Located in Carter County of Upper East Tennessee and situated on the banks of the Watauga River, River Ridge Campground offers a peaceful and serene retreat for local campers as well as those traveling from distant locales. Originally, this area was a portion of a 640-acre land grant from the state of North Carolina deeded in the mid to late 1700's. Rising 280 feet above the river, The Betty Range Cliff, a massive limestone cliff adjacent to the campground reflects the name of the early pioneer family.

The 30-site campground presently offers 21 tent sites and 9 sites to accommodate pop ups, RV's and other types of camping units with no hook-ups. Most sites are within a few feet of the cool, refreshing waters of the river. Each designated campsite is furnished with picnic table, lantern post, firepit and trash receptacle. All sites are within a short distance of potable water hydrants and a modern, well-lighted and heated bathhouse with hot showers.

River Ridge Campground is within five miles of Interstate 181, the main thoroughfare crossing Upper East Tennessee, connecting Virginia & North Carolina. The campground is mid-way between the cities of Elizabethton & Johnson City. Only a short distance from grocery and convenient stores should the need arise for additional camping supplies.

Annual Festivals abound within a few miles of River Ridge Campground as well as locations of various historic sites and other notable points of interest. The Otter's Trail, a footpath within the campground offers guests a moderately-easy stroll along water's edge with intermediate resting stations where guests enjoy solitude along with spectacular views of the Watauga. River Ridge Campground is the only public campground developed directly on the water's edge between Wilbur Dam & Boone Lake. Two convenient, on-premises boat launch points are available for guests; one within the Campground proper and the second in a nearby parking area designated for day fishing/rafting use only. The beauty of the Watauga River is surpassed only by its vast appeal to rafters, canoeists, and fishing enthusiasts.

River Ridge Campground offers the only public, walk-in access to the Quality Trout Fishing Area of the Watauga River. In order to retain a quality fishery, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency's rules and regulations are posted and enforced throughout the campground and adjacent areas.

Day Fishing Area
The Day Fishing Area of River Ridge Campground offers excellent accessibility to one of only three Quality Trout Fishing Areas (Trophy Section), in the entire state and is open to the public year-round. This area has a private boat launch and a covered changing station for fly fishers' use. During normal camping season, guests using this facility have use of the campground's bath/shower house and the water fountains located conveniently throughout the camping area.

Well-maintained pathways afford easy access to the water's edge where fishing and camping guests alike will enjoy some of the most scenic views the Watauga has to offer. Renowned for its Red as well Brown Trout, the Watauga supports many other breeds of fresh water fish and aquatic life. A day fishing at River Ridge Campground will be one not soon forgotten. In order to retain a quality fishery, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency's rules and regulations are posted and enforced throughout the campground and adjacent areas.

Local Points of Interests:

• Rocky Mount Historic Area
• Tipton-Haynes Histroic Site
• Fort Watauga
• Roan Mountain's Rhododendron Gardens
• Sycamore Shoals State Park
• Roan Mountain State Park
• Andrew Johnson Historic Site
• The Carter Mansion
• Bristol Raceway
• Elizabethton's Covered Bridge

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Rules & Regulations

• 1. Camping Reservations are recommended.
• 2. Fee charged for each camping unit per night. Check-out time, 2:00 p.m.
• 3. Camping fee must be placed in vault within 30 minutes of arrival.
• 4. Camp only in designated (numbered) sites. Only one camping unit and a maximum of 8 people per campsite permitted.
• 5. No more than 2 vehicles may park per campsite and must not hinder traffic flow, cause safety hazards or site damage. Do not park on grass.
• 6. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days after which time campers may relocate to a different site if available, otherwise they must vacate campground for 24 hours before occupying initial site.
• 7. Camping units must be occupied the first night and not left unattended for more than 24 consecutive hours afterwards.
• 8. Campers may have visitors between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. Visitors must be in the company of or at campsite of their host.
• 9. Place all garbage in trashcans or dumpster.
• 10. Fires to be confined to fireplaces, grills, or other appropriate facilities.
• 11. Hanging lanterns from trees is prohibited.
• 12. Do not cut, break, damage, pull, or drive nails into trees, shrubs, or other plant life.
• 13. Quiet hours are from 10 p.m.--7 a.m. No incoming traffic after 11 p.m.
• 14. Alcoholic beverages, Firearms, and Fireworks are prohibited.
• 15. Noise making devices that unreasonably disturb, annoy or endanger fellow campers are prohibited.
• 16. All pets must be kept on a leash no longer that 6 feet.
• 17. Dumping waste or gray water onto the ground is prohibited.
• 18. Occupying campsites solely for picnicking or fishing is prohibited.
• 19. Do not feed wildlife – including waterfowl.
• 20. No smoking allowed inside bathhouse.
Owners Rate Table

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Lantern Post, modern bathhouse with hot showers

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HIKING, MUSEUMS, SWIMMING, RESTAURANTS, BOATING, RAFTING,






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