R&D Campground

r&d campground

For Tennessee locals seeking a tranquil retreat that offers direct access to thrilling outdoor adventures, R&D Campground in Mountain City is a hidden gem. Nestled in the beautiful landscape of Northeast Tennessee, this campground provides a peaceful and friendly base for exploring the region, particularly the expansive trails of Doe Mountain. Whether you’re a seasoned RVer, a traditional tent camper, or an ATV enthusiast, R&D Campground offers a welcoming atmosphere that feels like a true escape from the everyday.

Many Tennesseans are looking for camping destinations that combine the serenity of nature with convenient access to recreational activities. R&D Campground excels in this regard, consistently praised by visitors for its "nice and quiet" environment and its "great access to Doe mountain from the campground." This direct connectivity to Doe Mountain Recreation Area is a significant draw, especially for those interested in ATV riding, hiking, or mountain biking, providing hundreds of miles of trails right at their doorstep.

The appeal of R&D Campground for local users also lies in its warm hospitality and well-maintained facilities. Reviews frequently highlight the "very clean spacious and hot water" shower houses, a crucial amenity for any camper. The hosts, often referred to as "Rita and Dennis," are consistently described as "very nice," "welcoming," "helpful," and "the ultimate hosts," creating a personalized and "cozy" experience. This emphasis on friendly service and cleanliness contributes significantly to the campground's reputation as a "lovely place" where guests feel at home.

In the following sections, we will delve into the specifics of R&D Campground, providing a clear, factual, and engaging overview of its strategic location, the essential services it provides, its defining features and highlights, and what truly makes it a suitable destination for locals seeking an authentic and enjoyable Tennessee camping trip.

R&D Campground is conveniently located at 900 Mining Town Rd, Mountain City, TN 37683, USA. This address places it within the charming town of Mountain City, situated in Johnson County, in the scenic Northeast region of Tennessee. For Tennessee locals, this location offers significant advantages for outdoor recreation and access to a peaceful mountain environment.

A key highlight of R&D Campground's location is its "great access to Doe mountain from the campground." This direct proximity to Doe Mountain Recreation Area is a major draw for ATV riders, dirt bikers, mountain bikers, and hikers, as it provides "hundreds of miles of ATV, hiking, mountain biking, and world-class single-track trails" right at the campground's doorstep. This seamless transition from campsite to trail makes it an ideal hub for off-road adventures and wilderness exploration.

The campground is located approximately "3 miles to City Limits" of Mountain City. While providing a quiet, secluded feel, it remains close enough to the town for essential supplies and local dining. Mountain City offers a "very large small town" experience with "all you need" in terms of conveniences. It is home to local businesses like Appalachians Outdoor Adventures, Elaine's Country Store, Johnson County Farmer's Market, La Cucina Italian Kitchen, and Suba's, providing local flavors and supplies.

For those traveling by RV or with trailers, the campground is noted for being "very easy to get in and out of," with good access. The roads to and within the campground are designed to accommodate campers, ensuring a smooth arrival and departure. Furthermore, its location in Northeast Tennessee places it within easy reach of other regional attractions, including nearby waterfalls, canyons, and the broader Appalachian Trail network, making it a perfect base for exploring the natural beauty of the region.

R&D Campground is dedicated to providing essential services and amenities that enhance the comfort and convenience of its guests, ensuring a pleasant camping experience. The offerings cater to both RV and tent campers, with a strong focus on cleanliness and a welcoming atmosphere.

