When most folks think of Bristol, Tennessee, their minds race to the roar of 40 stock cars rocketing around the high banks of Bristol Motor Speedway or Top Fuel dragsters rattling the hills in Thunder Valley. There is nothing in motorsports that matches "The Last Great Colosseum."
Yet seasoned campers know that racing is merely the first chapter. Where Northeast Tennessee meets Southwest Virginia, Bristol serves as the scenic gateway to the Appalachian Highlands. Mountain lakes, blue-ribbon trout rivers, historic theaters, limestone caverns, and deep musical roots make this region an extraordinary destination.
Whether visiting for NASCAR weekend or settling into a long-term stay at Bristol Hilltop Camping—just 0.9 miles from the track at 133 Hilltop Street—you have found the ultimate basecamp. Here is your camper's guide to the best things to do near Bristol Motor Speedway.
🏙️ Downtown Bristol State Street: Standing in Two States at Once
For your first excursion, head into historic Downtown Bristol. If you're wondering what to do in Bristol Tennessee first, State Street is famous because the double-yellow line down the roadway marks the official boundary dividing Tennessee and Virginia. You can literally walk with one foot in Bristol, TN and the other in Bristol, VA.
The Iconic Bristol Slogan Sign ("A Good Place to Live")
Erected in 1910 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 25-foot electric Bristol Slogan Sign stretches over State Street declaring: "BRISTOL VA-TENN: A GOOD PLACE TO LIVE." Illuminated against the mountain twilight, it is an iconic photo stop.
Breweries, Boutiques & Culture
Downtown is packed with restored storefronts, galleries, and gathering spots:
- State Street Brewing: Craft IPAs and seasonal ales on the state line with a pet-friendly taproom.
- Michael Waltrip Brewing Co.: Founded by two-time Daytona 500 champion Michael Waltrip, blending racing heritage with craft beer and pub food.
- Paramount Center for the Arts: A restored 1931 Art Deco theater hosting concerts and comedy.
- State Street Farmers Market: Weekend market offering mountain honey, fresh produce, and local crafts.
🎶 Birthplace of Country Music Museum: Where Sound History Began
Located on Cumberland Street off State Street, the Birthplace of Country Music Museum is a 24,000-square-foot Smithsonian Affiliate celebrating the foundational roots of American country music.
The Historic 1927 Bristol Sessions
In 1927, producer Ralph Peer recorded 76 songs across 19 acts on State Street, capturing the debut commercial recordings of The Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers ("The Singing Brakeman"). Johnny Cash called these sessions "the single most important event in the history of country music." Congress officially designated Bristol the "Birthplace of Country Music" in 1998.
Interactive Exhibits & Radio Bristol
Visitors explore interactive sound booths, instrument galleries, and WBCM Radio Bristol—a live working radio station broadcasting roots and Americana straight from the museum floor. It is one of the premier Bristol TN attractions.
🎣 South Holston Lake & River: Boating and World-Class Trout Fishing
For refreshing water adventures, two premier waterways sit in Bristol's backyard: South Holston Lake and the cold, sparkling South Holston River.
World-Class Fly Fishing on the Tailwater
Flowing from the base of South Holston Dam, this tailwater is rated among the top five wild brown trout fisheries in North America, holding an estimated 6,000 to 10,000 wild trout per mile. Anglers travel from across the country for summer Sulphur hatches and winter midges, wading shoals or floating drift boats.
Boating, Kayaking & Swimming on South Holston Lake
Framed by the Cherokee National Forest, the 7,580-acre lake features 160 miles of shoreline:
- Marina Rentals: Painter Creek Marina and Laurel Marina rent pontoon boats, offer slips, and feature lakeside dining.
- Paddling Quiet Coves: Kayakers enjoy calm limestone coves sheltered from boat wakes.
- Dam Recreation Area: Shaded picnic spots, bank fishing, and panoramic views of Holston Mountain.
Bristol Hilltop Camping guests can reach boat ramps in just 15 minutes via Highway 394 and Highway 421.
🥾 Appalachian Trail Access Points & High Mountain Trails
The mountain ranges surrounding Bristol offer scenic hiking trails for all experience levels.
Day Hiking the Appalachian Trail
The 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail (AT) traverses high ridges just east of Bristol with easy day-hike access:
- Low Gap Trailhead: Along Holston Mountain, offering ridge hiking with valley views.
