R&D Campground

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Mountain City, Tennessee, R&D Campground offers a quintessential camping experience that perfectly blends natural beauty with thoughtful amenities and a truly welcoming atmosphere. This beloved campground has garnered a reputation for its serene environment, exceptional cleanliness, and the genuine hospitality extended by its hosts, Rita and Dennis. It's an ideal destination for a diverse range of campers, whether you're bringing a full-sized RV, a cozy teardrop camper, or looking for a peaceful tent site. What sets R&D Campground apart is its direct access to the expansive Doe Mountain trails, making it a dream spot for outdoor enthusiasts eager to explore by ATV, dirt bike, mountain bike, or on foot. For locals across Tennessee, R&D Campground serves as a conveniently located retreat, offering a chance to escape the everyday hustle and immerse themselves in the tranquility of the Appalachian foothills. It embodies the best of Tennessee camping: fresh air, clear skies, and a community feel that makes every visitor feel right at home.

R&D Campground is strategically located at 900 Mining Town Road, Mountain City, TN 37683, USA. This prime address places it just outside the charming town of Mountain City, offering campers the best of both worlds: a peaceful, natural setting with the convenience of nearby town amenities. Mountain City, nestled in Johnson County, is known for its scenic beauty and serves as a gateway to numerous outdoor adventures in Eastern Tennessee. The campground's location provides excellent accessibility for Tennessee residents, making it a manageable drive from major cities like Knoxville, Chattanooga, or even Nashville, allowing for easy weekend trips or extended vacations. One of its most significant accessibility features is its direct connection to the Doe Mountain Recreation Area. This means campers with ATVs, dirt bikes, or mountain bikes can simply ride from their campsite directly onto miles of trails, eliminating the need to transport vehicles elsewhere. The well-maintained roads leading to the campground ensure a smooth arrival for all types of campers, from those with large RVs to individuals pulling small teardrops. This blend of remote tranquility and straightforward access to both natural attractions and local services makes R&D Campground a truly convenient and appealing choice for any Tennessee local seeking an authentic outdoor experience.

R&D Campground prides itself on offering a range of well-maintained services and amenities designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all types of campers, from those seeking full convenience to more traditional tent camping.

• Diverse Campsite Options:
  • Full Hook-up RV Sites: Offering 30/50 amp electric, water, and sewer connections. These sites are spacious and designed for easy in-and-out access for big rigs.
  • Electric/Water Sites: Many sites provide 30-amp electric and water hookups, suitable for smaller RVs or tent campers who desire power.
  • Primitive Tent Sites: Available for those who prefer a more traditional, rustic camping experience, allowing campers to truly immerse themselves in nature.
  • Each campsite, whether RV or tent, typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring for campfires and outdoor meals.
• Immaculate Shower Houses: Consistently highlighted in reviews, the shower houses are praised for being "very clean, spacious and hot water" and "the cleanest ever seen in a campground." They are also noted for being "quaint" and well-kept.
• Laundry Facilities: A convenient coin-operated laundry room is available on-site, providing a practical service for campers, especially those on longer stays.
• Community Pavilion & Fire Pit: A welcoming pavilion and a large group campfire pit serve as central gathering spots, encouraging socializing and camaraderie among campers. This area often hosts planned activities like bingo or features live music and food trucks.
• Wi-Fi Access: Wi-Fi is available, particularly in communal areas like the "hang out area," allowing campers to stay connected when needed, while still enjoying the peaceful escape.
• On-Site Store: A well-stocked store offers limited groceries, souvenirs, ice cream, candy, soft drinks, pizza, ice, and camping essentials, ensuring guests have access to necessities without leaving the campground.
• Outdoor Recreational Amenities:
  • A heated swimming pool and a heated kiddie pool (operational Memorial Day to Labor Day).
  • A small pond for catch-and-release fishing.
  • Paddle boats, canoes, hydrobikes, and kayaks available for use on the pond.
  • Various lawn games including volleyball, shuffleboard, basketball, horseshoes, badminton, croquet, cornhole, and a playground for children.
  • Designated areas with hammocks and seating for relaxation.
  • A new playground for kids and a dog park area for pets.
• Pet-Friendly Environment: Pets are welcome (with a limit of 2 dogs per site and leash requirement), ensuring that furry family members can join the outdoor adventure.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase on-site, or campers may bring their own, with a request to take any unused wood home.
• Strict Quiet Hours: To ensure a peaceful environment for all, quiet hours are enforced starting at 10 PM.