• Diverse Campsites: The campground offers a variety of sites, including "RV Water/Electric Service Sites" with 30-amp and 50-amp electricity and water hookups. Some sites (1-6) additionally offer sewer connections, while others (7-9, 22) provide electric/water. There are also "Primitive Sites" (10, 11, 12, 21) for tent campers.
• Clean Shower Houses and Restrooms: Consistently praised in reviews, the "shower houses are very clean spacious and hot water." Campers frequently note the "bathhouses are super clean" and "well-kept," which is a significant amenity for any campground.
• Dump Station Access: For RVs on water/electric sites, a "DUMP STATION AT SHOWERHOUSE" is included. Additionally, a "42 GAL. DUMP CADDY AVAILABLE FOR FREE USE" for convenience. Water for RVs on primitive sites is available for a small fee.
• Firewood Sales: "Firewood" is available for purchase at $10 per armload, with the option for campers to bring their own wood as long as unused portions are taken home. A "COMMUNITY FIREPIT" is also available for use.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: R&D Campground is a "Pet friendly" establishment, welcoming furry companions "as long as they are on a leash." This is a significant convenience for many campers traveling with their pets.
• Family-Friendly Environment: The campground permits "children" "as long as they are supervised," indicating a family-friendly atmosphere.
• On-Site Hosts and Information: The hosts, Rita and Dennis, are consistently highlighted for being "very nice," "helpful with information about the area," and "incredibly helpful and kind," providing excellent customer service.
• Community Pavilion: A "pavilion" is available for guests, which can be used for "special events" and socializing, with a "group campfire pit" noted as well.
• T-Shirt and Hoodie Sales: R&D Campground merchandise, including T-shirts and hoodies, is available for purchase.
• Year-Round Operation: The campground is "OPEN YEAR 'ROUND," offering flexibility for campers during all seasons.

These services collectively contribute to a comfortable, convenient, and welcoming camping experience at R&D Campground, catering to the practical needs of various types of campers.

R&D Campground boasts several standout features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for Tennessee locals seeking an engaging and comfortable outdoor experience, particularly those drawn to the region's natural beauty and ATV trails.

• Direct Access to Doe Mountain Trails: A premier highlight is the campground's "DIRECT access to the trails of Doe Mountain." This is a significant advantage for enthusiasts of ATV riding, dirt biking, mountain biking, and hiking, offering hundreds of miles of multi-use trails right from the campground. This eliminates the need to trailer vehicles to off-site trailheads.
• "Nice and Quiet" Atmosphere: Consistently praised in reviews, the campground maintains a "nice and quiet" and "peaceful retreat" atmosphere. This allows campers to truly relax and enjoy the sounds of nature, making it ideal for those seeking an escape from urban noise.
• Exceptional Cleanliness of Facilities: The "shower houses are very clean spacious and hot water," and the "bathrooms were the cleanest ever seen in a campground," according to satisfied guests. This commitment to cleanliness is a major comfort for all campers.
• Friendly and Welcoming Hosts: The campground is renowned for its "very nice" and "helpful" hosts, Rita and Dennis. They are described as "the ultimate hosts" who go "out of their way to make sure you feel at home," fostering a warm, cozy, and family-oriented environment.
• Spacious and Well-Maintained Sites: Campers appreciate the "Good campsite's" that are "very easy to get in and out of." While some sites are noted as having "ample space" and "surrounded by really tall trees making it feel even more secluded," others are "perfectly manicured, comfy, and well tended." The variety offers different experiences.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Being a "pet friendly" campground, it allows guests to bring their beloved dogs (on leash), ensuring that the whole family can enjoy the vacation together.
• Year-Round Operation: R&D Campground is "OPEN YEAR 'ROUND," providing flexibility for campers to visit during any season and enjoy the unique beauty of Northeast Tennessee throughout the year.
• Community Amenities for Socializing: The presence of a "pavilion" and a "group campfire pit" provides dedicated areas for socializing and gathering, fostering a sense of community among campers. Some reviews also mention a "hang out area (with WiFi) with comfortable chairs, fans, music, and good company!"

These features collectively make R&D Campground a highly appealing destination that blends outdoor adventure with comfortable amenities and genuine hospitality, catering to a wide range of campers in Tennessee.

