooming of the Catawba rhododendrons. Visitors can hike the trails and enjoy the beautiful pink and purple flowers. Another must-see is the Roan Mountain Gardens which features a variety of native plants and flowers.

For history buffs the Roan Mountain Bald area offers a glimpse into the past. The area was once home to a thriving community of settlers and visitors can still see remnants of their homes and churches. The Elizabethan Cottage is also a popular historical site as it was once the summer home of the famous naturalist John Muir.

Summer is also a great time to visit Roan Mountain State Park. One popular activity is hiking to the top of Roan Mountain which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The park also offers a variety of trails for all skill levels including the easy-to-moderate Cloudland Trail and the challenging Round Bald Trail.

Fishing is another popular activity in the summer with the park offering several streams and ponds stocked with trout. Visitors can also enjoy swimming and paddleboarding at the swimming pool and lake. For those looking for a more relaxed activity the park offers picnicking and bird watching.

In the fall RV campers flock to Roan Mountain State Park for its stunning foliage and outdoor activities. One popular spot is the Roan Highlands where visitors can hike the Appalachian Trail and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The rhododendron gardens atop Roan Mountain are also a must-see with over 600 acres of vibrant pink and purple blooms. For history buffs the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail offers a glimpse into the past as it follows the route taken by patriot militia during the Revolutionary War. Fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines in the trout-filled streams of the Doe River while birdwatchers can spot a variety of species in the park’s forests and meadows.

When winter rolls around Roan Mountain State Park transforms into a snowy wonderland offering a range of activities for RV campers. Cross-country skiing is a popular pastime with miles of groomed trails winding through the park’s forests and meadows. The Roan Mountain State Park Ski Area also offers downhill skiing and snowboarding for those looking for a thrill. For a more leisurely activity visitors can snowshoe through the park’s winter landscapes taking in views of frozen waterfalls and snow-covered trees. Ice fishing is also a popular winter activity with the Doe River offering ample opportunities to catch trout. Finally the park’s cozy cabins and campsites provide a perfect base for RV campers looking to escape the cold and enjoy the winter scenery.

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Up to 10% OFF RV Rental*
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Up to 10% OFF RV Rental*