R&D Campground offers a compelling array of features that make it a standout destination for campers in Tennessee, blending rustic charm with modern convenience and exceptional hospitality.

• Direct Access to Doe Mountain: This is arguably the top highlight. The campground provides direct, easy access to the extensive Doe Mountain Recreation Area, an 8,600-acre state land with miles of multi-use trails for ATVs, dirt bikes, mountain bikes, and hiking. This is a significant draw for adventure seekers, allowing them to ride directly from their campsite.
• Exceptional Host Hospitality: Time and again, reviews emphasize the incredible friendliness and helpfulness of the hosts, Rita and Dennis. Visitors describe them as "very welcoming and friendly," "the ultimate hosts," and "incredibly helpful and kind," creating a warm, family-oriented atmosphere where everyone feels at home. As one review states, "Thanks D and Rita for having such a lovely place!!"
• Spotless and Spacious Shower Houses: The cleanliness and comfort of the shower facilities are frequently lauded. Campers consistently praise them as "very clean, spacious and hot water" and "the cleanest ever seen in a campground," a crucial feature for any camping experience.
• Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: Despite offering a wide range of activities, the campground maintains a remarkably "nice and quiet" ambiance, allowing campers to truly relax and enjoy their "vacation away from Florida" or simply a peaceful retreat.
• Variety of Site Types & Amenities: From full hook-up RV sites (including options like site #8, considered "best spot 🤩 for my lil camper") to primitive tent sites, R&D caters to diverse camping preferences. The availability of a dump station, laundry facilities, and a general store further enhances convenience.
• Family-Friendly Environment with Activities: The campground offers a plethora of activities for all ages, including a heated swimming pool, kiddie pool, playground, various lawn games (volleyball, cornhole, horseshoes), and a pond for paddle boating and fishing. Planned activities at the pavilion, like bingo and live music, contribute to a lively yet cozy atmosphere.
• Pet-Friendly: As highlighted by one camper who "had my small beagle with me so we both enjoyed our lil nice & quiet vacation," R&D Campground is genuinely welcoming to furry family members, making it a great choice for pet owners.
• Scenic Beauty and Natural Sounds: Surrounded by "really tall trees making it feel even more secluded," the campground offers a beautiful natural backdrop. Campers appreciate the "peaceful sounds of running water" from a nearby creek and cascade, enhancing the serene experience.

R&D Campground

Address: 900 Mining Town Rd, Mountain City, TN 37683, USA

Phone: (423) 534-9451

Mobile Phone: +1 423-534-9451

Email: randdcampground@gmail.com

For reservations, which are highly encouraged, especially during peak seasons or holidays, it is best to contact R&D Campground directly via phone. You can also visit their official website or Facebook page for the most current rates, availability, updates on activities, and any specific policies. They recommend arriving before dusk for check-in and note that they are currently cash only for payments.

For residents of Tennessee, R&D Campground in Mountain City stands out as an exceptionally suitable and appealing local camping destination, offering a perfect blend of convenience, natural adventure, and genuine hospitality. Its strategic location in Eastern Tennessee makes it easily accessible from various parts of the state, ensuring that a refreshing outdoor escape is always within a manageable drive. This is crucial for locals seeking to maximize their time unwinding rather than traveling. The most significant draw for Tennesseans is undoubtedly the direct, seamless access to the vast Doe Mountain Recreation Area. For ATV riders, dirt bikers, mountain bikers, or hikers, the ability to literally ride or walk from their campsite onto miles of trails is an unparalleled convenience, making R&D Campground a premier hub for outdoor adventure. Beyond the thrill of the trails, the campground excels in providing a comfortable and welcoming environment. The consistently praised immaculate shower houses with hot water, the variety of well-equipped sites (from full hook-up RV spots to primitive tent areas), and the strong Wi-Fi ensure that comfort is never sacrificed. What truly sets R&D apart, however, is the heartwarming hospitality of its hosts, Rita and Dennis. Their friendly, helpful, and caring approach fosters a family-like atmosphere where every visitor feels valued and at home, as echoed by numerous glowing reviews. This sense of community, combined with the quiet and serene natural surroundings, provides a peaceful sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. Whether it's a family vacation, a solo adventure with a beloved pet, or a fun trip with friends, R&D Campground caters to diverse needs, offering a consistently positive and memorable experience right in the heart of Tennessee's beautiful Appalachian region. It's a local gem that many Tennessee residents will undoubtedly return to, just like the satisfied visitors who declared they "will definitely go back."