(Last Updated On: August 2, 2023)

bench overlooking the water in a state park near johnson city tennesseeWhen it comes to country music, no one does it better than Tennessee. This great state has produced some of the most excellent country musicians of all time.

It also creates the best hot chicken, which would be a great snack to take along when you visit one of their fantastic state parks.

Tennessee state parks are more than just beautiful they’re breathtaking, especially the ones near Johnson City. These parks are filled with recreational activities fit for a variety of interests. There’s no better place to enjoy the great outdoors than a park.

Visit a state park near Johnson city to experience adventure and fun as you’ve never experienced before. Breathe in the open air and relax in these havens of peace. Each park is a testament to nature’s beauty and its ability to produce scenic atmospheres.

It’s no wonder the state has the word “Agriculture” in its motto; its people care about the lands and work hard to preserve its inherent allure. The state parks have grassy fields, lush trees, clear lakes, and enough recreational activities to keep you entertained all day.

This article lists the five best state parks near Johnson City, Tennessee. If you live near Johnson City, then these parks are an excellent option for a mini or long-term vacation spot for you and your family. The parks also offer exceptional lodging facilities to allow you to spend the night.

Map of State Parks Near Johnson City, TN

Here is a map of the state parks in Tennessee covered by this post:

List of State Parks Near Johnson City

Scroll further to find out the best state parks near Johnson city. We’ve added a brief description of each park so you know which one suits your interests.

1. Warriors’ Path State Park

Location: 490 Hemlock Rd, Kingsport, TN 37663

For people who live and breathe the outdoor life, this park is for you. The Warriors’ Path State Park is an escape from the regular hustle and bustle of the city and an opportunity to get away and experience nature in its truest form.

You can immerse yourself in the wonders of this park without having to go too far because it is located in the beautiful city of Kingsport, just 23.2 miles away from Johnson City. It offers incredible recreational activities, including hiking, horseback riding, biking, swimming, fishing, mountain biking, and golfing.

History lovers are not left out; this park is loaded with lots of history. It was named in honor of the warpath used in the Cherokee War. You can learn about this history or nature by joining their excellent nature education program.

You could also spend the night at one of the campgrounds in the park. It offers 90 fully-equipped campsites, complete with tables, food, and water.

2. Roan Mountain State Park

Location: 527 TN-143, Roan Mountain, TN 37687

Roan Mountain State Park is a park unlike any other; it is covered with lavish woodland and sits at the bottom of the great Roan Mountain. It is located 24.8 miles away from Johnson city, making it a half an hour drive.

This park offers impressive campgrounds with 30 fully furnished cabins and 106 campsites. You can set up your tent or RV at the campsites and enjoy a peaceful night in nature. Get rocked to sleep by the sounds of nature when you spend the night at this park.

For daytime adventurers, you could go hiking, biking, or jogging through the trails. You could also swim, fish, view wildlife, or have a picnic. During the winter, guests can enjoy cross-country skiing, and in the summer, you can explore the ancient Miller homestead. You could also attend the Rhododendron Festival in June.

Whatever adventure you seek, this park is the perfect place to find it.

3. Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park

Location: 1651 W Elk Ave, Elizabethton, TN 37643

Home to the oldest existing frame house in Tennessee, this state park has more than fun activities; it has a rich history.

This history tells the story of some of the most significant historical events of the late 18th century, and you can learn more about this story when you visit the interpretive museum at the park.

The old frame house is called the Carter Mansion, and it was erected by the military leader John Carter and Landon Cater, his son. This mansion is recorded in the National Register of Historic Places. The park is a 13.8-mile distance away from Johnson City.

Visitors can also hike, go bird watching, or join an educative nature program to learn more about the environment.

4. Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park

Location: 501 Rocky Fork Rd, Flag Pond, TN 37657

Spanning a vast 2,075 acres, the Rocky Fork State Park is home to one of the most picturesque landscapes in Tennessee. The park opened in mid-2015, but in early 2019, the park was renamed Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park in honor of the Senator at that time.

It offers various outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and fishing. There are two creeks you can fish in, Rocky Fork Creek, which is known for its healthy populace of trout, and South Indian Creek.

You could also go rock climbing if you like a little adventure. Climbing routes are available for beginners who want to try something new and advanced rock climbers looking to have fun.

Visit this park with your family to witness its awe-inspiring scenery. It is situated about 28.6 miles away from Johnson City.

5. David Crockett Birthplace State Park

Location: 1245 Davy Crockett Park Rd #5825, Limestone, TN 37681

This park memorializes the birthplace of the American soldier, congressman, and pioneer, David Crockett. It was built on his birthplace in 1973, and it houses a recreation of his original birth cabin.

Today the park has 88 campsites, 18 of which have nothing but primitive tent areas, with no electricity to give you the complete outdoor experience. Next to the campsite is a cute playground for the kids to have fun.

Visitors can also set up a picnic or enjoy bird watching at any of the two picnic areas. You could hike through the forest while enjoying the incredible wildlife view or swim in the shimmering waters of the Nolichucky River. This river is also great for fishing because it contains several freshwater fish.

Other recreational activities include boating, attending educative and interactive programs, or visiting the museum. The park is located 18 miles from Johnson City, which would make carpooling lots of fun.

Conclusion

If you live in Johnson city or you decide to visit one day, then you have to stop by one of these parks. You can’t go wrong with a lovely sunny atmosphere, good food, and lots of fun. And that is precisely what these parks offer; a chance to relax and let your problems drift away.