Mountain Pass Campground: Your Quiet Retreat in Harrogate, TN

Mountain Pass Campground Introduce

Nestled along the scenic Powell River in Harrogate, Tennessee, Mountain Pass Campground offers a truly idyllic escape for locals seeking tranquility, natural beauty, and a welcoming community. If you're a Tennessee resident with a love for the outdoors, whether you travel in a 5th wheel, an RV, or prefer tent camping, this hidden gem promises a peaceful and enjoyable experience. It's more than just a place to park your camper; it's a destination where the rhythm of the river and the sounds of nature provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation and reconnection.

Mountain Pass Campground has quickly become a favorite among those who discover its charm. Many visitors, including those who have stayed for extended periods, rave about the quiet atmosphere and the overall sense of peace that pervades the park. This isn't by accident; the campground has well-established rules that contribute to its serene environment, ensuring that all guests can enjoy their stay without disturbance. This commitment to maintaining a peaceful setting is a key highlight, setting it apart from more bustling campgrounds.

What truly makes Mountain Pass Campground special, however, is the genuine warmth and hospitality extended by its owners, Rick and Barb. They are frequently described as going above and beyond, becoming "like family" to their long-term guests. This personal touch creates a welcoming and friendly community where everyone feels at home. The sense of belonging and camaraderie among campers is a significant draw, fostering an environment where new friendships are easily made and shared experiences are cherished.

Beyond the excellent management and tranquil atmosphere, the campground itself is a testament to meticulous care and maintenance. The sites are known for being spacious, offering ample room for campers to set up comfortably and enjoy their private outdoor space. The entire park is consistently well-maintained, presenting a clean and inviting appearance that enhances the overall camping experience. For any Tennessee local looking for a refreshing escape into nature with the comforts of a well-run campground and the warmth of a close-knit community, Mountain Pass Campground in Harrogate offers an unparalleled opportunity to relax, recharge, and make lasting memories.

Mountain Pass Campground is conveniently located at 575 Benfield Lane, Harrogate, TN 37752, USA. Its position in Harrogate, a town rich in history and natural beauty, makes it an accessible retreat for many residents across Tennessee. While it is described as being "off the beaten path," this seclusion is precisely what contributes to its peaceful ambiance, making the drive well worth it for those seeking a quiet escape.

Access to the campground involves a drive down Benfield Lane, which leads to the serene riverfront setting. While some may find the road a bit narrow or winding in places, the consensus among visitors is that the destination is entirely worth the journey. Locals who are accustomed to rural Tennessee roads will likely find the drive manageable, especially considering the unparalleled tranquility that awaits. The seclusion ensures that the sounds of nature, rather than traffic, will be your primary companions during your stay.

Despite its peaceful, tucked-away feel, Mountain Pass Campground remains well-connected to local attractions and amenities. The nearby town of Cumberland Gap, with its charming downtown area, offers delightful dining options like 19Nineteen and unique shops such as Hillfolk for essential oils and natural remedies. More significantly, the campground's proximity to the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park provides incredible opportunities for exploring history, hiking scenic trails, and immersing oneself in the rich heritage of the region. This balance of secluded natural beauty and convenient access to local points of interest makes Mountain Pass Campground an excellent choice for Tennessee residents looking to explore their own backyard.

Services Offered:

Spacious RV sites, including 5th wheel friendly spots
Full hookups available (water, electric, sewer)
Well-maintained bathhouses with restrooms and showers
Access to the Powell River for kayaking and fishing
Friendly and accommodating owners (Rick and Barb)
Peaceful and quiet environment
Community-oriented atmosphere with friendly fellow campers
Well-maintained park grounds
Long-term stay options available

Features / Highlights:

Riverfront Views: All sites boast a beautiful river view, allowing campers to relax while "watching the river flow" and enjoying the natural scenery directly from their campsite.
Spacious Sites: The campground offers generously sized sites, providing ample room for campers and their vehicles, ensuring comfort and privacy.
Exceptional Peace and Quiet: Even when the campground is nearly full, it maintains a remarkably peaceful atmosphere, thanks to well-enforced rules and a considerate community.
Friendly and Familial Owners: Rick and Barb, the owners, are highly praised for their welcoming nature, often becoming like "family" to long-term guests, creating a warm and inviting environment.
Access to Outdoor Activities: Direct access to the Powell River makes it ideal for kayaking and fishing. The proximity to Cumberland Gap National Historical Park offers extensive hiking and historical exploration.
Well-Maintained Grounds: The entire park is meticulously kept, contributing to a pleasant and visually appealing camping experience.
Community and Camaraderie: Despite the quiet atmosphere, the campground fosters a friendly community where "everyone is so friendly," making it easy to socialize and connect with fellow campers.
Perfect for Long-Term Stays: The campground is suitable for extended visits, as evidenced by families staying for several months and finding it a comfortable and enjoyable home base.

Contact Information:

Address: 575 Benfield lane, Harrogate, TN 37752, USA

Phone: (865) 719-5199

Mobile Phone: +1 865-719-5199

For locals in Tennessee, Mountain Pass Campground in Harrogate offers an ideal blend of serene outdoor living and convenient access to regional attractions, making it a truly suitable choice for your next getaway. Its location, though "off the beaten path," provides the coveted peace and quiet that many seek when escaping the daily grind, without being excessively far from essential amenities or exciting points of interest. This balance is perfect for Tennessee residents who want to feel truly "away from it all" but still within a comfortable driving distance from home.

The standout feature, and a significant reason for its suitability for locals, is the unique combination of outstanding maintenance and a genuinely friendly community. The spacious, well-kept sites and the emphasis on peace ensure a high-quality camping experience. More importantly, the owners, Rick and Barb, foster an environment so welcoming that guests often describe them as family. This creates a rare sense of belonging and comfort that can transform a simple camping trip into a cherished, recurring retreat. For Tennessee families and individuals looking for a place where they feel genuinely at home in nature, Mountain Pass Campground delivers.

Furthermore, the opportunities for recreation and local exploration are abundant. Imagine spending your days kayaking on the tranquil Powell River or exploring the rich history and beautiful trails of the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, both easily accessible from the campground. Evenings can be spent enjoying dinner in the charming town of Cumberland Gap, or simply relaxing by your spacious campsite, listening to the soothing sounds of the river. This blend of restful natural immersion and local cultural experiences makes Mountain Pass Campground a highly attractive option for any Tennessee local looking to discover the hidden gems within their own state. It's not just a campground; it’s a peaceful haven and a gateway to the natural and historical wonders of East Tennessee.

