Camden, TN to Kingsport, TN is 375.3 miles and takes about 6h 56m via I 40 and I 81, with a fuel budget near $59 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Tennessee, moving across the Southeast region. With 96% highway, expect a straightforward trip that's mostly about covering ground efficiently. This is a solid option if you're looking for a single-day transit between these two points without significant detours.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
187.6 miles from Camden, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 27m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
291.9 mi
5h 18m
I 81
50.5 mi
54m
US 641
15.2 mi
17m
South Wilcox Drive
4.1 mi
6m
Sullivan Gardens Drive
3.1 mi
3m
Downtown Loop
2.9 mi
4m
TN 93
2.4 mi
2m
East Main Street
1.8 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 291.9 mi, about 5h 18m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Camden, TN and Kingsport, TN.
1
Start on West Walnut Street
106 ft·6 sec·West Walnut Street
2
Turn right onto SR 69A
490 ft·11 sec·North Forrest Avenue
3
Turn right onto US 70 Business
1.0 mi·2 min·East Main Street
4
Turn left onto US 641
15 mi·17 min·US 641
5
Take the exit
0.2 mi·32 sec
6
Merge onto I 40
81 mi·1 hr 27 min·I 40
Use the straight lane.
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·24 sec
Exit 208AToward I 40 East, I 65 South: Knoxville, HuntsvilleUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
8
Merge onto I 40; I 65
2.4 mi·3 min·Downtown Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 40
0.5 mi·42 sec·Downtown Loop
Exit 211B; 211AToward I 24 West, I 40 East, I 24 East: Clarksville, Louisville, Knoxville, ChattanoogaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
174 mi·3 hr 9 min·I 40
Exit 211AToward I 40 East, I 24 East: Knoxville, ChattanoogaUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
37 mi·40 min·I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
51 mi·54 min·I 81
Exit 421Toward I 81 North: Bristol
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi·32 sec
Exit 50Toward SR 93: Jonesborough, Fall Branch
14
Keep slight right at fork
509 ft·14 sec
Exit 50Toward SR 93: Jonesborough, Fall Branch
15
Merge onto SR 93
0.6 mi·38 sec·SR 93
16
Continue on TN 93
2.4 mi·2 min·TN 93
17
Continue on SR 93
3.1 mi·3 min·Sullivan Gardens Drive
18
Continue on SR 93
1.5 mi·1 min·South Wilcox Drive
19
Continue on SR 93
1.4 mi·1 min·Sullivan Gardens Parkway
20
Turn left onto SR 126
2.6 mi·4 min·South Wilcox Drive
Use the straight lane.
21
Turn left onto East Sullivan Street
0.2 mi·24 sec·East Sullivan Street
22
Turn slight left onto East Main Street
0.7 mi·1 min·East Main Street
23
Turn right onto Broad Street
0.1 mi·15 sec·Broad Street
24
Enter roundabout onto Broad Street
46 ft·1 sec·Broad Street
25
Continue on Broad Street
433 ft·19 sec·Broad Street
26
Turn left onto TN 36
0.1 mi·23 sec·West Center Street
27
Arrive at destination
TN 36
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 6h 56m drive, consider an early morning departure from Camden to maximize daylight. With a fuel cost estimated around $59, planning one fuel stop is likely sufficient. The longest continuous stretch is over 291 miles on I 40, so be prepared for extended periods of steady driving. While this route is feasible in one day, the flexibility of a shorter drive means you could pause for a meal or break more easily if needed. Pay attention to exit numbers as you approach your destination in Kingsport.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 187.6 miles from Camden, TN, or about 3h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 291.9 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 83 miles or 1h 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 187.6 miles or 3h 27m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 47m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Kingsport, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Camden, TN so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Camden, TN
This is one driving day of about 375.3 miles and 6h 56m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 83 miles from Camden, TN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 40 for about 291.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 98 and 362.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
98 mi into trip|~1h 48m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 40 East, I 65 South: Knoxville, Huntsville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 208A
Toward I 40 East, I 65 South: Knoxville, Huntsv...
9
101.2 mi into trip|~1h 53m in|I 40
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 East, I 24 East: Knoxville, Chattanooga
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 211A
Toward I 40 East, I 24 East: Knoxville, Chattan...
6
275 mi into trip|~5h 2m in|I 40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
311.7 mi into trip|~5h 43m in|I 81
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81 toward I 81 North: Bristol
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 421
Toward I 81 North: Bristol
8
362.5 mi into trip|~6h 38m in
Keep slight right at fork toward SR 93: Jonesborough, Fall Branch
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 50
Toward SR 93: Jonesborough, Fall Branch
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$55.42 one way
$110.85 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg131 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$61.19
$122.37
premium
$4.72
$69.68
$139.36
diesel
$4.80
$70.86
$141.73
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$55
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$80–$105
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 131.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $39 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
112.6
1
$39.41
$18.01
Efficient EV
93.8
1
$32.84
$15.01
EV Truck/SUV
150.1
1
$52.54
$24.02
Gas CO2
131 kg
EV CO2
44 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Camden, TN
Late night
in Camden on Sunday
Local time
1:38 AM
CDT
Current temp
72°F
Patchy Fog
0 mph5% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Kingsport, TN
Late night
in Kingsport on Sunday
Local time
2:38 AM
EDT
Current temp
71°F
Partly Cloudy
0 mph6% chanceLive forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
1 hour later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
1 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
6h 56m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Stones River National Battlefield
National Battlefield
The Battle of Stones River began on the last day of 1862 and became one of the bloodiest conflicts of the Civil War. The battle produced important military and political gains for the Union, and it ch...
21 mi from route
~52 min detour
Free
near mile 116.5
Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of it...
27 mi from route
~68 min detour
Free
near mile 297.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is predominantly highway driving, with 96% of the 375.3 miles on major roadways like I 40 and I 81. You'll experience a long stretch of 291.9 miles on I 40 before transitioning. Expect frequent exits for services and potential for merging traffic as you approach more populated areas within Tennessee. The final leg on US 641 will offer a change of pace from the interstate.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 291.9 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 98 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 375.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 98 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 101.2 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 275 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,838 ft385 ft
Total Climb
2,060 ft
Total Descent
1,298 ft
Highest Point
1,838 ft
~187.6 mi in
Elevation Range
1,453 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Camden, TN and Kingsport, TN, road signs point toward Huntsville, Louisville, Knoxville and Chattanooga.
Huntsville
98 mi in|~1h 48m
Louisville
100.7 mi in|~1h 52m|via I 40
Knoxville
100.7 mi in|~1h 52m|via I 40
Chattanooga
100.7 mi in|~1h 52m|via I 40
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 56m. Total distance: 375.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 56m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 291.9 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 47 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Kingsport, TN before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 47 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 98 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 101.2 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 275 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Stones River National Battlefield and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.9 hours each way, a round trip means 13.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Kingsport, TN before the return drive.