- Iron Mountain Trail: A scenic path parallel to the AT, popular with hikers and mountain bikers.
- Backbone Rock Recreation Area: "The Shortest Tunnel in the World" along Highway 133, featuring a rock spine trail leading to a 45-foot waterfall.
Damascus, Virginia & The Virginia Creeper Trail
Just 30 miles east sits Damascus, Virginia ("Trail Town USA"), where the AT meets the 34-mile Virginia Creeper Trail. Outfitters shuttle riders up to Whitetop Mountain for an easy 17-mile downhill ride across wooden railroad trestles. Nearby Grayson Highlands State Park and Mount Rogers (5,729 feet) offer alpine balds and famous herds of wild ponies.
🌲 Steele Creek Park & Bristol Caverns: Nature & Geology Up Close
Two regional attractions showcase Bristol's outdoor beauty above and below ground.
Steele Creek Park (2,200+ Acres)
Located in western Bristol, TN, Steele Creek Park is the third-largest municipal park in Tennessee. Centered around a 54-acre lake, it is a favorite retreat for campers at Bristol Hilltop Camping:
- 24+ Miles of Trails: Lakeside walking paths, hiking trails, and singletrack for mountain bikers.
- Nature Center: Wildlife exhibits, live native reptiles, and natural history displays.
- Recreation Amenities: An 18-hole disc golf course, 9-hole golf course, paddleboat rentals, and picnic pavilions.
Bristol Caverns: Ancient Limestone Wonders
Just east of downtown on Highway 421, step underground at Bristol Caverns. Carved by an underground river that still flows through its lowest level, these chambers display dramatic stalactites, stalagmites, and draperies across three tiers. Lighted paths make touring easy, and the steady 58°F temperature offers year-round comfort.
🍖 Local BBQ & Southern Comfort Food Near the Track
The dining scene around Bristol Motor Speedway features legendary Appalachian barbecue and Southern comfort food.
Ridgewood Barbecue in Bluff City
A 10-minute drive down Highway 11E brings you to legendary Ridgewood Barbecue. Smoking hams over hickory coals since 1948, the Proffitt family shaves the pork paper-thin and coats it in a sweet, tangy sauce. Served with crispy fries and blue cheese dip, Ridgewood is celebrated by Southern Living as one of America's finest barbecue traditions.
Downtown Dining & Sweet Treats
Downtown Bristol offers memorable local eateries:
- The Burger Bar: Open since 1942 and remembered as the last place Hank Williams was seen alive on New Year's Eve 1952, serving griddled burgers and shakes.
- Blackbird Bakery: A regional institution on Piedmont Avenue famed for scratch-made artisan doughnuts, pastries, cheesecakes, and coffee.
- The Angry Italian: Featured on Food Network, serving Chicago deep-dish pizzas and baked pastas.
- Southern Meat-and-Three Diners: Family diners across Bristol and Bluff City dishing out country fried steak, catfish, and cornbread.
🎭 Barter Theatre & Historic Abingdon, VA (30 Minutes Away)
Just 25 minutes north on Interstate 81 sits historic Abingdon, Virginia, home to America's most storied regional theater.
The State Theatre of Virginia
Founded in 1933 during the Great Depression, Barter Theatre is the official State Theatre of Virginia. Founder Robert Porterfield invited patrons to trade farm produce, dairy, and livestock for tickets under the motto: "With vegetables you cannot sell, you can buy a little laughter." Today, Barter produces Broadway-quality plays, musicals, and comedies year-round. Celebrated stars like Gregory Peck and Ernest Borgnine performed here early in their careers.
Historic Charm Along Main Street
Beyond the stage, Abingdon features 18th-century architecture, artisan galleries, the Martha Washington Inn & Spa, and The Tavern (built in 1779, Virginia's oldest operating tavern). It makes an ideal afternoon or evening excursion.
🛍️ Shopping, Entertainment & Transportation Hubs
Bristol provides convenient shopping and entertainment hubs right near camp.
The Pinnacle at Bristol (Directly Off I-81)
At Exit 74 off Interstate 81, The Pinnacle spans over 1 million square feet of outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment:
- Bass Pro Shops Outfitter: Giant aquariums, camping gear, fly fishing tackle for South Holston Lake, and outdoor apparel.
- Marquee Cinemas Stadium 14: Modern theater complex with luxury seating and current releases.
