Located on TN Hwy 143 at the base of the majestic 6,285 Roan Mountain, Roan Mountain State Park encompasses more than 2,000 acres dominated by rich hardwood forest along rugged ridges. The cool, clear Doe River winds its way through the center of the park and supports a healthy population of trout. Wildflowers and wildlife inhabit the hollows and ridges of the Roan foothills in abundance.
There are 30 comfortable cabins, as well as RV and tent camping at the 107-site campgrounds. Each cabin has a front porch with rocking chairs, fully outfitted kitchen, full bath, wood burning stove and gas/electric heat. Each campsite has a grill and picnic table and is located near a bathhouse with hot showers.
Visitors can hike along the creeks and ridges, tour the century-old Miller Farmstead or enjoy cross-country skiing in the winter months. There are approximately 12 miles of hiking trails and 2.25 miles of mountain bike trails. Difficulty levels range from easy to strenuous.
Fishing is a popular activity in the park. The Doe River is cool enough year-round to be home to three species of trout. Native brook trout, as well as rainbow and brown trout, are stocked regularly.
Activities
SWIMMING
The Roan Mountain swimming pool has a wading pool for small children. Lifeguards are on duty.
HIKING/BIKING
There are approximately 12 miles of hiking trails in Roan Mountain State Park and over 3 miles of mountain bike trails. Difficulty levels range from easy to strenuous.
FISHING
The Doe River is one of the most productive trout streams in the state and is in close proximity to other wild trout streams as well as the Watauga River. Most anglers flyfish for abundant Rainbow and Brown Trout in the streams. Other tackle is productive for bass, Walleye and catfish in the Watauga River.
Campground
All of the park’s 107 family campsites have a grill and picnic table and are located near a bathhouse with hot showers. A dump station is located at the campground check-in. The campground has 87 RV sites with water and electric hookups and 20 tent sites, each with water. The tent camping area does not have electric hookups. There are no sewer hookups in the campground.
GROUP CAMPSITES
Four group sites, which will accommodate approximately 25 people each, are available. The group sites are located just south of the individual tent-only camping area of the Roan Mountain State Park campground. They have large gravel tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and water spigots at each site. There is no electricity, camping is only allowed on the gravel pads (not in the surrounding grassy areas), and it is approximately a 1/4 mile walk to the nearest bathrooms/shower houses. These four sites may be reserved up to 12 months in advance.