While R&D Campground's website and reviews highlight its value, specific, ongoing "promotions or special offers" like discounts or packages are not extensively advertised in broadly available public information. However, based on common practices for private campgrounds and the information provided, potential opportunities for savings or enhanced experiences might exist for Tennessee locals.

The campground does list its pricing structure, which implicitly offers value through weekly and monthly rates that are more economical than daily rates. For example:

• Partial Hook-Up (Water & Electricity) Sites: Priced at $25.00/day, $90.00/week, or $300.00/month. This demonstrates a clear discount for extended stays.
• Primitive Sites: Available at $15.00/day or $55.00/week, again offering savings for longer visits.
• RV Water/Electric Service Sites (with dump station included): Priced at $40/day, $150/week, and $20/additional days after a week.

Other potential informal "offers" or aspects of value include:

• Free Use of Dump Caddy: A "42 GAL. DUMP CADDY AVAILABLE FOR FREE USE" is a convenient amenity that saves campers from having to purchase or bring their own.
• Flexibility for Firewood: While firewood is sold, guests are permitted to "bring your own wood as long as you take unused home," offering a potential cost-saving measure for campers.
• Group Event Opportunities: The "COMMUNITY PAVILION FOR SPECIAL EVENTS" suggests that groups might be able to arrange special rates or usage terms upon inquiry.

The campground also notes that rates "may need to increase... from time to time" and advises checking their Facebook page for updates, suggesting that any new promotions would be announced there. Given the consistent positive reviews about the friendly hosts, it is always recommended for interested Tennessee locals to call R&D Campground directly. They might offer unadvertised specials or provide personalized guidance on finding the most cost-effective way to enjoy their stay, especially for groups or long-term visitors.

For Tennessee residents eager to plan their next camping adventure at R&D Campground, gather more details, or make a reservation, the campground's management can be reached using the following contact information:

• Address: 900 Mining Town Rd, Mountain City, TN 37683, USA
• Phone: (423) 534-9451
• Alternate Phone: (423) 534-4804 (as listed on their official website)
• Email: randdcampground@gmail.com

Reservations are "HIGHLY Recommended!" as stated on their website, especially given its popularity and direct access to Doe Mountain. It is best to call or email to inquire about availability for specific dates, site types (RV full hookup, electric/water, primitive), and any current pricing details. The friendly hosts, Rita and Dennis, are known for their helpfulness and can provide all necessary information for a smooth planning process.

For Tennessee residents seeking an authentic and accessible outdoor experience, R&D Campground in Mountain City stands out as a highly suitable choice. Its unique combination of direct trail access, serene atmosphere, and genuine Southern hospitality makes it an ideal destination for a variety of campers across the state.

A primary reason for its suitability for locals is its unparalleled connectivity to Doe Mountain Recreation Area. For ATV riders, hikers, and mountain bikers, having "DIRECT access to the trails of Doe Mountain" is a game-changer, providing hundreds of miles of adventure right at their doorstep. This eliminates travel time and maximizes recreational opportunities, making it a dream destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural playground of Northeast Tennessee.

Furthermore, the campground offers a truly "nice and quiet" environment, a precious commodity for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Despite its proximity to a town that provides all essential amenities, the campground maintains a secluded feel, allowing for peaceful evenings under the stars. This tranquil setting, combined with "very clean spacious and hot water" shower houses, ensures that even rustic camping is comfortable and rejuvenating.

Finally, the consistent praise for the hosts, Rita and Dennis, underscores the welcoming and friendly atmosphere that defines R&D Campground. Their "helpful with information about the area" and generally kind demeanor fosters a sense of community that makes guests feel "like home." This personal touch, coupled with affordable pricing options for various site types and a pet-friendly policy, makes R&D Campground an ideal and welcoming retreat for Tennessee locals eager to explore the beauty and adventure of their own state. It's a place where you can truly unwind and connect with nature, knowing you'll be well cared for.

R&D Campground

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