- Retailers & Dining: National retailers, sporting goods, grocery stores, and casual dining.
Thunder Valley Drag Racing & Tri-Cities Airport
Next to the speedway oval sits Bristol Dragway ("Thunder Valley"), hosting NHRA national events where nitro dragsters echo off mountain ridges. For visitors flying in, Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) in Blountville is just 20 minutes away via Highway 394 and I-81, with commercial flights on American, Delta, and Allegiant.
🚵 Outdoor Activities Quick-Guide for Campers
Looking to plan your adventure? Here is a breakdown of popular Bristol campground activities:
🥾 Hiking & Trail Running
Top Spots: Steele Creek Park (24+ miles of trails), Appalachian Trail at Low Gap & Damascus, Backbone Rock waterfall trail, and Grayson Highlands balds.
🎣 Trophy Trout & Bass Fishing
Top Spots: South Holston River tailwater (wild brown trout), Watauga River tailwater, and South Holston Lake (smallmouth bass and walleye).
🛶 Kayaking, Canoeing & Boating
Top Spots: South Holston Lake (Painter Creek & Laurel marinas for pontoon rentals), Watauga Lake, and Steele Creek Lake for pedalboats.
🚴 Mountain Biking & Rail Trails
Top Spots: Virginia Creeper Trail (34 miles of downhill riding), Steele Creek Park singletrack, and Sugar Hollow Park in Bristol, VA.
🏕️ Why Bristol Hilltop Camping is Your Ultimate Appalachian Basecamp
Having the right home base is essential for exploring Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. That is why campers and racing fans choose Bristol Hilltop Camping.
Prime Location with Hilltop Mountain Views
Perched on a quiet ridge at 133 Hilltop Street in Bristol, TN, our family-owned campground provides the best of both worlds: immediate access to regional attractions paired with peaceful mountain breezes. You are located just 0.9 miles from the Bristol Motor Speedway main entrance and 1.2 miles from the south entrance, allowing racegoers to walk to the grandstands in 15 minutes and bypass traffic on Highway 11E.
Monthly & Yearly Camper Lot Rentals
While we welcome race fans for NASCAR's Food City 500 and Bass Pro Shops Night Race, our year-round specialty is offering spacious monthly and yearly camper lot rentals.
Each full hookup site includes clean municipal water, 30-amp and 50-amp electrical service, and direct sewer hookups for clean, worry-free long-term stays with plenty of room for your RV and tow vehicle.
Whether you are a traveling healthcare worker in the Tri-Cities, a remote professional enjoying mountain living, a retiree spending the season in East Tennessee, or a race fan wanting an annual reserved campsite, Bristol Hilltop Camping is your premier answer. We also offer scenic tent camping spots for outdoor lovers.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting & Camping Near Bristol
Here are answers to the questions campers ask most frequently when planning their stay near Bristol Motor Speedway:
Highlights include the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, walking State Street to stand in Tennessee and Virginia at once, boating and trout fishing at South Holston Lake, hiking trails at Steele Creek Park, touring Bristol Caverns, and catching a live play at Barter Theatre in Abingdon.
The South Holston River tailwater below South Holston Dam is celebrated as one of America's premier wild brown trout fisheries, holding 6,000 to 10,000 trout per mile. South Holston Lake also provides excellent smallmouth bass, walleye, and crappie fishing.
Yes! Bristol Hilltop Camping specializes in monthly and yearly camper lot rentals with full hookups (water, 30/50-amp electric, and sewer). Located just 0.9 miles from Bristol Motor Speedway, we provide an ideal long-term base for traveling workers, retirees, and racing fans. Call (423) 383-5373 for rates.
State Street's centerline marks the official state border dividing Bristol, Tennessee and Bristol, Virginia. You can walk with one foot in each state. The street features the historic 1910 Bristol Slogan Sign, craft breweries, boutique shopping, and Blackbird Bakery.
The Appalachian Trail passes along mountain ridges just east of Bristol. Day hikers can access the trail via the Low Gap trailhead or drive 30 minutes to Damascus, Virginia, where the AT meets the 34-mile Virginia Creeper Trail.
Visit Ridgewood Barbecue in nearby Bluff City (10 minutes down Highway 11E) for famous hickory-smoked ham and sweet, tangy sauce. In downtown Bristol, check out The Burger Bar, The Angry Italian, and Blackbird Bakery.