Johnson County Tourism
This is a great time to become part of the growing Tourism market in Johnson County.
Please visit our new Tourism Website and follow us on our Facebook page! Local and community events will continue to be promoted, for FREE, on this website.
Have questions? Email us!
.png)
Thinking of establishing a campground or RV park in Johnson County? Find out what you need to do before you start!
The Johnson County contact person for TN Campground Regulations and permits, including primitive campgrounds is:
Grayson Krtausch
423.279.1616
Johnson County is blessed with an abundance of protected natural resources that continue to fuel the growth of our tourism economy. Known as “mountain and lake country,” our landscape is defined by four mountains, three valleys, and one spectacular lake — creating a setting that is both scenic and adventure-ready.
​
Visitors and residents alike enjoy a wide range of outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, fishing, paddling, camping, ATV riding, and motorcycle touring. From the pristine waters of Watauga Lake to the expansive trails of Doe Mountain Recreation Area, our goal is to preserve, protect, and promote these natural treasures for generations to come.
​
Johnson County is also proudly recognized as the birthplace of Bluegrass music — a heritage that continues to shape our cultural identity today.
Take a stroll through beautiful downtown Mountain City, where a series of vibrant murals tell the story of our rich musical legacy. Pick up a walking tour map on the front porch of the Johnson County Center for the Arts, or download a printable PDF to begin exploring at your own pace.
Our signature attractions include Watauga Lake, a pristine mountain lake known for boating, fishing, paddling, and a wide variety of water sports, and the Doe Mountain Recreation Area, offering 8,600 acres of scenic mountain terrain with multi-use adventure trails for off-road vehicles, hiking, and outdoor exploration.
​
We are also home to The Snake 421, one of the region’s premier motorcycle and sports car touring routes, featuring thrilling curves and breathtaking Appalachian views.
​
Johnson County is proudly designated as part of an American Viticultural Area (AVA), recognizing our region’s unique geographic and climate characteristics ideal for producing high-quality wine grapes. This designation supports continued growth of our local wine industry, highlighted by a beautiful vineyard that supplies exceptional grapes to two area wineries and strengthens our emerging agritourism economy.
​