Mountain Pass Campground Photos

Mountain Pass Campground Location

Mountain Pass Campground

Tennessee Claiborne County Harrogate

575 Benfield lane, Harrogate, TN 37752, USA

Mountain Pass Campground Reviews

My husband, two kids and i travel in our 5th wheel camper and we stayed here for 5.5 months. Its a beautiful, quiet campground and we enjoyed our stay. The sites are spacious and the park is well maintained. There are rules, but that is why its so peaceful. Everyone is so friendly there and Rick and Barb (the owners) soon became like family. If you stay here, definitely kayak the river and visit the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park! We enjoyed going into the little town of Cumberland Gap for dinner at 19Nineteen and make sure you stop by Hillfolk for some essential oils and natural remedies.
Jun 25, 2025 · Brittney Barnes
What a hidden gem. This campground is off the beaten path and worth the drive in. All sites have a river view and there is a lot of space between sites. We met the owner and he is delightful to talk with. The wifi can be a bit spotty but they are working on it. Relaxing, watching the river flow, listening to the birds is why we camp. Not to be on our devices.
May 20, 2025 · Sara Holzgrafe
Absolutely the best campground we have ever stayed! Our camp hosts Barbara and Rick have shared their little slice of heaven with us! They put a great deal of thought and effort into this park, very well laid out, beautiful, and looks like it has been manicured, which it is. It’s so quiet, the night sky is beautiful and clear. The river is clear and cold, we didn’t fish but those who were had some good ones. We enjoyed just sitting on the riverbank listening to the running water and watching the abundant wildlife. They do have rules, read them and abide by them, that’s THE reason this little private park is so great. I have never felt safer anywhere! There are many full time residents, they too are great and friendly people, really enjoyed visiting with several of them. The road to the park is narrow but is worth the trouble, it isn’t very busy and we navigated it with no issues. That road is not theirs and is beyond their control. The locals will move over or back up if needed. Will we be back? Absolutely! Thank you Barbara & Rick for the hospitality! For those of you who plan to visit, you’ll be glad you did. Abide by the rules, it’s not a party venue, enjoy this little slice of heaven!
Apr 26, 2023 · Pete Moffett
Most BEAUTIFUL campground we've ever been to, but I do not respect Rick and Barbara after I slipped and fell walking down to the Riverwalk, after their campground had apparently flooded a few months prior. They have cameras everywhere so I know my fall was captured on their surveillance cameras. When I approached Rich to ask for their insurance information I was told that my husband was a con man. This fall happened in Feb 2023. I am still suffering from the effects of my fall today in 2025. I jarred myself and hit my head and back so hard my left lower dental bridge was knocked out. I am paying my monthly payments for all my dental work in 2025. I receive back and neck ESI injections and will probably need surgery within the next 2 years. We had signed a year lease and tried to ask to break it due to going home to FL due to our daughter's cancer diagnosis. We weren't allowed to break it for this family emergency. Our daughter passed away Oct 2023 Rick.Rick will retort back we were rule breakers which we were apparently. We drove 3 miles over the 5 mile speed limit first night. Left our porch light on the night after our truck alarm went off. We got warned. I understood my kayakes were to be stored under our camper but didn't understand this meant my kayak seats and paddles were not allowed. Our one storage box that was allowed wasn't placed exactly in the back where it was supposed to be. We were told one thing about fire ring by Barb to have Rick show up next day to fuss at us. I had a special cat tent for my cats I had bought especially for camping and after our first beautiful, peaceful day of enjoying my cats out in the safety of their tent, I was told nope, against the rules. I had looked at rule sheets and yes it did say all dogs on leashes but I did not see anything in the rules that said no cat tents. Our chairs were not allowed to lean against our beautiful 38 ft trailer under our awning. I can't even remember all the rules we broke but there were more. But, like I said my biggest disappointment was not being able to break our lease (3 month left, I believe we had to pay) when we were called home about our daughter. I believe Rick and Barb thought we were making it up after my hard fall. Again, sadly Catherine Brown passed at 38 year of age. I was dealing with our grief and my continous back pain from my fall after her death. We ARE NOT CON ARTIST RICK. I should have sued your asses, but due to going back to FL I really couldn't think about it. After you knew your river area had flooded months prior, emailes should have been sent to all the campers like emails were sent about everything else. Tape or signs marking the area off should have been posted for warning your campers. I thought I was a rule follower and have always appreciated rules but you really do need to read the rules carefully. Your campground is gorgeous but you and your wife were a huge disappointment as what we believed were other caring Christians and campground owners. Thank you Barbara and Rick. :(
Mar 25, 2025 · Vicki Brown
REALLY TORN about this place. It is beautiful and very well kept. Sites are pretty level and well gravelled. It does have one of the best WiFi's we have ever seen at a campground. I could do work with no slow down on it. BUT you have ZERO cell service on AT&T or Verizon. It caters more to long term leases than overnight or weekenders. This is mostly due probably to the 5.5 mile drive off the main hwy down a little wider than a 1 lane winding road. It is paved except the last half mile but gravel road in great condition. I had no problem driving it in our 38 ft MH pulling a car but may make those not as experienced a little nervous. The long term RV's are all well maintained and neat. No trashy trailers. The river is fun to tube or kayak. The bathhouse is VERY clean and cute. Other than a swing set there are no ammenities which is fine with us. NOW my drawback and why we will not be back. We have a small cat run that we run out of our RV and nowhere in the rules did it say we could not have it out. 2 days into a 5 night stay the owners came and told us to take it down because they do not allow people with dogs to have dog runs. Apparently people with dogs complained. Now it does not say in the rules no animal runs but it is apparently a rule. Then it is the whole complaing by the dog people. It seems like the people here are unfriendly and complainers. It just put a damper on our stay.
Jul 16, 2018 · Wendy Burk